Split (1)

train · 9.74k rows

text stringlengths 6 231k
Rin: "Ngaaaaaaaah!!" Rin's scream echoed from the rooftop at dusk. Hina: "She's starting to lose it from the lack of Asou." Fumi was commuting to school from home for the whole week so that she could help out at their store. For the last few days, they'd been meeting in the classroom and parting at the bus stop. Sachiko: "You've just gotta wait another what, three days?" Rin: "She's got classes to go to, too!" Sachiko: "Oh, that. Well, Foomin said she was gonna say no, right?" Hina: "Asou can be a bit of a pushover, though..." Rin: "Mmmmmmmh!" The fact that she still hasn't managed to turn them down does kind of support that. Rin: "It's unethical of them to try to scout a student, don't you think?" Sachiko: "There's a lot of students in the entertainment industry these days, huh?" Rin: "It's probably against school rules, right?" Sachiko: "This school's pretty hands-off about that stuff, actually~" Rin: "That's not what I mean!" Sachiko: "Well, what do you want me to do about it?" She just wanted to take out her frustrations on someone. Hina: "......" Hina watched as Rin threw her tantrum. Rin: "Wh-What?" Hina: "Say what you really mean." Rin: "What I really..." Hina: "What is it that you want Asou to do, Rin?" Rin winced at the straighforward question. She hesitated for a bit, then... Rin: "I don't want her to go somewhere far away...!" She said her true feelings. Hina: "Why don't you tell her that?" Rin shook her head. Rin: "Because I don't want her to hate me." Hina: "Why would she hate you?" Rin: "I don't want to get in her way..." Hina: "Then why not just let her go and do as she likes?" Rin: "I can't do that! If you take being Fumi's girlfriend away from me, what do I even have left?!" Hina: "Being her ex, I guess." Rin: "Waaaaaaaaaaaah!!" Hina: "Why don't you make something else of yourself, then? So you'd be a better match for each other." Rin: "But... I don't have anything." Hina: "Haahh. Why are you always trying to drag people down to your level?" Hina sighed. Hina: "There's part of you that thinks she likes you because of your bad parts, right?" Rin: "Ugh..." ...was all she could come up with. Sachiko: "Try not to dig the knife in too deep, Hinacchi. She won't be able to recover." Hina: "By depending on her, you're placing your own limitations on her. Getting in her way, in other words." Sachiko: "...Kinda goes both ways in this case, though." Hina: "It's because you're so dependent on her that anything that shifts the balance slightly throws you completely out of whack. This could be a good opportunity. Why don't you try relying on her a bit less?" Rin: "......" One person being entirely reliant on another is no kind of relationship.
How unusual. Rin's doing the dishes. She doesn't do it often, so she's awkward at it. I wonder if she's rinsing them properly. Hina made curry for dinner tonight. Unlike Rin's dish-washing, it's something she's used to. Chop everything up and throw it in the pot. I can see why she'd told Fumi to leave things to her. Miyako: "Can I leave the rest of the dishes here?" Miyako placed a stack of plates next to the sink. Rin: "Mm." ...came Rin's half-hearted reply. Miyako: "Umm, do you need any help?" Hina: "Miyako, just let her do it." Hina stopped her. Hina: "We should go back to the living room." Miyako: "Oh, okay." Left alone in the kitchen, Rin silently scrubbed the dishes. Rin: "......"
—After school. Rin and Fumi were alone in the classroom. This is usually when they would be waiting for Hina and Miyako to come back so they could all go to the grocery store on their way home. But since Fumi had been going back to her house this week, she had to part with them here. Rin: "Ah..." She was supposed to be saying goodbye, but Rin had grabbed Fumi's hand instead. She made a little noise, as if her own action had startled her. Fumi: "!" Fumi turned around, also surprised. She glanced at the clock and then gave Rin a smile. Fumi: "We still have a little time..." Rin: "Yeah!" Her face lit up at that. Fumi: "Are you getting up on time in the morning?" Rin: "Well, I'm in class every day, aren't I?" Fumi: "Yes, you are. Good job." Fumi stretched up a bit and gave Rin a pat on the head. Fumi: "What about dinner? You're not being too picky, are you?" Rin: "I'm not. Hina gets mad if I leave anything." Fumi: "Ahaha. I left you in capable hands, it seems. Are you ironing your—" Rin cut Fumi off with an embrace, stealing her lips in the process. Fumi was startled at first, but quickly put her hands behind Rin's back. ......... ...... Rin: "Yah!" After a long kiss, Rin swiftly pulled away. Rin: "I'm fine on my own! And I'm ironing my shirts, too." She boasted. Fumi: "...Good." Fumi could easily see through Rin's brave front, of course. But she smiled nonetheless. Rin: "I also washed the dishes. And did my laundry. And hung my clothes out to dry, and folded them, too. And I vacuumed and changed my sheets." Rin listed off all the household chores she'd done in Fumi's absence. She was like a child looking for praise. Fumi: "That's incredible, Rin." And Fumi, being Fumi, was predictably impressed. Rin: "Oh, and I brushed all your stuffed animals, too." Fumi: "What? You're even taking care of them?" Rin: "I don't think I'm as good at it as you, though." Fumi: "That's alright. It's enough that you're taking care of them. I'm sure they're also happy about it." Rin: "And I turned in my course plan." Fumi: "Which one did you pick?" Rin: "Arts, for now." Fumi: "Did you pick that to match with me?" Rin: "Well, partly. But my scores for our practical tests were a little bit higher in those subjects." Fumi: "Ah. What about your career survey?" Rin: "I turned that in, too." Fumi: "What did you say?" Rin: "...I won't tell you yet." Fumi: "Huh? You won't?" Rin: "Yeah." Rin nodded, her face hesitant. Fumi: "I'll be looking forward to hearing it, then. I'm happy you thought about your career plans." Fumi: "Listen, I'm—" The bell rang, and the two of them looked up at the clock. Rin: "Oh, sorry. I kinda kept you, huh? You should go." She put her best smile on. Fumi: "No, it's fine. I should, though..." Fumi shouldered her bag and left the classroom, turning around and waving a couple times as she went. Rin: "Don't go too—" Rin swallowed the words she was about to say to Fumi. Good job. I'll pat your head in Fumi's place.
—Valentine's Day. Rin hung up her phone irritatedly. Rin: "...She's not answering." It was Fumi's phone she was calling, naturally. Rin: "What are you doing... Fumi..." She was calling because it was lunch now and Fumi still hadn't shown up. She'd called every break, but Fumi had never picked up. It was the same when she called her home phone. Rin: "......" Rin stared at the screen nervously. On the display was the number for Fumi's family's store, Le Chocolat Chocolat. After all her hesitating, she bit her lip and tapped the "Dial" button. ...... Rin: "Ah, I'm sorry for calling when you're so busy. My name is Rin Ogata. I'm in Fumi's class, but she didn't come to school today—" Rin: "Oh, waiting to hear...? Oh, okay. No, sorry for calling when you're so busy... Thank you." Hina: "Did you call Asou again? Did she pick up?" Hina and Miyako came over to Rin's desk. Rin: "No... I called the store." Hina: "What? You're bothering them when they're so busy?" It was easy to guess how busy a pastry shop would be on Valentine's. It was no wonder Hina disapproved. Rin: "I know..." Of course, this was obvious to Rin as well. Nonetheless. Hina: "...So? What'd they say?" Hina asked with a sigh. Rin: "They said she was waiting to hear back." Miyako: "From who?" Rin: "From the audition, obviously... Fumi's going far away." Rin stood up, her chair clattering behind her. And she stumbled over to the door. Hina: "Rin!" Rin stopped at Hina's voice. Rin: "......" After hesitating a good while, Rin plopped back down in her seat. Rin: "...This is what she chose." Hina: "Yeah..." Hina laid her hand on Rin's back.
Hina: "Eheh, you really bought a lot. You're fully prepared, huh?" Rin: "You're not laughing at me for being too hasty?" Hina: "Well, it's for Asou, isn't it?" Rin: "Yeah... thanks." Hina: "We're back~ Huh?" Rin: "Oh..." They opened the door to find Sachiko and... Fumi: "Welcome back." ...Fumi, with her usual carefree smile. Rin: "...Hey." Rin kept herself from leaping into her arms. Rin: "...You're in your uniform." Fumi: "Wait, what are those bags? Did you stop by somewhere on your way back?" Rin's quiet voice didn't reach Fumi, her question drowning it out. Rin: "Yeah, we did." Fumi: "Looks like you bought a lot. What'd you get?" Hina: "Well, this one's a planner, and over here we have sunglasses, and masks..." Fumi: "Hm? That's an interesting collection." Sachiko: "Ah..." Hina: "Eeheehee." Sachiko shot a look to Hina, who returned it with an impish smile. Rin: "Listen, Fumi... I'm... gonna be your very first fan, okay?" She did her very best, but still only managed to pull off an awkward smile. Fumi: "Huh...?" Rin: "I'm not as cute as you are, so I can't stand in the same place as you, but I can cheer you on and help you." Fumi: "Huh? What?" Rin just went on, leaving Fumi to her confusion. Rin: "Once we graduate, I'll join your agency, and I can support you as your manager. That's what I wrote on my career survey." Rin: "Really I want to quit school right now and follow you, but then I wouldn't fulfill the hiring requirements of the agency—" Fumi: "Wait... Wait a second, Rin." Rin: "Just wait. I'll be right behind you. And I'll do everything I can to be a good match for you. So you go ahead and go wherever you—" Fumi: "...I'm not going anywhere." Her smile faded and she looked down, her voice trembling as if she was holding her emotions back. Fumi: "And I'm not joining the agency." Rin: "What? But... didn't you go to the audition today?" Fumi shook her head. Rin: "But your dad said you were waiting to hear back about it..." Fumi: "Hear back? He must have been talking about the doctor... I was at the hospital. My mom collapsed with a fever this morning..." Sachiko: "He must have thought she already knew. Foomin's dad strikes again." Hina: "Yep..." Fumi: "I had to take her to the hospital and arrange for all the people coming to the store, so I was really busy." Rin: "So that's why you're in your uniform. But you never answered your phone..." Fumi: "I'm sorry about that. The battery ran out..." Rin: "Umm... So then—huh?" Fumi: "...!!" Fumi embraced her with a soundless shout. Fumi: "I'm not going anywhere! I'm going to stay with you forever, Rin!" Rin: "Fumi..." This time, it was Rin who was taken aback. Sachiko: "Yeah. It was really Foomin who was struggling with her loneliness this whole time." Hina: "Mhm, mhm, but she did a really good job~"
—The manager's room. Miyako: "Did you two know?" Miyako asked, face blank. Hina: "Yeah, I guess." Hina: "Wait, why are you here, Miyako?" Miyako: "Well, because—" Sachiko: "Oh, just some Takaoka business..." Hina: "Alright..." Hina went on without pursuing the matter. Hina: "I mean, Asou said from the start that she wasn't going to audition, right?" Hina shot a look at her accomplice. Sachiko: "I just thought it'd be fun, so I told her she should go, just to do it. But she said the TV appearance was enough for her." Hina: "But the biggest reason she didn't want to was because it'd mean she'd get less time with Rin." Miyako: "I see. That's very like Fumi." Sachiko: "But she stressed about it a little." Miyako: "Mm~ About how she was worried she was spoiling Rin too much and ruining her?" Hina & Sachiko: "Yeah, that!" She's sharp. Hina: "That's why when Asou asked me about it, I gave her a suggestion." Sachiko: "To keep it a secret that she wasn't going to go to the audition and put a little distance between herself and Rin." Hina: "Right. And that might spur Rin to act." Miyako: "And it worked like a charm." Sachiko: "It wasn't that easy, though. Rin's simple enough, so she behaved pretty much exactly as we planned." Hina: "But Asou was the one who really missed Rin. It was getting to be too much for her. We decided Valentine's Day was probably the longest we could push it." Miyako: "Ah~" Sachiko: "Then her mom collapsed and it got a bit complicated at the end." Miyako: "I see. So that's what was going on..." Sachiko: "Rin got it into her head that Fumi was going to be an idol, so she didn't want to get in her way, but Fumi was worried about ruining Rin's potential by spoiling her." Hina: "So Asou and Rin were basically feeling the same way about each other." Reminds me of "The Gift of the Magi." Miyako: "That's pretty incredible, though. That everything went just as you planned? How were you able to plan everything so carefully?" Hina & Sachiko: "'Cause we're not involved." Miyako: "Huh?" Sachiko: "I mean, I don't mean that in a cold way. When you're on the outside looking in, sometimes things are way more obvious to you." Hina: "Right. They think they're facing the end of the world, but to us, it just looks like they're bragging about their girlfriend." Sachiko: "It was a lot easier for us to find a solution than it would have been for them." Hina and Sachiko smiled, completely unconcerned. Miyako: "Is that how it is...? No, you might be right." Miyako was probably thinking about what she had seen when she was an angel. —On the outside looking in. Everyone's the same in this world. It's the same for you and for me too, of course. —On the outside looking in. Everyone's the same in this world. It's the same for you too, of course.
Once they were back in their room and alone together, they apologized to each other: Fumi for worrying Rin, and Rin for relying too much on Fumi. Once they were satisfied, the two returned to their usual serenity. Yep, it was basically just as Hina and Sachiko predicted. Fumi: "Oh, right!" Rin: "Whoa, you scared me. What?" Rin was hanging her scarf up, but jumped at Fumi's sudden exclamation. Fumi: "Let's go to an audition on Sunday, Rin." Rin: "...Huh?" Fumi's words were completely unexpected, but she was giving Rin a brilliant smile. Rin: "Oh, I get it. You want me to come with you when you turn them down?" Fumi: "No, I was clear with them about not wanting to be scouted. The audition on Sunday isn't for a movie or being an idol, it's for modeling in a magazine." Rin: "...You were scouted to be a model now?" Fumi: "Umm, no... I turned down becoming an idol, but I sort of got to talking with the president of the agency..." Rin: "Well, I get that. You're the type that gets along with people in high places." Fumi: "And it turns out the president is an alum here! And she was actually in school with the current principal!" Rin: "Talk about a small world!" Fumi: "So we were talking, and that agency is recruiting models for magazines, not just idols, and she asked me about this audition that's coming up." Rin: "So you want me to go with you?" Fumi: "Oh, no, it's not me that she wants to audition... I'm sorry, I'm skipping around too much." Fumi stuck out her tongue in mock apology. Fumi: "Let's see... The president said that while reviewing the footage from that TV spot, she stumbled upon a natural talent." Rin: "Right, she said you're a talent that comes along once every thousand years. So she was really insistent about recruiting you." Fumi: "No... that was something you came up with, Rin." Rin: "Wait, was it?" Fumi: "But the person the president was talking about was a spectator who was only on camera for a moment through a window..." Rin: "Wait, you don't mean..." Seems she's finally caught on. Fumi: "Yes, exactly! It's you, Rin Ogata~♪" She pointed with both hands at Rin. She's really excitable today. Fumi: "I thought I had an idea who she was talking about, so I showed her a picture of you, and she was like, 'Yes, that's her!' She was really happy about it." Fumi: "So I told her I'd bring you on Sunday." Rin: "Just like that?! How'd you decide so fast? Aren't you the one who usually agonizes about whether to buy a whole or a half cabbage?" Fumi: "Yes! But for some reason, I could decide right away when it was about you, Rin. Oh, and they've got everything decided already, so you basically just have to stand there at the audition." Rin: "It's a fixed game?! Adults are so dirty! Show business is scary!" Fumi: "She showed me the magazine you'd be exclusive to, and it looked super fashionable." Fumi: "They have a lot of foreign models, but you're tall, so you'd fit right in with them, plus you're good at English!" Rin: "No way, no way, no way, I can't be a model! I can't even take selfies. And I'm even worse at talking to people I don't know! Everybody knows this about me! I'm shy!" Fumi: "Oh, she also said you could just do this one job. She said you should try it once and see what you think." Rin: "Ugh... I'm telling you, I can't even do it once~" Fumi: "You can! You're my Rin! Let's try to just take some pictures for the occasion first, okay? And I'll go with you to the audition—" Seeing Rin on the verge of tears, Fumi stopped, realization dawning on her face. Rin: "...This isn't like you, Fumi." Fumi: "I'm sorry... I shouldn't be forcing this on you." She was silent for a moment, then slowly began: Fumi: "The president was serious. And the magazine she showed me just looked perfect for you, Rin." Fumi: "Everything looked like it would suit you perfectly: the clothes, the accessories, the makeup..." Fumi: "And she was way more insistent about recruiting you than she was about me." Rin listened, her feelings clearly mixed. Fumi: "When I looked through the magazine and imagined the models in it as you, I got really excited." Fumi: "I started thinking about how one day you could be a cover model, and I couldn't stop. I'm sorry, I got all carried away." Rin: "I... I see." Rin found herself unable to be angry. Fumi loved her girlfriend and wanted to show her off to the world. It was exactly like Rin had just been herself. Rin: "I—" Fumi: "I know, we'll stop talking about this now. More importantly—" Fumi dropped the subject of the audition and took some chocolate out of her tote bag. Fumi: "Here. Happy Valentine's♪" Rin: "Th-Thanks." Rin wasn't finding it as easy to switch subjects and accepted the chocolate with a rather blank look on her face. Fumi: "It's dark chocolate, so I think you might like it even though you're not fond of sweets." Rin: "Wow, it's even wrapped all fancy. And I didn't get you anything... Well, unless you want masks and sunglasses." Fumi: "You don't have to—" Fumi suddenly stopped, and Rin peered worriedly at her. Rin: "Are you mad...?" Fumi: "Heheheheh♪" Rin: "Huh... What?" Fumi: "Didn't you say it a little while ago~?" Rin: "Wh-What did I... ah?" Fumi took the chocolate back from Rin and undid the ribbon around the wrapping paper. Fumi: "That you'd wrap yourself up in a big ribbon~" Rin: "D-D-Did I say something like that?" From her face, I'd say she knows the answer to that question. I'd also say she didn't know Fumi was listening when she said it. Fumi: "You _did_. I remember it because as soon as you said it, I got really excited." Putting the chocolate back in her bag, Fumi pulled the ribbon taut between her hands with a _snap_ and inched toward Rin. Fumi: "Eheheh, I'll be taking your gift now by force." Rin: "W-Wait, are you serious?!" Fumi: "The gold on red is so pretty. It looks great on you, don't you think?" Fumi looked down at Rin's back, a satisfied smile on her face. Fumi: "I mean, you usually go for a cool look, and don't dress cutely that often, so I want to see you in ribbons every once in a while." Rin: "...I'll take responsibility for my own words on the ribbon thing. But this is something else, isn't it? This isn't wrapping, it's binding!" Fumi: "Oh, the ribbon is just a special treat. I know you like it when I'm mean to you, so I thought this would be right up your alley." Rin: "H-How can you say stuff like that like it's nothing?!" Fumi: "There was something like this in the book you were reading—" Rin: "Y-You're not allowed to read my books anymore, Fumi!" Fumi: "Well, maybe you shouldn't leave them out in places I'm going to find them on purpose." She's got such a sweet face, but she's really on a pretty dangerous path here. Rin: "I... I don't do that." And this one's excuses are only getting flimsier. Squelch. Fumi lifted one of Rin's legs up and heard a wet sound from between them. Rin: "Ngh..." Rin whipped her head away. She's smart enough to know what Fumi just picked up on. Fumi: "Eheheheh~" Wow, she looks ecstatic. Rin can't see it since she's hiding her own face, but Fumi only makes faces like this when they're alone together. Rin: "Ugh... You keep getting meaner and meaner." Says the one who likes it. Fumi: "Come on, let's get started." Fumi said, gently touching Rin's thigh. Rin: "Huh...?" Fumi: "What is it?" Rin: "I thought you'd tease me a bit more... It's kind of a let-down." Fumi: "I'm sorry, I don't think I can do that today. Because I can't wait..." Rin: "It's okay... Do whatever you want, Fumi." Fumi: "Did you want me to tease you?" Rin: "N... No, I just..." Rin Ogata, a real pro at digging her own grave. Fumi pushed her hips forward, pressing her flower petals against Rin's. Fumi: "Wah... You're so hot, Rin! You might burn me..." Rin: "Y-You're... practically melting, too... Fumi." Fumi: "Well... it's sort of been a while." Fumi said, grinding her hips. Rin: "Fumi... mmh!" This wasn't how Fumi usually did things. Fumi: "Haah... Do you mind if I... enjoy myself this time... too?" Rin: "Of... Of course you can. You don't need to... ask me that..." Fumi: "Nh... I'm sorry... I can't be mean to you... like you want me to." Fumi apologized as she rubbed herself against Rin. Fumi: "I know... I should be spanking you... or something like that... ahh..." Rin: "I-It's not like... you have to do that... every time. I-It's just that... I don't hate it." Fumi: "And the ribbon on your wrists... It's not doing anything... but being cute." Rin: "Aah... Does it have to be... more than cute? A... Actually... I can't get it off at all. How the heck did you... tie this thing?" I saw her looking at a bondage site on her phone a little while ago. Fumi: "Ahh... I was actually planning to tie you... to a bedpost... and have you stand... and since I don't have a whip... I was going to use a ruler..." Rin: "Eep... That's a lot more hardcore than I was expecting!" Fumi: "Huh? But in your book..." Rin: "Mmmh... that's fiction!" Fumi: "Aha... but I wanted to become one with you today... I wanted us to enjoy ourselves together..." Rin: "Mh... It's not that often that you... express your own desires, Fumi... I'm kinda happy about it..." Fumi: "Thanks... Rin... I love you." She sped up, and sticky, wet sounds echoed through the room. Rin: "A-Aaaah!" Rin was at the mercy of the intense pleasure she was feeling. Since she was tied up, she couldn't cling to anything, so she merely writhed around on the bed. Fumi: "Haah... nnnnnh!!" And Fumi was just as enraptured. She moved against Rin, completely engrossed. Rin: "Ah... wow... F-Fumi...!" Fumi's ample breasts swayed dynamically with her movement. Sweat glistened in the valley between them. Fumi: "Nnh... aah... R-Rin?" Fumi suddenly threw her head back at the intense stimulation she was feeling. I don't know if she was aware of it or just doing it unconsciously to feel more stimulation, but Rin was now pumping her hips too. Their initially disparate movements synchronized, and the bed creaked in time with their thrusts. Rin: "Fumi... Fumiii..." Rin's voice was pleading, and Fumi responded to her desire immediately. Fumi: "G... Go ahead, Rin... I... put a towel down... so you don't... need to worry... okay?" Rin: "Okay... a-aaah!" Rin nodded. She must have accepted that there was nothing to be done about it at this point. Fumi: "Ahh... that's a good girl... you're so cute. Rin... You're getting more and more sensitive. But... I might be... worse today!" Fumi: "Haaah... nnnh!" Fumi threw her head back. This might be the first time I've seen her so beside herself. Even here, it seems like Fumi's the one who really changed after this week. Rin: "Ahn... nngh!" Fumi: "Oh, no... I can't... nnh!" Approaching climax, their voices, bodies, even hearts began to melt together. They rubbed against each other, closer than they'd ever been. Fumi: "R-Rin... p... please tell me... you were lonely." Rin: "F... Fumi...?" Fumi: "Tell me... you were lonely... when you couldn't see me?" Rin: "Haahh... mmh... I was... I was lonely." Fumi: "I... I was too! I don't... I don't want to be... without you!" Fumi: "H...Haaaaaaaaah!" Fumi finished first. The hot fluid gushing from her flooded straight onto Rin. Rin: "Aaah... i-it's hot... ah... aaaaaaaah!!" Rin soon followed. The two shuddered at the reverberations of their climax. Fumi: "Rin... Rin... I love you... I love you... I want to... I want to be with you... forever!" Her true feelings spilled out with all the pleasure she was feeling. Rin: "Fumi... I'll be here... I'll be right here... I need you too..." Yeah, Rin's trouble. But Fumi is too. I'm sure they'll have plenty more struggles in their future♪
Fumi: "I sorta made you into a bad guy. I'm sorry about that." Fumi apologized to Hina. Now that it was all over, they could look back on it and laugh, but it's true that Hina had to be a sort of villain this last week. That seemed to be bothering Fumi, since she'd apologized a few times for it. Hina: "I told you, it's fine. I had fun tormenting Rin." Rin: "Ugh..." Hina: "And you did good holding back as much as you did." Fumi: "...It was really hard." She admits it easily now. Rin: "What~? Fumi had it better than me. I was the only one who didn't know anything about this!" Fumi: "I'm... sorry about that, too." Hina: "Well, if we didn't do something like that, you wouldn't learn anything, Rin." Rin: "I'm learning!" Miyako: "How so?" Rin: "Because I'm fine in groups now!" Hina: "......" Fumi: "........." Miyako: "......" Well, she's done it now. Hina: "Hey, Asou, I'm kind of interested in a model photo shoot. The picture-taking part, I mean. Do you mind asking the president of the agency if I can come and observe?" Fumi: "Sure thing♪" Rin: "Mmmmmh!!" Miyako: "Ahahahahaha!" Miyako was absolutely tickled at the gag's nonexistent landing. Rin: "Fine! You know what? I _will_ go to the audition! And I'll ask them if they have any kids' modeling jobs for Hina!" Fumi: "Ahaha. Let's go, let's go. We should all go♪" Hina: "Hey, who are you calling a kid model?!" Rin: "I'm gonna make sure you star in a junior idol promo vid eventually!" Hina: "What? I dunno what that is, but I bet it's dirty!" And they went right back to their everyday lives like nothing had happened.
—A few weeks later. Fumi: "Oh, this picture is so cool!" Rin: "......" Fumi: "Your face is small, and your legs are so long. You really do have a great figure, Rin." Rin: "......" Fumi: "You don't want to look?" Rin: "...I don't." Fumi: "Oh, wow, this lipstick picture is great! Hey, I've never seen you with such a mysterious look on your face, Rin." Rin: "They just turned a light on me all of a sudden, so I'm surprised in that one..." Fumi: "Pfft." The magazine Fumi was excitedly reading was, naturally, the one containing Rin's debut as a model. It was a magazine aimed at working women in their 20s, but the tall, mature-looking Rin fit in with the other models with no issue. Fumi had been so excited for this magazine that she put a mark on her calendar on the day it was releasing, and she had, of course, bought three copies: one for reading, one to keep in mint condition, and one to show people. And now, after breaking the seal on her way home from school, she was giving it a thorough check. As for Rin, she had started clinging to Fumi a little while ago, pouting. Rin: "I'm not doing that again... It's super embarrassing trying to make expressions for the pictures." Fumi: "You think so? The president had nothing but good things to say about you, though." Rin: "...Like what?" Fumi: "She said there are plenty of girls with nice faces and figures, but you're really good at showing listlessness and anxiety. She said you've got a genius talent for subtle nuance in your expressions." ...I don't think that's talent. I think that's just how she is. Rin: "I don't care about that, but I'm your girlfriend, so I'll think about it if it would make you happy." Fumi: "I'm very happy having such a cute girlfriend♪" Fumi was much more excited than Rin, who was merely clinging to her like a child. She fussed, complaining about how embarrassing it was, but when her girlfriend complimented her, she didn't seem too opposed to it. Fumi: "She said the next shoot would be next week, and it'll be swimsuits." Rin: "Wait! Bikinis in the middle of winter?!"
Miyako opened the door to the broadcasting room to find Sachiko inside. Sachiko: "Wait, shouldn't you be in class?" Miyako: "School's over already." Sachiko: "Oh, is it that late? Human time sure is fast. Still throws me for a loop sometimes." Sachiko said, glancing at her watch. Sachiko: "So, what are you doing here? You need something in the broadcasting room?" Miyako: "I came to return this." Miyako took a journal out of her bag. It was the one she'd taken home with her the last time she was here. Sachiko: "Ah..." Sachiko took the journal from her. Miyako: "What are you doing here?" Sachiko: "I finished cleaning, so now I'm just reminiscing. Pretty soon, I won't be able to come here, either." Miyako: "You make it sound like you'll never come back again... You can visit any time you like, can't you?" Sachiko: "Haha, I don't think that's happening. They're pretty strict about suspicious people around schools these days, you know." Miyako: "Suspicious...? But if you just tell them that you're comi—" Sachiko: "They're gonna get rid of this place soon." Miyako: "Huh?" Sachiko: "They can't just keep the room unused forever. The broadcasting club shut down after Noel's clubmates graduated, and nobody's used the room since." Sachiko flipped through the club journal in her hands to the page with Noel Nakatani on it. Sachiko: "These were the last members of the club. Oh, I was actually next to Noel when they took this picture, you know." There were a couple of girls in uniform in the picture. Noel Nakatani was there too, but there was nothing where Sachiko was pointing. Sachiko: "Even after they became seniors and the other members left the club, Noel still hung out in this room a lot. It was like her hideout." Miyako: "......" Sachiko: "She was a real troublemaker, you know~? She'd do her own broadcasts even after the club disbanded." Miyako: "...Did she get in trouble?" Sachiko: "Of course she did. So then she'd do them on days off, even though no one was there to hear them." Except for Sachiko, of course. Miyako: "I wonder if she didn't plan on going to college." Sachiko: "She probably figured she wouldn't make it to spring." Miyako: "...Oh." She'd made another comment Miyako didn't know how to respond to. Miyako: "Umm, Noel was also an angel before being human, right?" Sachiko: "I dunno, but I don't think so. She didn't believe in angels, anyway. Not until I came down right in front of her, at least." Sachiko: "...No, maybe she didn't even believe then." Miyako: "But... how did she invite you, then?" Sachiko: "Because she could _talk_ to me." Miyako: "Talk?" Sachiko: "Though, that's a story for another... No, this is a good time for it, isn't it?" She almost evaded the question like usual, but decided to be frank instead. Sachiko: "One day, I heard her voice. Right up there." Sachiko pointed up above the school. Sachiko: "Sometimes you can hear people on the ground when you're flying, so it wasn't really surprising or anything, but..." Miyako nodded. Sachiko: "Just on a whim, I responded to her, not intending to be heard, but I got a reply." Miyako: "But that's... Angels should be the only ones who can see and hear humans. It shouldn't work the other way around." Sachiko: "Right? I couldn't hear you either." Miyako: "...That's good." Sachiko: "At first I thought it was one of us. I looked up, down, right, left, spun 360 degrees. But there weren't any angels anywhere nearby. There wasn't even a bird in sight. So I went down to where the voice was coming from." This time, she pointed down. Miyako: "...The broadcasting room. The voice was Noel?" Sachiko: "Indeed." She nodded and pulled over an aged device sitting on the edge of the desk. Sachiko: "Check it out, it's a machine to call angels." Miyako: "Huh...?" Sachiko: "A piece-of-crap radio. It's a Device." Miyako: "Again... This is the second one." It was. The first was Hina's toy camera. There's actually a lot of them, huh? Sachiko: "It's basically useless as an actual transceiver. I'm sure Noel knew that too and was just talking into it to fool around." So they were essentially doing the same thing. Miyako: "Did you always talk through this Device?" Sachiko: "Yep. Just like hams." "Hams" refers to amateur radio operators. Sachiko: "But the thing barely worked as a Device, either. When it wasn't in the mood, it wouldn't connect for days." Which would mean a return to the usual one-way communication. Sachiko: "Every time that would happen, Noel would give the thing a good whack." Miyako: "...It does look a little banged up." Well, if you don't know how to fix it, what are you gonna do? Who even knows if it was receiving through the antenna or not. ...And what was it doing in the broadcasting club room anyway? Sachiko: "When she heard my voice, she probably thought it was coming through the air waves. She had no idea I was right next to her when we were talking." Miyako: "You didn't tell her you were an angel?" Sachiko: "No, I told her that right away. But she thought it was my call sign and busted a gut about it, telling me I had really dorky taste." Miyako: "Ahaha, that's mean." No it's not. Sachiko: "But that was the start of things between Noel and me." Sachiko looked down at the picture in the club journal. Miyako: "What was Noel like? Was she... sort of unusual?" Sachiko: "She was _very_ unusual. Stubborn, pushy. A smoker even though she wasn't healthy. She was a troublemaker, and reckless—" Sachiko rattled off a list. Miyako: "And she smiled a lot?" Sachiko: "Y-Yeah... How'd you know?" Miyako: "Well, she has a brilliant smile in your painting of her." Sachiko: "...Yeah. She laughed a lot, and she got mad a lot, too. Actually, she just experienced all her emotions intensely. It was kind of exhausting." Miyako: "...Heheh." Sachiko: "What?" Miyako: "You're complaining, but you seem to really enjoy talking about her." Sachiko: "I guess so... Well, for better or worse, she was just filled with energy. The sheer heat of her was just so novel to me." Miyako: "She sounds like you." Sachiko: "...I'm just a cheap imitation. It's like I'm doing an impression of her. I told you I got it all from her, right?" Sachiko smiled, but it was a lonely smile. Sachiko: "I was empty before I met Noel. Tired of the tedium of eternity, but pitying of the fleeting lives of those on the surface..." Miyako: "I can't imagine that." Sachiko: "I was an angel who would live eternally, and she was always standing face-to-face with death. We saw the world in completely different ways." Sachiko: "'If you don't want it, I'll take your eternity for you'..." Miyako: "Huh?" Sachiko: "That's what she'd say to me whenever I told her about how bored I was." Miyako: "...How long did you talk?" Sachiko: "It was from summer break until Christmas, so about half a year." Miyako: "Wait, but you came down to earth..." Sachiko: "Yep, Christmas Eve. So I was only able to be with her in person that one night." Sachiko: "She got worse as it got colder. And then that Christmas morning, she was gone." Miyako: "......" Sachiko: "I... got close to you up on the roof before, right? I came to my senses then because I was remembering that." Miyako: "...Oh." Sachiko: "Yep. So that's the 'story for another time' I've been playing coy about." Sachiko stretched, the folding chair creaking under her. Miyako: "Umm... thank you... for telling me." Sachiko: "I've always regretted not coming down sooner. Why was I so afraid to throw away the eternity I was so bored with?" Sachiko spoke with a self-deprecating tone as she looked up to the ceiling. Sachiko: "So I think you're really impressive for coming down in just one month." Miyako: "...That was because of you." Sachiko pushed the chair back and stood up. Sachiko: "Well, I'm gonna get going. You should—" Miyako: "Umm! Could I stand in?" Sachiko: "Stand in?" Miyako: "For Noel." Sachiko: "...That's quite a thing to say. You're not scared to do that?" Miyako: "I'm... not. I just told you the thing I most wanted to tell you right now." Miyako: "I'll support you until you can forgive yourself. Like I'm sure Noel would have." Sachiko: "And what would you do if I said, 'what do you know about Noel'?" Miyako: "I don't know. But I do know that I'm the only one who can take her place!" Sachiko: "That's very heroic of you. I'm even more impressed." Miyako: "I want to become Noel." Ha. Sachiko: "...That's very kind of you. But you can't." Sachiko shook her head. Sachiko: "No one can take her place. Especially not you..." Sachiko put a hand to Miyako's cheek and looked deep into her eyes. Miyako: "I—" Sachiko: "You need to live for yourself." Sachiko pulled away and gave her a pat on the head. Sachiko: "Sorry to invite you and then leave you to fend for yourself~ But it is great down here... That much is true." Miyako: "...Sachiko." Sachiko: "Hm?" Miyako: "If I hadn't come down in this form... could you have loved me?" Sachiko: "......" Sachiko smiled sadly at her and gave her a gentle kiss. Then she left the room without another word. Miyako: "...Will you not live for _yourself_?" I don't know if her words reached Sachiko or not. Miyako: "......" Miyako sat down unsteadily in the chair Sachiko had been using. Miyako: "...!" —I've been waiting for you, Lionheart.
—There was a flash of lightning. Sachiko: "N-Noe—?!" Miyako: "Nice to meet you!"
Miyako: "Ohh... I see... huh..." Miyako sat in the manager's room, giving her undivided attention to a slice of Christmas cake. Miyako: "...Mm... it's incredible..." It wasn't just the color. Miyako was experiencing a torrent of sensations she'd never before felt, like taste and smell, and she was deeply impressed with each and every one of them. Sachiko: "......" Sachiko watched her intently until Miyako noticed her gaze. Miyako: "Is there something wrong with how I look?" Sachiko: "Oh... no." Sachiko averted her eyes. Sachiko: "I was just thinking you're in a uniform. It looks good on you, though." Miyako: "Yes. I was hoping to be able to go to school here." Sachiko: "Yeah, I guess I was sort of thinking the same thing. I would've been pretty surprised if you'd come down as a MILF." That would make it pretty hard to come up with a story, wouldn't it? Miyako: "So what should I do now?" She wasn't prepared at all to live life as a human. Miyako: "I have a coat as well, but... other than that, these are the only clothes I have." Sachiko: "Oh, don't worry about that. You can leave it all to me." Sachiko took a sip of her tea. Sachiko: "There are plenty of other angels who have become human." Sachiko: "Some of 'em are pretty high up in the world, too. Those ones help out the new arrivals with all sorts of stuff." Miyako: "Is that right? Oh, what should I do about my name?" Sachiko: "Noe... I mean, Miyako! Miyako, with the characters for 'holy night.' Since you were born on Christmas and all." Miyako: "'Miyako'... Did you just think of that now?" Sachiko: "Nah, I've been thinking about it for a while now. Miyako if you were a girl and Taumata if you were a boy." Miyako: "Short for Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu, a location in New Zealand. The name means, 'the summit where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who climbed mountains, traveled, and was known as Landeater, played his flute for his loved one.'" Sachiko: "Ooh, I'm impressed. So, what do you think?" Miyako: "...I'm glad I'm a girl." Miyako: "Thank you for that... urp." Miyako looked slightly uncomfortable after finishing her cake. Sachiko was a light eater. She'd taken one bite of her slice and given the rest to Miyako. So Miyako had basically eaten two slices. Sachiko: "Ahaha. That's what having a full stomach feels like. Once your stomach's settled a little, we'll go meet the trio." Miyako: "Yes... Please give me a moment." Sachiko: "Here, take this." Miyako: "Huh?" Sachiko handed Miyako a party popper. Sachiko: "Now, charge!"
—Night on New Year's. Sachiko was doing the dishes. Miyako: "Hwha?!" Miyako, who had been sleeping on the table, suddenly woke up and glanced around. Sachiko: "Oh, are you awake?" Miyako: "Where am I...?" Sachiko: "My room?" She seemed to be still half-asleep and not very aware yet. Sachiko: "You're so surprised. Were you dreaming?" Miyako: "Dreaming...?" Sachiko: "Oh, it was your first one. Of the year and otherwise." Angels don't dream. Since they don't sleep. They have knowledge of them, of course, but this must have been her first time experiencing one. Sachiko: "What were you dreaming about?" Miyako: "Umm... we were eating soup." Sachiko: "No, we were actually just doing that." Miyako: "I could taste it and smell it." Sachiko: "Yeah, 'cause that actually happened." Miyako: "Also, there was an eggplant and Mt. Fuji and a hawk." Sachiko: "Just hitting all the clichés, huh?" Miyako: "Huh? That's odd... I can't really remember it anymore. It was so clear a second ago..." Sachiko: "That's just what dreams are like." Sachiko brought the rest of the dishes over to the sink. ...... They continued the conversation over her shoulder as she washed. Miyako: "Have you invited anyone other than me?" Sachiko: "Nope, just you." Miyako: "Oh." She looked a little relieved (though I'm sure she wasn't aware of it). Miyako: "Why did you invite me?" Sachiko: "Just... 'cause, I guess." Miyako: "Oh." She looked a little disappointed (again, I'm sure she didn't realize). Miyako: "Who invited you?" Sachiko: "Well..." ...... Sachiko turned off the faucet and turned around. Miyako: "Zzz..." And Miyako was sleeping again. Sachiko: "Huh? That was fast!" Sachiko dried her hands, went back to the living room, and sat down next to Miyako. Sachiko: "You really do sleep a lot." She said, watching Miyako. She'd actually watched her sleep for more time than they'd spent talking since she came down on Christmas. Sachiko: "When you came down and I saw your face, I thought you were her." Sachiko: "But even with the same face, your expressions are completely different. And you're even more unlike her when you talk. You're definitely different people." Sachiko: "...Are coincidences like this even possible?" Sachiko: "I thought there was a reason for it. That somebody out there was playing a hell of a mean joke." Sachiko: "......" Sachiko: "But it's all just coincidence. She doesn't know anything." Sachiko sighed and stared at Miyako's face. Sachiko: "They look the same sleeping, though." She couldn't help reaching out and poking her on the cheek. Sachiko: "?!" But Miyako didn't notice and just kept sleeping. Sachiko: "...Couldn't be."
Sachiko: "Mhm, yeah. I forgot to give it to her. I'll bring it. I can stop by your office when I come do my cleaning." Sachiko was on the phone. Miyako's transfer forms were in her hand. Sachiko: "Hm? It's been almost two weeks since she came down. Yes, I know, you don't need to worry. I had her get a physical." Sachiko: "Yep, this one's perfectly healthy..." Sachiko: "Ahaha, all former angels are, aren't they? Including you." Sachiko: "What? You want to see her? Hmm, well she's probably arriving right about now. They were running around this morning, so they might be late." Sachiko looked up at the clock. Sachiko: "Yeah, give 'em a pass just this once, would you?" Sachiko: "...I think you'll be surprised when you see her face. You always liked her, didn't you? Mhm, just like a granddaughter." Sachiko: "Yeah, thanks. That was a real help. Uh huh... mhm." Sachiko: "What? No, it's not like that. I'm just looking after her until she gets used to things." Sachiko: "If you're gonna be that way, I'll just mail in the forms." Sachiko: "...Yes, yes. I understand. Okay, I'll see you. Look out for Miyako, would you?" Not liking where the conversation was going, Sachiko entrusted Miyako to the principal and ended her phone call. Well, I can imagine what the topic was. Sachiko: "Haahh... what is she, my grandma?" Sachiko: "I'm not lonely or anything. Unlike you, I'm still young!"
Sachiko: "Oh? What's everybody doing out here?" Leaving the manager's room, Sachiko ran into the girls. Fumi: "Well, I came to get those dishes." Sachiko: "What a coincidence. I was just going to give them back. Thanks, it was really good." Sachiko bowed her head and handed the dishes back to Fumi. Fumi: "Thank you. Oh, you washed them again. You really don't need to." Sachiko: "What about you guys?" Rin: "I was gonna get some coffee from the vending machine. We forgot to buy beans, so I gotta put up with the canned crap." Hina: "I'm just along for the ride." Sachiko: "I'll treat you as thanks for the food, then." Hina: "Yay! Then I want some warm... cold ginger tea?!" Sachiko: "Huh?" Rin: "No matter what you pick... it's all warm cold ginger tea!" Sachiko: "Wouldn't that be hot ginger tea, then?" Rin: "We keep telling you to keep this thing stocked!" Fumi: "Ahahaha." Sachiko: "Well, never mind the vending machine, then. I'll treat you some other time." Hina: "With what? Are you gonna take us somewhere?" Sachiko: "No, I've got some things coming in soon, so I thought I'd throw a hot pot party. I'll invite you guys." Fumi: "Oh? Is that okay?" Sachiko: "Yeah, you guys have been doing a lot for me lately. I've gotta thank you for Miyako, too..." She realized Miyako was nowhere to be seen. The three of them all pointed back at their room. Sachiko: "Is she sleeping?" They all nodded and Sachiko looked at her watch with a wry smile. Sachiko: "So, how is she as a roommate? What do you think of her after living together for a little while?" Hina & Rin & Fumi: "She sleeps a lot." Sachiko: "Pfft." Sachiko burst out laughing at their perfect synchronization. Hina: "She falls asleep while standing up a lot in the morning. Or when she's putting her shoes on, or tying her ribbon, or coming down from her bed." Sachiko: "That's pretty impressive..." Fumi: "I have to wake her up sometimes in class when she nods off." Rin: "And she gets sleepy at night right after dinner, too." Sachiko: "It's like she's got Hina's ability to get to bed quick and Rin's inability to get up in the morning, combined to make her the ultimate snooze monster." Hina & Rin: "Hey!" Sachiko: "I mean, I understand Rin, but I wasn't insulting you, Hinacchi." Fumi: "But she's a very good girl, Miyako. She helps out a lot, too." Hina: "Yeah, unlike Rin." Rin: "Hey. I help out when I need to." Hina: "You don't help out. You just get in the way." Rin: "What was that~?" Fumi: "I feel at ease around Miyako." Hina: "Yeah! She makes you feel happy just being around her." Rin: "Well, she's beautiful, and has those huge ti—" Hina: "Seyah!" Rin: "Gfh?!" Rin's knees buckled as Hina hit them from behind with a low kick. Fumi: "Anyway..." Hina & Rin & Fumi: "She's like an angel." They all said together. Sachiko: "...Oh yeah?" Hina & Rin: "It's hard to believe she's your cousin!" Sachiko: "You guys aren't coming to my party!" Fumi: "Now, now..." Sachiko: "Well, as her cousin, I think she's a good girl, too. It's pretty incredible how honestly impressed she is by everything." Rin: "Yeah. She's got a real light to her." Sachiko: "She comes to my room every day and tells me everything that happened to her." Hina: "Oh, is that where she was going?" Sachiko: "Well, part of it is probably 'cause she was _abroad_, but... she has a real talent for finding the fun in things." The three nodded. Sachiko: "It's nice to be young~" Rin: "Isn't it?" Sachiko: "Ugh, it makes me mad when you go along with it."
Sachiko had Miyako wait in the hall while she got ready for snow shoveling in her room. Sachiko: "Is it done snowing?" Miyako: "Yes, it was finished by the time I got back. It's clear out now." Sachiko: "We won't need slickers, then. Let's see..." Sachiko: "......" She opened up a drawer and picked up a scarf that she found inside. Sachiko: "......" Miyako: "Does the snow get deeper than this in this area?" Sachiko: "........." Looking down at the scarf, she seemed to go back and forth on something for a moment before taking it and leaving the room.
The manager's room, during the hot pot party. Sachiko: "Miiikoyan?" Miyako: "Wah!" Sachiko put her arm around Miyako's shoulder jovially. She's got some booze in her at this point. Sachiko: "You've been pretty quiet... Wait, have you been eating crab this whole time?" Miyako: "Yes, I can't stop... snff, hm?" She noticed the smell. Sachiko: "What, can you smell the alcohol?" Miyako: "And the cigarettes underneath it." Sachiko: "You've got a pretty sensitive nose." Miyako: "Ah..." Miyako seemed to suddenly remember something. It was probably... Sachiko: "What is it?" Miyako: "Finding yourself sounds nice." Sachiko: "Huh? Where'd that come from?" Miyako: "Traveling, experiencing all sorts of things... I just think you're really amazing." Sachiko: "Oh yeah?" Miyako: "Painting, cooking. You've got all sorts of skills. I'm still trying to make sense of everything. It's not going too well." Sachiko: "You just need to get used to it. I've got a lot more tangible experience than you. A million years as an angel isn't even close to one year as a human. I'm sure you'll—" Miyako: "Maybe I should travel to find myself, too." Sachiko: "You don't need to take a big trip to do that. You're finding stuff every day, aren't you?" Sachiko: "You might think I'm impressive, but I think you're way more incredible." Sachiko stood, giving Miyako a pat on the head. Miyako: "Where are you going?" Sachiko: "I gotta make the soup." She headed for the sink. Sachiko: "I didn't have anything, so I had to go out and find it."
Sachiko: "......" Sachiko was stuffing canvases into cardboard boxes. She picked up the canvas that had Noel's painting on it and stared at it. Sachiko: "I haven't forgotten." Sachiko: "But... are they really memories of Noel?" Sachiko: "When I look at this painting, do I see Noel, or..." She put the portrait away as if to escape its gaze. Hina: "Sachiko, you there?" Sachiko: "I am. Come in~" The four peeked into the room after they got home. Hina: "Here's the mail." Sachiko: "Thanks. Can you leave it on my desk?" Fumi: "Were you tidying up?" Fumi asked, seeing the boxes. Sachiko: "Yeah, I guess." Rin: "I don't think there's enough stuff in here to tidy up, really." That's true. Sachiko: "Oh, I know. Since you guys are here, do you want some clothes? I bought them four or five years ago. I don't think there's anything too bad in there." Fumi: "I'll look, I'll look~♪" Fumi went straight to the clothes on the hangers to take a look. Fumi: "Huh? These don't really look like things you'd wear." Sachiko: "Yeah, it was kinda just trial and error, I guess? None of them ended up looking good on me. Everything over there I've pretty much never worn." Fumi: "I see~" Rin: "Huh, this stuff doesn't look bad." Sachiko: "You've got a good eye, rich kid." Miyako: "Is Rin a rich kid?" Sachiko: "Oh, she actually wears brand-name stuff a lot. Her family's pretty wealthy, after all." Rin: "It's not my fault my family's wealthy." Miyako: "But why are you suddenly getting rid of them? If you get rid of anything else..." Sachiko: "I'll be able to travel lighter, right? I'm kinda wondering if I can get everything into one big bag, actually." Miyako: "......" Fumi: "Auuugh..." An anguished moan. Miyako: "What is it?" Fumi: "I can't put this on. The bust is too tight~" Miyako: "Aah..." Hina: "...This is too big." Rin: "Then they'd probably be too short for me." They're like "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." Just without the baby bear. Sachiko: "Ah..." Fumi: "It's too bad, but..." Rin: "Wouldn't they fit Mikoyan pretty well, though? They might still be a little tight in the chest, but..." Miyako: "I suppose so~" Miyako put a shirt to her chest. Rin: "Oh? Looks perfect." Well, there's the baby bear. Fumi: "And it really suits you, too!" Hina: "It's like you bought this stuff for Miyako." ...Well, I guess she did. Sachiko: "You can have 'em. It'll at least give you more stuff to wear." Miyako: "Are you sure? You just gave me a scarf, too." Sachiko: "Yeah, just take 'em. It's better if somebody who looks good in them wears them." Miyako: "...Thanks."
Sachiko: "......" The broadcasting room at dusk. Sachiko ran her finger over the desk after wiping it down. Sachiko: "Phew..." She folded up the cloth and sat down, satisfied. Sachiko: "I haven't missed a week in five years. That's pretty devoted of me, wouldn't you say?" Sachiko: "...No, I guess I'm just doing it for myself." Sachiko put her hand on the junk transceiver and spoke to it. Sachiko: "But this'll be the last time I come take care of this room." Sachiko: "I'm leaving. I'm not managing the dorm anymore, either. Not that I really know where I'm going, but..." It was like giving an update at a grave. Sachiko: "I'll make sure the principal has someone clean this room every so often." Sachiko: "It probably won't be weekly, but I'm sure they'll take care of it until they rebuild the school building. It won't end up like an abandoned grave." Sachiko: "Sorry to tell you this so suddenly." Sachiko: "...I have to leave before she finishes her scarf." Sachiko: "I gave your scarf to her. Maybe it's supposed to be in exchange for that..." Sachiko: "I found her knitting in the dark on the stairs at night. She said she didn't want to wake the other girls up in her room." Sachiko: "But the one who sleeps more than anyone else is staying up late doing something she's not used to. And who was it for? Yep, it was for me." Sachiko: "That's just not fair. It's so cunning. You think I'm going to fall for that bait—" ......... ...... Sachiko: "...Being loved is scary." She hung her head. Sachiko: "Who's there?" Miyako: "Miyako Takaoka. I'm here to return some equipment." Sachiko: "...Come in." Sachiko raised her head and put on her usual face.
Miyako: "Aah!" The speaker suddenly screeched. Miyako curled up and clutched her ears at the sound that almost seemed to shake the room. But the piercing howl gradually softened into something bearable. When the noise finally cleared... Noel: "Merry Christmas!" (show_name="Voice") ...it became a voice. Miyako: "Huh?!" Miyako looked up at the half-a-month-late declaration. And she found... Noel: "Not that I've got a tree or a cake... And it's cold!" (show_name="Girl") Miyako gasped. Because the person she saw clutching her arms and shivering in the cold was _herself_. Miyako: "Is this... me?" The "vision" looked around and found a scarf, wrapping it around her neck. It was the same scarf Miyako had with her. Miyako: "Wh-What is this...?" She asked the figure, but the other her didn't even spare her a glance. Noel: "Probably shouldn't smoke inside the school, huh..." (show_name="Miyako?") Miyako: "Smoke?" She asked, but got no answer. Miyako: "Is she talking to herself? Can she not see me?" Noel: "Oh well. It'll probably be my last one anyway." (show_name="Miyako?") She took a cigarette out of a box with well-practiced motions and put it in her mouth. Noel: "I feel like the little match girl. Just with a lighter. Oh wait, that's on New Year's, isn't it?" (show_name="Miyako?") The smoke curled upwards. Miyako: "No... It's... not me...?" Miyako had never smoked a cigarette. Miyako: "H-Hello...? Huh? What?" Miyako timidly reached out to the girl's shoulder, but her hand went right through it. She tried again, but couldn't make contact. Miyako: "Huh...?" And as if to underline her confusion, this time, the illusion passed through Miyako. The lit cigarette grazed her cheek, but it didn't feel like anything. The illusion went over to the window and opened the curtains, running a hand over the condensation-fogged glass. Noel: "Ooh. I thought it was cold. 20XX is gonna be a white Christmas, huh~?" (show_name="Girl") The illusion said cheerily, but the real curtains hadn't budged. Miyako: "20XX? This is the past I'm seeing? Then..." Miyako glanced around. She was looking for a Device. Miyako: "Only a Device could cause this... It'd have to be a pretty powerful one, too..." Her eyes landed on the transceiver first. Nope. That one can pretty much only function as intended. It just connects with somewhere "a little far away." Miyako: "Ah..." She looked around the room and then realized. Miyako: "The whole broadcasting room is a Device!" —Exactly. Miyako: "You're Noel. And I'm seeing..." Miyako watched Noel nostalgically and listened to her voice. Noel: "Yeesh. It really took you long enough. Talk about last-minute." While Miyako was catching on to the situation, the illusion was muttering to herself, alternately breathing out smoke and sighs. Sachiko: "M... Mmh..." Noel: "Hm? You awake?" Miyako: "Huh? There's someone else?" She turned around at the voice and closed the curtains. As she walked back, she picked up a blanket thrown over a chair. Noel: "......" Then she leaned down and peered under the desk. Miyako crouched down as well. Miyako: "...They're not awake." Someone was lying on the floor there, curled up under a thin blanket. Noel: "I knew it. You _are_ cold. And last night you were like, 'I like it!'" She covered the figure with the other blanket while she complained. Noel: "Don't blame me if you catch a cold. You're not an angel anymore, right?" Miyako: "It's Sachiko!" Miyako exclaimed at the identity of the figure under the desk. Noel pulled out the folding chair and sat backwards on it. She put her elbows on the back of the chair and looked down at Sachiko. Noel: "You coward." Miyako: "Huh...?" Noel: "All you do is sulk and act like nothing affects you." Noel: "I know you're really lonely. You're just afraid to come clean, right?" Noel: "You say you're an angel, but there's nothing more human." You can say whatever you want when you know the person you're talking to is asleep. Miyako: "Wait, this feels like..." Miyako noticed something familiar. Yep. When you complain about someone like this, you're usually hiding something else beneath it. Miyako: "I see... Things are completely different between us and between them..." Watching the illusion of the warmly smiling Noel and Sachiko, Miyako suddenly noticed the calendar behind Noel. Miyako: "Wait, if this is Christmas, then Noel—" Noel: "Phew..." She sighed, looking tired. Tapping the ash off in an empty can on the desk, she looked down at Sachiko's face as the latter rolled over in her sleep. Noel: "I get why everybody goes crazy over that now." She brushed her fingers over her body, an entranced look on her face. Noel: "...It was really incredible. I almost died, though." Miyako: "Oh... huh." Miyako caught on to what had happened the night before. Noel: "You were a little too focused on how you should be touching me, though." Noel: "Well, I'm glad I had the experience. Can't say I really have any regrets now. The problem is..." Noel: "I'm sure you'll take all the wrong things with you from this..." Miyako: "......" Miyako was seeing that prediction come true in the present right now. Noel: "...Thank you for being with me. You gave me the strength to make it through the last six months. I'm not exaggerating. I really mean that." Noel: "I want you to enjoy the surface, your life, for your own sake now. Enough for me, too." Noel: "Love takes up such a huge capacity, our stupid little heads get full with it right away. Every time you fall in love with someone, your old memories will get overwritten with new ones." Noel: "I want you to completely paint over me with a new love!" Noel: "That's my last wish. So, God, or an angel, or whatever, please grant it for me." Noel: "Please let her love someone else someday. Please let someone else love her someday..." Noel: "Koff! Koff!" A sudden coughing fit racked her. This wasn't just choking on cigarette smoke. Noel: "Aww~ I wonder if I can become an angel when I die... Then I could watch over her forever." Miyako: "...Noel." Sachiko: "Mm... mmn?" (show_name="Voice") Noel: "Oh, sorry, did I wake you up? What are you looking around for? You're in the broadcasting room. Were you dreaming?" The vision ended there, the Device going silent. Miyako: "...Noel didn't blame her for anything." Miyako raised her head.
A physicist in a wheelchair once said this: When we observe the world, those observations are stored as memories. If we were to go back in time, we would lose those memories. We would not be able to observe it. Thus, the reason that time proceeds from the past to the future is that we are only able to observe the world when it does so. Angels are a sort of Akashic record of all possibilities. I'm not able to change the past. Nor am I able to create the future. And I can't rewrite the story, either. What I can do is choose. I've searched through the many possibilities for the story that I want to see, the happy ending. I've got all the time in the world. So I've taken an astoundingly long while sorting through the frightening amount of choices and confirming each and every one of them. At each junction, I strained my eyes, followed the possibilities, then returned. I stopped each time and restarted. Dozens, hundreds, thousands of times. Time for me has been stopped since then. In a temporary state, with nothing decided yet. ......... —Now, is this the route to the happy ending?
Sachiko: "Pwah! Windy!" As soon as she opened the door, the wind blew her hair every which way. Holding it down, Sachiko looked around and spotted Miyako. She was sitting in the same spot she had on that Christmas Eve night. Sachiko: "Do you miss the sky?" Sachiko leaned against the fence and lit a cigarette. This was the same as that night, too. Miyako: "You found me right away." Sachiko: "I saw your shoes at the door. The rest was easy enough." Sachiko tapped her temple. Miyako: "The brilliant detective." Angels and smoke like high places. Sachiko: "This time I know you should still be in school." Miyako: "I went home early." Sachiko: "What a bad girl." She breathed out some smoke. Her disapproval didn't sound particularly genuine. Sachiko: "So? Are you going right back up there?" Miyako: "Huh? Can you do that?" Sachiko: "I guess I don't know. Do you want to? That'd be a pretty quick turn-around." Miyako: "Ahaha. I have no plans to return right now." Sachiko: "There's plenty more to see on the surface, after all." Miyako: "But if I could go back to being an angel—" Noel: "Aww~ I wonder if I can become an angel when I die... Then I could watch over her forever." Miyako: "I met Noel." Sachiko: "Huh...?" She almost let the cigarette fall from her lips at the unexpected announcement. Sachiko: "When? Where?" Miyako: "Yesterday, in the broadcasting room." Sachiko: "Huh? What?" Miyako's response only made Sachiko more confused. Miyako: "Though it's not like we actually talked. It was a one-sided meeting." Miyako: "I couldn't touch her or speak to her, but Noel was definitely there, and I saw and heard her." Miyako: "I didn't know what was happening at first either. When I first saw her, I thought she was a doppelgänger or something." Miyako: "But the me that I saw started smoking, so I realized it wasn't really me..." Sachiko: "Wait, wait! Help me understand." Miyako: "Oh... I'm sorry." Miyako took a breath and began again. Miyako: "After you left the room yesterday, I saw a record of the past." Sachiko: "A record? There's no Device like that in that room..." Miyako: "The room itself is the Device. It wasn't just the transceiver." Miyako: "That room held a record of the events that took place inside it all this time. Like the jeweled box in Urashima Taro." Sachiko: "......" Sachiko: "But why? I've never seen anything like that in that room. And I've been there way more than you have." Miyako: "I don't know why I saw it either. I only saw it that one time, too." Sachiko: "...Maybe it's because there's still a little angel in you." She had a smile on her face that was doubtful, jealous. Sachiko: "So, what'd you see?" Miyako: "I saw Christmas morning, five years ago. You were there, sleeping under the desk, wrapped up in a blanket." Sachiko: "I see..." Miyako had no way of knowing about that. Sachiko's doubt faded. Miyako: "It was the morning after you came down to the surface. And it was Noel's..." Sachiko: "......" Sachiko: "Did she say something? I was asleep, so I don't know." Miyako: "She called you a coward." Sachiko: "God, she pisses me off..." She ground her teeth in frustration. There was no way for her to dispute it now, after all. Miyako: "But she was also really thankful that you were by her side." Sachiko: "Hmph. She'd never say that to my face. But I'm the coward?" Miyako: "Heheh." Sachiko: "What?" Miyako: "You two are so different, but you're kind of alike, too." Sachiko: "...We're just both stubborn." Miyako relayed the things she'd seen and heard in the broadcasting room as candidly as she could to Sachiko. Sachiko: "It's easy for her to just say, 'forget me.' Maybe that's all we were to her." Sachiko looked up to the sky and blew out some smoke. Miyako: "That's not—" Sachiko: "I know." Sachiko cut Miyako off when she tried to correct her. Sachiko: "I told you, we're stubborn." Miyako: "......" Sachiko: "That portrait of Noel... I painted it right after she died." Miyako: "Huh...?" Sachiko: "It looks the way it does because I'd just become human. I was still pretty clumsy." Miyako shook her head. Sachiko: "But I was desperate. I just had to get her down on the canvas. Because memories evaporate faster than oil paint." Sachiko: "But no matter how hard you cling to memories, humans just can't hold on to them. Even if the portrait I painted stayed the same, my memory of Noel's face faded over time." Sachiko: "—And that's when you showed up." Miyako: "......" Sachiko: "As I watched you move and talk, the outline of Noel in my memories seemed to get clearer. But..." Sachiko thought for as long as it took to finish her shortened cigarette. Miyako waited in silence for her to continue. Sachiko: "I wasn't sure if the outline was really hers or if it was yours. I got scared of falling in love with you because I was seeing her. So I tried to run away." Sachiko: "How selfish, right? Totally not fair to you." She's really not nailing that smile. Miyako: "But!" Miyako stood up. Sachiko: "It's pretty windy. That's not very safe." Miyako paid no heed to Sachiko's warning, raising her voice above the wind. Miyako: "I don't mind if you're seeing Noel! Because we look the same!" Miyako: "And I don't want you to forget Noel! I know how important she is to you! I want to love you _and_ your feelings for Noel!" Miyako: "I can't be her. But I want to spend the time with you that she wanted to spend with you." Sachiko: "...Pfft." There was a beat of silence after Miyako's impassioned speech, and then Sachiko burst out laughing. Miyako: "Huh? I'm being serious." Sachiko: "I'm sorry... You two are really nothing alike, but... you also kind of are." Miyako: "Are... Are we?" Sachiko: "Like how pushy you are." Miyako: "I'm... pushy?" All the more so since you're not aware of it. Miyako: "So, what do you think?" Sachiko: "What do I think...?" Miyako: "......" See? Sachiko: "......Hahh." Sachiko took a good few minutes to agonize about it, Miyako waiting quietly the whole time. Sachiko: "They're my own feelings, but honestly, I don't know. And I don't know what'll happen after this, either." Sachiko: "I might keep you waiting a long time and then end up just saying goodbye anyway. Is that okay? You'll still wait?" Miyako: "I'll wait!" An instant reply. Sachiko: "I really wanted you to enjoy the surface and your life for your own sake, but..." Miyako: "I'll say the same thing right back to you." Sachiko: "When you say it with that face, it's like you and Noel are teaming up on me." Miyako: "I know I can't replace Noel. And I don't know if I can make you happy." Sachiko: "You're not a replacement for her..." Miyako: "But the fact that I chose this form and found you... I want to believe in that coincidence." Sachiko: "I told you—" Miyako: "You are my happiness. I'm staying here for you. So I'm making this choice for myself..." Miyako: "I love you." Sure is windy today. Sachiko: "W-Well, let's start as friends." Miyako: "Well, alright... If that's what you want." They both smiled lopsidedly at each other. Sachiko: "Well... I _am_ a coward." Miyako: "This one's real trouble, Noel." Isn't she? Sachiko: "Let's take it slow. Come down from there for now." Sachiko held her hand out to Miyako. Miyako: "Okay." Miyako: "Wah!" A gust hit Miyako's back. She lost her balance, foot stepping out onto air instead of concrete. Sachiko: "Miyako!" The cigarette fell from Sachiko's lips, drawing a white line in the air as it made its way to the roof. She was already running when she shouted. Miyako: "Sachiko." Miyako watched Sachiko underneath her as she fell. Her scarf flapped in the wind, a pair of tiny wings to carry the grounded angel just a little bit farther. —Well, of course she's gonna make it. Miyako alighted into Sachiko's open arms. It was just like that Christmas Eve night, but also the opposite of it— Miyako: "I did it again. I'm not an angel anymore, am I?" Sachiko: "Seriously... When are you gonna remember you don't have wings anymore?" Miyako: "I'm sorry." Sachiko: "Don't scare me like that. If something happens to you, it's the dorm manager who's gonna be the one in trouble." Miyako: "I know..." Sachiko: "...I don't want to lose anyone else here." Miyako: "Sachiko..." Sachiko: "I might not have an answer for you until my final moments, okay? So you have to promise to live longer than me." Miyako: "...Can you give me an answer while we still have our youth?" Sachiko: "Hey, you were the one who said you were gonna wait." Sachiko: "Haah... Not this again. This is taking the physical affection a little too far, isn't it?" Sachiko sighed underneath Miyako. Miyako: "......" Miyako stared up at her face. Sachiko: "What is it?" Miyako: "Will there be funny business now?" Sachiko: "What?" Miyako: "Can we continue where we left off after the hot pot?" Sachiko: "......" Sachiko: "...You'd do it even if I said no. Just a little, okay?" Miyako: "Okay♪" Miyako's face lit up when she got her permission. Sachiko: "Mm, it's a special occasion, okay... Hey, wait! What are you trying to strip me for?!" Miyako: "I can't?" Miyako tilted her head, an innocent look on her face as she went for Sachiko's shirt. Sachiko: "Of course you can't! Actually, what made you think you could?!" Apparently, she has some dirty expectations for "special occasions." Sachiko: "We'll catch colds if we do that here anyway!" Miyako: "I'm a big idiot right now so I won't catch one." Sachiko: "Well, I'm not, so I will!"
Sachiko closed the door to the roof and turned around. Sachiko: "Haahh... Anyway, for now, let's go back to—" Sachiko: "Waaaah!" Sachiko's scream resounded through the landing. As soon as she'd turned around, Miyako launched herself at her, and Sachiko hit the floor. Sachiko: "Wait a second! You don't mean here?!" Miyako: "We can't?" She said again, only three minutes later. Sachiko: "Seriously! Why do you think we _can_?!" Miyako: "You said we'd catch colds on the roof, so we came inside." Sachiko: "Ugh! That's semantics! Sure, there's a roof over us now, but that's it! I meant inside a _room_, not inside a _building_! We don't even have a bed here!" Miyako: "...Well, aren't you hard to please? I didn't peg you for the pampered type." Pfft. Sachiko: "Hey, what's with the exasperated face? What? Is it really that excessive to ask for a bed?" Miyako: "......" Miyako was looking straight at her, clearly not intending to stop. Sachiko couldn't help averting her gaze, maybe thinking something bad would happen if she didn't. Sachiko: "Why does it have to be right here, right now? We'll have plenty of other oppor—" Miyako: "If I let this chance get away, you'll put your guard up again." Hey, she knows her pretty well. Miyako: "If you debate me rationally, I'm not going to have an argument." Miyako: "I'm sorry. I'm being unfair. But I feel like this is my chance, so I intend to see it through." Wow. Sachiko: "Haah..." Sachiko sighed. Sachiko: "...You're just laying it all out, huh?" Miyako: "Well, I don't want to take advantage of you." Sachiko: "You're not being unfair. You're just being honest to a fault." Miyako: "To a fault? Wait, did I mess up?" Sachiko: "Pfft." Sachiko snorted. Sachiko: "Whatever, do what you want. But just this once, okay?" Miyako: "!" Miyako's face lit up. Sachiko: "We'll just say you got me. And I'm taking responsibility for inviting you to the surface. And you have to promise not to say anything unnecessary to the principal." She's put all sorts of conditions on it. She's such a pain. Miyako nodded along, obediently agreeing. Sachiko: "...It really is crazy what you can get away with with a pretty face." Miyako: "Yes. I'm glad I chose this one." Hey, thanks. Sachiko: "Now, why don't you let your big sister show you what it's all... huh?!" Miyako: "Huff, huff!" Miyako pressed her body against Sachiko, panting heavily. Sachiko: "Wait, I'm on the bottom?!" Miyako: "Yes, I want to be on top. I can't?" That's number three in five minutes. Once again utilizing the power of her pretty face. Sachiko: "Fine... at this point, you can basically do whatever you want... Do you know how, though?" Miyako: "I've seen it a lot, so I'll be fine!" Sachiko: "Yeesh, that's never a good sign..." She certainly has observed a lot. Miyako: "How was it with Noel?" She asked bluntly. Sachiko: "Err, I... I was on top, of course. I took the lead splendidly, needless to say." Oho. Miyako: "Noel said that you were too timid when you touched her." Sachiko: "Urk! That girl... She was screaming 'I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die' the whole time..." No, I meant that in a different way, and I was serious! Miyako: "Okay, I'm going to get started." Sachiko: "It's kind of embarrassing when you... whoa!" Miyako went straight for the shirt. Sachiko: "Wait, wait, wait! Aren't you gonna get me in the mood or let me prepare myself a little?!" Miyako: "You're thin... You need to eat more." She touched Sachiko's stomach and voiced her concerns about her physique. Sachiko: "What's with the flip-flop from rude to concerned?" Miyako: "...You're beautiful." Miyako touched Sachiko all over, exploring every inch of her body. Sachiko: "Ugh... seriously, what you can get away with with a pretty face... whoa!" That's twice in four minutes. Miyako exposed Sachiko's lower half faster than she could blink, even faster than she'd rolled up her t-shirt and bra. She moved just as quickly as she had before, and just as passionately, too. She followed her impulses with a pure devotion. Miyako: "Are you cold? Are you embarrassed?" Sachiko: "Try asking that _before_ you strip me!" Miyako: "I hadn't thought of that." Sachiko: "Do you think I'm _not_ gonna be embarrassed? In this situation and position?" Miyako: "I'd be super embarrassed!" Sachiko: "You little—!" Before Sachiko could kick her away, Miyako buried her face between her legs. Miyako: "I can feel you with my tongue..." Miyako poked at her with that tongue, and ran it over her. Sachiko: "Mmh... kh..." Sachiko grimaced as Miyako's soft bangs tickled her thighs. Miyako: "Harder...?" Miyako looked up at Sachiko. Miyako: "...L-Like this? Mmh... slrp! Slrp!" She pursed her lips and sucked at her. I bet the individual instances of stimulation were too short to link into an extended sensation of pleasure. Miyako: "...Koff, koff!" She'd probably choked on her own spit. Her throat bobbed as she swallowed. Sachiko: "...Ugh." Miyako: "D-Did that hurt?" Sachiko: "No... that's not it. That felt... kinda good." Miyako: "Huh? ...Here?" She looked happy. Sachiko: "Ahh... nnh!" Miyako: "Aha... you made a weird noise." Sachiko: "Well... it happens." Miyako: "...It's a nice feeling, isn't it?" Sachiko: "You're pretty good. Just keep going..." Miyako: "Chp, chp... slrp..." Miyako ramped up her movements, probably pleased to be told she was good. Miyako: "I'll do my best! I'm gonna do a bunch of stuff!" Sachiko: "Hey... Y-You don't need to do that much!" Miyako: "Mmh... Yes, I know... more, right?" Sachiko: "Ow..." Sachiko: "You really do whatever you want... I can tell now... how timid I was being." Sachiko: "Haha. Maybe Noel was frustrated because I wasn't going all the way." I'm sure I was also feeling your gentleness. That's probably just how our compatibility was. Gentleness and frustration. Sachiko/Noel and Miyako/Sachiko are completely different. Sachiko: "...You're so straightforward with your affection." Sachiko could feel Miyako's love for her right on her skin. Miyako: "Did you say something?" Sachiko: "Mh... No, I... You know! It hurts when you suck that hard! Are you a baby?!" Miyako: "Ah..." Sachiko: "Time out, time out! That stings!" Miyako: "I'm sorry..." Sachiko: "Haaahh..." Sachiko took a deep breath. Sachiko: "Didn't I just say we'd take it slow?" Miyako: "Eheheh, I'm sorry." I don't think she's really that sorry. Sachiko: "I know it's a bit late, but I still—" Miyako: "I know. We can go slow." I don't think she really knows. Miyako: "But human lives are short. I want to get you to fall for me as soon as I can." Sachiko: "...I'm sorry." Miyako: "Don't worry. I'll hold your hand." She looked Sachiko in the eyes and squeezed her hand. There was an incredible amount of love in her gaze. Miyako: "What is it?" Sachiko: "Ah... It's really amazing being loved, isn't it? It's almost too much to keep inside." Miyako: "I don't mind if you want to cry." Sachiko: "...I don't want to."
It was late at night, and everyone was in bed. Well, everyone except one person... Fumi: "'It was another great day today.'" Fumi quietly closed her diary in her bed. Rin: "Especially for a certain pair." Rin closed her book as well, eyeing the bed beside hers. Hina: "Think she's gonna stay over there tonight?" Miyako's bed was empty, but they all had an idea where she was sleeping. The three chatted for a bit in bed, all celebrating Miyako's and Sachiko's happy ending. Rin: "You think Mikoyan will be able to get up tomorrow morning~?" Hina: "Hey."
A darkened room. Sachiko sat naked on the bed, looking up at the moon out the window. Sachiko: "Haah... It's the middle of the night already~" Sachiko: "Haha, you're just full of energy. Unlike her." Miyako was asleep on the bed. Sachiko: "Ouch... Meanwhile, your big sis's back hurts..." Sachiko rubbed her back. Miyako had practically chased her into the room, going after her again and again, which had led to her current predicament. Sachiko: "...I really am a pushover, aren't I?" You really are. Sachiko stood up unsteadily and grabbed a cigarette from her desk, lighting it. Miyako: "You don't have any marks on your back from your wings." She heard from behind her. Sachiko: "Hm? Did I wake you?" Miyako shook her head. Sachiko: "Yeah, mine are completely gone. You're still a little bit of an angel, though." Miyako cocked her head and tried to look over her shoulder at her back. Sachiko: "The marks will fade and disappear over time. Just like the memories." Sachiko slowly blew out smoke. Sachiko: "Every time you fall in love, you'll get stupider and stupider." Miyako: "?" Sachiko: "Love takes up such a vast capacity. These tiny little heads fill up with it right away, and it overwrites everything in there." Miyako: "Noel said the same thing." Sachiko: "Well, I get it all from—" Miyako: "No. She's still alive inside you." Sachiko: "......" Miyako: "So even if you get stupid, you won't forget her. Every time you remember her, it'll overwrite something." This kid... Miyako: "Please tell me about her sometime. I want her to live inside me as well." Thanks. Sachiko: "That's... well, I guess it's a story for another time." Miyako: "Not again~" Sachiko: "Heheh." Miyako: "...Would you have fallen for me if I wasn't in this form?" Sachiko: "......" Sachiko bent down silently and kissed her. Miyako: "...You taste like cigarettes." Miyako ran her fingers over her lips. Miyako: "Ah! Cigarettes are bad for you. Please quit smoking, for your health!" She came back to her senses and tried to snatch the cigarette from Sachiko. Sachiko: "Where'd that come from? You're giving me life advice now?" Miyako: "Yep!" Sachiko: "You know, if you're too strict, I might just walk out one day." Miyako: "You couldn't. You're too cowardly." She giggled. That's right. Sachiko: "...Ugh, this is gonna be tough." Miyako: "Humans have bodies, you know." Miyako reminded Sachiko of her own lessons. Sachiko: "I know that." Miyako: "I want to spend as much time as I can with you, even if it's just one more day." Sachiko: "...You're no fair, Mikoyan." Miyako: "And when are you going to call me Miyako? You were the one who gave me the name, you know." Sachiko: "I know~" Sachiko put the cigarette out in an ashtray without even smoking half of it. Miyako: "Well, then—" Sachiko: "Hwah?" Miyako suddenly grabbed Sachiko's wrist and pulled her to her. Miyako: "Life is short. Let's get stupider. Enough for Noel, too!" Sachiko: "What are you, bottomless?! G-Gimme a break... I need rest! Rest!"
Happy Valentine's! Geez, that took long enough. How many tries was that? Hundreds? Thousands? I can't even count them anymore. I really worked my ass off. And I finally found it! Seriously, gimme a break. It's not like I've got all the time in the world. Well, actually, I do. And it wasn't like it was all me, either. You worked hard too, didn't you? I was just watching. But we finally found a world worth looking for. I leave the rest to you. You don't mind standing in for her? You can't do that. For one thing, I could never make a face like that. You're just you now. You're not me. And that doesn't even start from now. You were never me, from the very beginning. By creating your own history, the face slowly became yours. It was the same for Sachiko. She hardly looks a thing like her model now, too. —And Sachiko, you're wrong, by the way. _I believed in angels from the very beginning. And from the very beginning, I wanted to become one._ Though that's a story for another time. I am what was once, a short time ago, Noel Nakatani. And I'm the guardian angel of this happy ending. It's my responsibility. I have a duty to see you two become happy. Now, make your way forward. Take off and fly. —Go ahead, what's beyond the happy ending is waiting for you.
"Yuki!" Yuki: Hm? Yuki: Oh, the little Wakatsuki sister. "What do you mean, 'little'?!" Yuki: Your height? "I'm not that short. Jeez." Wakatsuki Tsukasa. My neighbor and childhood friend. We're close in age, and her house is next to mine. Tsukasa: What a coincidence, running into each other in Suginomiya * Oh, yeah. You have a part-time job around here, right?"* Yuki: Oh, right. Maybe that was in my character bio. "What are you talking about? What's a character bio got to do with your job?" Yuki: Oh, you're... "And? From that attitude, I take it you're skipping work?" Yuki: Who are you again? "Who am I? * You know who I am! Like you'd forget!"* Yuki: What? Quit acting like you're famous with the whole 'Of course you should know my name!' thing. It's not a good look. "Acting like I'm famous doesn't have anything to do with it! Why do you remember Tsukasa's name but not mine?!" Yuki: It might have something to do with it. "Wha―?!" Tsukasa: You shouldn't do that, Yuki. We've always been together since kindergarten. There's no way you'd forget who she is. Yuki: Really? Has it been that long already? Tsukasa: So, Yuki, what about your job? Yuki: Unfortunately, it's been suspended due to grown-up reasons. Tsukasa: Grown-up reasons? "Like hell it has. * Ugh, I'm done! Tsukasa, I'm leaving. If I stay here and spend any more time talking to her, I'll get infected with her idiocy."* Tsukasa: Ahahaha. Being stupid isn't an infectious disease, Onee-chan. Yuki: Now I get it. So you caught it from Tsu― Yuki: Ow! "I'll hit you if you say anything bad about Tsukasa." Tsukasa: Onee-chan. Yuki: You should give me that warning before you hit me... "A ballet starts with the first move." Yuki: Ballet has nothing to do with this! Besides, you've never taken ballet! "So you know that, but you still don't remember my name?" Yuki: So, uh... What's the Wakatsuki gang doing here? "This 'gang' is on its way back from school, unlike you!" "See ya!" Yuki: Kagami's as grumpy as ever. Tsukasa: So you knew her name all along. You're so mean. Yuki: Well, I am a tsundere. Tsukasa: Being a tsundere isn't an excuse for bullying someone like that. Yuki: Really? Tsukasa: Yeah. I'm not sure, but you probably shouldn't do that. Yuki: Kagami's always angry, though. Tsukasa: That's not true. She's a nice person. Yuki: Huh? She's always mad when I see her. Tsukasa: No, you make her mad. Yuki: It's not like I said anything to tick her off. Tsukasa: Ahaha. Yuki, if you really think that, then you should remember that the road to hell is paved with good intentions... Yuki: Ahaha, I know that. You're talking about yourself, right? You're very critical of yourself, aren't you? Tsukasa: Ahaha. Yuki! Stomp! Yuki: Ahaha... Um, Tsukasa... Tsukasa: Hm? Yuki: You'll crush my foot if you keep pressing that hard. Tsukasa: Oh, sorry * I didn't realize."* Didn't notice, my ass. They're definitely sisters, even if their personalities are polar opposites. Tsukasa: Are you thinking something mean, Yuki? Yuki: Huh? N-No, of course not. Ahaha. Tsukasa: Haa... Okay, but you know... Yuki, you've always been Onee-chan's role model. Yuki: Role model? Tsukasa: So it wouldn't hurt you to be nice to her once in a while. Yuki: Be nice to her, you say? I knew full well what Tsukasa was trying to say, but honestly... Kagami: Come on, Tsukasa! We're going home! Tsukasa: O-Okay! Later, Yuki. Tsukasa ran after Kagami, trying to catch up to her. The sight of Tsukasa chasing after someone like that... For some reason, it felt nostalgic. Why is that? Yuki: Maybe it's because in the past, Tsukasa always chased after Kagami like that. To be honest, I couldn't remember that ever happening, and yet it felt so nostalgic. Yuki: Now then. Yuki: Oh, yeah. I came all the way out here to buy my favorite band's new album. I made my way toward the residential district, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the station square. What we call "specialty stores" are generally located in places outside the main shopping district. I made the trip to Suginomiya just to visit one of those specialty stores that sells CDs. However... Yuki: Huh? Did I take a wrong turn? I'm not sure what happened, but somehow I ended up walking through a place I wasn't familiar with. Huh? I thought I knew the way pretty well. Yuki: The CD store should've been over this way. I don't know this place. Maybe I went down the wrong alley? "..." Yuki: Hm? What was that? I think I heard a scream just now... Is that what I just heard? All of a sudden, something fell on my head from above. I felt something like gravel in my hair when I reached up and touched it. Yuki: Huh? Gravel? From above? I looked up and saw something on the roof of the apartment complex. Yuki: Is that a person? Huh? What?! What is that...?& What are they doing up there?! Yuki: There are people fighting up there! Yuki: You've gotta be kidding me. They're on the wrong side of the fence! They were about to fall. They were on the wrong side of the fence, struggling and fighting on the precipice. Yuki: What the hell are they doing?! I had no idea what was going on. The setting sun obscured their features, but I thought I saw my school's uniform. Yuki: Damn! I ran inside the apartment building. I had no idea what they were doing, but I had to stop them. I smashed the button, but there was no sign of the elevator. Yuki: What's taking so long?! Were there stairs outside? I hurried back out. And what I saw...& Was hard to believe. One of the silhouettes that had been struggling on the roof now danced through the air. Falling.& Someone was falling from the rooftop. My mind was completely blank as I ran. Wait, what exactly was I trying to do?& Am I going to catch them? Catch a person falling from so high?& No, that's definitely impossible. But I'm pretty strong. No, that has nothing to do with it.& I'd definitely die too if I tried to catch them. Cold logic stopped every one of my rationalizations in its track. Why was I analyzing this so much, anyway? Actually... For some reason, it felt like that person who I thought was plummeting to their death was actually falling rather slowly. That was probably from the rush of adrenaline that people get in life or death situations. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Yuki: Oooaahhhhh! It sounded like something had been crushed. A sound louder than if a tornado had just ripped the roof off someone's house reverberated through the air. I heard a sound so loud that it convinced me the concrete under my feet surely must've cracked in two. Or so I thought. No, I'm pretty sure that's what I heard. "Boing." Boing? Yuki: Oh? Something crashed into my head with a boing. Afterward, it slid off and fell gently to the ground. Yuki: Oh? What just happened? What's with the boing? I picked up the fallen object. Yuki: A stuffed doll... What's with this guy? Don't look at me like that. You're just a doll. Is it doing that tsundere routine? I-It's not like I was looking for you! I was just passing through, that's all! That sort of thing? If so, this would be my response. Yuki: I was about to put my life on the line for you! At least show me some gratitude! I looked back up, and... Boing. Yuki: Whoa! Even though it didn't hurt, I couldn't help screaming when something hit my face. Yuki: What is it this time? I picked up the thing that fell on my face. Yuki: This is starting to get a little creepy. I rushed over here to save them, prepared to die. Yet these dolls just looked at me blankly, like they were saying, "I just felt like falling. Got a problem with that?" Mmmm... Yuki: What the hell? Why are there dolls falling from the sky? There aren't many reasons for it to start raining stuffed dolls. Maybe some girl with a levitation stone? Though if it was Lum-chan... Well, nowadays it would be more like Hani Hani. No, that's pretty old too. Nowadays it would be that SoraOto series, right? No, that'll be outdated soon too. Then how should I describe it? Yuki: No, that's not the issue here. I looked up again. Yuki: I see. There was a black silhouette moving around on the edge of the building's roof. Yuki: What are they doing? As the black silhouette looked down from the roof, it noticed me and flinched in surprise. Yuki: I take it this was a prank. For the time being, I held the stuffed dolls over my head as if to say, "You dropped these." The silhouette kept staring down at me. Then the figure appeared to take a step forward. Without thinking, I... Yuki: Aahh! For some reason, I yelled and waved her back. My yelling stopped... And an awkward silence reigned. It was as if the world stood still for a moment. The silhouette slipped out of sight back onto the rooftop. Yuki: Haa... So it wasn't suicide after all. I was a little shocked. For a second, I really thought that someone jumped off the building. Man, what a pain in the ass. I went up the stairs to give her the stuffed dolls back. I also wanted to give her an earful while I was at it. Framed by the evening sunlight, her silhouette was truly beautiful. Her long hair slowly swayed in the gentle breeze blowing over the rooftop. She looked as if she had lost any connection to our earthly plane. "I'm sorry." I was going to complain, but the first thing out of her mouth was an apology. She killed my momentum from the get-go. I was really going to let her have it, too. Yuki: Instead of apologizing after the fact, maybe you shouldn't have pulled a prank like that in the first place. "Prank?" It seemed like she disagreed with my choice of words. Yuki: Huh? That wasn't a prank? "No, but I seem to have gotten you involved in this. I'm sorry." Yuki: Involved? "You're Minakami Yuki-san, right?" Yuki: Ah, yeah. So you are a Kita High student, like I thought. That was definitely the Kita High uniform she was wearing. Yuki: Who are you? "I'm Takashima Zakuro, from the class next to yours.": く "I'm Takashima Zakuro, Zakuro: from the class next to yours. Yuki: From the class next to mine? Come to think of it, there might've been a girl like that. As a general rule, I don't even remember the names of the girls in my own class, let alone the class next to mine. Zakuro: Ahaha * So you don't remember me?"* Yuki: Ahaha. Sorry. Zakuro: Well... For some reason * I kind of knew you didn't."* Yuki: You kind of knew that? Zakuro: Oh * No, I'm sorry. When my stuffed doll fell and hit you, I kind of had that feeling."* ... Um... So, to summarize... As soon as the stuffed doll crashed into me, this girl realized that I didn't actually know her. Or something like that. Uh-huh. I don't understand anything! What's up with her? Is she the so-called "mysterious girl" type? Zakuro: Hehe. I'm sorry. It looks like I've confused you. You got that right. For the moment, I just held out the two dolls I'd picked up. Zakuro: It looks like they weren't accepted. Yuki: Accepted? Zakuro: I thought they would be accepted, but it seems that was not to be. Zakuro: And on top of that, I dragged you into this. What a horrible outcome. No, to tell you the truth, the outcome was fine. Your explanation, on the other hand, was horrible, if you want my honest impression. Yuki: So what, then? If it wasn't a prank, then was it some kind of charm? She was talking about things like acceptance, so maybe it was a fairy tale or something. Maybe there was a story that if you drop a stuffed doll off a building in the evening, your wish would be granted? Zakuro: Charm? Ahahaha, that's right. That's exactly what it is. Yuki: Oh, I see. Is it a love charm? Zakuro: Huh? For some reason, her face reddened. Why did she blush? Zakuro: Um, Minakami-san, why were you waving your arms earlier? Yuki: Huh? Zakuro: When I looked down from the rooftop, you waved, right? Yuki: Ah, well, I just thought maybe you were looking for your stuffed doll. And I was a little scared that you might jump off. Zakuro: Jump off... Yuki: Well, how should I put this? I'm sure I was just imagining things, but it looked like the wind was about to blow you off. Zakuro: So you were spreading your arms like 'Don't jump!' or 'Don't come down!'? Yuki: Well, maybe. It was mostly out of instinct. Zakuro: Instinct, was it? Zakuro: Hehe. Yuki: ? Zakuro: Heh... Hahaha... Hahahahahahaha. Yuki: Huh? Zakuro: I'm sorry. For some reason, there's this air that keeps coming out of my lungs! Yuki: Air rushing out of your lungs, huh? We usually call that laughter. Zakuro: Hahahaha. That's right. For some reason, I couldn't stop laughing. I'm sorry. There were tears coming out of the corners of her eyes, as if she thought it was funny that someone would instinctively try to save her. Zakuro: Oh, right. Yuki: Hmm? What? Zakuro: Ah, nothing. Just sending a text message. Yuki: A text message? Zakuro: Yes. A commemorative text. Yuki: A commemorative text... Who are you sending it to? Zakuro: Let's see. Well, I have 158 people in my phone, so 158 people. Yuki: What kind of message? Zakuro: No, uh.. * Please don't look. You'd be pretty put off."* Yuki: Put off? Zakuro: Oh, it's just tha * I thought I'd play the first and last prank."* Yuki: The first and last prank? Zakuro: Yes. The first and last prank. Zakuro: I thought it might be okay to play a prank like that. Yuki: Right... Zakuro's smile looked kind of scary when she said that. She looked a bit ghastly. She reminded me of a witch laying a curse. Zakuro: July 12th, 2012. 10:44 PM. Oh, is that the time? Zakuro: But it's still evening here. * *
I heard the sound of the door leading up from Building A as it opened. When I looked over, I saw a girl walking toward me. It was the girl I met yesterday. Takashima Zakuro-san, wasn't it? Zakuro: Hello. Yuki: Oh, hey. Zakuro: Would you mind if I sat beside you? Yuki: Sure, why not? It's not like it was my rooftop. She didn't really need to ask permission. Granted, it would've been a little weird if she'd just sat down beside me without saying anything. Zakuro: Well then, excuse me. Takashima-san smoothed her skirt with one hand as she slowly sat down next to me. Yuki: I'm surprised you know about this place. Zakuro: Huh? What do you mean? Yuki: Well, I've never seen anyone else up here. Nobody really knows about this place. Zakuro: Oh, I know about it because I looked out the window and saw you up here, alone in an ocean of blue. Yuki: Because you saw me up here? Zakuro: And I thought I could partake in it as well. Yuki: P-Partake? What are you talking about? I don't have any food or anything, if that's what you're after. Zakuro: I meant the sky. You shouldn't keep it to yourself on such a nice day. Yuki: The sky? Zakuro: Yes.. * Let's just say you need to share the sky."* Yuki: Hold on. That doesn't make any sense. I mean, the sky doesn't belong to anyone. Zakuro: Doesn't it? Yuki: Please don't look at me like I just said something strange. There's no way anyone could own something like that. Well, maybe if we were talking about an airspace violation or something, but that's different. Zakuro: That's true. If you say so, maybe it's true. Yuki: No, it doesn't really matter what I say. Zakuro: Um, leaving that aside, it looks like you're reading something. Takashima-san looked at the book I was holding. Yuki: Oh, uh... It's just this. I showed her the front cover. Zakuro: Oh, is that Cyrano de Bergerac? That explains it, then." Yuki: Huh? Explains what? Zakuro: I was wondering why you were reading a book when the sky is so beautiful, but if it's Cyrano, I can understand. Takashima-san looked up at the sky. Her lips moved only faintly as she spoke. Zakuro: Oh! We have our pockets full. Our lady-loves, phantasms of our brains. Dream-fancies blown into soap-bubbles! Zakuro: Come! Take it, and change feigned love-words into true. Zakuro: I breathed my sighs and moans haphazard-wise; Call all these wandering love-birds home to nest. Zakuro: Come! Take it. You'll see that I was in these lettered lines, eloquent all the more, the less sincere! Zakuro: Take it, and make an end! That was a passage from the book I was reading, Cyrano de Bergerac. The real Cyrano de Bergerac was a Frenchman. He was said to be a master fencer, a writer, a philosopher, and a scientist. What I was reading was the play that Edmond Rostand wrote based on the real Cyrano's life, Cyrano de Bergerac. But I never imagined that someone at this school would be able to recite Cyrano from memory. Zakuro: He was always dreaming of the Lunar World, wasn't he? She spoke of him as if he were a close friend. Zakuro: At the end of the play, he traveled to the Lunar World, but I wonder why it doesn't speak of his life on the moon. Zakuro: Was the Lunar World not as wonderful as he had expected? Yuki: Who knows? No one but Cyrano himself would know that. That was probably from the fifth or sixth act. "I soon shall reach the moon. To-night, alone, with no projectile's aid!" "I tell you, it is there... There, that they send me for my Paradise..." She was quoting the last scene in Cyrano de Bergerac. Yuki: How about this. Do you wanna read it? I held a book out to her. Zakuro: Oh? This... was written by Cyrano de Bergerac. Yuki: It's what the real Cyrano wrote about his trip to the moon. Zakuro: So he actually wrote about it... In the play, he was never shown to write any stories. But in reality, Cyrano wrote some of the first sci-fi novels. You can find these today in the books The Other World: The States and Empires of the Moon and The States and Empires of the Sun. In that sense, it was pretty cool that Rostand wrote about Cyrano taking a trip to the moon at the end of the play. Zakuro: Thank you. I'm honored that you would lend me another one. Yuki: Huh? Another? Zakuro: Ah, never mind.. * It's nothing. Ahaha."* Zakuro: Oh, class is over already * Well then, I'll take my leave."* Yuki: Oh, right... Later. She stood up, gave a polite bow, and left. She'd said I lent her "another one"... Why would she say "another one" when this was the first time I'd lent her a book? Yuki: I don't really understand her. Maybe she really was the so-called "mysterious girl" type. Apparently, I was none too good at dealing with them. As soon as she left, two other students came up onto the rooftop. Yuki: Oh? It's the Wakatsuki sisters. Kagami: Who was that? Yuki: Her? Her name is Takashima-san. She apparently came up here because she thought the sky was beautiful. Kagami: Because the sky was beautiful, huh? Yuki: Yeah. I saw her on the rooftop of an apartment building the other day, so I guess she really likes the sky. Kagami: Hmm... For someone who forgets even me, her childhood friend, you sure seem to remember her really well. Tsukasa: Ahaha. Don't say that, Onee-chan. Though it is pretty unusual for Yuki to remember a stranger. Yuki: Well, it's also unusual for you two to come up to the roof. Something wrong? Tsukasa: Um, well, it seems like Onee-chan has some business with you, and I came with her... Something like that? Yuki: Kagami has business with me... And because of that, you thought you needed to come all the way up here too, huh? So, what kind of business, exactly? Kagami: ... Yuki: ... Kagami: Yuki. Yuki: Yes? Kagami: What's with that look? Yuki: Well, you know, I have to keep my guard up... Kagami: Right. Your guard, huh * Is there any particular reason you need to keep your guard up around me?"* Yuki: Well, every other time you've had 'business' with me, it's never ended well. Kagami: ... Kagami: Oh, is that a fact * F-Fine, then. I'm leaving...* * We're leaving! Tsukasa!"* Tsukasa: Ah, wait, Onee-chan! Tsukasa: Y-Yuki! Yuki: Yes? Tsukasa: Apologize to her! That was all your fault! Yuki: What did I do? Tsukasa: Everything! Yuki: Okay. I'm sorry. Tsukasa: Not to me, to her! Yuki: But she tends to flip out whenever she has 'business' with me. Kagami: Of course! That's because you always do stuff to tick me off! Yuki: Whoa. She heard that from like a mile away. Tsukasa: Haa... Why is it like this with you two? Kagami: Because she's the worst! Yuki: Because you always get mad so quickly... Tsukasa: Ahhhh, that's enough! No more fighting, you two! I forbid it! Jeez! Tsukasa dragged Kagami back. Tsukasa: Okay, first: Yuki, apologize to her! Yuki: Huh? Tsukasa: Don't 'huh' me! Now, apologize! Yuki: Why should I? Tsukasa: Yukiii... Yuki: O-Okay... Sorry. Tsukasa: Put a little more heart into it! Man, Tsukasa sure could be scary. She's usually so calm and polite. I wonder why she flips her switch like this sometimes. Yuki: Ah, okay. Um... Kagami, I'm sorry for acting weird around you before. Kagami: I-I'm not going to forgive you with just that. Tsukasa: Onee-chan! Kagami: Huh? O Okay..." Tsukasa: Forgive her! Kagami: Huh? Um... Tsukasa: Yuki was kind enough to apologize, so you have to apologize too! Kagami: Wh-Why do I have to?! Tsukasa: Onee-chan... Kagami: Ah, okay. Um.. * you're forgiven."* Tsukasa: That's not how you forgive someone. Do it right! Kagami: Ah, okay... Sorry for getting mad. Yuki: Sorry. Kagami: Me too. Um... Tsukasa: Okay, now you've made up. Kagami: Hmph! Th-There's no reason for us to make up. It's not like we were fighting. Tsukasa: Jeez, not again... Kagami: But... Kagami: Sorry. I don't mean to get mad at you all the time like this. Does it really seem like I'm always mad at you Yuki: Huh? Well... n-not really. Kagami: I'll try to work on it. Yuki: O-Okay... What happened to Kagami? She was always angry about something or other, but for some reason she was pretty honest today. Though she still seemed angry. Yuki: So? What business did you have with me? Kagami: It's... It's not like I have any business with the likes of you. I just came to the rooftop for a change of pace, that's all. Tsukasa: Jeez, Onee-chan! Kagami: Ahh! Sorry.. * Um... Yeah, I do have business with you."* Yuki: Okay. What is it? Kagami: W-Well, it's kind of hard to say it now! Yuki: Right. Kagami: Don' * 'right' me! How can you always be so calm?"* Yuki: Hmm... It's really strange how you're always mad at me, every single time I see you. Kagami: Huh? D-Did I get mad again? Yuki: J-Just a little. Kagami: Um... well... Kagami: ... Kagami: Now I understand... Yuki: Huh? Understand what? Kagami: I understand that it is your fault! Yuki: Huh? Why? Kagami: I-It's the way you never care about anything except teasing people that makes me mad! Kagami: You're the most selfish person on the planet! Yuki: That's one harsh judgment. Don't tell me you came all the way here just to tell me that. Kagami: I did! That was my plan all along. Let's go, Tsukasa! Tsukasa: No way! Kagami: Owww! Tsukasa: Haa... You know... Kagami: Ugh, yeah... Tsukasa: You said you could do it. Kagami: Yes... I did. Tsukasa: And you aren't doing it! Kagami: I'm not doing it... Tsukasa: That's no good! Kagami: I know... Oh? What's this now? Why is Tsukasa acting like the older sister? Wouldn't that be a reversal of their usual roles? Is it that kind of "day"? Yuki: Yeah, Kagami, you're no good. Kagami: What'd you say?! Yuki: That hurt... Tsukasa: You too, Yuki. You can't do that! Yuki: Wait. I did something wrong? Tsukasa: Of course! Jeez, what do you two really want to do?! Especially you, Kagami! If you can't do it, then say so from the beginning! Kagami: O-Of course I can do it! * You don't trust me?!"* Tsukasa: Well, I'd like to, but can you really do it? Kagami: I-I can.. * Yeah."* Tsukasa: You said you'd go through with it. Tsukasa: Come on. You're not chickening out now, are you? Kagami: Ch-Chickening out? * Of course not."* Tsukasa: ... Tsukasa: Good. I'll be waiting right outside * Let me know once you've finished the job, okay?"* Kagami: What? Huh? Tsukasa: Later, Yuki. Tsukasa waved and went back inside. Yuki: Tsukasa left. Aren't you going to go with her? Kagami: Ts-Tsukasa... Wait. Why was Kagami all nervous? Kagami: ... Kagami wasn't saying a word. She was just staring at me. Just staring at me, very intently. Yuki: Huh? Um... what is it? Kagami: G-Guess I have no choice. I was the one who said I could do it myself. Yuki: Okay... Kagami: Well, whatever... Kagami: Uh... Hey, Yuki! Yuki: Y-Yes? Kagami was still glaring at me. Is she angry or something? She must be angry. I mean, her face just got all red. I'd never seen this kind of expression before. What? Why? I had no idea why, but... Something was up with her today. And Tsukasa was acting a bit strange, too. Actually, she had her hands behind her back this whole time. Is she holding something? She was awkwardly hiding something behind her back. What is she holding? Wait, why did Tsukasa leave?! ?! Tsukasa: I'd like to, but can you really do it? Kagami: I-I can... Really. Tsukasa: You said you'd go through with it. Wait, hold on. Go through with... what? Go through with it... Go through with it... Oh, and not only that. Tsukasa: Come on. You're not chickening out now, are you? Kagami: Ch-Chickening out?! Of course not. Tsukasa: ... Tsukasa: Good. I'll be waiting right outside. Let me know once you've finished the job, okay? Kagami: What? Huh? Tsukasa: Later... Yuki... Finished the job? What job? In other words... Do it → Do her in. In other words... Tsukasa: You said you'd do her in. Tsukasa: Later, Yuki... Goodbye, forever. ?! No way! Was she really trying to kill me? Why? So what Kagami had been hiding behind her back was certainly... ! A w-weapon?! Kagami: U-Um... first of all, sh-show some gratitude. For some reason, she looked down. Maybe she didn't want me to see the intent in her eyes? Yuki: U-Um, so... uh, Kagami... Kagami: U-Um... this took a lot of time to prepare... and I had to do it in a way no one would notice... Yuki: I-In a way no one would notice?! Wait... Did she mean it would be a perfect crime? Yuki: U-Um... wh-what are you going to do to me? Kagami: Y-You'll find out later. F-First of all, be grateful * for what I did for you."* Huh? Gratitude? Why the hell would I be grateful about someone trying to murder me? Yuki: W-Were you really that mad, Kagami? Kagami: Wh-Why would I be mad? I'm not. I'm calm. Extremely calm, in fact. Calmly executing the perfect crime? Yuki: U-Um... Kagami-san? Don't be so rash... please... Kagami: Huh? What're you talking about? Yuki: Well, about killing me... Kagami: K-Killing you? Who is? I timidly pointed at her. Kagami: Huh?! Kagami: Why did you assume I was going to kill you?! Yuki: That hurt. Surely, sure her readiness to use violence at every opportunity is what lead to this kind of misunderstanding. Yuki: You're not going to? Kagami: Of course not! Kagami: Jeez. Every time you miss a test, don't I always get the handouts from the teacher, tell you what'll be on the test, and show you my notes?! Kagami: I always help you out. Oh, right. Once I thought about it, I realized that not even Kagami would be stupid enough to kill me in broad daylight. Then what could it be? Kagami: S-So first, be grateful. Yuki: Oh... Well, thank― Right as I said that, I suddenly came to a realization. The true nature of what she was hiding. * "Don't I do stuff like show you my notes?!"* The thing that Kagami was making such a big deal out of giving to me. Maybe a straight A student like her might think it was something to be thankful for, but it certainly wasn't something I would be grateful for. It was all just notes and handouts she got for me while I was skipping, right? Yuki: So I'm guessing you've got a whole range of materials back there? Kagami: Well, um, I guess that's one way to put it. Yuki: Pretty heavy too? Kagami: Well, kind of. Yuki: So it is heavy... Kagami: Wh-What's your problem?! Be grateful for what you're getting! Yuki: No thanks. I'll pass. Kagami: What? Why?! Yuki: Well, I mean, you've got a heavy package with a wide range of materials. Sounds like a pretty jam-packed course to me. Kagami: O-Of course it's jam-packed. I think I covered just about everything. Yuki: Jam-packed... Ugh. Kagami: Wh-What the hell's with that 'ugh'?! Why do you look disgusted?! Isn't it a good thing there's a lot of it?! Yuki: You're the only one who would think that's a good thing. Anyway, I'll pass. I spun around and headed toward the fence. Kagami: Huh?! What?! Wait a minute! Yuki: I don't want it. I heard Kagami hurrying after me. Kagami: I said wait! Anyway, just take it! It's yours! Yuki: No thanks. Kagami: What?! O-Oh, right! I-It'll be good for you! Yuki: Uh-huh... I suppose she meant good for my brain. Kagami: It should be nutritious! Nutritious, huh? Kagami: You won't know until you try. Yuki: ... That was weird. Usually Kagami would've already given up by now. I didn't see why she was so desperate just to give me stuff like notes and handouts. Before, she was all, "I'll leave it in my desk, so make sure to get it. If you don't, you better know I'll bring it right to your house," and left it at that. Maybe I should just take it to shut her up. That's what I thought anyway, but then... Kagami: ... For some reason, Kagami's eyes looked unusually fierce. Crap. She was like a rabbit looking at a carrot. It was like she would dig in and try to make a meal out of me if I got too close. Right after I accepted it, she'd go and misunderstand that it meant I intended to study, and then force me to go to a study group after class, and then before class, and again after class. That would be an endless hell, repeating over and over. Oh no. I was careless there for a minute. I couldn't let myself get caught in a hell like that. Yuki: Haa... Kagami-san. For now, I needed to decline her invitation to hell in a polite and courteous manner. Kagami: What? Yuki: A man once said, 'Just as eating contrary to the inclination is injurious to the health, so study without desire spoils the memory, and it retains nothing that it takes in.' Kagami: Uh, so I take it you're not hungry? Yuki: Huh? No, I mean, it'll spoil my memory. Well, I was kind of hungry. Kagami: Okay. Well, I guess it's no use if you're not hungry. Yuki: Ah. Kagami: Wait, what was that just now? Yuki: Oh, nothing at all... Kagami: You are hungry! Yuki: Well, kind of. Kagami: Then why won't you take it? Yuki: Well, like I said, it'll only spoil my memory. So basically, it's injurious. Kagami: Injurious?! You're hungry, yet you dare call it injurious?! Yuki: That's right. It seemed weird that she said something about me being hungry, but she must've been influenced by my previous statement. Kagami: Grr! You dummy! I'll never make anything for you again!" Yuki: Oww! Kagami threw her hidden object at my face. Kagami: Actually, I shouldn't have woken up early to make this for you in the first place! I'm the dummy! She ran to leave the rooftop. Tsukasa: Whoa! Where are you going, Onee-chan?! Tsukasa stopped waiting by the door and ran down the stairs after Kagami. Yuki: Oww... I told her I didn't want it, but she shoved it on me anyway. I picked up the object wrapped in a cloth. A cloth? It wasn't big enough to be a notebook, though it was pretty heavy. Yuki: This feels like a... No, there's no way it could be a lunchbox! I had a bad feeling, yet I opened it, and... Yuki: Oh, okay. So notebooks come in the shape of lunchboxes now. Oops. I fled from reality there for a second. I opened the lid. Yuki: Lots of it. Jam-packed. Nutritious. Now I get it. Yuki: But wait a sec! It's Kagami-san we're talking about here! She's always just given me notes and handouts, so why a lunchbox?! I still have absolutely no clue as to why she gave me a lunchbox! From what I knew of her, she'd always been all "Quit skipping!" and "Study more!" and "Get your shit together!" She was always overly serious and would randomly kick and punch me over stuff like that. So why would she give me a lunchbox? Yuki: Oh! Could it be something dangerous in disguise?! I put my ear up to it to listen closely, but... Yuki: I can't hear the sound of a timer. Doesn't seem like it will explode. Yuki: Haa... I have no idea why, but apparently Kagami brought me a lunchbox. And she even mentioned she made it for me or something. Her eyes flared up just over whether or not I'd accept it. I could tell from the look in her eyes and the contents of the lunchbox just how much effort she'd put into making this. Though it was in disarray after she threw it at me. Yuki: I guess I messed up. I need to do the right thing and apologize to her. I didn't have the slightest clue as to why she'd make me lunch out of nowhere. We'd been friends for as long as I can remember, but I couldn't recall her ever doing this. I don't think she ever did that before. What a turn of events. I went to apologize to her as I thought about it. She was in a bad mood throughout, but I somehow got her to forgive me. Did she really forgive me? I think she did, at least. Kagami: Whatever! That was apparently the verdict. That meant she forgave me, right? Guess not... Sorry. As I was hanging around in front of the station, I spotted a familiar face. I'd sure been running into her a lot today. Though it looked like she hadn't noticed me yet. Usually I'd just ignore her and go back to doing my thing, but... Yuki: Oh? She's going inside that apartment building from the other day again. Takashima-san vanished inside the apartment building where I saw her before. The place she was going had to be... Yuki: Could it be that... Takashima-san lives in that apartment building? I had a lot of time to kill, so I succumbed to my curiosity and followed her. The elevator started moving as soon as I set foot inside the apartment complex. The blinking numbers above it indicated that she was headed for the rooftop. Yuki: She's going to the rooftop again? Maybe she doesn't live here after all. When the elevator came back down, I headed in and pressed the button to take me to the rooftop. This was where she was hanging out the other day. There she was, standing in that spot as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Yuki: I thought you'd be here. What are you doing up here? Zakuro: Good evening, Minakami-san. Yuki: Ah, good evening. Zakuro: Same to you. What brings you here? Yuki: Well, I happened to see you come this way. I was a bit worried considering what happened the other day, so I ended up following you. Zakuro: Oh, so you were worried. Yuki: Well, sorry if I disturbed you. I can go if you want. Zakuro: That isn't true at all. By all means, feel free to keep me company. Yuki: You sure? Zakuro: ... The same stuffed doll I'd seen yesterday was lying by her feet. Yuki: Were you going to drop that off the roof again? Zakuro: Oh... Yes. Yuki: Do you not like that doll or something? Zakuro: That's not it. In fact... I love it. It's very precious to me. Yuki: And yet you drop it from the rooftop? Zakuro: Yes. This is something I have to do. Yuki: You have to? What's up with that? Zakuro: Yes... After giving a half-hearted reply, she looked upward. Yuki: Is there some reason why you have to drop it? Zakuro: Because of... the sky, perhaps. Yuki: The sky? Indeed, the sky was spread wide before her. It wasn't like there were people up there, and there didn't seem to be any birds either. Up there in the sky were only the stars and the darkness of the night. Takashima-san nodded yes to my question. Yuki: So what does the sky have to do with it? Zakuro: I'm searching for a place in the sky. That's what I mean. Yuki: Searching for a place in the sky? Zakuro: Yes. What do you think, Minakami-san? Yuki: About what? Zakuro: The beginning and end of the sky. Yuki: The beginning and end of the sky? Zakuro: Yes. Yuki: Well, it doesn't really have either one, does it? It doesn't really matter where it begins or ends. Zakuro: I see. I think you're right. Zakuro: Still, despite that, I have to search. Yuki: You still have to search? Zakuro: Yes. The place where it ends, and the place where it begins. I have to search for them. Yuki: Um... Is that what you're doing here? That means you've been searching for these places in the sky? Zakuro: Yes. Yuki: Uh, so, are you like, one of those... Zakuro: Those what? Yuki: One of those people who sell jars full of, like, water that's blessed by the church founder. Are you involved in stuff like that? Zakuro: No. There's nothing religious about it. What I'm doing isn't related to religion in the first place. Yuki: R-Really? Then is it some sort of metaphor? Zakuro: It isn't a metaphor either. Yuki: S-So then... Zakuro: Aerodynamics. Yuki: Huh? What? Was she, like, researching aerodynamics by dropping these dolls? What could you figure out by dropping dolls off a building? Nothing, right? Zakuro: The city we can see from here is overflowing with words. The words of many different people. Yuki: Uh-huh... Well, yeah, there are lots of people there. Zakuro: But the sky isn't overflowing with words. There are no words in this sky. Yuki: No words... I couldn't tell if it was some kind of metaphor, or if she was serious. Zakuro: In this world, there is a lone girl. Yuki: Okay... A lone girl? Zakuro: Yes, in this world there is one singular girl. No, there is a girl who is the world itself. Yuki: A girl who is the world itself? Zakuro: There's only one girl. And she must be the only one, because she is the world itself. And more importantly... Yuki: More importantly? Zakuro: That girl cannot be here. Yuki: Hold on. Isn't that weird? That she can't be here when she's the world itself... Yuki: I don't understand what you're trying to say. The world itself cannot be in the world? Zakuro: You don't understand? Zakuro: The girl who is the world itself should never have been in this world in the first place. That's all I mean to say. So she whispered as she gazed at the stars. Zakuro: The triangle that shines in the summer sky is much larger in person than I had imagined. Zakuro: It's a triangle so large that it even encompasses the Milky Way. Yuki: Um, does this have anything to do with what you said earlier? Zakuro: The fact that an infinite line is a triangle. Yuki: Huh? What? Zakuro: Are you not familiar with it? No. Actually, I did know that. I'd heard about it. Well, read about it. I was pretty sure the title of the book was Of Learned Ignorance, and the author was... Zakuro: Nicholas Cusanus. Yuki: Right, the theologian. I'm surprised you know about him. You must be into stuff like that. Zakuro: Since a line and a triangle differ incomparably, the imagination, which does not transcend the genus of perceptible things, does not apprehend that the former can be the latter. Yuki: That theologian's book is often considered the start of modern philosophy. 'A triangle is a circle and a sphere.' In other words, a triangle is all shapes, and all of them can be infinite. Yuki: Though he tried to use that to prove the Holy Trinity. Zakuro: Don't you agree it's a strained interpretation? Yuki: Huh? Zakuro: What he proved had nothing to do with God. The Trinity is completely unrelated to the triangle. Yuki: Err, why do you assume that's what I think? Zakuro: Am I wrong? Yuki: ... She wasn't wrong. I remembered thinking that as I read his book. But how did she... Yuki: Um, why do you know about all that stuff? Wait, more importantly... why are you acting like you know what I'm thinking? Zakuro: You think I'm acting like I know? Yuki: Well, it's common sense that you can't read someone else's mind, you know? Zakuro: I can't read someone else's mind... Is that right? Yuki: Well, how should I put it. You can't share another person's memories, right? Zakuro: No, I can. Yuki: How? Zakuro: Because the girl is the world itself. Yuki: Huh? Err... just what is she saying? Maybe she really is one of those unstable people. Claiming to be the world itself... Is she talking about that anime? Suzumiya something-or-other... Zakuro: The girl who is the world itself shouldn't be in the world. She should return to the girl who's waiting in the sky. Yuki: Um, just to clarify... who's waiting in the sky? Zakuro: The girl she must protect. The girl she swore to protect. She's somewhere in this sky. Zakuro: The girl who is the world itself must return to the girl in the sky. Yuki: Um, this girl who's the world itself is searching for the girl in the sky? Zakuro: Yes. Yuki: Is that the reason you were dropping stuffed dolls? Zakuro: Yes. Takashima-san approached the fence carrying two stuffed dolls. She held the dolls out toward the sky. Zakuro: The girl who is the world itself is right here. So answer my call, you who sprouts wings. The girl who sprouts wings... Is she like an angel or something? Pretty sure there was an anime like that. Or was it a game? There is a girl who sprouts wings. She is waiting in the air... Well, I don't know a whole lot about anime. Zakuro: To the infinite triangle, shining in the sky. You, whose vastness engulfs even the galaxy itself. Please listen to the girl's words. As she murmured that, she threw the doll. The doll hovered in the air for just the slightest moment... then descended... and fell to the ground. Of course... Zakuro: It fell. Yuki: Is that the same thing you did last time? Zakuro: It looked similar, but it was different. For some reason, she looked a little sad as she said that. She picked up the next doll and held it out to the sky. Zakuro: Three stars. Three spirits. A triangle is a circle, a sphere, and finally an infinite line. Zakuro: An infinite line is the absolute. Everything is one, and one is everything. Please guide that spirit. The next doll floated... and then fell straight down. Zakuro: Haa... It fell. Yuki: Um, you've heard of physics, right? You know, in this world, we have this thing called gravity. Zakuro: The aerodynamics pioneer... A small Eiffel stands underneath that tower. Yuki: The hell? Zakuro: It's a charm of aerodynamics. Yuki: Aerodynamics... Um, that's kind of like fluid dynamics, right? Zakuro: Not exactly. Aerodynamics is more of a psychological type of dynamics. Yuki: Ahaha... A psychological type of dynamics, is it? She was definitely talking about some occult stuff, right? She headed downstairs to go fetch the dolls. I hesitated for a second to go along with her, but my curiosity won out, and I ended up following her. Zakuro: ... Takashima-san was brushing the dirt off the dolls. Yuki: Hey, can I ask you something? Zakuro: Yes. Yuki: If the girl who is the world itself were to disappear from the world, then what would happen to the world? Zakuro: The world would be reborn. Yuki: O-Oh, really... Her explanation just kept getting more and more suspicious. Yuki: Is it, like, you're dropping the dolls because the world's form isn't correct, and you want to return it to its correct form? Zakuro: What gave you that impression? Yuki: Ah, well, there's the whole freedom of religion thing, so it's cool if you believe all that, but... Zakuro: But? What's wrong? Yuki: You should stop climbing over the fence and dropping dolls off. It's dangerous, and people will think you're crazy. Zakuro: I see. Still, if something like that did happen, it would just be the fate the world had decided for me. It would be the will of the girl who is the world itself. Damn... The only thing I got from that mess was the fact that I had no idea what the hell she was saying! Yuki: Um, I get the part about not wanting the world to be filled with injustice, and about wanting to change it, but... Zakuro: Huh? What are you talking about? Yuki: Oh, well, I thought that you were doing all this to fix the evils of the world. Zakuro: No, it isn't about good or evil. It's just something I must do. Whoa... She was clearly a full-blown religious nut. Yuki: So what needs to be done for the world girl to be able to return to the girl of the sky? Zakuro: World girl... Yuki: Huh? What about it? Zakuro: Oh, I just thought it had a cool ring to it. What the hell?! Zakuro: The moment the Summer Triangle becomes visible... Yuki: It's July right now, so the Summer Triangle stays out for quite a while. Zakuro: Today's the 13th, so it'll rise in the east when the sun goes down, and then it will vanish into the west at dawn. Yuki: Do you know the exact time it comes out? Zakuro: I don't. That's why I'm trying different times. Yuki: I see... Yuki: So it has to be on a day when there's a clear view of the stars, then. Zakuro: That's true. Yuki: By the way, why are you using this apartment rooftop anyway? there were plenty of other tall buildings. Zakuro: It's easy to get into this one, and there aren't many buildings around that would obstruct the view. Yuki: Oh. So if you can get in, then pretty much anywhere will do. Zakuro: Yes, as long as you can see the stars well. Yuki: Cool. Yuki: Also, why are you dropping these stuffed dolls? Zakuro: Anything that looks humanoid would work, but it's more dangerous to drop normal dolls or mannequins. Yuki: Well, that makes sense. Stuffed dolls are better because they're soft. The clearer the view of the sky, the easier it was to spot the Summer Triangle. Yuki: Oh yeah, it's almost summer break, huh? Zakuro: There's about a week left, though. Yuki: This sky searching seems kinda like early summer homework, doesn't it? Zakuro: Yeah... I wondered why I felt like that. Usually, I'd want to get away from such a crazy person as quickly as possible. And yet my mouth seemed compelled to respond. Yuki: I guess I'll help you search for it. That place where the world girl meets the girl of the sky or whatever. Zakuro: O-Okay! Zakuro: Thank you very much. Takashima-san bowed deeply. She didn't need to be so thankful... was what I thought, but I was still a little unsure why I'd blurted that out in the first place. But spending a summer night with her, gazing at the stars, looking for the "world girl" and the "girl of the sky" she talked about, actually seemed... kind of fun. Despite knowing full well nothing like that existed, I couldn't help but think it might be fun. Then we headed home. For some reason, Takashima-san and I never parted ways. She followed behind me silently. Maybe she was following me to make sure I didn't tell anyone about what happened earlier. Though it wasn't the easiest topic to bring up in conversation. Yuki: So, Takashima-san... Zakuro: Yes? Yuki: I won't tell anyone about this. Zakuro: Huh? Yuki: I mean, about what you told me. Zakuro: Oh, I don't really mind if you tell anyone about it. I don't think anyone would believe such a ridiculous story. Yuki: O-Okay... At least she was aware that what she'd said was weird. But I wondered why she'd told me. Yuki: Why did you tell me about all that, then? Zakuro: Anything the girl who is the world itself desires will come true, so it was inevitable that I would tell you. Whoa... What a weirdo... We were still talking when we reached my house. For some reason, Zakuro just stood in front of my house. Maybe she was hoping I would invite her in? Yuki: Um... you wanna come in for a little bit? Zakuro: Yes, please. Yuki: What do you want to drink? Is tea fine? Zakuro: Ah, yes. Thank you very much. I fetched the plastic bottle with tea from the fridge and poured it into two nearby cups. Yuki: Here you go. Zakuro: Oh, thank you. Sorry about all this. Yuki: No problem. The two of us sat down and started having tea. Yuki: Anyway, it's pretty late. Don't you think your parents are worried? Zakuro: Are you talking about me? Yuki: Well, I'm not sure who else I'd be talking about. Zakuro: Oh, in that case, there's no problem. I have no parents in this world. Yuki: Huh? "In this world"... That means... Yuki: U-Um, I guess I said something I shouldn't have. Sorry. Zakuro: Oh, don't worry about it. Yuki: What happened to your parents? Did they get in an accident or something? Zakuro: It wasn't an accident... but I can't see them right now. Yuki: O-Oh, really? Zakuro: Yes. They live in the countryside. Huh?! Yuki: Wait, that's what you meant?! Zakuro: Yes. I'd misunderstood her because she said "in this world." In her case, it was actually more like "in this town." She really was a weird girl. Yuki: Well, either way, you still need to get back, right? She took a deep breath and stared at me with a serious look on her face. Zakuro: I'm fully aware that I shall only be a disturbance, but could you please let me stay here until she returns to the sky? Yuki: Huh? Zakuro: Of course, I don't intend on being a leech. I'll do my best to serve you and take care of all of your everyday necessities, such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Yuki: Serve me? Zakuro: Please feel free to call me your maid, housekeeper, or anything you want from now on, Yuki-sama. Yuki: Yuki-sama? Zakuro: Yes. May I call you that? From the look on her face, it didn't seem like she was joking. H-How was I supposed to deal with a situation like this? Zakuro: Since it's an abrupt request, how about a trial period? Yuki: A trial period? Zakuro: Yes. If my service is to your liking, we can live together. If not, I shall leave immediately. Would that be acceptable? Yuki: Okay... Hmm. I didn't really mind, but... I had room for at least one person to stay, and she did say she'd do housework and stuff. Though I didn't really mind doing housework anyway. It might be more efficient to live together while searching for the place to return to the sky... And I was starting to like her a bit more anyway. Zakuro: Nnh. Yuki: Whoa! Wh-Why are you suddenly rolling up your skirt?! Takashima-san was baring her soft, pale thighs! Zakuro: Well, I thought I'd get started on the bath. I'll be cleaning the tub a little, and I need to tie my skirt up so it won't get in the way. Yuki: O-Oh... Okay. Zakuro: It's hard to do with a long skirt. Yuki: W-Well, yeah... I suppose it would be. What was I doing? Each time Takashima-san's thighs showed from beneath her rolled-up skirt, I ended up stealing a glance. Yuki: The fuck is wrong with me?! This made no sense. I mean, I'm a girl, not a guy, so why was I peeking at her thighs? Zakuro: This is a pain. Maybe I should just take it off. She put her hand on the zipper. Yuki: What?! Y-You're taking it off?! Zakuro: Oh, yes. Should I not? Yuki: Ah... Huh? Well, we were both girls, so it wasn't like it really mattered. Or so I thought. Zakuro: Here we go. She started to unzip her skirt. I could see her underwear! Yuki: Err, wait. "What the hell is going on here?!" Yuki: Uwaaah! I jumped in surprise when I suddenly heard an angry voice behind me. I turned in the direction of the angry roar and saw Kagami towering over me. Yuki: Y-You came in through the window again? Kagami: Th-That's because you were making so much noise in the middle of the night! Yuki: It's not really the middle of the night. Kagami: You only think that because of your unhealthy lifestyle! This is the middle of the night for normal people! Zakuro: Oh, Kagami-san. Good evening. Takashima-san quickly bowed her head. Kagami: Oh, you too. Good evening. Kagami bowed her head as well. Kagami: Actually, wait a minute! What is she doing here?! Zakuro: Huh? Yes. I am serving my master. Kagami: Serving your master? Zakuro: Yes. Kagami: Why would you do that? Zakuro: It's our sealed fate. Kagami: Sealed... fate? Kagami: Say, Yuki... Yuki: Huh? What do I have to do with this? I could almost hear the cheap thunder SFX playing in the background. Kagami: What... What is this all about? Yuki: Uh, why are you so angry? F-For the record, we're both girls. Kagami: Even if you are both girls, what's this about sealed fate? And serving? There's more to this story, isn't there? Yuki: Well, if you want to play it that way, it's also pretty strange how you're getting so upset over something like this. Yuki: Agh. Kagami swung her fist downward with enough force to break a desk in two. Kagami: I-It is not! I'm your childhood friend! Besides, Tsukasa and I were asked to look out for you while your parents are away! Yuki: R-Really? Tsukasa: Yes, that's right. We were definitely told to look after you. Yuki: Err, Tsukasa? Tsukasa: It sounded kind of loud over here, so we came by. Yuki: So they really did tell you to look after me? Zakuro: Anyway, may we please return to the previous topic? Kagami: What topic? Zakuro: The one we were talking about before. Tsukasa: And what was that? Zakuro: Anyway... First, I shall not allow you to exercise violence against Yuki-sama. Kagami: H-Huh? Zakuro: Right. I am Yuki-sama's housekeeper. A housekeeper is someone who protects the house. In other words, I am one who protects the owner from intruders. Kagami: Intruders? Is that so? I felt a dangerous aura emanating from Kagami. Not good. That was like adding oil to the fire, or maybe more like giving Love Plus to a wizard. In other words, it was like an eternally broiling heart. Err, that wasn't quite right either. It was more like a heart burning with moe. No, that's all irrelevant! This isn't the time to be making bad jokes! Kagami: Takashima-san, are you trying to tell me I'm an intruder? Zakuro: Yes. Kagami: Wha-! Zakuro: At the very least, I can't think of someone who ignores Yuki-sama's explanation and resorts straight to violence as anything other than an enemy. No, not just an enemy. It shows there's something wrong with you as a human being. Kagami: Ugh... A-As a human being... Zakuro: I think it's best to listen to what someone has to say before judging them. Am I mistaken? Kagami: F-Fine, then! I'll listen to her, all right? Zakuro: Thank you very much. Takashima-san gave a quick bow. Wow, go Takashima-san! My maid sure made a good bodyguard. Kagami: A-Anyway, put your skirt back on. Zakuro: Understood. Kagami: You two are shacking up?! Zakuro: Yes. Yuki: Well, it's more like 'living together.' Kagami: Shacking up, living together, same difference! Yuki: There's a big difference, actually... Tsukasa: Well, I suppose this is what we call a difference of opinion? Yuki: Why are you so mad, anyway? Kagami: Isn't that obvious?! Zakuro: I wonder why. Kagami: Huh? Zakuro: Why are you being so rude just because I want to live here? Kagami: I'm not being rude! Zakuro: Oh, okay. Well, in that case, why are you getting so mad over it? Kagami: Uh, well, how do I put it... Yuki: How do you put it? Kagami: W-Well, it's because, uh... Zakuro: It's not like I'm a guy. We're both female, so there's no problem, is there? Zakuro: Why are you so upset about it? Kagami: B-Because, um... Zakuro: Oh. I've heard of something like this before. Zakuro: People see themselves in others. That's the first step to understanding others, but there are times when it can go too far. Zakuro: They especially think about what they want to do themselves, what they may do themselves. Kagami: Urgh... Zakuro: So why does Kagami-san not want me to be alone with Yuki-sama even though we're both girls? The answer is... Kagami: Wait! Wait! Shh! Kagami: Th-That's not it at all! I-I was just surprised because it was so sudden. It's not like I refused outright without giving her a chance to explain. Actually, that's exactly what she did. Zakuro: Yes, I understand. In addition to being allowed to live here, I intend to do a good job serving her. Kagami: I-I already know that. But it's still weird, even if you are both girls. And wait, won't your parents be worried too?! Zakuro: There's no problem there. My parents aren't around anymore. Kagami: O-Oh... Um... The way she said that was pretty misleading. It'd be correct to say her parents weren't "in this city." But after seeing her dismantle Kagami in a second flat, I decided that maybe it was better to just keep my mouth shut. For the time being, I stood back and watched the scene unfold. Zakuro: I want to at least repay her kindness for saying she'd help me with something I want to accomplish. Kagami: Something you want to accomplish? Yuki: Well, she said she's looking for the place in the sky to return the world girl to the sky girl. Kagami: To return the world girl to the sky girl? Isn't that... Yuki: Huh? Do you know about that? Tsukasa: It's a popular legend in this town. The girl of the world, from the ground, and the girl of the air, from the sky, meet just once every summer, in a place where you can see the Summer Triangle. Yuki: Wow... It's the first time I've heard about that. Wait... That sounded a lot like the story of Tanabata. There's supposed to be one night every summer when Orihime and Hikoboshi are allowed to meet. Kagami: Though I don't know if it's an old legend or just something someone made up. Tsukasa: Maybe it's just a rumor around this city? Zakuro: It's not a rumor. It's something that has been decided by the world. Yuki: So you mean it's a rumor spreading all over the world? Tsukasa: I don't think you could call it a rumor at that point. Tsukasa: But Tanabata is pretty close to the same thing. It originated in China, and festivals are held even in places like Taiwan, Vietnam, and South Korea. Kagami: But the date was originally determined according to Japan's lunisolar calendar, which would have placed it in August. The sky Takashima-san is looking for is in July, so I get the feeling they're different. Yuki: But Orihime's star is the magnitude 0 star Vega in the constellation Lyra, and Hikoboshi's star is the magnitude 1 star Altair in the constellation Aquila. That's two out of the three stars in the Summer Triangle. Tsukasa: You're right. In that case, we can't say the Tanabata legend is completely unrelated. Yuki: Maybe it's just a local variant of the Tanabata legend. If so, it's understandable that it would still be in July regardless of the calendar in use. Kagami: Either way, it's still not on July 7th like Tanabata. Isn't that strange? Yuki: I'm not sure, but... Kagami: Either way, you two living together is just wrong! Zakuro: That again? Yuki: That's weird. Why are you stuck on that? I mean, we're both girls. Kagami: Shut up! What's weird is how you keep throwing around words like 'serve' and 'fate'! Zakuro: Am I bothering you, Yuki-sama? I can leave if you wish. Yuki: Oh, well, it'd honestly be nice having you clean and all, but searching the sky together is more like killing time for me. I feel bad making you do all that. Zakuro: I don't mind at all. It's up to you. Kagami: I don't know about all this housekeeping stuff, but if you do this, Takashima-san will always be with you when you eat, take a bath, and even while you sleep! Zakuro: Of course. I'm her maid. Kagami: That's totally improper! Yuki: I don't really think there's a problem. What about you, Tsukasa? Tsukasa: Well, I don't see a problem with it. Kagami: Tsukasa! Tsukasa: I mean, going by that logic, it'd be no problem if we wanted to stay here too, right? Yuki: Huh? Tsukasa: If it's fine that Takashima-san stays here because they're both girls, wouldn't it be fine if the two of us stayed here as well? Zakuro: B-But I'm doing it to repay her. Tsukasa: Well, we've been next door neighbors since forever, and we were asked to look after her. Zakuro: B-But... Tsukasa: Either way, the world will be changed by the presence of the world girl. Until then, we'll each carry out our respective roles, right? Zakuro: W-Well... Tsukasa: Everything in the world will go according to wishes of the girl who is the world itself. That's the legend, right? Zakuro: Y-Yes. Maybe you're right. Okay, I understand. Yuki: Wait, what do you mean? Tsukasa: Um, to put it simply, if Takashima-san is going to play at being a maid and stay here, then there shouldn't be a problem with Onee-chan staying here as the concerned childhood friend. Kagami: Th-That's what this conversation has been about? Actually, why is Tsukasa deciding all this? Tsukasa: Oh? You don't like my suggestion? Kagami: I-I don't dislike it, but... Tsukasa: Well, it's fine. Don't think about it too much. Kagami: Ugh... Yuki: ... I got the feeling something had just flown over my head. And I felt a little uneasy about how Tsukasa and Zakuro had come to an agreement so easily. It sounded like they were talking nonsense just now. How were they able to hold a meaningful conversation when most of what they were talking about was gibberish? It was a bit mysterious. Zakuro: So this means that Takashima Zakuro will now stay at Yuki-sama's place as a maid character, and the meddlesome childhood friend character has barged in after her, insisting on staying as well. Tsukasa: Oh, in that case you can think of it like this. If there's a maid character and a childhood friend character, all you need to round out the roster is a little sister. Tsukasa: There might actually be just such a person around here. Though she's the type you'd have to go wake up in the morning instead of waiting for her to come wake you up. Oh, and she also comes with a hook: she's a twin. What do you think, Yuki? Yuki: Wait, you're asking me? I thought I'd been completely excluded from the conversation. Tsukasa: So, what do you think of this plan? Yuki: W-Well... It's not as if I really like that kind of game. Yuki: Plus, that setting only works in a game or light novel. I get the feeling that it would just cause problems in reality. Tsukasa: Oh. You may be right. Then the little sister will take her leave now. Tsukasa's shoulders drooped dejectedly as she headed toward the door. Yuki: Now I kind of feel bad... Tsukasa: Oh, so it's okay if I stay? Yuki: Ugh... F-Fine, you all can do whatever you want. Tsukasa: Yaaay! Yuki: Well, I hate when it gets too noisy, but I wouldn't mind if it was a bit livelier around the house. Tsukasa: This is great, Onee-chan! It'll be a sleepover! Yuki: Haa... How did it turn out like this? After we finished eating the dinner that Takashima-san made, Kagami and Tsukasa went home to grab their things. Zakuro: Yuki-sama, the bath is ready. Yuki: Oh, thanks. Tsukasa: Yuki, since she went through the trouble of preparing the bath for you, why don't you go get in? Yuki: Sure. I briskly headed toward the bathroom. Zakuro: Then I'll go too. Kagami: Huh? Wait, Takashima-san! Just where do you plan on going? Zakuro: That's a silly question. I'm going to the bathroom to wash Yuki-sama's back. Kagami: Wha―?! W-Wait! Isn't that overdoing it?! Zakuro: I think Yuki-sama is the one who should decide that. Kagami: B-But that's... Kagami: Hey, stop! Zakuro: What is the matter, Kagami-san? When I went into the changing room, I saw Takashima completely naked. Her nude body was so beautiful and flawless that it would have overwhelmed anyone's sense, regardless of their gender. Kagami: Whoa! Wait, y-you're not really going to go in like that, are you? Kagami reflexively turned her face away. Zakuro: I am. Is there a problem? Kagami: Is there a problem? Of course there is! You can't do that! It's totally improper! Kagami: Why are you so open with Yuki, anyway? Even between girls, you should have a little modesty. Zakuro: I should? What's embarrassing about people of the same sex bathing together? I'm pretty sure you're just overthinking it. Kagami: I-I don't know! A-Anyway, stop with the excuses! At least go put on a swimsuit. Kagami grabbed Takashima's arm. Zakuro: I don't have a swimsuit. Kagami: Then I'm not letting you take one more step. Zakuro: Haa... Fine. I'll give up for today. ...... ... Brush, brush, brush... Brush, brush, brush, brush, brush, brush... The four of us stood in the cramped bathroom, brushing our teeth. Tsukasa: Wow, Takashima-san's is coffee-flavored. Zakuro: Oh, yes. Yours is strawberry-flavored, right? Kagami: For her, it's strawberry or nothing. Tsukasa: Ehehe, it's a bit embarrassing... Tsukasa: You're so mature, Takashima-san. Coffee's such a refined taste! Kagami: No, it's immature to have flavored toothpaste in the first place Tsukasa: Is it really... What about you, Yuki Yuki: Hm? I use normal toothpaste. I don't know if it's herb or mint or whatever. What about it? Zakuro: ... Tsukasa: ... The two of them compared my tube with Kagami's. Tsukasa: Onee-chan, I'll use mint too. Zakuro: I will also use mint. Kagami: Y-You two... Yuki: ? Zakuro: May I lay the mattress here? Yuki: Oh, sure. If everyone's going to sleep together, then here would be best. Tsukasa: Yay! This is the best part of the sleepover! Tsukasa dived under the blankets. Kagami: Hey, that's bad manners. Tsukasa: Ehehe. These blankets have the scent of Yuki's house. Sniff, sniff. Zakuro: Oh really? Sniff, sniff. Yuki: Why would you sniff something like that?! Kagami: Jeez. You two are getting a bit too excited. Tsukasa: Of course! We finally get to have a sleepover. It would be a waste to just go to sleep. We have to get all comfy under the blankets as we talk and play games and stuff! Kagami: We can't. We have to wake up early, so we need to go right to sleep. Tsukasa: Really? Kagami: Yes, really! Tsukasa: You're not planning on going to sleep yet, are you, Yuki? Yuki: Huh? I was thinking about reading a book first. Tsukasa: You can't read a book! If you have time to read a book, then let's play! Yuki: Well, that's fine with me. So, what are we playing? Tsukasa: Hm... How about a card game? Yuki: Sure, why not? Kagami: Hey, cut it out. Don't spoil Tsukasa like that. Tsukasa: You're no fun. You don't want to play with Yuki? You're fine with just sleeping together? Kagami: Wha―! You're making it sound like I want to sleep with Yuki or something. Zakuro: Oh, you don't? In that case... Kagami: Ahh! Wait, Takashima-san! Why are you pulling my blanket away?! Just how far do you plan on taking it?! Wait! Zakuro: I'm thinking of having you sleep in the hallway, since you don't want to sleep with Yuki-sama. Tsukasa: Goodbye, Onee-chan! Kagami: Tsukasa! Tsukasa: I'll see you again once you decide to be honest. Kagami: F-Fine! Okay! I want to! I want to sleep with Yuki! And I also want to play! There! How's that?! Tsukasa: Very well. Kagami's bed was put back. Kagami: Jeez. Why are you all picking on me? Yuki: You do have it pretty rough, don't you? Kagami: Whose fault do you think that is?! Yuki: Huh?! Why is she yelling at me?! ......... ...... ... Kagami: It's already plenty late, so let's go to bed, okay? You've had enough fun for one day. Tsukasa: Huh? Let's play some more! Kagami: No way. You have school tomorrow. Please, just listen to me for once. Tsukasa: School should just disappear. Yuki: Amen! Kagami: Come on! Zakuro: Yuki-sama, please go to bed first. Yuki: But what about you? Zakuro: I'm a maid, so I can't go to bed before my master. I'll go make sure all the doors are locked. Yuki: Uh, thanks. Though I already did that. Tsukasa: Yuki, you're going to bed already? Yuki: Well, apparently Takashima-san can't until I do. Tsukasa: Oh, okay. Well, I suppose you have to then. Kagami: Go to bed like a good little girl. Yuki: Okay... Night. Tsukasa: Good night. Kagami: Good night. I got in bed and closed my eyes. ...... ... Tsukasa: Yuki, are you asleep? Yuki: ... Kagami: Tsukasa, cut it out. Tsukasa: It's just for a second. Look at how cute her face looks when she's asleep. Kagami: She's not really that cute... I could feel two people staring at my face. Kagami: Haa... If only she would wash her mouth out with soap, and maybe learn some manners while she's at it. That's none of your business... Damn, I really wanted to say that. Just because your grades are good doesn't mean you can punch and kick someone. Tsukasa: Pardon me! I could feel someone creeping into my bed. Kagami: W-Wait, Tsukasa. Tsukasa: You wanna come in too? It's really cozy. Kagami: N-No way. That's sick. Tsukasa: Back when we were little, the three of us slept in her bed when we watched scary movies, didn't we? Kagami: W-Well, that's when we were really little. Now we're adults. You know, boys and girls aren't really conscious of each other at that age. Tsukasa: But we're not boys and girls. We're girls and girls. Kagami: Yeah, t-true... Tsukasa: Let's get cozy together. Everything smells like Yuki in here. Kagami: Yeah, the smell of a wet dog, right? Tsukasa: Yuki's scent is so comforting. She's so tall now, but being wrapped up in her scent makes me feel like she hasn't changed since we were kids. Come on, it feels good. Kagami: I-If you insist, then I guess I have to... But just a little, okay. I could sense someone crawling into the other side of the bed. Tsukasa: Ehehe. Reporting live from the scene of Yuki's sleeping face. Tsukasa: This is Tsukasa speaking. Can you hear me, Onee-chan? Right now I'm closing in on Yuki's face. Kagami: U-Uh... Ts-Tsukasa-san, what does Yuki's sleeping face look like right now? Please inform me of the situation over there. The big sister sure has a soft spot for her little sister. Tsukasa: Ehehe. It's very cute. She looks like an angel. Like an angel... That's like a parent talking about their child! Kagami: Angel? Oh, the fallen kind that throws bolts of lightning, right? Tsukasa: I wonder what Yuki's cheek feels like. Poke, poke. Whoa, that tickled a bit. Poke, poke. I felt a round fingertip poking me in the cheek. Tsukasa: Oh... This is pretty fun. Kagami: Oh, lemme try. I felt a round fingertip poking my other cheek. Poke, poke. Poke, poke. Kagami: This is definitely a lot more fun than I thought it'd be. They were taking turns poking my cheeks. Tsukasa: Hehehe. Kagami: Hey, Tsukasa, try pressing there. I'll press here. Tsukasa: Roger. Both of my cheeks were being poked at once. Kagami: Hah! Yuki's face looks funny. Tsukasa: Haha, you shouldn't laugh. Yuki: Uh, you two... I'm awake, you know? Kagami+Tsukasa: Uwha?! Kagami: I-If you're awake, then say so! Tsukasa: Sorry, Yuki! Yuki: Jeez, don't play with my face. Maybe you should start with an apology, Kagami. Zakuro: ...... Yuki: Ah, Takashima-san, welcome back. She'd just finished making sure the doors were locked and was now standing in front of us in blank amazement. Zakuro: Kagami-san, Tsukasa-san, what are you two doing in Yuki-sama's bed? Kagami: U-Uh... just a sudden impulse. Yuki: That's right. They were just teasing me a little. Tsukasa: I'm sure you two know what this looks like Zakuro: May... Zakuro's small shoulders trembled. Zakuro: ...May I please join in?! Yuki: Huh?
Kagami: Takashima-san, why are you clinging to Yuki? It's not normal. Kagami tried to pull Takashima-san away from me, but Takashima-san was holding onto to my clothes tight. I worried that they would stretch out my sleeves at this rate. Zakuro: Yes... Good morning. Takashima-san grabbed me tightly so she wouldn't be pulled away. Tsukasa: Don't fight, you two... Tsukasa looked like a zombie, with her eyes half open and her arms out in front of her. Yuki: I didn't sleep a wink. They kept me up all night, and before I knew it, it was morning. I looked at the clock on the wall, quietly ticking away. Yuki: Man, it's already ten o'clock. Kagami: Hm? What? Following my gaze, Kagami looked at the clock. Kagami: Oh, you're right. Huh? It was midnight the last time I looked... Yuki, is your clock running backward? It's gotta be broken. The only thing broken around here was Kagami's head. Or more accurately, her sense of time. Unfortunately, I was too tired to argue with her. Yuki: It's morning. Ten in the morning. Kagami: Huh? Oh, I see. It's already ten in the morning... Ten in the morning... Kagami: Ten in the morning?! Kagami jumped to her feet. Kagami: Wha―! The sky's blue! It really is morning! Kagami was speechless when she opened the curtains. Kagami: I'm such a dumb, dumb, dummy! Wh-What am I doing?! Kagami hitting herself on the head over and over was a rare sight indeed. Kagami: Tsukasa! Get up! Kagami jumped on Tsukasa and shook her shoulders. Atop them, Tsukasa's head bobbed back and forth. Tsukasa: Oneeeeee-chaaaaaan, y-you just told me to go back to sleep. Tsukasa raised her voice in complaint. Kagami: What time do you think it is?! It's ten in the morning! If you don't get up, we're going to be late, or rather, we're already really, really late! Get up already! Tsukasa: Mmm, okaaaay. Tsukasa yawned and raised her hands to the buttons of her pajamas. Kagami: Tsukasa! Your bra is showing! Yuki: Huh? Oh, her bra really was... Kagami: Don't look! Yuki: That hurts. Zakuro: Yuki-sama, are you all right? Takashima-san looked up at me, her arms still wrapped around my waist. Yuki: Uh, yeah... Zakuro: Kagami-san, I don't think you should say with your fist what you can't with your mouth. Yuki: You're right about that. Um, this might be an abrupt change of topic, but how long are you planning on clinging to me, Takashima-san? Zakuro: Huh? Oh... E-Excuse me. Takashima-san pulled away from me in an instant, then lowered her head in a deep bow. Yuki: No, no, it's not like it was unpleasant. I just wanted to ask. Kagami: Yuki, stop goofing around and get ready. Yuki: Get ready? For what, exactly? Kagami: What? To go to school, of course. Shouldn't your brain have matured at your age? Yuki: You're the stupid one. There's no way I can go to school after being up all night. Today, I'm skipping school and sleeping. That's all. I dropped back into bed. Kagami: As if. Get! Up! Now! She prodded my head with her foot. Yuki: Ooh... You shouldn't step on people. Kagami: You shouldn't skip school. Yuki: I'm not sure about that. I don't think what you're doing is good at all. Kagami: What are you talking about? Yuki: Well, since you're using your foot, it makes me think of how you don't wear those childish panties anymore. You've grown so much. Kagami: Wh-Wh-Whaaa―! When she noticed where I was looking, her face went deep red. Kagami: Yuki, you dumbass! Yuki: Ow, ow, ow... She kicked me in the face. Kagami walked over to the sink, her shoulders stiff with anger. Yuki: Why'd you kick me? You're the one who showed them to me. And furthermore, why was she so mad about someone of the same gender seeing her underwear? Kagami: Anyway, you need to get up! Yuki: All right. After saying that, I noticed that Kagami had disappeared somewhere. Maybe she was in the bathroom? Oh, I guess she came back. Kagami: ... Yuki: Hm? What's wrong? She kicked me a second time. And then she walked away. What's up with her? Yuki: Ow, ow, ow... Why'd she hit me again?! Jeez, this is abuse! Yuki: I'm mad. If she's going to do that, I have something for her too. Five minutes passed. Yuki: Zzzzzz... Tsukasa: Hmm, mmph... Kagami: Hey! What are you doing?! Tsukasa, you too?! I only looked away for a second! Zakuro: Oh, they left a message for you. Kagami: A message? Zakuro: 'I went to sleep a second time because you kicked me a second time. Respectfully yours.' Kagami: There's nothing even remotely respectful about that idiot's message. Yuki: Huh? What is it? A housefire? Squinting, I saw Kagami beating a frying pan with a ladle. Yuki: Oh, is that a new game of yours? It looks like fun. Kagami: How does this look like a game?! Get up already! Yuki: Like I said, I'm skipping. Kagami: I won't let you do that. Yuki: Excuse me, whose fault do you think it was that I couldn't sleep? Kagami: Th-That's... Tsukasa: Ahaha. Nothing she can say to that. Zakuro: That's right. Yuki-sama was trying her best to sleep. Kagami: It was... our fault, I guess... But still! Yuki: But still? Kagami: Uh... Yuki: Well, people are guaranteed to make mistakes. There's no point in worrying about it. Zakuro: Yes, so you should go ahead and get back to sleep. Takashima-san latched onto my arm again. Kagami: What?! Wh-Why are you getting into her bed?! Zakuro: Because I'm the maid. I thought I should sleep with her so she can relax. Two soft objects were being pushed against my arm. When my eyes shifted in their direction, I was met with Takashima-san's kind smile. Zakuro: It was our fault she couldn't sleep, so I have to make sure she can sleep this time. Kagami: Why would you need to do that?! Zakuro: Because I'm playing the role of the maid, of course. Kagami: Th-The role... Th-That again... Kagami: Fine. Kagami: If that's what you want, then fine. I'll take the day off too. Yuki: Huh? That's no good. Isn't that skipping school? Kagami: Look who's talking. Kagami held her fist out in front of my face and smiled. Yuki: Oh, uh, doing it once in a while doesn't hurt. Yuki: But why do you suddenly want to skip too? Kagami: W-Well... Kagami looked away and spoke in a quiet voice. Kagami: If Takashima-san's role is the maid, then I'm the childhood friend, right? I-I should act like this, shouldn't I? Yuki: Huh? Is that what the childhood friend character is supposed to do? Kagami: I don't know! All I know is that the childhood friend wouldn't leave you and Takashima-san alone like that! Yuki: O-Okay... I wondered why Kagami was so upset. Yuki: But still, it's not like we'd be alone. Look. Tsukasa: Hmm... ha... hmm... Kagami: That's right. The self-proclaimed little sister character is here too. Aren't we all self-proclaimed characters in a way? Then I understood. She thought the childhood friend character was for real, unlike the other two of them. Kagami: I'd like to make Tsukasa go to school, but at this point, well... Tsukasa was curled up and sleeping happily. Kagami: She needs a full eight hours of sleep to function. We were up till morning, so she probably won't wake up till after noon. Kagami: Even if you two wouldn't be alone, I can't leave my sister behind. Kagami: Jeez. In the end, we all ended up going back to sleep. Before we realized it, the sun was setting. Time passed in the blink of an eye. Zakuro: Yuki-sama, I'm making dinner. What would you like? Yuki: Um, well, nothing in particular, but is there enough in the fridge to make anything? Zakuro: I just checked. There's enough to make curry or stew. Yuki: Okay, how about curry? Tsukasa: I love curry. Kagami: Curry? That sounds good. Zakuro: Well then, I'll get started. You can chat for a while until it's done. Takashima-san gave a small bow and headed into the kitchen. Yuki: Hmm... Chat, huh? Tsukasa: It feels like you suddenly got rich. Takashima-san is just like a real maid. Tsukasa: All right, I'll do my best to act like a real little sister, too. Kagami: Why do you need to do that? Tsukasa: Huh? That's the promise we made so that we could stay here, right? Kagami: But wasn't that just an excuse for us to stay? Tsukasa: Still, a promise is a promise. Kagami: W-Well then, how should I act out my part? Tsukasa: You're fine just as you are. You really are her childhood friend, after all. Kagami: But so are you. Tsukasa: I wanted to play the little sister role. Kagami: But you really are my little sister. Tsukasa: But that's not my role, is it? I wanted to try being Yuki's little sister. Kagami: Why's that? Tsukasa: Hehehe. Because we're twins, right? Kagami: Because we're twins? Tsukasa: Yeah. The desire to be in the role of a childhood friend that could fall in love with you, and the desire to be a little sister and have the intimate relationship of siblings. Tsukasa: These ambivalent feelings have taken the shape of twins, haven't they? Kagami: What do you mean, taken the shape? We've been twins since we were born. Tsukasa: Oh, no. Maybe in the sense of our destinies? Kagami: What's that mean? Kagami: But anyway, I can't sit here and laze around while Takashima-san does all the work. It doesn't feel right. Kagami: I'll go ask if there's anything I can help with. Kagami got up from her seat. Tsukasa: Ah, Onee-chan. Zakuro: Sorry to keep you waiting. Tsukasa: Oh, the curry smells good. It must be delicious. Tsukasa's eyes sparkled. She didn't look like she was faking her excitement. Kagami: We made plenty. Zakuro: Yes, the two of us made it. Please, eat as much as you like. Tsukasa: Yay! We carefully piled the curry on top of our rice. It really did look delicious. Kagami: Huh? Takashima-san, aren't you going to sit down? Zakuro: I can't. A maid shouldn't eat at the same table as her master. Kagami: What? Yuki: But you put so much effort into making it. Let's all eat together. Tsukasa: Yeah, I'm sure it would taste better if we all ate together. Kagami: That's right. And in that case, I would have to abstain too. Zakuro: Heheh. Understood. Thank you very much. I'll take you up on that offer. Takashima-san took a chair and wedged herself in right next to me. Kagami: Hmmm, why do you need to sit right next to her? Zakuro: It's a maid's duty to be at her master's side, ready to attend to her. Kagami: Oh, is that so? Hey, Tsukasa, what do you think the childhood friend character should do in this situation? Tsukasa: You're right. She would take issue with it, just like that. Kagami: Th-This is how I should act... Tsukasa: Like I said, you're a natural childhood friend, so you don't have to think about acting. Kagami: Urgh... I-I don't really like that answer, but okay, I got it. Yuki: Well, anyway, let's eat. Tsukasa: Let's eat! Kagami: Let's eat. Zakuro: Let's eat. Yuki: Amph. Hot! Zakuro: A-Are you all right, Yuki-sama? Yuki: Yes, yes, I'm fine. It was just a bit too hot. Zakuro: I'm terribly sorry about that. Here. Takashima-san quickly poured some cold tea in a cup. Yuki: Oh, thank you. She really had the maid act down. Zakuro: It seems it was a bit too hot. I'm truly sorry. Takashima-san bowed, scooped up some curry with my spoon, and blew on it. Zakuro: Here you go, Yuki-sama. She brought the curry to my lips. Kagami: ?! Yuki: Oh, uh, thank you for all this. Zakuro: No, no, it's my job to take care of you. Don't worry about it. Yuki: Huh? The dishes on the table were shaking. Kagami: Grr... Why, you... Yuki: Ah! Kagami was glaring at me. Her shoulders were shaking. She had an incredible look on her face. Her face was pure red, she was biting her lips, and the two stupid locks of hair sticking up from her head (proof that she's twice as dumb as the average person...though if I actually said this to her, she would punch me twice, karate chop me, kick me, and then punch me harder) looked just like a demon's horns. Yuki: U-Um, Kagami-san? I didn't happen to do anything to offend you, did I? Unconsciously, I began speaking very politely. Kagami: H-Hey, Tsukasa, in this situation... Tsukasa: Yeah, bullseye. You've got your role down perfectly. Kagami: I-I see. That's great. I didn't understand what was so great. Especially considering the way her voice was shaking. Zakuro: Yuki-sama? Yuki: Oh, sorry. I realized Takashima-san was still holding the spoon in front of my mouth. Yuki: Ahm. I tried to eat it in one bite. Kagami: Grrrnnnhhghhhn! She looked at her target (me) with eyes that seemed to be trying to incinerate me. Her mouth was open, threatening me with her fangs. Yuki: You're scaring the crap out of me. What's with that look? The curry? Is it the curry? Do you have to kill me now that I ate the curry? I came straight out and said it. Kagami: N-No. Isn't it a bit narcissistic to think everything is about you? Huh? Kagami: N-No one cares about you. Are you stupid? Yuki: B-But you're looking over here like... Kagami: There was a mosquito! I was scowling at the mosquito! You're so obsessed with yourself. O-Obsessed with myself? I was pretty sure she wasn't scowling at anything but me. Was I just being overly self-conscious? Zakuro: Yuki-sama, here, have some more. Takashima-san brought another spoonful to my lips. Yuki: Oh, sure... Mm, mm. Just right. Zakuro: How is it? Yuki: It's much better now. Zakuro: Oh, good. Ah, e-excuse me. I'm glad to hear that, Master. Yuki: Ahaha, don't worry about that. You don't have to be so polite to me. Zakuro: No, you are my master. Kagami: Jeez! Something's weird, Tsukasa! She's the only one benefiting from this! Tsukasa: Oh, really? Maybe the tsundere childhood friend is just overcompensating and has too much tsun? Kagami: I don't know what the heck a tundra or tsundere or whatever has to do with it, but I understand. I understand that I've had enough of this farce. Yuki: Farce? Kagami: Here! Zakuro: Wha― Kagami: Here. It's hot, right? Open your mouth. I cooled it off for you. Yuki: Huh? Tsukasa: Wow. Zakuro: K-Kagami-san, that is the maid's job. Kagami: I don't care. Here, Yuki, I cooled it down for you, so I won't let you get away with saying it's too hot. Tsukasa: You really are a natural. You stayed in character even after calling it a farce. Kagami scooped up some curry with my spoon, blew on it lightly, and held it out to me. Yuki: Huh? Kagami: E-Eat it. Kagami averted her eyes self-consciously. Yuki: Oh, uh, sure. The hand holding the spoon was shaking back and forth. Yuki: U-Uh, Kagami, it's hard to eat when the food is moving. Kagami: What's the matter?! Why do you only have a problem when I do it?! Yuki: Th-That's not it. It's just hard to eat when the spoon is swaying like that. Tsukasa: Yeah. It really is swaying. Or rather, trembling. Kagami: Th-That's just your imagination. Or maybe it's an earthquake? Zakuro: Nothing else is shaking. Kagami: Then it's Yuki who's trembling. Yuki: Why would I be shaking? Am I an old man? Kagami: Sh-Shut up. That's just how I am! Yuki: What do you mean, how you are? Kagami: Um, uh... Y-Yeah, that's it. I've never held anything heavier than a pair of chopsticks. Yuki: No one like that could deliver such amazing kicks. Kagami: Amazing, are they? Thanks for the compliment. Yuki: Oww... Kagami: A-Anyway, stop nitpicking and eat already. Yuki: Okay, fine. I opened my mouth as wide as I could and put it over the spoon. Yuki: Ahm. Kagami: Ah. The moment I put it in my mouth, she closed her eyes like she couldn't bear to look at me. Yuki: Hnm... Thank you for the meal. Kagami: Haaa... She gave a sigh of relief. Zakuro: Excuse me, Kagami-san. Kagami: Wh-What is it? Zakuro: Why did you close your eyes? Kagami: Huh? Did I? Zakuro: Yes, you closed them. If you do that, you'll spill the food. It looks like this really was too much for you to handle. Kagami: Th-That's not true. Yuki, open your mouth. This kind of felt like they were force-feeding me. It was like they were giving food to a zoo animal. Kagami: Here. She brought it to my mouth. Yuki: Okay... Well, here goes. I opened my mouth wide as she brought the spoon closer. I wondered why Kagami was shaking so much. All she was doing was using a spoon. Kagami: Uuh. Zakuro: Like I said, you mustn't look away. Kagami: Sh-Shut up. I can tell where it is without looking. Zakuro: Oh, is that right? Using those two antennae on top of your head? Kagami: Th-That's right. These antennae are connected to my brain. They can sense your position from the vibrations in the air! Zakuro: Oh, that's quite something. How about this? Takashima-san grabbed the two hairs. Kagami: Wha― Zakuro: So now you can't see? Kagami: Oh no. I can't see. I can't see anything at all. Kagami: How the hell can you believe something like that, you idiot?! Zakuro: But you're the one who was lying. Kagami: W-Well, that's true, but... Tsukasa: Now, we should all get along and feed her together. Yuki: Huh? Zakuro: You mean a contest? Kagami: I'll accept that challenge! Zakuro: A contest to see who's better, the maid or the childhood friend! Tsukasa: Or the little sister. You guys always forget about me. Yuki: No, what you're forgetting about is my freedom of choice! Kagami: Who cares about that?! Here, Yuki. Eat! Zakuro: I won't lose! Eat mine! Tsukasa: Ahaha. If you can, it would be nice if you had some of mine too. How did this get so chaotic? I don't understand it at all. Yuki: I a-ate way too much. Or rather, I was fed too much. Either way... Tsukasa: Yuki, are you all right? Tsukasa asked me that as we were laying around in the living room. Yuki: Yeah. Actually, you were the only one who held back, weren't you? Tsukasa: Ahaha. I was a bit scared, since they were getting so into it. Even though she looked like an idiot on the outside, she was probably the most level-headed one here. Kagami was silently washing the dishes in the kitchen. And Takashima-san was in the bathroom, preparing the bath. Tsukasa was in the living room, laying down. Maybe she had too much curry? It looked like she was being lazy, but that might have just been because she didn't want to bother the other two. Tsukasa is that kind of girl. But... I had a thought. Yuki: You'll get fat if you fall asleep right after eating. Tsukasa: That's okay. I cast a charm to make sure it all goes to my chest. I take that back. Tsukasa didn't just look lazy. She really was. But having it so easy like this all of a sudden felt a bit queer... Someone else was doing the chores I always do. Yuki: Kagami, can I help wash the dishes? Kagami: I'm fine. I'll be done with these in a minute. Go ahead and relax. Yuki: No, I'll get fat if I lay around after eating. Let me get a bit of exercise, okay? Tsukasa: I could cast the charm so it all goes to your chest too! Yuki: Hey, what are you― Tsukasa: Wow, Yuki, your boobs are pretty big. Tsukasa: This is a charm to make your breasts larger by stimulating the mammary glands. Yuki: Hey, that's not a charm at all! Tsukasa: It is a charm. All of these charms are just for peace of mind, you know. Yuki: If you understand that, you shouldn't be laying around like that. Tsukasa: Sickness comes from the mind. Flat chests do, too. Yuki: I'm not flat-chested! Tsukasa: But they could be way, way bigger! Yuki: Ooh, ahh, hey! Stop! Kagami: What are you doing, Tsukasa? Tsukasa: Whoa, Onee-chan. Sorry. I borrowed Yuki for a bit. Kagami: Jeez. What do you mean, 'borrowed'? It's not like I own her. Kagami was so upset just a moment ago, but now she was totally calm. That was a relief. Yuki: It feels like I've got three sisters all of a sudden. No, it would've been fine if they were like sisters, but... Something felt weird. Yuki: Jeez. It seems like nothing but weird stuff has been happening since I met Takashima-san. Zakuro: Sorry to keep you waiting, Yuki-sama. Kagami: S-Sorry to keep you waiting, Yuki. Yuki: Huh? Wha― What the... ...hell? Why were Kagami and Takashima-san standing in front of me in their swimsuits? While I was still stunned, Takashima-san circled around behind me. Kagami took up her position in front of me, though she looked ill at ease. Zakuro: I thought I would come wash your back. Yuki: Um... Kagami: That's how it is. Hurry up and let us wash your back already. Yuki: W-Well, if that's all, it's not like you both need to be in here. My back isn't that large. Zakuro: Then maybe I should wash the front? Kagami: There's no such thing as a maid that washes her master's front! Zakuro: There isn't? Kagami: Of course not. Zakuro: Then I'll be the first to do it. Zakuro: So, Yuki-sama, please call me Takashima 'the first maid in the world who dared to wash her master's front' Zakuro. Kagami: Wait. I'll do it, then. Zakuro: But there's no such thing as a childhood friend that washes her friend's front. Kagami: Then I'll be the first. Yuki: You know you two are arguing over nothing, right? I can wash my front myself. Zakuro: Just because you can do it on your own doesn't mean you should try to shoulder the burden all by yourself. Zakuro: Trusting another person to do what you could do yourself... Isn't that what it means to be human? Yuki: What the hell are you talking about? Zakuro: I know a person who always tries to do the scenario, drafting, CG, acting, and backgrounds all by himself just because he can. Zakuro: And honestly, he's really hopeless. Zakuro: I think I stand for everyone when I say, 'You're delaying the release by trying to do it all yourself!' Zakuro: We were supposed to start recording a long time ago. We couldn't check the script or anything. I really wish he would knock it off. It's really annoying, to be honest. Zakuro: I hate how he always explains it in this weird nasal voice, like 'H-Hehe, it's been a long time since I've wr―since I've written anything, hehaha, so I can't really get in the swing of it.' Zakuro: This is your job. I shouldn't have to listen to these selfish excuses. Jeez. Yuki: Uh, I get it, that acquaintance of yours is no good, but that doesn't have anything to do with this. Zakuro: Yes, it does. Division of labor is important, Yuki-sama! Yuki: Okay... Zakuro: The modern age is the age of labor division. Everyone contributes to society with their own talents. Zakuro: That's how modern society should work! Zakuro: And that's why today I'll be contributing to society by washing your front, Yuki-sama. Zakuro: Ah, it's cold! Kagami: Sorry. I splashed you... by accident. Zakuro: Th-That was on purpose, wasn't it, Kagami-san? Kagami: No way. This is a misunderstanding. Zakuro: No, you aimed at me. I saw you do it! Kagami: Oh, really? Then what were you aiming for, I wonder? Why did that explanation give you a nosebleed, I wonder? Zakuro: Th-This is... n-not a nosebleed. I'm crying blood! Kagami: Oh? Those tears come out of your nose, do they now? Zakuro: Sometimes they do, yes! A vein in Kagami's forehead was bulging. The two glared at each other, Takashima-san's nose still bleeding for some reason. In the bathroom, with me completely naked, and the two of them in their swimsuits... H-How did this get so chaotic? Yuki: A-All right, you can both wash my back. Zakuro: Huh? What about your front? Yuki: I'll wash that myself. Zakuro: Ahem. You see, while my acquaintance is technically the president of the company... Yuki: I said, that's enough about your acquaintance! Kagami: Haa... Well then, let's get started. Zakuro: Ah, that's not fair. Kagami: Sure it is. Look, this half is your territory. Scratch, scratch. Kagami ran her fingers over my back. Zakuro: Ah, that's not right. The middle is right here. Scratch, scratch. Yuki: Hey! Don't touch my back like that! It feels weird. Zakuro: Excuse me... Kagami: Well then, I'll start washing. Zakuro: I won't lose. You can imagine what happened after that. The two of them kept going over my back with their fingers, fighting for territory. "This is my territory!" "No, it's mine!" They bickered until finally... Yuki: It's my body, so it's my territory! "E-Excuse me...": く "Sorry...": Zakuro+Kagami: E-Excuse me... Zakuro+Kagami: Sorry... Zakuro+Kagami: Zakuro+Kagami: Zakuro+Kagami: Zakuro+Kagami: Zakuro+Kagami: Zakuro+Kagami: Zakuro+Kagami: Zakuro+Kagami: Zakuro+Kagami: Zakuro+Kagami: Zakuro+Kagami: Zakuro+Kagami: Zakuro+Kagami: flipped out on them, signaling the end of that war I learned something important that day. Territorial squabbles never lead to good things. Pitter-patter... Pitter-patter... Ooooohh... A cool breeze blew in and caressed my cheeks. Yuki: Haah. What's wrong with those two? Did they always have that kind of personality? I guess Takashima-san was a bit strange from the start, but it seemed like Kagami was acting weird too. Yuki: What are those two getting worked up about? Tsukasa: Well, that's because they like you, Yuki. Yuki: Ts-Tsukasa. Tsukasa: They both like you, so they're at odds with each other. Yuki: Um, the premise itself of that is weird. I'm a girl, you know? Tsukasa: Really? I don't think that matters when it comes to love. Yuki: Hey, when did that 'like' turn into 'love'? Tsukasa: Am I wrong? Yuki: Well, of course you're wrong. Kagami and I grew up together, and I just met Takashima-san. Tsukasa: And they're both girls? Yuki: Yeah, exactly. Tsukasa: Oh. So you don't like them? Yuki: Huh? Well, I like them, but that's... Tsukasa: You don't 'love' them, you just 'like' them? Yuki: That's it. I mean, aren't you the same way, Tsukasa? Tsukasa: Huh? Me? Yuki: There's no way you could fall in love with me, right? Tsukasa: That's not true at all. I love you, Yuki. Yuki: Huh? Tsukasa: So you see, it's not strange at all that the two of them would love you too. Yuki: U-Um... Tsukasa-san? By love, do you mean, uh... "Sorry about that. Does your back hurt?" I looked over to see Kagami standing there, holding a fan in one hand. Zakuro: Sorry about what happened earlier. We might've gotten a little carried away. Tsukasa: You two shouldn't fight. You should get along around Yuki. 'Love & Peace.' Yuki: Huh? Was the "love" she was talking about "love & peace"? Tsukasa looked at me and giggled. W-Was she teasing me?!
It was morning. I could tell from the birdsong outside and the light that was streaming through the gap in the curtains. Yuki: Haa... I couldn't sleep after hearing Tsukasa say something like that. Two nights in a row without any sleep. What did she mean by "love"? Jeez, we're both girls. But... Yuki: For some reason, my heart's kind of fluttering. I really couldn't understand this feeling. Normally I would have felt shocked and uncomfortable, but... But it didn't feel unpleasant at all. If I had to say, the phrase that would best describe this feeling... The closest fit was to say my heart was "aflutter." Why was my heart fluttering like this? Yuki: I don't get it at all. Jeez, how did things end up like this anyway? At first, it was just Takashima-san who was going to stay here while she was searching for the sky. Then Kagami and Tsukasa ended up staying here too. It didn't make any sense. How did it turn out like that? Besides that... That's right. At first, she wanted to stay here so she could look for the sky. Why were we just laying around like this? To get rid of this feeling, I needed to go find whatever Takashima-san was looking for as soon as possible, send her home, and then get rid of Tsukasa and Kagami too. If this kept up... Something weird could happen. Yuki: Ahaha. It feels like the way things are headed is a bit dangerous. Like it'll lead to a strange situation. Tsukasa: What's dangerous? Yuki: Huh?! Tsukasa. Tsukasa: Wh-Why are you so surprised? Yuki: Oh, uh, well... Nothing. Tsukasa: Your face doesn't look like it's nothing, though. Yuki: Th-That's because you were saying weird things last night. Tsukasa: Weird things? Yuki: You were talking about love and all that. Tsukasa: Is that weird? Well, now that you mention it, maybe it is. Kagami: That doesn't matter. Hurry up, we're gonna be late for school. Yuki: Whoa, you're right. I have to get ready! We skipped yesterday, but today we went to school. As always, there was nothing to do but sit around idly and wait for class to end. But for some reason, the school day didn't feel very long at all. Summer break was almost here. I just had to endure this boredom for a little longer. The four of us walked home together. It felt like we hadn't walked together like that in a long time. Well, we were all going to the same place, so maybe it was inevitable that we would walk home together. Yuki: We need to stop screwing around. We should go sky-searching today. Zakuro: Yes. Yesterday, we skipped that too. Kagami: By sky-searching, you mean searching for the Summer Triangle? Yuki: Yeah, there was something about the world-class girl meeting the astronaut, or something like that. Tsukasa: I don't think that's right, Yuki. Kagami: Where are we going to go search? Yuki: There's a building in Suginomiya where we were planning on going, but... Kagami: Yuki, have you ever heard of light pollution? Yuki: Of course I have. Astronomy and things like that are impossible if there's too much light, right? Yuki: But what's the use in trying to find a spot in Tokyo without any light? Besides, even here in Tokyo, we should at least be able to spot the Summer Triangle. Kagami: But still, you shouldn't pick the part of the city with the most lights. Suginomiya is right in the middle of the shopping district. Yuki: But are there any rooftops we can get to in the parts of the city with less light? There's no point if we can't get on the roof. Kagami: Why don't you talk to the Astronomy Club? Yuki: Astronomy Club? Kagami: The Astronomy Club. They can use the school roof at night if they get permission ahead of time. Yuki: Really? Kagami: Of course, it's a pain filling out the paperwork to be allowed up there in the middle of the night, but it shouldn't be a problem going just a couple hours after the sun sets. Tsukasa: Can you see the stars well from there? Kagami: Yeah. The school is built on high ground, and it's surrounded by forest. Especially Building C, since its roof is the highest. Zakuro: Did you say... Building C? Takashima-san's expression suddenly clouded over as she mumbled that. Yuki: What's wrong? You looked pretty grim when she said 'Building C.' Zakuro: Ah, no. It's nothing. Excuse me. Zakuro: But I do think that would be the best place, since it's the highest place in the school. I've been there quite a few times before. Yuki: Have you? Zakuro: I was in the Art Club. The only way to get to the roof of Building C is through the art room, so we used to go up there a lot. Yuki: Oh. You're not in that club anymore? Zakuro: There was a little accident, so the club doesn't operate anymore. Yuki: The Art Club had an accident? Zakuro: Well, I don't think that's what really matters here. We were talking about the school roof. Tsukasa: I don't hang around the school at night very often, but you're right, it does seem like it would get pretty dark at night. Kagami: It might be a problem trying to look at the eastern side of the sky, since there would be too many lights, but we should be able to see the Summer Triangle pretty clearly after eight o'clock or so. Yuki: Speaking of which, why do you know so much about astronomy? Kagami: One of the girls from our class, Miu, is in the Astronomy Club. Yuki: Miu-san? Now that you mention it, I might've heard that name before. Kagami: You really don't remember your own classmates, do you? Zakuro: Yuki-sama can't remember people's faces or names. She didn't remember me either. Yuki: Huh? Really? I think I can remember people fine. I remembered you after the first time we met on the rooftop. Zakuro: You're the only one who thinks that. It's not a big deal, though. The way she said that.. It was like she was saying we'd met before. Actually, thinking back on it, she did say, "Thank you for lending me another book," or something like that. Which would mean that we already knew each other, at least well enough to be lending each other books. I didn't remember that at all, though. Kagami: Yuki, you should try to remember people better. Who's gonna want to be friends with you if you can't even remember their name? Yuki: Well... Yeah, I'll try. Kagami: Anyway, I'll call Miu and ask her. We'll probably be able to use the roof tomorrow, or at worst the day after. Yuki: Then what should we do for today? Tsukasa: Want to try going to the building you were talking about earlier? Zakuro: No. In that case, we should just go home. I have some important news. Yuki: Important? Tsukasa: That's right. There's something very important today. Yuki: Huh? Really? I wondered what they meant by "something important." Whatever they were talking about, it felt like something was up. By the time we got home, the sun had set. Takashima-san and Tsukasa started making dinner right away. It looked like those two would be the ones making dinner tonight. I didn't think Tsukasa was any good at cooking, though. Putting that aside, what did they mean by "something important"? That was what I was worried about, but the two of them just started making dinner as if they had forgotten about it. Tsukasa: Dinner's ready! Yuki: Whoa, that was fast! Kagami: And this... is dinner? They laid out crackers, cheese, potato chips, and pizza (probably leftovers). Though I guess they probably made these fries. If I had to describe it... Zakuro: That's right. Um, I have an important announcement. Yuki: An important announcement? Zakuro: Anyway, it's not fancy, but I got this box and made lots. Yuki: Lots? We're going to draw lots to determine our roles, right? Kagami: We're just going stargazing. What roles could there be for that? Zakuro: No, these aren't roles for stargazing. Yuki: Then what roles are they? Kagami: Actually, I do remember you talking last night about how important the division of labor is. Zakuro: Yes. The world is divided into those who rule and those who are ruled. The people who stand above and the people who toil below. Yuki: Huh? Tsukasa: Well, I guess that is pretty important. Kagami: Hey, how can you be convinced so easily? Zakuro: Kagami-san is right. The light pollution would be a problem in Suginomiya. I don't think we would accomplish anything there. There might not be any point in going today. Kagami: What does that have to do with the rulers and the ruled? Tsukasa: We're going to determine who's King tonight! Kagami: Huh? Zakuro: Yes. That's exactly it. This night is ours, so we should enjoy it. It won't take that long to find what I'm searching for. Tsukasa: Well then, let the King Game begin! Yuki: King? King Game?! What does that have to do with stargazing? Zakuro: Here we go! She shook the box. Something else was still bothering me. Yuki: Um, Takashima-san, you said it wouldn't take very long? Zakuro: Yes, I did. Yuki: How do you know that? Zakuro: I can't say for sure. It's just an optimistic view. With this many people searching, it shouldn't take that long. That's what I was thinking. Yuki: Oh, okay. Optimistic, huh? Well, okay, I guess. After all, it's not like a real beginning and end to the sky ever existed. Why did she think you could find something like that so easily? Where the girl of the sky meets the girl who is the world itself. The beginning of the sky and the end of the sky. I couldn't even imagine a place like that existing. So why was I helping Zakuro search for it? Tsukasa: Let's get started! I always dreamed of sitting around, eating junk food, and playing games with you guys. Kagami: So this was your idea, Tsukasa. Tsukasa: Yeah, we never do anything like this in our house. If we're going to have a slumber party, this is what we have to do. Zakuro: We have plenty of drinks too. What the heck? This was "something important"? Jeez, Tsukasa and Takashima-san were... Tsukasa+Zakuro: Who is the K-I-N-G? Tsukasa: Come on, you two have to say it too. Kagami: Um, I don't know how to play this game. Tsukasa: Just say, 'Who is the K-I-N-G?' and draw a lot. Then whoever the king is gives an order to one of the numbers, and whoever drew that number has to do what the king says. Kagami: Really? Th-That's a bit scary. Tsukasa: So you don't want to give any really unfair orders. If everyone keeps giving orders like that, it just gets worse and worse as it escalates. Tsukasa: Well, it's definitely something people would do at a party, but we're all girls, so nothing that bad's gonna happen. Tsukasa: Well then, let's go. Everyone: Who is the K-I-N-G? We all said that and drew our lots. Kagami: Oh... Mine says 'King.' Tsukasa: Kagami-sama has been crowned King. Tsukasa: Well then, what command do you want to give to what number? Yuki: Please, God, don't let her choose me. I beg of you. Tsukasa: Yuki, that's the death penalty! To the guillotine with you! We'll put your head on a pike! Yuki: Huh?! What's this all of a sudden, and why a pike? Tsukasa: If you talk about the king like that, you'll be put to death instantly for lese-majeste. Yuki: What does that have to do with the King Game? Tsukasa: What should I do with this foolish peasant, your majesty? Kagami: Let's see. Well, if she apologizes, I suppose I could deign to forgive her. Tsukasa: That's far too lenient, my lord! Kagami: Huh? Tsukasa: You must be kingly and say, 'My word is law. My deeds are law. I shall not allow anyone in this world to defy me, even should I defy everyone in it.' Without that resolve, you won't be able to unite the Three Kingdoms. Yuki: This isn't the Three Kingdoms Period, and besides, there are four of us. Tsukasa: Stay your tongue! Tsukasa: With that attitude, you'll amount to nothing in the coming age. Yuki: Wh-What are you talking about? Zakuro: That's right. We don't know who's going to be the next king. Kagami: N-Now that you mention it, I might not have another chance, and I can make Yuki do anything I want. Hehehe. Yuki: Th-That smile is kind of creepy, Kagami. Did she have some kind of grudge against me? I was kind of worried what she was going to make me do. Kagami: Heheh. I hope you're ready. Kagami: A-Ahem. Well then, Yuki. Kagami: G-Give me a compliment. Yuki: Huh? What? That's all? That is a bit embarrassing, but... Tsukasa: She has proffered an armistice. She wishes to cease this bloodshed and live in peace. Can ye not even understand that much? Yuki: You can stop with the Three Kingdoms act. And that's not even really Three Kingdoms stuff. Those lines are actually all from Yokoyama ****teru's version. Tsukasa: But still, you're always fighting with her. It wouldn't hurt to give her a compliment once in a while, would it? Yuki: Hmm... Well, a compliment, you say? I looked straight at Kagami.* Yuki: Hmm... A compliment, you say, but I don't really know what to compliment. Kagami: Tsukasa, off with her head! Tsukasa: Abracadabra! Yuki: Ts-Tsukasa! Tsukasa: No, your line is 'Guan Yu, how could you?' Yuki: I get it, you like the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Tsukasa: I love it. It's great, isn't it? If you say 'King Game,' that's the first thing that comes to mind, isn't it? I was pretty sure that wasn't the first thing that would come to anyone's mind. Tsukasa: Yuki, what's your OTP? It's gotta be Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang. The Romance of the Three Kingdoms was the historical record of their blossoming love. Yuki: Of course not. You can't just make up stories about people that actually existed. Tsukasa: I'm not making it up. I mean, Fa-sama even said so. Yuki: And who's Fa-sama? Tsukasa: Fa-sama is Fa-sama... hic. Hic? Huh? I was wondering, but... Yuki: Tsukasa, isn't your face a bit flushed? Tsukasa: I'm fine. I can hold my drink. Hold her drink? Wait! She couldn't be... I checked my drink. And... Yuki: This is alcohol, isn't it?! Tsukasa: Hehehe. You need beer to play the King Game. Kagami: Well then... Kagami stood in front of me. Her cheeks were flushed as well. When I looked her in the eyes, her gaze was unsteady. Yuki: Wait, why do you have a knife? W-Wait a second! Tsukasa: Go ahead and say it. Yuki: Urgh. Tsukasa: What do you mean, 'urgh'? I don't know what's going on, but these two are definitely a bit tipsy. Um, maybe I should try not to upset them too much. Yuki: O-Okay... Yuki: Um, let's see. Um... Yuki: Well, well, well... You see, hmm... Well... Kagami: Why the hesitation? Is it so hard to think of anything to compliment about me on? Kagami: She's starting to get on my nerves. Tsukasa, maybe we really should take off her head. Yuki: Oh, I'm joking. That was a joke. I'll say one, right now, yeah. Yuki: Um... yeah, um... Well, you see... Uhhhh... Um, that, that thing, uh... Right, like, uh... Kagami: Tsukasa, could you hold her down? I don't think I'll be able to get all the way through with one swing. Yuki: I-I think you're cute, Kagami. You have a nice figure, you stay in shape, and you're really smart, yeah! Kagami: ... Yuki: Huh? Huh? Wh-Why are you glaring at me? I complimented you, didn't I? Kagami: No, for some reason, hearing you say that bugs me. It's like you didn't really mean it. Yuki: Wh-What do you want me to say, then? Zakuro: This isn't how the King Game should work. You have to say a number before giving a command. Kagami: I-I guess so... I guess that is what the rules were. Well then, number one, do twenty sit-ups. Zakuro: Ooh... Looks like I dug my own grave. Yuki: Huh? Takashima-san, you're number one? Zakuro: Yes, unfortunately. Zakuro: I'm not very strong, but if it's the king's order, I guess I have to. She laid on the ground and started doing sit-ups. Zakuro: Hmm... ah... One... haa... Two. Her movements put pressure on her chest, emphasizing her plentiful bust. Zakuro: Mm... haaa... Th... ree. Her breath was ragged. As she'd said, she wasn't very strong. Could she really do twenty of them? And... Zakuro: Haa, hhmm... Four. Her breasts were jiggling... She really is well endowed, isn't she? Zakuro: D-Don't worry about me. Go ahead and start the next round. I'll take the one that's left over. Kagami: Maybe we could lower the number? Zakuro: No. We have to play by the rules. Tsukasa: Takashima-san, don't push yourself too hard. Zakuro: Thank you. Yuki: Uh, well then... We mixed up the lots again. Everyone: Who is the K-I-N-G? We all drew our lots. Tsukasa: Ah! I'm the king! Kagami: Tsukasa's the king. Tsukasa: At ease, my subjects. Kagami: What order do you give, and to whom, your majesty? Tsukasa: First, deploy the troops along the southern shore. Next, feign concession so you can approach, and then have Huang Gai torch Cao Cao's ships. Yuki: Three Kingdoms again! Tsukasa: Onee-chan, to the guillotine with her! Yuki: Again with the guillotine?! Tsukasa: Come on, Yuki. That was an official decree of the Wu clan. Don't ruin the mood. Yuki: I'm pretty sure that was actually Zhou Yu. And he wasn't a king. Tsukasa: I love Zhou Yu! Tsukasa's face was pure red, but she looked like she was having fun. I had to wonder if she should be drinking. Tsukasa: Oh, well... Let's see... Number two, twenty push-ups! Zakuro: Two more... Haa, ha... Nineteen! Kagami: You can do it, Takashima-san. One more! Zakuro: Haa... Hmmhaa, Twenty. Yuki: Good work! Zakuro: Haa, haa... Thank you. Well then, my number is... Takashima flipped over her own lot. Yuki: Aah... Zakuro: Ugh... Kagami: My condolences. Tsukasa: Ahaha. Maybe I should change the order. Zakuro: No. Then we couldn't call it the King Game. It's called the King Game because we have to obey the order no matter what it might be. Zakuro: So I'll do the pushups... One. Tsukasa: Let's at least change the number. Zakuro: No. The rules are absolute. We can't change them now. Please, keep playing. Kagami: All right. Then... We mixed up the lots again. Everyone: Who is the K-I-N-G? We each picked our lots. Zakuro: Ah... Kagami: N-No way. Zakuro: Exactly. I was waiting for this. Tsukasa: Takashima-san is the king? Zakuro: I am the god of the New World Order! Mmph, four. Yuki: You're not a god. And you should finish your push-ups before declaring a new world order. Zakuro: I'll be finished in just a moment... Zakuro: Haa, haa, haa... Tsukasa: U-Um, Takashima-san, are you okay? Zakuro: D-Don't worry about me. I have carried out your orders... Haa, haa... It must have been pretty tough doing all those sit-ups and push-ups, especially considering the effects of the alcohol. We waited a while for her to get her breath back. When she got her breath back, her eyes still looked a bit glazed. Zakuro: Let's see... Number three! She yelled that and looked at our faces. Apparently, her strategy was to guess whose number she had called based on our reactions. But no one would fall for... Tsukasa: Wha-Wha-Whaa... Zakuro: Oh, it's Tsukasa-san? Tsukasa: Yes... I'm number three. Zakuro: You were kind to me, so... hic. Tsukasa: Ahahaha... Zakuro: I'll let you off easy. Get naked. Yuki: Huh?! Kagami: Guh?! Tsukasa: Uwaaah! Th-That was a really rough one. Wasn't that the kind of order that usually happened in the last stages of the game? Though it probably did seem like the last stage to her after she drank that much and we made her do all those exercises. But still, why naked? Zakuro: Hic... Um, can't you do it? It's fine if you can't do it... It's just a game, after all... Hehe. Hey, you were the one that insisted we had to follow the orders no matter what! Tsukasa: O-Of course I can do it! Tsukasa: As a general, it's my duty to live on and become the next king, even if it means bearing this shame! What was she even talking about? Kagami: U-Um, Tsukasa... Tsukasa: B-Besides, w-we're all girls! There's nothing to be embarrassed about! Tsukasa: But when I'm crowned as king, I'll make you do something even worse! The King Game was pointlessly escalating. I wondered if Tsukasa was serious about that. Tsukasa: Th-There, I did it. Kagami: Uh, maybe we should use the three second rule, or something like that? Tsukasa: I-I don't need that. Come on, start the next round. Tsukasa's face was red and streaked with tears. If it was that embarrassing, she didn't have to go that far. Takashima-san even said she didn't have to do it. Yuki: Um, Tsukasa... Tsukasa: I-I'm not embarrassed! Start the next round! It was true that we were all the same sex, and we wouldn't care if we were at a bath house or someplace where we were all naked. It just felt weird because we were in the living room and she was the only one naked. And it didn't help that Tsukasa herself was so clearly embarrassed. It was kind of making the rest of us feel embarrassed too. Tsukasa's face was so red that it seemed like steam was about to billow out of her ears. She was huddled on the floor, trying to hide her shame. We mixed up the lots again. Everyone: Who is the K-I-N-G? Tsukasa: Uwooah, I got it! I'm the king! Yuki: Th-That's amazing. I guess your tenacity paid off. Tsukasa: Hehehe... Now it's my turn. Tsukasa: Number two! King Tsukasa yelled out a number and looked at our faces... No one fell for it. Tsukasa: Hmm? Why are you looking away, Takashima-san? Zakuro: B-Because... Tsukasa: Number two, take off all your clothes! Zakuro: Heheheh... Tsukasa: Huh? Kagami: Number two... is me, Tsukasa. Tsukasa: One of Zhuge Liang's traps! Yuki: No, that trap was obvious. Tsukasa: After that, off with Yuki's head. Yuki: That has nothing to do with the King Game! Tsukasa: Um, Onee-chan... Kagami: Ugh... Whatever, we won't be able to get revenge if we change the rules now. Tsukasa: Onee-chan... Kagami: I won't let you off with just stripping. We'll show you the power of the twins working together. But you two weren't working together at all. That's why you fell into that trap. Zakuro: We can stop now if you want. Hic. Kagami: I won't let you get away with humiliating Tsukasa! Kagami: Ooh... Jeez... Those three really weren't thinking straight. The alcohol probably had something to do with it, but really, it was the game that was making them act like that. Kagami: I-I did it... Zakuro: I'll let you two off with the three second rule. You don't have to be stubborn. Kagami+Tsukasa: No, thank you! Kagami: Ugh, i-it's not embarrassing at all. A-After all, we're all girls... Tsukasa: I feel a little better now that you're naked too. Kagami: Y-Yeah. Anyway, start the next round already. Tsukasa: Yeah. We can't back down now. Yuki: Ooh... Kagami: Wh-What are you looking at?! Yuki: N-Nothing. I was thinking that it's kind of weird having just the two of you naked here in the living room. Kagami: Y-You don't have to say it! Tsukasa: You dummy! W-We're trying not to think about it! The two of them suddenly turned beet-red. They almost looked like they were going to cry. Yuki: C-Can we call this whole thing off now? Kagami: What are you saying? There's no way we can stop now. Tsukasa: We can't stop after coming this far. Kagami: Let's do our best, Tsukasa. Tsukasa: Let's do it! Yuki: Y-You don't have to try that hard. It's just a game. Tsukasa: Yes, we do! Everyone: Who is the K-I-N-G? We all picked our lots. And the result was... Kagami: I'm the king. Zakuro: Ahh... Kagami: Well then, I'll give my order to... number three! The same strategy. But I couldn't imagine anyone falling for it at this point. For the record, I held number two, so it had to be Tsukasa or Takashima-san. Kagami: Heheh. Number three is Takashima-san, huh? It shows on your face. Zakuro: No, it doesn't! There's nothing on my face! Kagami: Just kidding. As expected of Kagami, she was a much better strategist than Takashima-san. Kagami: That was a bluff. I could tell it wasn't Tsukasa from her face, so I just needed to figure out if it was you or Yuki. Kagami: It didn't show on either of your faces, so I went ahead and said it was you. Doesn't cost me anything to say it. Kagami: If I was wrong, you wouldn't've had that kind of expression. You would've just said 'Huh?' like usual. Even if you try to pretend otherwise, it shows on your face for a moment. Zakuro: Ooh... W-Well done. Kagami: So, number three, please take off all your clothes. Zakuro: A-All right... Wait, what the hell is going on here? Takashima-san's face was red, but she took off her clothes as if it were perfectly natural. How far did this game have to escalate before they'd be satisfied? Zakuro: I d-did it... Kagami: Uh... this is kind of... Tsukasa: Your chest is so big. You're making me feel self-conscious. Zakuro: P-Please don't say that. Kagami: But now Takashima-san is naked too, and the next order will be even better. Zakuro: If you get me again, what exactly are you thinking of making me do? Kagami: You'll see next time it happens. Tsukasa: And Takashima-san, you're... Zakuro: Since you made me strip, my revenge will be even more embarrassing. Tsukasa: Ugh... What do you mean by 'embarrassing'? Zakuro: What are you imagining, Tsukasa? Tsukasa: Hmm... Well, if we get Yuki, I guess we should make her strip too? Yuki: M-Me too? Tsukasa: Yeah, and if it's Onee-chan, I can make her put her clothes back on. And if it's Takashima-san... Heheh. Tsukasa: I'll have her do something you might see in an eroge. Yuki: E-Eroge? Tsukasa: Yeah. There are devilish games that are said to corrupt your mind once you play them. Rumors speak of games where every embarrassing situation imaginable is on display. Yuki: B-But something like that could only exist in some fictional world. Tsukasa: No. Sometimes at night when I get sleepy, I have trouble telling the difference between fantasy and reality... Or when I'm drinking, heheheh. Y-You shouldn't do that, Tsukasa. Zakuro: Well then, there's no holding back in the next round. Kagami: Yeah, no holding back. After you made us do this, we're going to make you do something really kinky. She was talking about "kinky" stuff already? Yuki: Well, let's get started... "Yeah!": Everyone: Yeah! Everyone: Yeah! Everyone: Everyone: Everyone: Everyone: Everyone: Everyone: Everyone: Everyone: e mixed up the lots again Everyone: Who is the K-I-N-G? We pulled our lots, and for the first time... Yuki: Huh? Zakuro: Excuse me... Tsukasa: Did you... Kagami: Yuki is the king? Yuki: Ahaha. Looks like it. Normally I'd joke around and say, "I'll have all of your heads!" or something to that effect, but the atmosphere was kind of tense. I wondered if there was any order I could give that would lighten the mood. Zakuro: Hmm... Even when I was the king, I never got Yuki's number right. Tsukasa: Why are you the one that got to be king? Kagami: Come on, this is the part where we're supposed to get you, not the other way around. They were awfully impudent considering they were talking to the king. Yuki: What were you guys going to do if you got my number? Probably something terrible, right? Zakuro: Not at all. I was going to ask for a kiss. Kagami: What?! Zakuro: I'm sure that's not what the other two had in mind, but that's what I wanted to ask for. Kagami: Why do you assume we had something else in mind?! Zakuro: Well then, what were you thinking of? Kagami: Oh, um... It's not like that was my goal, but... I was just thinking, if that's how it ended up, that might not be bad, either... Tsukasa: That's right. Now then, your majesty, first of all, please state your order. Yuki: Wh-Why are the rules different for me? Tsukasa: Yuki, this is the part where one of us was supposed to be the king, so show us that you're fit to rule. Yuki: How am I supposed to do that? Tsukasa: Give the people what they want. If you do that, the public opinion of you will soar. Yuki: Even if I do, it's not like there's one single thing all of you want. Tsukasa: Everyone wants a kiss from you. Yuki: Everyone wants to kiss me... Yuki: What?! Yuki: Th-That doesn't make any sense. I mean, Tsukasa, there's no way you want to kiss me, right? Tsukasa: No. I did think of ordering you to kiss me if I got the chance. Kagami: Ts-Tsukasa... Yuki: But, Kagami... Kagami: I-I just said it, didn't I? I wouldn't mind... ...... But why? Why are they all after my lips? These idiots are drunk. They're acting on their natural impulses. No, this isn't even natural. Yuki: U-Um... we're the same sex, you know? Tsukasa: We won't make you if you don't want to. I-I... I should decide? Even though we were all girls? Yuki: A-All right... I'll do it. I was the king. I should've been the one to decide the order, but for some reason I gave in to their demands. I was probably drunk too. I wasn't sure, but that was probably it. If I wasn't, there's no way I would've said yes. Normally, there's no way I'd kiss another girl. Kagami: Uhh. Tsukasa: Sh-She'll do it... Zakuro: Well then, what number? What number? I had no idea who had what number. What should I do? Yuki: Number one! Kagami: Huh? U-Uh... Really? Yuki: Okay, I'll change it. Kagami: What do you mean?! Yuki: But I mean, you don't really want to do it, right? Kagami: Why do you think that?! Yuki: I thought you were just being obstinate like usual. Yuki: It would be a shame to force you to do it if you didn't want to. Kagami: You dummy... Yuki: Huh? Kagami: Just now, you gave your order! The order is absolute! Yuki! Yuki: Huh? Her naked body pressed up against mine, and just like that... Yuki: Mmpph. Kagami: Haa... What? What's happening? Kagami was kissing me... Hey!& Not just that, she was pushing her tongue inside my mouth. Kagami: Pch, haa... Yuki. Yuki: Mm, hmm?! Wh-What? Why? I was surprised she kissed me, but I was even more surprised by something else. My heart was beating so fast. It was like... Maybe I'm actually... Kagami: I did it. Yuki: Uwhoa. Kagami: It was my first kiss... Yuki: It was mine too! A-And I lost it to a girl! Kagami: S-Sorry. Was it unpleasant? Yuki: Uhh... Kagami looked up at me with tearful eyes. Wh-Why did she react like that? Kagami wouldn't react like that, would she? When she looked at me like that... I... Yuki: Um... it wasn't unpleasant, but... I couldn't meet her eyes. I couldn't look straight at her. I couldn't look at her. This feeling... It was like... Tsukasa: I'm so jealous, Onee-chan. Kagami: You really wanted to kiss her too? Tsukasa: Huh? You say that like the rest of us were just joking around. Kagami: Th-That's not what I mean. It's just... Zakuro: ... Yuki: Well then, can we call that the last round? I don't even know what would have happened if I let them keep playing any further than this. We were already at the point where I couldn't even look straight at Kagami. Kagami: Y-Yeah, let's... Tsukasa: It's not fair to quit before the rest of us get a chance. Zakuro: She's right. It's late, and the cold has sobered us up. Takashima-san started putting her clothes back on. Tsukasa: I guess so. And it's kind of weird to be sitting around naked in the living room. Zakuro: Hehe... Though we kind of got used to that. Tsukasa: I didn't. Tsukasa started putting her clothes back on too. I couldn't believe the King Game ended with everyone but me completely naked. I felt like the game helped me sort out my uncertain feelings. Though I was still trying my hardest not to think about them. Yuki: Number two! Tsukasa: Huh? R-Really? Yuki: Wait, you mean... Tsukasa: Yeah, that's me. Yuki: U-Uh, maybe I should change the order. Tsukasa: You shouldn't say mean things like that. Yuki: B-But I mean, it's not like you want to do it either. You just went with the flow, right? Tsukasa: I said it last night, Yuki. Yuki: Huh? Tsukasa: I'll give up if you say you don't want to, but if you don't mind, it would make me really happy if I could kiss you. Yuki: Y-You mean... Kagami: The order is final, Yuki. Tsukasa: Onee-chan... Kagami: Go ahead, Yuki. Do it. Yuki: Uh... While I was deliberating, Tsukasa suddenly drew near. Tsukasa: Ey! Her naked body pressed up against me. Even compared to the other girls, Tsukasa's body was thin and delicate. It felt like I might break her if I wasn't careful. Tsukasa: If you don't want to, just say so. Yuki: Uh, no... It's not that I don't want to, really... b-but... ?! Tsukasa: Mm... Is this really Tsukasa?& She suddenly brought her lips to mine. And Tsukasa was... Tsukasa: Mm... Hmm... Her tongue was pushing at my closed lips. Was she trying to kiss me even more deeply? Yuki: Mm, hmm?! I slowly opened my mouth, and her tongue darted in. Tsukasa: Haa... Hmm, hmm... Yuki: Hhm? My mind went numb. I couldn't believe how good the inside of another girl's mouth felt. That's all that went through my mind. It felt so good. So good that I was hit with an urge to push her to the ground, right here...& But of course I couldn't do that. But I couldn't push her away either. Tsukasa: Mmhaa... haa... Mmm... I couldn't have imagined her doing this before tonight. She was lusting after me, thrusting her tongue deep inside my mouth. Her privates rubbed up against my thigh. I felt something moist dripping down my leg from the spot she was touching. At this rate... If this kept up... Even if she was drunk, we were standing in front of everyone. Yuki: Wait, y-you're overdoing it. Tsukasa: Huh? Did I do something wrong? Yuki: N-No, but... Well... Tsukasa looked at me. But I couldn't return her gaze. My heart was pounding just from looking at her face. Tsukasa: You were my first kiss. Tsukasa said that with a laugh, but I couldn't believe she could kiss someone so erotically if it was her first time. My leg was cold. My thigh was still drenched from before. When I looked closely, Tsukasa's thighs were covered with the same liquid. Yuki: Wh-Why do you look so happy? Tsukasa: Because I enjoyed it. Didn't you? Yuki: No, it's not that I disliked it. Uh... Zakuro: ... Yuki: Well then, can we call that the last round? I don't even know what would have happened if I allowed the game to continue. We were already at the point where I couldn't even look straight at Tsukasa. Tsukasa: Are you fine with that, Onee-chan? Kagami: I don't mind. It kind of feels like that was the climax. Zakuro: You're right. It's getting late, and the cold has sobered us up a lot. Takashima-san started putting her clothes back on. Kagami: Even in summer, you'll catch a cold if you run around naked. Come on, Tsukasa, put your clothes back on. Kagami started getting dressed too. I couldn't believe the King Game ended with everyone but me completely naked. I felt like the game helped me sort out my uncertain feelings. Though I was still trying my hardest not to think about them. Yuki: Number three! Zakuro: That's me. Kagami: Wha― Tsukasa: Ugh. Zakuro: Well then, excuse me. Yuki: Ah. Zakuro: Mm... smooch. I closed my eyes. But there was no need. She just gave me a kiss on the cheek. Yuki: On the ch-cheek? Zakuro: Yes. Isn't that enough? Yuki: Well, uh... I guess... Zakuro: Well then, shall we call it a night? Kagami: You want to end it now? Zakuro: Yes. I'm sorry. My prank went a little too far. I don't want to know what might happen if we let the game escalate any further. Kagami: You're right. Besides, I think we've all sobered up from the cold. Maybe we overdid it. Tsukasa: Ahaha. Maybe we let it escalate a bit too far. Zakuro: That's right. And it's getting late, too. Takashima-san started putting her clothes back on. Tsukasa: Ahaha. It's kind of scary playing with you guys. We got a bit reckless. Kagami: Well, you really shouldn't kiss someone just for the sake of a prank anyway. Kagami started getting dressed too. I couldn't believe the King Game ended with everyone but me completely naked. But I was glad it didn't go any further than that. I was relieved at that, if nothing else. Yuki: As if I could do something like that! Yuki: Number one, number two, number three! Put on your clothes! Kagami: Huh? Tsukasa: You mean... Zakuro: Understood. If that is the king's command, we must obey. Takashima-san started getting dressed. Kagami: Th-That's right. If we can put our clothes back on, that's perfect. Tsukasa: Yeah. She's the king, so her word is law. Kagami: That's right. This was just a little prank. You shouldn't kiss someone for something like that. Ahaha. Tsukasa: We kind of got carried away since we were all drunk, but I think the cold is starting to sober us up. Kagami and Tsukasa started dressing too. Yuki: Let's call it a night, then? Kagami: Yeah. It's pretty late. Tsukasa: We played a bit too much, didn't we? I couldn't believe the King Game ended with everyone but me completely naked. Though I was glad it didn't go any further than this. I was relieved at that, if nothing else.
When I woke up, Kagami was standing in front of my bed, already wearing her uniform. Yuki: Ahh... It's morning. Kagami: That's right. It's morning. What an astute observation. Yuki: I went to school yesterday, so I guess I can take today off. Kagami: As if! Kagami: Jeez, you're always trying to skip school. Let's go. Yuki: Have fun at school. I waved her goodbye and put on the best smile I could muster. Kagami: You're coming too! Yuki: Huh? Kagami: Why are you making that shocked face? Come on, get ready. You can't go to school in your pajamas. Yuki: That's not true. There are lots of things you can do in your pajamas. Like sleeping, or sleeping, or laying around, or sleeping. You could even sleep in them! Kagami: You're going to school! Kagami grabbed my collar and pulled me out of bed. Yuki: Agghh, it hurts. Tsukasa: Whoooaa, there's so much today. Haahmmm... Tsukasa was clinging to my leg for some reason, so she was pulled out from under the sheets too. Kagami: Ts-Tsukasa. Tsukasa: I caught one. I caught one. It's my first time, but I got one... Ahaha haammnn... Kagami: No, I think you're the one who got caught. Jeez, I wonder what kind of dream she's having. Tsukasa: This next one... Slowly... Ha, mmm... Kagami: R-Really, what kind of dream is that? Yuki: L-Let's put that aside for a second, Kagami-san. You're kinda crushing my windpipe. Kagami: Oh, sorry. Yuki: Haa, haa, ugh. I thought I was gonna suffocate. Kagami: You're exaggerating. Yuki: I'm not! With you pulling on my collar and Tsukasa holding onto my legs like a lead weight, that was really dangerous. Yuki: Jeez. Kagami-san, are you trying to kill me? Kagami: That's... not it. Yuki: What's with the pause?! After all that, I was obviously awake. Tsukasa: It's so soft... It looks so good with the fat on the edges like that. Tsukasa was still rubbing her cheek against my leg and babbling. Yuki: Th-That's rude. My legs aren't that fat. Tsukasa: Thank you for this meal. Ahm. Yuki: Oww! Tsukasa suddenly bit into my leg. Tsukasa: Mmm. It's really good. Kagami: It sounds like it's nice and fat. Isn't that great? Yuki: How long must you two torture me before you're satisfied? For crying out loud! Tsukasa: Ahh! I gave Tsukasa a good thump on the head. Tsukasa: Ow, ow, ow. H-Huh? Where did all the fat yukkuris go? Tsukasa rubbed her head and tried to clear her eyes. Yuki: Jeez, you're so rude. My legs are as slender as can be. Kagami: Yes, yes, we know. Anyway, Tsukasa is up now, so get ready for school. Yuki: But I'm still sleepy. Tsukasa, you wanna stay home today too, don't you? Tsukasa: Hmm... But I'm already pretty dumb, so I shouldn't skip any more classes. Yuki: Yeah, you're quite the dummy! Kagami: Don't say that about Tsukasa! Yuki: I'm joking. Her grades aren't that bad. They're perfectly average. Tsukasa: That's not true. My grades aren't very good, so I can't stay and skip school with you. Yuki: Okay. Understood. I'll sleep enough for the both of us, so you can go to school without worrying! Tsukasa: Thanks, Yuki. Kagami: You. Are. Coming. Too! Got it?! Yuki: Urbububur... Kagami-shan, doh't pull ohn my sheeks. Zakuro: Kagami-san, good morning. Kagami: Oh, Takashima-san, you're awake? Zakuro: Yes. I've already made breakfast and packed some lunches. Kagami: Not just breakfast, but lunch too? Zakuro: Yes. I packed lunchboxes for everyone. Zakuro: I made this for you, so would you take it with you when you go to school? Yuki: Ugh. If you say it like that... Zakuro: And I was thinking, it would be a lot more fun if we all walked to school together. Right, Kagami-san? Kagami: Ugh. It's not that it wouldn't be fun. I-I just... Zakuro: Yes, yes. Anyway, Yuki-sama and Tsukasa-san, would you two please get dressed? I'm going to hang the mattress out to dry today. Tsukasa: Well then, we're off. Yuki: Yep, have a nice day. Kagami: You haven't forgotten anything, right? Do you have your handkerchief? Make sure you look both ways when you cross the street. Tsukasa: I'll be fine, Onee-chan. I'm not a child anymore. Kagami: I know, I know, but I can't help but worry. Okay, let's go. Yuki: Yeah, do your best out there! Kagami: Hey! You're so damn stubborn! Yuki: Ow, ow, ow. What was that for? It was just a joke. Kagami: I didn't find it funny at all. Jeez. Zakuro: Let's hurry. At this rate, we really are going to be late. It wasn't very far. The school was just a few stations down the line, in Suginomiya. I gazed at the same scenery as always through the glass of this window: our town. The scenery is just like any other. The same things happen as anywhere else. And... The same sort of people live here as in any other city. Long, long before we were born, this city was called a "new town." This city probably represented some kind of dream to the people who called it that. Of course, it's not such a bad city to live in. Even I like this city. Old scenery... By this point, though, this cityscape is far from new. But maybe that makes it all the more fitting to call it a "new town." Nowadays, we don't add "new" to the name of anything. That trend has long since passed. That's too old-fashioned. Here, the same scenery continues into the distance, just like anywhere else. That scenery continues forever without any change or variation. Kagami: What are you looking at? Yuki: Oh, nothing. I was just thinking that the view from this window doesn't change at all. Kagami: It doesn't? Yuki: Oh, well... Yeah, this cityscape really isn't any different from how it was long before we were born. Kagami: It has changed, though. Look, those buildings weren't there two years ago. Tsukasa: Yeah, and that house is new too. Yuki: Yeah, I guess so. Scenery that never changes. Day after day. But it actually did change. Piece by piece. But despite that, it felt like it hadn't changed at all. People once called this aged scenery a "new city." It was the kind of scenery that was neither new nor old. "Sure, that's fine. You probably can't go today, but there shouldn't be a problem if you want to go in a few days." Kagami: Really? Thank you so much, Miu. Miu: What do you mean? It's not a big deal. Kagami: It looks like they're going to give us permission, Yuki. Yuki: Huh? For what? Kagami: What do you mean, for what? You said we were going to search the night sky. Yuki: Oh. The Summer Triangle. Miu: I didn't think you were interested in astronomy, Minakami-san. Yuki: Um, who are you? Kagami: You chowderhead! Kagami: She's Miu! Why can't you even remember the names of the girls in your class? Miu: Oh, it's fine. I haven't really talked to Minakami-san that much. Yuki: But anyway, sorry about this. We're not even in the club and we're using your stuff. Miu: No problem. It's not really that big of a deal, anyway. Miu: It's the time of year when the rain lets up, so you can see the summer sky clearly. I understand why you want to look at the stars, Minakami-san. Yuki: Ahaha... Th-That's right. There was no way I could tell her that we were looking for the place where the sky begins and ends. Miu: You said you were going to look at the Summer Triangle, right? The stars aren't hard to find, but you should take this. Yuki: What's this? Miu: A planisphere. And here's a compass. With these, you can figure out the position of the stars. Tsukasa: Wow. How do you use these? Miu: First, use the compass to make sure you're facing the right direction. This is north, so put it like this. Miu: Then line up the planisphere with the direction. Then input the time and date. Miu: For instance, today is July 16th, and let's say it's eight o'clock. Like this. And it's based on Akashi, so let's change the location to Tokyo, and... Miu: If you do this, you can see tonight's sky at eight o'clock. Yuki: Wow. That's really convenient. Miu: It's really fun if you also have a telescope. Want me to lend you one? Yuki: Oh, we'll be fine. Miu: Well, if you want one, just ask and I can give you one. A refracting telescope would be easy to use and really interesting. Kagami: Haa... Thanks for all of this. Miu: Oh, it's fine. It's really no problem at all. I learned it from our advisor when the club did it. Well, tests are over, and now that summer is starting, the sky is going to be beautiful, so I'm sure you'll be okay. Miu: But I don't think you can go up there tonight. Well, now we could look at the night sky from the school roof. That was a relief. Classes that day ended without incident. Thursday's sky. A sky no different than usual. Class came to an end as I was thinking about the sky. Kagami: Why are you spacing out? Yuki: Oh, Kagami. Kagami: Wait, didn't you hear what I was saying? Yuki: You were saying something? Tsukasa: Right, Onee-chan and I have to go to our clubs today, so you and Takashima-san should go home without us. Kagami: Yeah, we haven't been setting a good example for the underclassmen by skipping out on club activites so much. Yuki: Underclassmen? Tsukasa: Yeah. Yokoyama-kun's little sister, Yasuko-chan, got mad at me and said I was slacking off. Yuki: Yokoyama-kun? Who's that? Kagami: You really don't remember your classmates at all. He's a boy in the same class as you. Yuki: Is he really? You see, I really can't remember boys' faces, or rather, I don't want to remember them. Tsukasa: Ahaha. Do you hate boys, Yuki? Yuki: Yeah, I guess so. Guys are all disgusting. Kagami: Hmm. So there are things we can agree on. Yuki: Who am I agreeing with? Kagami: Oh, uh, nothing. A-Anyway! Yuki: Yes, ma'am. I'll get going. Tsukasa: See you. Yuki: Hmm... We have to go home without them, huh? I got the feeling that wouldn't be so bad, but I packed up my stuff and headed up to the roof. Classes had ended and the sun was starting to set. Normally, around this time, a cool breeze would start blowing through my usual spot. It would be nice to sit under the sky and read until it got dark. The roof is my favorite place. There's a nice shady spot with a pleasant breeze, even in the middle of the summer. Yuki: Now then, what should I read? I'm the type to be reading a bunch of books at once. I can't just read one book at a time. I'm usually in the middle of about ten books. At worst, that number rises to around twenty. So sometimes I forgot about a book I was in the middle of reading. I've unearthed plenty of books half a year later and rushed to read them from the beginning again. Let's see. This should be good. I laid back and stretched out. Yuki: Whaaa―!! Who are you? "I'm Otonashi Ayana. It has been some time.": "I'm Otonashi Ayana. Ayana: It has been some time. Yuki: Otonashi Ayana-san? Ayana: Quite some time. I didn't think we would meet in this kind of place. Yuki: Me either. I didn't think there was anyone but me up here on the roof. Ayana: Heh. So this is the roof. Yuki: What do you mean? Of course it's the roof. Ayana: Right. By roof, you mean a place where you can see the sky. Yuki: But we can see the sky. Ayana: 'and if you're not good directly,' she added, 'I'll put you through into Looking-glass House. How would you like THAT?' Ayana: 'Now, if you'll only attend, Kitty, and not talk so much, I'll tell you all my ideas about Looking-glass House.' Yuki: Wh-What's that? Ayana: The book I'm reading. Yuki: Huh? A book? Ayana: The brain is wider than the sky. Ayana: For, put them side by side, the one the other will include... Ayana: With ease, and you beside. Ayana: The brain is deeper than the sea. Ayana: For, hold them, blue to blue, the one the other will absorb... Ayana: As sponges, buckets do. Ayana: The brain is just the weight of God. Ayana: For, lift them, pound for pound... Ayana: And they will differ, if they do... Ayana: As syllable from sound. Yuki: Huh? That's from something else, isn't it? Ayana: The first one was from Through the Looking-Glass. Yuki: And the other one was... Ayana-san pointed at the book I was holding. A poetry anthology. The author was Emily Dickinson. She wrote anonymously during her life, leaving behind over 1,700 poems. By the way, it's said that the poem Ayana quoted was written around the year 1862. Yuki: You really know her well. Dickinson is pretty old, too. Ayana: Do you like that poem? Yuki: Well, yeah, I like it. Ayana: I see. What kind of response is that? She's the one who asked about it. Jeez. Putting that aside... Yuki: Um... Ayana-san? Ayana: Yes? Yuki: I can see your panties if you stand over me like that. Ayana: That's true. Yuki: Even if we're both girls, that's not very modest, is it? Ayana: That's true. I understand what you mean. Yet she wasn't about to move. She didn't understand at all... Yuki: Anyway, why are you up here at this hour? Ayana: I came to see. Yuki: See what? The sky? Ayana: No. The entire world. Yuki: Huh? Ayana: What do you think of the scenery you can see from this rooftop? Yuki: I don't think anything of it. You can just see the city, I guess. Ayana: You can see the city. Because this is the rooftop, you can see the sky, and you can see the city. Ayana: What you can see is sky and city. Ayana: You can't see the city that lies beyond that, or what lies even further beyond that still. Yuki: Well, I guess so. Ayana: Heheh. You can't see beyond that. Yuki: Wh-What are you trying to say? Ayana: I'd like to ask you something. What if you could know what lies beyond the scenery you see, and beyond that still, and still further beyond that? The endless succession of beyonds. Yuki: U-Uh, Otonashi Ayana-san, are you... I wondered if she was talking about the same stuff as Takashima-san. I wasn't really sure what she was talking about, but it was probably some religious thing, or else some kind of pretentious wordplay. Ayana: Heheh. You just thought I was weird. Yuki: W-Well, yeah. Anyone would think that if they heard you talking like that. Ayana: Ah... The sky got faster. Yuki: Huh? The sky? The sky had been blue until just now, but before I knew it, the sun had dyed the world with shades of red. Otonashi-san said it had gotten faster. And to me, too, it really did look like it was being fast-forwarded for a moment there. But that was probably just my memory being faulty. Since there's no way that could happen. Yuki: You're right. The sun is already starting to set. Ayana: Yes. It's already evening. Yuki: I guess I can't read anymore. It's too dark. Ayana: Yes, so it couldn't hurt to look over that way. Yuki: Where? While saying that, Otonashi-san pointed at Building C. Yuki: Huh? Yuki: Is that Takashima-san? Ayana: She is trying to drop a stuffed doll. Yuki: Huh? But the Summer Triangle still hasn't appeared. Ayana: The Summer Triangle? Yuki: I heard that was a ritual to find the place to return to the sky, and that the ritual needed the Summer Triangle to be visible. Ayana: So that's what you heard. Yuki: Yeah, that's what I heard. Is that wrong? Ayana: If that is what you heard, then I think it is correct. Yuki: What do you mean? Ayana: Ah... The stuffed toy fell from Takashima's hand, released into the air. For a second, I thought it would fly up, but then it started dropping, accelerating, disappearing toward the ground. Yuki: Why would she drop it from Building C right at this kind of time? Ayana: July 16th, 2012. 5:58 PM. Yuki: Huh? What's that all of a sudden? Ayana: The time at which Takashima Zakuro-san dropped the doll from the rooftop. Yuki: I-Is that right? What's all this? I suppose it's true that today the Summer Triangle was supposed to rise in the eastern sky at around this time. But you still couldn't see it because of the bright light of the sun. Why did she drop it so early? Ayana: A place that is not of this world in a place that is not of this soul. That act is being reflected. Yuki: Huh? A place that's not of this world? A place that's not of this soul? Wh-What's that? Ayana: Something that, even if it is not necessary in this world, is probably necessary in another. Ayana: This act is reflected in a different July 16th, 2012 at 5:58 PM. Ayana: A singular soul lies within an infinite sea of souls, even as it looks upon a singular scene. Ayana: The scene we call falling off the roof... Yuki: U-Uh, Ayana-san, do you know about what Takashima-san is doing, the local legend, and all the rest of that? Ayana: The local legend? Yuki: Well, they say that in this world, there is a girl who is the world itself, and she's the one that meets the girl of the sky. Ayana: A girl who is the world itself... Yuki: You've heard of it, haven't you? Ayana: I have not. All I know is... Yuki: All you know is? Ayana: For, put them side by side, the one the other will include. With ease, and you beside. Yuki: That's just Dickinson's poem. Ayana: That's right. "That's right"? What did that mean? Ayana: Ah... As Otonashi-san spoke, I turned to Building C again. Takashima-san wasn't there. Yuki: T-Takashima-san is gone, but... Ayana: Don't worry. She went down the stairs. Yuki: She did? Ayana: Yes. She went down the normal way. Yuki: ... For some reason I couldn't quite comprehend, her words actually scared me. I didn't understand the purpose behind it, but my gut told me that the act of dropping the doll was actually a terrifying, dreadful sort of ritual. Zakuro: Is that so? Thank you very much. Tsukasa: Good work, Onee-chan. Kagami: You too. After talking to Miu, I went to talk to their advisor directly. Tsukasa: Yeah. I actually wanted to look at the night sky, anyway. Tsukasa: I don't know anything about the legends of this city, but I'm kind of interested in the summer sky. Kagami: I also asked if we could borrow a telescope. Tsukasa: Yeah. Takashima-san might not need it to look for the local legend, but I want to be able to look at the night sky properly. Kagami: Then we need binoculars too, don't we? Tsukasa: Oh, do we? Kagami: Yeah. I think it would be better to have some. It's way easier to look around at different places with binoculars than with a telescope. Tsukasa: I see. Then let's ask if we can borrow a pair. Kagami: Let's do it. Yuki: So when can we use the rooftop? Tsukasa: Um... they said Saturday. Kagami: It looks like we can't go tomorrow. Zakuro: That's not a problem. Takashima-san was acting perfectly normal. I wanted to ask about what had happened today, but for some reason, I couldn't. That scene I'd seen before, of her dropping the stuffed toy from the rooftop... That was a method of finding the sky's beginning and end. That's what I had heard. But for some reason, I'd begun to feel uneasy about it. I'm not sure why, either. The girl who is the world itself... and the girl of the sky. I wonder what those words meant. Zakuro: I'm sorry for keeping you waiting, Yuki-sama. Yuki: Huh? When I got into the bathtub, I heard Takashima-san's voice. Kagami: Wait, you're really going in? Zakuro: Of course I am. Have you gotten cold feet? Kagami: Of course not! It doesn't really bother me, since we're all girls! Wh-What was that? Is someone... making noise in the changing room. Even though last time they just barged in without thinking about it. Kagami: S-Sorry for taking so long, Yuki. Zakuro: Sorry to keep you waiting. Yuki: What the... What... What on Earth? ―! Zakuro: We came to help wash your body today. Yuki: Why are you naked? Zakuro: Oh, that's a strange thing to ask. Shouldn't one be naked when bathing? Yuki: B-But last time you were wearing a swimsuit... Kagami: L-Like she said, today we came to take a bath with you instead of just washing your back. Yuki: I-I see what you mean... Kagami: Th-There's nothing weird about it. We're all girls, after all. Yuki: I-I don't think there's anything weird about it. I couldn't help but wonder why Kagami's face was so red. Zakuro: Today we're bathing together, so the places we shall wash are not limited to your back. Today, I shall wash your front. Yuki: L-Like I said, I can wash my front myself! Zakuro: I can't help? Yuki: O-Of course not! Zakuro: Really? It's important to have an equitable division of labor. Yuki: Stop saying nonsense like that. I said no. Kagami: Yuki. Yuki: Huh? Kagami: Now then, I'll get started washing. Yuki: Hey! Why are you in front of me?! Kagami: Like I was saying, I'll wash your body... Yuki: U-Um, Kagami. Didn't you hear what I said? Kagami: What do you mean? I'm saying I want to do it, so it's fine. What kind of crappy logic is that? Zakuro: Kagami-san, th-that's... Kagami: What? Takashima-san, you're the maid, right? Zakuro: Y-Yes, I am, but... Kagami: I was thinking, in this house we're each playing our character roles, right? Zakuro: Y-Yes... Kagami: So, if I'm the childhood friend, I should say things like this. Zakuro: U-Um, you could interpret it like that, but fundamentally the childhood friend is supposed to be more easy-going. Kagami: Sure, sure. Anyway, I'll start the shower. I wanted to tell them I'd already finished washing, but I was at a loss for words given the unexpected situation. Kagami: W-Well... I'll, uh, wash your front. Yuki: Uh... If she kept acting really embarrassed as she did it, she was going to make me embarrassed too. Yuki: U-Um... Kagami. Kagami: Wh-What? Th-There's nothing weird about this! We're both girls, and we're childhood friends! No, even if we're both girls and childhood friends, this is still weird. And besides that... Yuki: Y-You know... Your hand is trembling for some reason, Kagami. Kagami: I-It's not trembling! I'm excited because soon I'll be fighting in a great battle. Yuki: I-I see. It was a bit weird having her wash my front while she was so "excited." Kagami touched my shoulder, lathering it with soap as if she was caressing it. Yuki: Mmm, haa, ooh. Kagami: W-Would you please stop making weird noises like that? Yuki: I can't really stop. It tickles. Kagami: Th-Th-Th-Then you'll just have to sit and bear it. Jeez. Kagami averted her gaze and moved the sponge over my neck, shoulders, and chest. Kagami: Is this soft part I'm feeling... your chest? Yuki: W-Well, yes, but... Kagami: You know, your chest is really big. Yuki: U-Uh, could you please not say that so frankly. It's embarrassing. Kagami's gaze flitted back and forth over my body. Urgh. I'm gonna die of embarrassment. Yuki: Hey, uh... I think I'd actually rather wash myself. Zakuro: That's no good. Please allow me, Yuki-sama. I'll make every last corner of your body spotless. Rub, rub, rub. I felt something soft rubbing on my back. Yuki: Um, what's this? A soft sponge? Zakuro: It's a specially made sponge. Does it feel good? Rub, rub, rub. Yuki: I-I kind of have a bad feeling about this. Zakuro: Doesn't it feel good? Yuki: Hmm... It does feel good, I guess. Zakuro: Is that right? If you like it, then that's all that matters. It's a good thing I studied that manga. What was that supposed to mean?! That's weird! Why would you study how to wash someone's body?! Um, first off, she was gently embracing me with both arms, and there was no sponge in either of her hands, so... Rub, rub, rub, rub... Something felt soft and supple. Which means... Yuki: U-Um... She's probably just playing around, but... Right, this is definitely how girls who are friends act around each other. They poke each other's breasts or flip each other's skirts. Surely this isn't any different from that, but... Uhh... It felt like my heart was beating strangely quickly, as if my body was heating up. Yuki: O-Oooh. Somehow I took my mind off it. I took my mind off the frighteningly seductive, supple charms assaulting my back. Kagami: Y-Yuki, uh, could you open your legs a little more? I can't wash you like that. Yuki: Hmm? Wait, what?! A blushing Kagami was right in front of me. Why was she breathing so hard? D-Don't make that face at me. Calm down. It's just Kagami, right? Isn't she your childhood friend? Isn't she also a girl? But even if she was a girl, when she made that face... my heart lurched. Kagami: Uh, it might hurt if I use a sponge, so I'll do it with my finger. Yuki: Huh?! Wait, wh-where are you touching me, Kagami?! My voice almost cracked. Kagami: U-Um, y-your very precious place. Yuki: Y-You don't have to say it out loud. Would you please move your hand? Kagami: I-I don't want to. Yuki: Wh-Why not?! Kagami: B-Because it's not fair if only Takashima-san gets to touch you. Wh-What kind of reason is that? Kagami: I'll be gentle, okay? Aaahhh! Someone save me! My chastity is in danger! Someone! Tsukasa: E-Excuse me. Good timing, Tsukasa! You came to rescue me. Yuki: Wha―pshhff! Wh-Why is she naked too?! Kagami: Wait, Tsukasa! Why are you naked too?! You brought a swimsuit, didn't you? Tsukasa: Y-Yes, but when I put it on, it felt a little childish. I thought you'd laugh at me. Tsukasa: You were all getting in the bath, so I was worried about what I should do. I didn't want to bathe alone afterwards, so... Kagami: So you found the guts to come in naked. Tsukasa: Speaking of that, you two aren't wearing swimsuits either. What happened? Kagami: Huh? Tsukasa: You said you were gonna put on swimsuits and wash her back. Kagami: U-Um, you see... Tsukasa: And that's not soap in Takashima-san's hand. Tsukasa: What's that gooey liquid? Zakuro:! Yuki: Huh? I looked at what Takashima-san had in her hand. I'd thought it was too slippery, even if she was lathering it up. What she'd been rubbing on me wasn't soap, rather it was lotion. Yuki: Y-You two... Zakuro: A-Ahaha. Kagami: Huh? Um, Yuki? Yuki: Quit fucking around! Get out, all of you!
Takashima-san was acting perfectly normal. I wanted to ask about what had happened today, but for some reason, I couldn't. That scene I'd seen before, of her dropping the stuffed toy from the rooftop... That was a method of finding the sky's beginning and end. That's what I had heard. But for some reason, I'd begun to feel uneasy about it. I'm not sure why, either. The girl who is the world itself... and the girl of the sky. I wonder what those words meant. Zakuro: I'm sorry for keeping you waiting, Yuki-sama. Yuki: Huh? When I got into the bathtub, I heard Takashima-san's voice. Kagami: Wait, you're really going in? Zakuro: Of course I am. Have you gotten cold feet? Kagami: Of course not! It doesn't really bother me, since we're all girls! Wh-What was that? Is someone... making noise in the changing room. Even though last time they just barged in without thinking about it. Kagami: S-Sorry for taking so long, Yuki. Zakuro: Sorry to keep you waiting. Yuki: What the... What... What on Earth? ―! Zakuro: We came to help wash your body today. Yuki: Why are you naked? Zakuro: Oh, that's a strange thing to ask. Shouldn't one be naked when bathing? Yuki: B-But last time you were wearing a swimsuit... Kagami: L-Like she said, today we came to take a bath with you instead of just washing your back. Yuki: I-I see what you mean... Kagami: Th-There's nothing weird about it. We're all girls, after all. Yuki: I-I don't think there's anything weird about it. I couldn't help but wonder why Kagami's face was so red. Zakuro: Today we're bathing together, so the places we shall wash are not limited to your back. Today, I shall wash your front. Yuki: L-Like I said, I can wash my front myself! Zakuro: I can't help? Yuki: O-Of course not! Zakuro: Really? It's important to have an equitable division of labor. Yuki: Stop saying nonsense like that. I said no. Kagami: Yuki. Yuki: Huh? Kagami: Now then, I'll get started washing. Yuki: Hey! Why are you in front of me?! Kagami: Like I was saying, I'll wash your body... Yuki: U-Um, Kagami. Didn't you hear what I said? Kagami: What do you mean? I'm saying I want to do it, so it's fine. What kind of crappy logic is that? Zakuro: Kagami-san, th-that's... Kagami: What? Takashima-san, you're the maid, right? Zakuro: Y-Yes, I am, but... Kagami: I was thinking, in this house we're each playing our character roles, right? Zakuro: Y-Yes... Kagami: So, if I'm the childhood friend, I should say things like this. Zakuro: U-Um, you could interpret it like that, but fundamentally the childhood friend is supposed to be more easy-going. Kagami: Sure, sure. Anyway, I'll start the shower. I wanted to tell them I'd already finished washing, but I was at a loss for words given the unexpected situation. Kagami: W-Well... I'll, uh, wash your front. Yuki: Uh... If she kept acting really embarrassed as she did it, she was going to make me embarrassed too. Yuki: U-Um... Kagami. Kagami: Wh-What? Th-There's nothing weird about this! We're both girls, and we're childhood friends! No, even if we're both girls and childhood friends, this is still weird. And besides that... Yuki: Y-You know... Your hand is trembling for some reason, Kagami. Kagami: I-It's not trembling! I'm excited because soon I'll be fighting in a great battle. Yuki: I-I see. It was a bit weird having her wash my front while she was so "excited." Kagami touched my shoulder, lathering it with soap as if she was caressing it. Yuki: Mmm, haa, ooh. Kagami: W-Would you please stop making weird noises like that? Yuki: I can't really stop. It tickles. Kagami: Th-Th-Th-Then you'll just have to sit and bear it. Jeez. Kagami averted her gaze and moved the sponge over my neck, shoulders, and chest. Kagami: Is this soft part I'm feeling... your chest? Yuki: W-Well, yes, but... Kagami: You know, your chest is really big. Yuki: U-Uh, could you please not say that so frankly. It's embarrassing. Kagami's gaze flitted back and forth over my body. Urgh. I'm gonna die of embarrassment. Yuki: Hey, uh... I think I'd actually rather wash myself. Zakuro: That's no good. Please allow me, Yuki-sama. I'll make every last corner of your body spotless. Rub, rub, rub. I felt something soft rubbing on my back. Yuki: Um, what's this? A soft sponge? Zakuro: It's a specially made sponge. Does it feel good? Rub, rub, rub. Yuki: I-I kind of have a bad feeling about this. Zakuro: Doesn't it feel good? Yuki: Hmm... It does feel good, I guess. Zakuro: Is that right? If you like it, then that's all that matters. It's a good thing I studied that manga. What was that supposed to mean?! That's weird! Why would you study how to wash someone's body?! Um, first off, she was gently embracing me with both arms, and there was no sponge in either of her hands, so... Rub, rub, rub, rub... Something felt soft and supple. Which means... Yuki: U-Um... She's probably just playing around, but... Right, this is definitely how girls who are friends act around each other. They poke each other's breasts or flip each other's skirts. Surely this isn't any different from that, but... Uhh... It felt like my heart was beating strangely quickly, as if my body was heating up. Yuki: O-Oooh. Somehow I took my mind off it. I took my mind off the frighteningly seductive, supple charms assaulting my back. Kagami: Y-Yuki, uh, could you open your legs a little more? I can't wash you like that. Yuki: Hmm? Wait, what?! A blushing Kagami was right in front of me. Why was she breathing so hard? D-Don't make that face at me. Calm down. It's just Kagami, right? Isn't she your childhood friend? Isn't she also a girl? But even if she was a girl, when she made that face... my heart lurched. Kagami: Uh, it might hurt if I use a sponge, so I'll do it with my finger. Yuki: Huh?! Wait, wh-where are you touching me, Kagami?! My voice almost cracked. Kagami: U-Um, y-your very precious place. Yuki: Y-You don't have to say it out loud. Would you please move your hand? Kagami: I-I don't want to. Yuki: Wh-Why not?! Kagami: B-Because it's not fair if only Takashima-san gets to touch you. Wh-What kind of reason is that? Kagami: I'll be gentle, okay? Aaahhh! Someone save me! My chastity is in danger! Someone! Tsukasa: E-Excuse me. Good timing, Tsukasa! You came to rescue me. Yuki: Wha―pshhff! Wh-Why is she naked too?! Kagami: Wait, Tsukasa! Why are you naked too?! You brought a swimsuit, didn't you? Tsukasa: Y-Yes, but when I put it on, it felt a little childish. I thought you'd laugh at me. Tsukasa: You were all getting in the bath, so I was worried about what I should do. I didn't want to bathe alone afterwards, so... Kagami: So you found the guts to come in naked. Tsukasa: Speaking of that, you two aren't wearing swimsuits either. What happened? Kagami: Huh? Tsukasa: You said you were gonna put on swimsuits and wash her back. Kagami: U-Um, you see... Tsukasa: And that's not soap in Takashima-san's hand. Tsukasa: What's that gooey liquid? Zakuro:! Yuki: Huh? I looked at what Takashima-san had in her hand. I'd thought it was too slippery, even if she was lathering it up. What she'd been rubbing on me wasn't soap, rather it was lotion. Yuki: Y-You two... Zakuro: A-Ahaha. Kagami: Huh? Um, Yuki? Yuki: Quit fucking around! Get out, all of you!
It was Saturday afternoon... For some reason, I was riding the train. "Let's ride this train to the last stop." It kind of felt like Takashima-san forced me into this. Yuki: By the way, where is the last stop? Zakuro: The amusement park. Have you ever been there? Yuki: Is that right? I haven't been there. I didn't even know there was an amusement park there. Zakuro: ... Zakuro: Is that so... For a moment, her voice sounded kind of sad. Did I say something wrong? Yuki: U-Uh, have you been there before? Zakuro: I... I've been there once before. Yuki: Oh, really? With your parents? Zakuro: No. I was with the person I loved the most in the world. Yuki: That's the first I've heard of that. There's someone that you're in love with? Zakuro: Yes, there was. Yuki: Was? Why are you using the past tense? Zakuro: Everything about the person I knew, even their face, has changed. Yuki: Even their face changed? Zakuro: Yes, so the person I loved isn't in this world anymore. Yuki: You mean... Maybe it was an accident, or sickness, or something... Yuki: D-Did I ask something I shouldn't have? Zakuro: No, I don't mind at all. It's not your fault. But leaving that aside... Takashima-san pointed her finger out the window. Zakuro: I can see the last station. Look, there's the amusement park. Yuki: Ah... The last stop was right in front of the amusement park. I'd been riding this train for years, but I never noticed that it stopped there. It was the last stop, so I saw "Amusement Park Bound" every time I rode this train, but I probably didn't care. The doors opened at the last station. People got off much more slowly than they would at any other stop. The doors stayed open for a long time at the last stop. There was no need to rush like when you're trying to get off at one of the intermediate stops. At the "Amusement Park" station, everyone left slowly, idling nearby. Next stop: a land of wonder. Though this "land of wonder" was old and faded. The people were all laughing as they stepped into that cheap wonderland. Zakuro: Shouldn't we get off here too? Yuki: That's why you brought me here, isn't it? Zakuro: Yes. That's right, but it's just a place where I have a lot of memories. It probably doesn't mean anything to you, so I don't mind if you would rather go home. Yuki: There's no point going home now. Zakuro: Really? Just being with you like this is meaningful enough for me. Yuki: There you go again. You shouldn't make those jokes so casually. Zakuro: So I shouldn't make those jokes because they make Tsukasa-san and Kagami-san act strange? Yuki: Yeah, pretty much. Zakuro: But it's a bit upsetting that you would call them jokes, Yuki-sama. Yuki: Huh? Zakuro: I really do enjoy spending time alone with you, Yuki... even though we can't get away from those other two very often. Yuki: Get away from them? Zakuro: If Kagami-san and Tsukasa-san knew the truth about what we're doing today, things probably wouldn't end peacefully. Yuki: Th-There you go again. Those two are just messing around. Zakuro: You're still saying that it's just a... joke, I guess. Yuki: Yeah, exactly. Zakuro: Then go on some rides with me here at the amusement park. Just play along, as a joke. Yuki: Oh, sure. That was the plan anyway. Zakuro: Thank you. Yuki: Well, let's go, then. Zakuro: Yes. We walked around together. Our shoes echoed off the hard concrete. Yuki: I wonder how long it's been since I last had shaved ice. Zakuro: Is it good? Yuki: Yeah. It's just ice, but it's really good. Zakuro: Heheh. I dragged you all the way out here, so this is the least I could do. Yuki: You really didn't need to pay for mine too. Zakuro: No, I did. I knew you would say that, because you're so kind. Yuki: That's not true. Zakuro: Heheh. Really? I think you're kind just for saying that. Yuki: I dunno about that... Yuki: Anyway, there are a lot of people here, even though it's such a shabby amusement park. I heard places like these usually operate in the red nowadays. Zakuro: How crowded it is just shows how amazing this amusement park is. Yuki: Maybe so. There was a fake castle, and mannequins were rusted. The whole place was a bunch of silly dreams, all thrown haphazardly together. It was a world where various dreams were put together without any unifying theme or logic. People laughed and played in such a cheap world. Happy people. As I walked among those people, I felt like I had turned into a ghost. I felt a strange sensation, as if my feet weren't actually touching the ground... As if a dream had become real... Zakuro: Today is my treat, so let's enjoy ourselves. That strange feeling was dispelled by Takashima-san's smile. Yuki: Oh, sure. A herd of smiles surrounded me, gathered here in this cheap world. I was saved from the feeling of floating by the person at my side. Yuki: Oh, but you really don't need to pay for me. Anyway, we're here, so let's enjoy ourselves. I actually haven't been to an amusement park since I was a child. Zakuro: Is that right? Not since you were a child? Oh, by the way, Yuki-sama. Yuki: What? Zakuro: Can we call this a date? Yuki: Huh? I don't really mind, but why? Zakuro: Oh, nothing. Just something for me to remember you by. Yuki: Remember me? Zakuro: You know, tomorrow is the 19th. Yuki: Yeah, it is, but so what? Zakuro: The date for the stargazing was set for the 19th. We will search for the beginning and end of tomorrow's night sky. Yuki: Yeah, we will. I hope we find it this time. Zakuro: Yes, but if we do, we probably can't be together the next day, on the 20th. Yuki: Huh? Wh-What do you mean? Did she mean that she was the world girl? That she thought she was going to return to the sky on the 19th? But if she really tried to do that... Yuki: E-Excuse me, Takashima-san. Zakuro: Heheh. What is it? Did you think I was planning to jump off the roof on the 19th? Yuki: Uh, no. How should I put it? Zakuro: Don't worry. I won't do anything like that. Zakuro: That was a joke. Just a joke. It's not true that we won't be able to be together after the 20th. Yuki: Oh, really? Don't scare me like that. Zakuro: I'm sorry. Yuki: You know, the other day... Zakuro: The other day? Those words tumbled out of my mouth almost by accident. I hesitated, not knowing if I should finish the sentence, but I had to ask her about it. Yuki: I saw you dropping a doll at school. You told me that ritual was supposed to be done when the Summer Triangle was visible, so... Zakuro: July 16th, 2012, 5:58 PM. Right? Yuki: ?! Why did she remember the exact time? That was the same time that Ayana said it was. The time was accurate down to the minute. Maybe there was some meaning in the exact time she did it. Yuki: Yeah, at that time, you dropped the doll from Building C, right? Zakuro: You saw it, huh? Yuki: Was I not supposed to? Zakuro: It doesn't really matter. I was just dropping the doll. Yuki: But why did you drop it at that kind of time? Wasn't that a way of searching for something in the sky? Zakuro: Yes, that's right. Yuki: But the landmark, the Summer Triangle, wasn't visible at that time. Zakuro: You're right. I guess it wasn't. Yuki: Then why did you drop the doll at that time? Zakuro: I guess you could call it the borderline. Yuki: The borderline? Zakuro: Yes. Yuki: Um, Ayana-san said it was supposed to have an effect on another world... Zakuro: Otonashi Ayana... Takashima-san's expression suddenly disappeared. Yuki: Wh-What's the matter? Zakuro: Otonashi Ayana, you said? So something like her can exist even in this kind of place. Yuki: Even in this kind of place? Zakuro: But that was inevitable. Now I understand. I can understand why something like her would exist even here. I was getting goosebumps for some reason. What the heck was this conversation we were having? I'd been perspiring for a while now. It was a cold sweat. Takashima-san's expression was dead. I'd never seen a face like that. Why would her expression change like that when talking about Ayana? Zakuro: But Otonashi-san... Now that I think about it, there were parts of her that were kind, too. Zakuro: The fate I've chosen can't be changed now. Zakuro: Whether it is inevitable or just coincidence isn't a distinction that a human can make. Yuki: What are you talking about? Zakuro: The last words Otonashi-san said to me. Yuki: The last? Zakuro: Ah, I'm sorry! Zakuro: Y-You see, I had an argument with her. Those were the words she said when we parted. Yuki: I-Is that what it was? So Takashima-san and Otonashi-san knew each other. Now that I thought about it, they did both kind of fit into the "mysterious girl" mold. Yuki: Takashima-san, you had an argument with Ayana-san? Zakuro: That's right. Please don't worry too much about what I just said, nor about the incident with the doll. Zakuro: When I dropped the doll from Building C, that was just practice. Yuki: Practice? Zakuro: Yes. I haven't dropped a doll from the roof in a while, so I was worried I might be out of practice. Yuki: Can you get 'out of practice' at something like that? Zakuro: Yes. It's rather difficult. You have to throw it so that it floats in the air. Yuki: But it's never floated before, has it? Zakuro: It hasn't. Yuki: Then how can you practice? Zakuro: It doesn't float because the sky is wrong. With the correct technique, the doll will float in the right sky. Zakuro: But if you can't throw it correctly, it won't float even in the right sky. Zakuro: And then we would never find the beginning and end of the sky. Yuki: I-I guess that makes sense. I guess for all these "mysterious" people, it must be a pain following all these "mysterious" rules. Zakuro: But... Takashima-san's face suddenly softened. When she looked at me, the smile had returned to her lips. Yuki: What is it? Zakuro: This is nothing like that time, when I was so nervous. Right now, I'm totally relaxed, and I'm enjoying this calm, peaceful, happy moment. Yuki: Are you talking about the person you came with the last time you were here? Zakuro: Ah, yes. That's right. Yuki: There's really no comparison there, though. You were nervous because you were with the person you liked. Zakuro: But I like you too. Yuki: But that's something different. Not 'love,' just plain old 'like.' Zakuro: If that's how you want to put it, I loved the person I was here with last, and I love you too. Yuki: Ugh... Now she's saying it too. Jeez. Yuki: But still, there's no way you would get nervous around me, since we're both girls. Zakuro: Heheh. Who cares about that? We still have time to enjoy this wonderland! Yuki: Wonderland, huh? What a cheap wonderland it is. Zakuro: Dreams are nice because they're cheap. If they weren't cheap, they wouldn't be dreams. What do you think about that? Zakuro: We rode a lot of different ones, huh? Yuki: Yeah. Are there any others you want to try? Zakuro: Now that you mention it, there's a boat ride here. Yuki: Oh, is there? Zakuro: How does that sound? Does the boat sound like fun? Yuki: That one? Zakuro: Yes, that ride looks like fun. Yuki: Spirit room: 'The End Sky'... Zakuro: That's a strange name. It obviously means 'the end of the sky,' but it's written 'The End Sky.' Yuki: I wonder what it is. It says it's a spirit room, so it's probably one of those scary attractions. Zakuro: I'm not really sure, but it looks odd, doesn't it? It says it's a 'spirit room,' not a 'haunted house.' It sounds kind of creepy. Yuki: Yeah. Let's check it out. Zakuro: Okay. The building had a bizarre structure. That was the one thing that made me uncomfortable. Other than that, it looked like an ordinary attraction. It was one of those attractions where you ride around in a gondola. I couldn't tell if the rails rusted or what, but they were making an unpleasant noise. We sat in the gondola and looked at various worlds that passed us by, each of which had been neatly demarcated from the last. At first, we were surrounded by never-ending darkness. It felt like we were rising and falling, or even moving from side to side sometimes, but we couldn't really tell for sure what was happening in the dark. Yuki: Wh-What is this? Yuki: What the heck? Are we in a convenience store? Did we go the wrong way? Zakuro: That can't be it. Why would anyone come to a convenience store on a creepy gondola like this? Besides, there aren't any customers or employees. Yuki: There really isn't anyone here. It's kinda scary how dark it is, too. If something popped out right now, it might actually scare me. The gondola slowly passed through the deserted store. I was expecting someone dressed up like a ghost to pop out at any moment, but nothing happened. The thin layer of dust on all the shelves was a bit eerie. Yuki: Hm... Do you think they would mind if I took a piece of candy? Zakuro: You can't do that. It's not like there's a sign that says 'free samples' or anything. Yuki: But the security cameras aren't even turned on. Zakuro: That's not the problem here... I grabbed a bag of potato chips from a nearby shelf. The expiration date was July 20th, 1999. Yuki: Ahaha... This is an antique. Zakuro: Let's stop this. It was starting to make sense. The scenery didn't just look old. It really was old. What the heck was the designer thinking when he made this ride? A deserted store. It definitely was creepy, but as an attraction in an amusement park, it was kind of lacking. The rusty rails squeaked as the gondola turned toward a door behind the register. I looked at the register.& Something was scribbled on a piece of paper there.& Just one sentence. Title of this piece& "Convenience Store End" Yuki: This piece? Convenience Store End? What does that mean Zakuro: Maybe it means that this is the end of the convenience store? Yuki: The end of the convenience store, huh? Yuki: What is this supposed to be? Some sort of commentary on consumerism? Zakuro: I don't know. That seems kind of complicated. The gondola skirted the wall and entered a staircase. We watched the convenience store recede below us as we ascended. The gondola went up the endless stairs. I was a bit surprised that it could go up the steps. It was quite the agile machine. Zakuro: This is a really long stairway, isn't it? Yuki: It's just stairs and stairs, stretching on forever. Zakuro: Oh, I can see the end. The staircase that we thought was about to end doubled back in the opposite direction, and after we passed that... Yuki: Was the building really this big? Zakuro: No. From the outside, it didn't look this big... Yuki: Wh-What? Zakuro: It's pitch black. Yuki: What is this? Zakuro: It looks like the gondola got on an elevator. Yuki: What kind of ride is this? Zakuro: This part looks like an apartment building. Yuki: An apartment building... Zakuro: Oh, the gondola is moving again. It moved steadily through the concrete hallway. That was a barren, lifeless hallway, and there was no telling where it would lead. Yuki: Hey. This is a hallway, right? We have to be in an apartment complex... Zakuro: Yes, probably. Yuki: Then why are there curtains on the hallway windows? Zakuro: Huh? The windows of the once-modern hallway had at some point changed into the decrepit windows of a condemned apartment. I had thought that we were still in the hallway, but maybe the gondola turned into one of the rooms without either of us noticing. Zakuro: This is a room, isn't it? Yuki: It looks so old. Zakuro: Ah. Yuki: Would you call this the living room? Zakuro: It feels like we're back in the Shouwa era. There was an engraved plate on the table. * Title of this piece&* "Living Room End" Yuki: What's this? Maybe it really is some sort of criticism of modern culture. Zakuro: Maybe it's trying to express a father's fear that the tight-knit family unit is falling apart. The sound of grinding rust filled the room as the gondola advanced forward. The entire scene felt kind of surreal, or rather, downright eerie. The calendar and clock were both stopped at the same point. Yuki: July of 1999, again. What was up with that date? It must have been the date when this attraction was made. We left the living room and emerged into another staircase, except this time it was a small set of stairs like in someone's house. It was really creepy. Yuki: Huh? Those stairs led right into a classroom. Zakuro: The living room was connected to the classroom, huh? Heheh. If you lived in a house like that, you would never be late, would you? Yuki: But on the other hand, your teacher could come to your room and ask, 'Are you doing your homework?' Zakuro: Ahaha. You're right, that might be annoying. A plate was set upon the podium. Title of this piece& "End of the Classroom" A convenience store, a living room, and then a classroom. I see. So the designer was trying to bring out a feeling of unease. There was no one in all these places where people should be, and the riders feel like intruders for being in places where they shouldn't be. Yuki: see. So that's what it meant by 'spirit room.' Zakuro: What do you mean? Yuki: All of the rooms are places that exist so that people can live in them. And when you suddenly take the people out of them, and look at all of these places from this gondola... Yuki: We get to look into these people's lifestyles, as if those lifestyles had been amputated and preserved in a jar. Yuki: I think we're the spirits on this ride. Zakuro: So there won't be any ghosts popping out and scaring us? Yuki: I don't think they're going to do anything crude like that. Yuki: If any ghosts appeared, we would go back to being human. The gondola left the classroom and went out into the hallway. Just how big was this building? Zakuro: It's a really long ride, isn't it? Yuki: Yeah. It's just showing us all these deserted scenes, but it's scary how big this place is. The gondola kept moving through the hallway. The rust was causing a high-pitched whine. The gondola advanced past the classroom and... stopped. Zakuro: It stopped. Yuki: Yeah. A bell rang behind us as a door closed. The gondola rotated around, and... Yuki: Somehow we ended up in another elevator. Zakuro: Yes. It really is a huge building, isn't it? Title of this piece& "The Final Abode" Yuki: 'The Final Abode'... That's kind of a gross name for a hospital. Zakuro: By the 'The Final Abode,' they mean the place where you live while waiting to die, I guess. Yuki: You might be right. Most people die in the hospital, but that's a creepy way of saying it. Nevertheless, this was a hell of a design.& The gondola started to move into the bed. Zakuro: Whoa, we're going to run into it. Yuki: Whoa! The gondola went into the bed.& What kind of structure did this ride have? Zakuro: It's dark, isn't it? Yuki: Yeah. It's pitch black. Zakuro: Oh, there's a light. The blue sky spread out above us. And... When we looked down... There was another plate. Title of this piece& "The End Sky" Yuki: I see. So that's what it was. A tremor ran up my spine, twisting my face into a jagged smile. Normally, you were supposed to be scared when you were inside a haunted house, not when you left it. But for some reason, this one was different. It felt as if everything up to this point was a prelude. The creepy feeling from all the deserted places where people should've been, and all the places where we had no right to be, culminated beneath this sky. Just like that, the gondola stopped. It seemed like the ride should return to the beginning for the next person, but if this wasn't the end, it would be like the plate was lying. Yuki: Th-That was kind of weird. Zakuro: Heheh. I suppose so. Yuki: Well then, how about we ride something fun next? Zakuro: That sounds good. It would be nice to ride something more relaxing. Really, who the heck would make a ride like that? I doubted there was any particular meaning to it. But still, it wasn't a very pleasant experience. Yuki: A ride where you can experience the feeling of being a ghost... Zakuro: Yuki-sama, look! There's a boat over here! Yuki: Oh, sure. Just a sec. Zakuro: Yuki-sama, how does that sound? Would you ride the boat with me? Yuki: Oh, that might be nice. After that weird ride, a boat ride would probably feel good. Creak... Creak... Creak... Creak... Zakuro: I'm sorry about this. I'm making you row, even though I'm the maid. Yuki: It's nothing. Ahaha... At first, Takashima-san said she was going to row, but with her at the oars, we'd hardly moved at all. Yuki: I'm not very good at this, so just say something if you're feeling seasick. Zakuro: I'm fine. There's no way I would get sick from your rowing. Yuki: How can you say that with such certainty? Zakuro: Ahaha. I wonder why. Zakuro: The breeze on this lake is always nice and cool. Yuki: This is the first time I've been here, so I wouldn't know. Zakuro: It feels really good. I think it's wonderful. Yuki: Yeah, the water draws the cool breeze over the lake, doesn't it? Zakuro: It feels so nice... Zakuro: The water looks like a mirror reflecting the sky, like we're in a boat flying through the heavens. Yuki: I see what you mean, but that would be kinda scary. Zakuro: Do you think so? I think it feels good to walk through the clouds. Yuki: Ahaha. You say that as if you've actually done it before. Yuki: I've never walked on a cloud before, so I wouldn't know. I just think it's kind of scary to imagine us being up in the sky. Zakuro: Scary, is it? That's the opposite of what you said last time. Yuki: Last time? Zakuro: Oh, it's nothing. I'm just talking to myself. Creak... Creak... Creak... Creak... Zakuro: Heheh. Yuki: Hmm? What's up? Zakuro: Oh, it's just... Look, if I touch the water, it's like I can reach out and touch the sky, I guess. That's all. Yuki: Hehehe. That's interesting. Zakuro: That's something I heard from the person I loved. Yuki: Oh? He was a poet, wasn't he? Zakuro: He was a poet, a swordsman, a philosopher, and a pioneer of aerodynamics. Yuki: ... ...... ... Yuki: ...♪ Zakuro: ... We were on the train back home. It felt nice. Our languid spirits swayed back and forth with the movement of the train. And then... Music. Takashima-san looked like she was enjoying listening to my music. I had her listen to a few songs, judging what genres she liked from her expression. It seemed like Takashima-san enjoyed the classical music. I told her that this recording was from a New Year's concert they held every year in a foreign country. Their conductor was lauded as a genius, and he led the most famous philharmonic in the world. Waltz. Polka. March. A dancing melody. The swaying of the train seemed to match the rhythm of the songs. I felt her softly put her hand on my hand that was holding the music player. Fittingly, the name on the screen was Vergnugungszug, "Pleasure Train." Ours was just a ride across town, not a journey, but the relaxed feeling was the same. The song almost made the scenery outside look like it was glowing. Zakuro: Do you like classical music? Yuki: Well, my mother used to be really strict, and she made me practice the piano. Zakuro: You can play the piano, then? Yuki: Yeah, as long as it's not too hard, I can manage. Zakuro: Then could you play for me, tonight? Yuki: Tonight? Zakuro: Yes. I know a store where they have a piano. Yuki: Is that so? Zakuro: Yes, though it's a place I heard about from the person I loved. Yuki: Oh, is it? Zakuro: Would you mind going with me? Yuki: I'd be glad to. Yuki: This kind of looks like a bar or something. Zakuro: Don't worry about that. Here, sit on this seat. Yuki: You're right. There is a piano. Zakuro: Yes. Here. Takashima-san handed me a key. Yuki: What's this? Zakuro: The key to the piano... This bar's piano. Yuki: Why do you have a key? Do you work here or something? Zakuro: Heheh. Who knows? Yuki: The name is... Hakushuukyou Bar. Hmm? I guess all bars really do look the same. This was my first time in the place, but it felt oddly familiar. Yuki: Is it all right if I play this piano? Zakuro: There's no problem at all. Please, play the piano. Yuki: Ah, sure. I played a few notes. It was pretty well tuned. Actually, the piano felt like it was really easy to play. It seemed that the piano and I were compatible. Yuki: Is there anything you'd like to hear? Zakuro: Yes. For the first one, Erik Satie. Le Picadilly would be nice. Yuki: Oh, you listen to Satie. Good taste. Zakuro: That's right. Enjoying Satie is in good taste. He was a great composer. Yuki: Oh, that's rare. Are you singing your own praises now? Zakuro: I guess I am. Yuki: What a coincidence, though. I like Satie too. I spread my fingers over the keys. I closed my eyes for a moment, and then... My fingers danced. As I struck the keys, layers of different tones flowed out from the piano. The music wove a tapestry of good cheer. It was a happy rhythm. Bright. Ornate. And somehow nostalgic. It felt simple and candid. Satie's music blends into the human lifestyle like a piece of furniture. Takashima-san listened quietly. I was having fun playing. Yuki: How was it? Zakuro: It was wonderful. Yuki: I had fun, too. I haven't played in a long time. And I didn't feel rusty at all. I hadn't been practicing on the piano at home, so I thought that I would mess up, but... Zakuro: Could you play one more? Yuki: Yeah, sure. What song? Zakuro: I would like to hear your favorite song. Yuki: My favorite? Zakuro: Yes, your number one favorite song. Yuki: My favorite, huh? I faced the piano again and closed my eyes. I slowly opened my hands, and... I began to play. I played my favorite song. Takashima-san listened with a happy expression on her face. I had to wonder if she knew this song. If she liked Satie, she might have heard it before. It was a famous song. "The Dreamy Fish." That was the title. It was about the dream a fish living in the ocean might have. That was the image the melody evoked. They say Satie's titles were often different from the actual content of the pieces. He didn't want people's impressions to be affected by the title he gave it. That was why a lot of his compositions had strange titles. Embryons desseches. Deux preludes pour un chien. Sonatine bureaucratique. Trois morceaux en forme de poire. Tons of songs like that. But it felt like this song really was about a fish dreaming. Yuki: How was it? Zakuro: ... Yuki: Wh-What's wrong? Zakuro: Yes... Thank you very much. Yuki: Huh? A-Are you crying? Zakuro: No... I'm not crying. Yuki: But... Zakuro: No, just... thank you. Zakuro: This semester is going to end soon. Yuki: Yeah it is, although we skipped today. Zakuro: Yep. So with today, it's over. Yuki: It's over? Zakuro: Yes, that's why I dragged you along to the amusement park. Yuki: Wh-What do you mean? I don't understand what you're saying. Zakuro: At the end of this semester, I'm transferring to a different school. Yuki: Huh? Zakuro: I'll only be here in this city until the 20th, when the semester ends. Yuki: R-Really? Zakuro: Yes. I've almost completely moved out already, but I wanted to at least stay and finish the semester. Yuki: Oh... I see. Zakuro: So tomorrow is the last day I can stay at your house. Zakuro: I have to leave this city the day after tomorrow. Yuki: Why did you stay until now, then? Yuki: It sounds like your parents have already moved. It must have been hard to convince them to let you stay. Zakuro: Yes. I insisted they let me stay at least until the semester ended. Yuki: Why did you do that? Was there something you still had to do before leaving? Zakuro: Yes, there was. There was a person that I had to meet, no matter what. Zakuro: And I remembered the legend. Yuki: What legend? Zakuro: About the place where the girl of the sky meets the girl who is the world itself. Zakuro: That legend has become a sort of spell on this town. Yuki: A spell? Zakuro: It's famous. So you really didn't know. It's a spell that lets you find the person you love. Yuki: I see. So then, the last person you wanted to meet was the person you loved. Zakuro: Yes. Yuki: Then you shouldn't be trying to use a charm or anything. If you asked us, we could've helped you find him. Zakuro: No, there's no need to search. Yuki: Huh? What do you mean, no need? Zakuro: You see, the spell worked properly. Yuki: It worked? You mean you managed to find the person you were looking for? Zakuro: Yes, thanks to you. Yuki: B-But isn't that a bit strange? You say you found the person you loved, but you spent the entire time at my place, right? What exactly were you doing? Zakuro: Because the person I wanted to meet was Yuki-sama. It was you. Yuki: Me? Zakuro: Yes. Yuki: Um, let me get this straight. Uh, first off, we're both girls, and besides, you didn't even know me until after you dropped the doll on my head. Zakuro: That's how it seems to you, but that's just because you're so forgetful. Zakuro: If my being a girl is a problem, you should say that to the other two, not just me. Yuki: By the other two, you mean... Zakuro: Kagami-san and Tsukasa-san. Yuki: Um, they were probably just playing along, you know? Zakuro: Maybe so. They probably were. Zakuro: But when someone falls in love with another person, that's just how it is. Or do you think falling in love is something intentional? Yuki: Uh, no... That's not it. How can I put it? Zakuro: I had a lot of fun the last few days. Zakuro: At first I thought that I only wanted to be with you because I like you, but as the days went by, I realized that I like Kagami-san and Tsukasa-san too. Zakuro: I loved being together with you all. Yuki: Takashima-san... Zakuro: Competing with Kagami-san for you, playing with Tsukasa-san... Zakuro: So thank you for everything. The legend that tells of the meeting between the world girl and the sky girl. The legend that led to some kind of spell for the two girls. The sky we were going to search for was in Takashima-san's hand from the moment we started to search. That was the answer. Zakuro: And... I'm sorry. Yuki: You're sorry? Zakuro: Maybe I shouldn't say this. Yuki: What's wrong, Takashima-san? Zakuro: Tomorrow, when we go stargazing, let's start right after midnight. Yuki: Right after midnight? You mean right when the date changes to the 20th? Zakuro: Yes. Yuki: Why? If we want to find the sky, it would be easier to do at an earlier time. And besides, we can't really be in the building that late. Zakuro: There's no problem. We can get into the building. Yuki: Huh? Zakuro: If the world girl desires it, nothing in this world is impossible. Yuki: Uh, excuse me. Takashima-san, by that... Zakuro: I understand. It sounds like I'm saying something strange to you right now. You probably think I'm some 'mysterious girl,' or maybe that I'm some 'crazy weirdo'... Yuki: Ah, no, that's not... Zakuro: It's fine. I understand now. I understand everything. Zakuro: At first, I suffered for my own sin. Yuki: Your own sin? Zakuro: Yes. I thought that I had to atone for the crime I'd committed. Yuki: Some kind of redemption? Zakuro: But I understand after walking through this world together with you. Zakuro: The redemption that I seek will only end up making you suffer. Zakuro: If I don't do it, then you'll be happy. You can live the rest of your life like this, in this Wonderful Everyday. But... Zakuro: My redemption would take that all away. Yuki: U-Uh, I don't really get it. Zakuro: Tomorrow, before the 19th ends, please come to Building C. Yuki: Um, then, Kagami and Tsukasa... Zakuro: If you wish, I think you'll be able to bring them along. But if you don't wish to, you won't be able to. Yuki: What does that... Zakuro: You'll understand tomorrow. Zakuro: Depending on how you approach the day we call tomorrow, the shape of the world could change greatly. Yuki: The day we call tomorrow? Zakuro: Yes, just like this shop... Yuki: This shop is... Then it hit me. The other customers were gone. Even the bartender was nowhere to be seen. The only two people here were Takashima-san and me. Yuki: Th-This is... Zakuro: Most likely, it's because you wish for a long journey. Yuki: A long journey? Zakuro: Yes. So, tomorrow, on the rooftop... Yuki: Wait, Takashima-san!
Kagami: Why are we walking in the dark? We should turn on the lights. Tsukasa: What are you saying? We need to turn off as many lights as we can. Zakuro: Why is that? Tsukasa: While stargazing, light is our greatest enemy. When your eyes get used to the light, you can't see the stars. Kagami: Still, the school is creepy at night. I can't believe it gets this dark when you turn off the lights. Tsukasa: Ahaha, that's because the school is surrounded by a forest. The inside is pretty dark. Yuki: Watch your step, now~. Kagami: Ahhhh! Tsukasa: Putting a flashlight under your face is the oldest trick in the book. Yuki: Ahaha, but did you hear Kagami's just now? 'Ahhhh!' She made an amazing face, ahaha. Tsukasa: Of course she'll be surprised if you use a light like that, with red cellophane over the bulb. Yuki: ep. It makes you look like you're covered in blood. Kagami: Oh, really? Then I'll cover you in blood for real. Yuki: Huh? Yuki: O-Oww... Kagami: You reap what you sow. Consider yourself lucky you're not really bleeding. Zakuro: Still, why is the flashlight red? Tsukasa: A normal flashlight is too bright, so I made it red. Look, there are rubber bands holding the cellophane in place. Yuki: Really though, even if we had a telescope, we probably couldn't see the stars, since Tokyo is so bright. Tsukasa: The school is pretty far from the shopping district, but there might still be too much light. Yuki: Well, even so, it's important to get our eyes used to the dark. Zakuro: I see. Zakuro: Also, I'm sorry. The Summer Triangle was just an excuse. Tsukasa: It's fine. Thanks to your excuse, we get to enjoy our last night together like this. Kagami: That's right. It's our last night. Let's enjoy it. Zakuro: Yes. Kagami: Well, it's just like we thought. The view is only a bit better than from my house. Tsukasa: Really? Don't you think there are a lot of stars out tonight? Kagami: Yeah, but I was expecting the Milky Way to pop out at me, you know? Tsukasa: That wouldn't happen unless we went to a mountain. Yuki: You were expecting too much, huh? Kagami: Well, it's nice that there's not much moonlight... Zakuro: U-Um, look at the city, please. Tsukasa: Huh? Kagami: That... That's... For a moment we couldn't comprehend what was happening. The city lights were going out one by one. Yuki: No way. Is it a power outage? Kagami: I-It's the first time I've seen one. Tsukasa: Me too. Yuki: I thought power outages only happened in the Shouwa era. I guess they do still happen. Zakuro: Ahh... Takashima-san looked up at the sky and raised her voice. Yuki: Whoa... Tsukasa: It's amazing... Our eyes had gotten accustomed to the dark, and yet the sky that appeared over our heads was completely different from before. Kagami: Th-This is a miracle, isn't it? Tsukasa: Amazing. It's like God planned for this to happen. Yuki: No... Tsukasa, if God did this, he'd be troubling a lot of people in the city. Zakuro: I guess so, since the lights suddenly went out. Tsukasa: I wonder how long this will last. Yuki: I dunno. A long one would be about ten minutes, right? I'm not really sure, though. Kagami: Wow... Amazing... Tsukasa: We can see really well. Look, in the eastern sky, you can see the Milky Way. Yuki: There's no way we ought to be able to see this in Tokyo's sky. Kagami: I bet Miu will be mad when she hears about this. Tsukasa: That's right. She can't see this, even though she's always looking at the sky so enthusiastically, yet we get to see it by pure coincidence. Yuki: But still, the stars sure are beautiful. Tsukasa: The brightest star there is Vega. It's Orihime's star. Yuki: And then, that one is Altair. Compared to Orihime, Natsuhiko doesn't shine very bright. Though in this era, that's not so surprising. Tsukasa: The era has nothing to do with it. Yuki: Do you know the name of the bridge that connects them? Tsukasa: I don't. Does it have a name? Yuki: It's called the Magpie Bridge. Tsukasa: What's a magpie? Yuki: It's a type of bird. There aren't very many of them in Japan, though. Tsukasa: Why a bird? Yuki: You see, a magpie's back and tail are black. Only its stomach is white, so when you see a group of them from below, it looks like a bridge, or so they say. Yuki: The magpies all work together to spread their wings and fly from the south shore of the Milky Way to the north shore, making a bridge for Natsuhiko and Orihime. Yuki: Jeez, Natsuhiko, that's why you're so lackluster. You have to ask for help from a tiny bird like a magpie! Tsukasa: That's not right. Natsuhiko is a first-magnitude star, so he's very bright. Yuki: But Orihime is brighter, isn't she? She's the fifth brightest in the entire sky. Tsukasa: I guess, but Natsuhiko is doing his best, too. Zakuro: Why were the two of them separated? Yuki: They were both hard workers until they got married and stopped working. The Heavenly King got mad at that and separated them. Zakuro: Th-That doesn't make it sound like a very romantic story. Kagami: Let's see. That one is Deneb. Yuki: That one is the swan's asshole. Kagami: Don't say that! Yuki: But really, from its location, that's what it would be, right? The butt, I mean. Kagami: Yuki, do you know anything about the swan constellation? Yuki: Well, think of Deneb as the head. Kagami: The head? Yuki: Right. If Deneb is the head, then what could it be other than the asshole? Kagami: Urgh. I don't know. I can't really tell you what constellations are supposed to look like. It just looks like a cross to me. Yuki: Correct. In Christian countries, they think of it as the crucifix, so they call it the Northern Cross. Yuki: In the south, there's the Southern Cross, and the Northern Cross lies opposite of it in the northern sky. Kagami: Oh... Tsukasa: That sounds really romantic. Yuki: But it's the swan's asshole. Tsukasa: No, it's not! Yuki: Anyway, the power still isn't coming back on. Zakuro: Ah, about that, I was just looking at the news on my phone, and it looks like it will take an hour for the power to come back on. Yuki: What happened? Why is there a huge power outage? Zakuro: They're saying that a crane ship was going down the river with its arm up, and it hit a central power line. Yuki: What? That's really bad, isn't it? Zakuro: The main line and the backup were both severed, so it's going to take a while. Tsukasa: Then we should borrow the telescope from the astronomy clubroom. Zakuro: Can we borrow it? Kagami: We do have permission. Kagami: Come on, the key works for both the roof and the clubroom. Yuki: So, who's going to go get it? Kagami: You are, of course. Yuki: Why? Kagami: Because you're the strongest, right? Yuki: Nah. I can't compare to your idiot strength. Kagami: Did you say something? Yuki: No, nothing... Yuki: But I don't know where the astronomy clubroom is. Kagami: R-Really? I guess someone else needs to go with Yuki. Kagami: Let's see. Yuki can carry the stuff, and as for someone who knows where the clubroom is... Zakuro: I don't know where it is. Tsukasa: I know where it is, but... Kagami: Then you go, Tsukasa. Tsukasa: Why would you say that? Kagami: Wh-What's wrong? Tsukasa: You're the one who really wants to go. Kagami: Huh? Wh-Why would you think that?! Zakuro: It's quite obvious to us. Kagami: Wh-Why?! Zakuro: Because your face got red the second someone said 'together with Yuki.' Kagami: N-No way! Tsukasa: Ahaha. Of course not. There's no way we could see that in the darkness. Ah! Kagami: Haa! Yuki: Huh? What's wrong? Kagami: Takashima-san, wh-why... Tsukasa: ...do you have your hands on our chests? Zakuro: Your hearts are both beating fast. They're positively racing. Tsukasa: Th-Th-That's not true. Kagami: Wh-Wh-What does that prove? Zakuro: But Kagami-san's heart is beating faster just a little bit faster. Kagami: Why would you say that?! Zakuro: Well, that just shows how excited you are, right? Kagami: Wh-What's that mean? Zakuro: Tsukasa-san, Kagami-san. Your hands... Tsukasa: Huh? Zakuro: Put one hand on the other's chest, and one on your own. Like this. Tsukasa: Ah... Kagami: Urgh... Tsukasa: You're right. Onee-chan's is definitely faster. Kagami: Th-That's not it! I-I'm a scaredy cat, you know? That's it! That's the only reason my heart is beating faster. Tsukasa: Then the three of us should go together. Kagami: Oh, sure. That works. Yeah. Zakuro: Are you going to leave me here by myself? That sounds a little lonely. Tsukasa: Sorry about that. Well, let's go. Tsukasa pulled us by the hands as she headed down the stairs. I was worried that Tsukasa might fall if she ran down the stairs, since she was so clumsy and all. Tsukasa: Ah... Oh no, whatever shall I do... Kagami: Wh-What is it? Tsukasa: Hehehe. I have to go to the bathroom. Kagami: Huh? Tsukasa: Sorry, this is a real emergency here, so you'll have to go get the telescope alone with Yuki, Onee-chan. Kagami: Wh-What are you saying? In that case, I'll come with you. Tsukasa: There's a huge sofa in the astronomy clubroom! Kagami: Ts-Tsukasa! Tsukasa ran back up the stairs that we just walked down. Kagami: Urgh... Yuki: Well, shall we get going? Kagami: G-Go? Yuki: Huh? Shouldn't we? Kagami: I-I guess we should... A-Anyway, let's go! Yuki: That's the plan. Kagami: The school really is scary at night. Yuki: Especially since the clubrooms are on the inside. Kagami: Astronomy... Astronomy... Ah, here it is. Yuki: There it is. Kagami: Uh... the key... Here it is. Kagami: It's dark. Uh, is that it? Yuki: It's up pretty high, isn't it? Kagami: Uh... Jeez, where is it? I can't see it at all! Yuki: Ah, K-Kagami. Yuki: Owww. Kagami: Y-Yuki? Yuki: What are you doing? The globe just fell on me. Kagami: So that's what happened. S-Sorry! Yuki: Jeez... I tumbled on top of Kagami when I dodged the falling globe. Our faces were unnaturally close. Ahahaha. It kind of made me think about what we did before. I laughed and was about to move... Then, at that moment, Kagami's mouth opened. Kagami: U-Um, Yuki. Yuki: Huh? Wh-What? Kagami: You know, the other day, we kissed, didn't we? Yuki: Huh? Uh, yeah... Why the hell was she bringing that up? I was trying not to think about that. For some reason, I could feel my heart beating faster. I wondered why I could feel it so clearly. You don't normally pay attention to the beating of your own heart. Kagami and I looked into each other's eyes. She was the first to speak again. Kagami: You see, when our lips touched, I was incredibly happy. Ahaha, am I a pervert? Yuki: You're a pervert, huh? Kagami: Wh-What did you say?! Kagami looked upset. Somehow, seeing that face made me want to tease her. My heart started to beat even faster. If I kept looking at Kagami's pale skin, here in the darkness, I might... Yuki: Yeah. When you kissed me all of a sudden, it was pretty surprising. Even though you're a girl, you kissed another girl like me. Kagami: Th-That was because we were playing the King Game. Yuki: So you just kissed me out of the blue like that? Kagami: W-Well, yeah. Yuki: In that case... Kagami: Huh? I pushed Kagami's body down and whispered, my mouth right next to hers. Yuki: What if this time, I kissed you right here and now? Kagami: Huh? My lips slowly approached hers. Kagami closed her eyes. Yuki: Mmh... Kagami: Ah! My tongue traced the outline of Kagami's lips. A simple joke. We'd kissed before, and I was just touching her lips. It was just a prank, a continuation of before. Somehow, the beating of my heart made it impossible to resist such a prank. Yuki: Hehe. That was hardly a kiss. I laughed as I said that. And then... Kagami: Ahh... Yuki: Hh?! Seizing my face between her hands, Kagami kissed me back. Kagami: Ngha... mmha, ngh... hnn... chu... ngha... nn... We were too eager, so our teeth kept bumping each other. But Kagami didn't notice at all, so she kept kissing me. Kagami: Auh... hnn... psh... hnn... Aha... ngh... haa... ha... Even as we drew apart, a silver thread connected our lips. Kagami looked at me silently, her eyes moist. Those were the exact same eyes as she'd had the other day. Since she first looked at me with those eyes, it was just a matter of time until we ended up doing this. I teased her even as I felt my own heart beating like a drum in my chest. Eventually, it was beating so fast that I was no longer just teasing her. The situation grew like a snowball rolling downhill. As it rolls, it grows bigger. Just like our hearts. I found myself moving in for another kiss before I realized it. Kagami: Ahn... hnn... psh... ngh... ha... ha... Kagami's soft tongue made its way inside my mouth. Yuki: Hmm... hmm... psh... ha... hnn... ha... I responded by twining my tongue around hers. We moistened each other's lips, the sound escaping them seeming obscene. Kagami: Haa... Yuki. Yuki: What is it, Kagami? Kagami: Yuki, you dummy. Dummy, dummy, dummy. Yuki: You shouldn't call people dummies all the time. Kagami: Jeez. It's your fault that I couldn't hold back my feelings any longer. Yuki: It's my fault? Kagami: That's right. Yuki, I... Yuki: You know, there's nothing you need to hold back. Kagami: Huh? Yuki: Because I feel the same as you do. Yuki: Nn... huh... ngh... ha... ha... ngh... hmm... I'd tried to deny it, but... In reality, I knew it ever since that day. I knew it since we kissed during the King Game. A game can change reality. The mischief in my heart had turned into true love. I ran my fingers over Kagami's thigh. Yuki: Your skin is so soft and smooth. Kagami: Auh, Y-Yuki? Yuki: What? You want me to stop? Kagami: Ah, no! If you stop... Yuki: Hmm? What? Kagami: Grr... Dummy, dummy, dummy! Kagami: Ah, haa... Ha. Yuki: Relax. I'm not gonna stop. My hand slid beneath her skirt. Yuki: Haa... You're so warm down here. There's just this one scrap of cloth between me and you. Kagami: Ah, hya! Kagami really was hot down there. And wet. Yuki: Are you sweating? Kagami: Th-That's right. It was hot today, so I was sweating. Yuki: Hmm, so your sweat's all stringy like this. I drew my hand away, sticky with her fluids, and spread my fingers to show her. I felt her body quivering underneath me. Kagami: Ah, no, that's... Th-That's not it. Yuki: What's not? This is sweat, isn't it? Kagami: Uh, I, I, uh... You know... Yuki: Hehe... Your sweat is kind of slimy, but it tastes good. Kagami: Ah, that's... You can't lick that. Yuki is... Yuki is... My... My... Kagami's body was shaking. It felt like she might have cummed just from watching me lick her sweat. Yuki: Heh... hehe... Why is your crotch the only part that's sweaty? Your thigh is soaked. Kagami: Huh? Ah... Ha! I rubbed her through her underwear. Kagami covered her mouth with her hands, but she couldn't hold back her moans. Kagami: Why... Why are you picking on me? Don't pick on me like that. Yuki: What? This is sweat, isn't it? There's nothing to be embarrassed about. Kagami: No, you can't... Y-Yuki, that... Ah, aah... No... Yuki... Yuki: Kagami, what can't I do? Can you say it? Kagami: If you touch me any more... I... I'll... Ah. As I made her explain, I slid her underwear down. Though it was dark, her lower body was completely on display when I lifted up her skirt. Kagami: Aaah... Yuki... Yuki: What's wrong? Kagami: Hyaaaaha... ha. She did her best to cover her mouth and stop her moans from escaping. Yet every time she covered her mouth, juices came out below. Anyone could tell what kind of state she was in. I barely had to move my finger to feel how wet she was. My finger made lewd noises every time I moved it. Yuki: Your sweat is so weird. And I have to ask, does sweat come out of your vagina? Kagami: Uhaa. Yuki: There's so much... You really are a pervert, huh? Pervert. Kagami: P-Pervert... I-I... Yuki: If you get turned on from being touched by a woman, that makes you a pervert. Don't you agree? Kagami: N-No. No. I-I... It's because it's you. It's because I'm being touched by you. Yuki: That's right. You're turned on because you're being touched by me. Kagami: Ah, haa... It feels good... Your finger... feels so good... Kagami pushed my finger further into her special place. Kagami: Ah, ha... ha... Your finger... feels so good... Yuki: That's right. You're such a pervert. Kagami: Ah, hnn... Sorry... I... I'm a... pervert... but I'm happy... that you're... doing this to me... Yuki: Heheh. Is that right? You wanted me to do this. Kagami: Ooh... That's mean... Yuki: But that face is so cute. Slurp, slurp. My finger felt warm and moist. Kagami was wet from being fingered. Yuki: Haa... Haa... You're cute, so it makes me want to pick on you. Kagami: Haa, ha... If you say something like that... I... I... Yuki. Yuki: Heheh... You're a pervert. Yuki: But... Kagami, look. Me too. So much, I can hardly believe it myself. I put Kagami's hand inside my skirt. My thigh was wet like I'd pissed myself. Yuki: I'm a pervert, just like you... Yuki: Hmm... ha... ha... hmm... Kagami: Ha... Haa... Haaa! Yuki... Ha! Aa... Kagami wouldn't leave my lips. We were connected at that point. Kagami: Aaa... Aaaaa... No, no, no, no, no... I'm about to... Kagami: Kuha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Ahhhhhh... Kagami convulsed, and then her body tensed up like she had been struck by lightning. Kagami: Aah... ha... ha... ha... Yuki: Heheh... Did that feel good? Kagami: Y-Yeah... It felt good... Kagami: B-But it only felt good for me... Yuki: Kagami... hnn... psh... ngh... I kissed Kagami for a long time. Then I took off all her clothes. We were assaulted by a pleasure we'd never felt before. Our warm, soft, moist parts were grinding up against each other. Kagami: Aah, amazing... Yuki's and mine are... Yuki: Hmm... Ha... This action, just rubbing our genitals against each other, felt so good. Such a simple action... But the feeling of our most sensitive parts aligned was only amplified by the feeling of depravity, of doing this despite being childhood friends. Kagami: N-No! Yuki! No... Yuki... This feels so good... Amazing. Yuki: Kagami... it's amazing... You're so wet... So disgustingly... wet... I want to feel you... more... More. Kagami: Ah, auh... Lining up our girl parts... I can't believe... Yuki: Incredible... Your pussy feels so good... It's amazing... Ah... Even though we're both girls... Two girls rubbing their parts together... Two girls rubbing... Kagami: Haa... Ha... But Yuki, you're wet too... I... I don't know what's happening to me... Yuki: Your pussy is amazing... It's bright red... You're so wet, I can't tell if it's sweat or cum. Kagami: No... Don't say that... Aahhh... No no... Aah... No, Yuki... It feels way too good. Kagami and I grinded up against each other in the clubroom, in the middle of the night. Both of us were completely naked. We did our best to grind our hottest parts together. We pushed harder and deeper, and we grew hotter still. It was as if we were melting into each other. We grinded, determinedly shaking our hips. And we kissed. We shared each other's lips, top and bottom. Kagami: Ah, ah, that... Your pussy... Your pussy feels so good... I can feel your pussy... Auhh... Yuki: Mm... hup... hmm... ha... psh... haa... Your pussy is so warm... Kagami: Hmm... haah... Yuki, Yuki, Yuki... Ahm, Hmm, hmm... Ha... Hmm hmm... Yuki, I want more. Your body... I want more... Yuki: U... Uha... ha, your pussy... is so soft... Ee, ha... ha... Yuki: Haa... ha... ngh... ha... I want you, too... Connect our bodies more... Grind our pussies... more, more. Kagami: Yeah... I want your warmth... I want to feel your warmth more... I want to feel your warmth... Yuki: Auh... ha... ha... hmmm... Come closer... Everything, your everything... more, more... Kagami: Haaa, uuuh... Haa... ha... uh... It's so intense... Yuki, Yuki, Yuki... It feels good... Yuki: Me too... It's intense and amazing... Haa... psh... ngha... uhhh... I... I... Kagami: N-Nooo... Haaa! I can't... Your pussy feels so good... Yuki: Ah, I... I can't hold out... Kagami... Aaauu... Haa! Haa, haaa! Kagami: Aah, that's fine... Me too... I... can't... I can't hold on either... Aah... Kagami: Ahaah! Amazing... Aahh, ahhh, ahhh, I'm going to cum! No mooore! Yuki: Haa, hngh, I... I'm... going to cum! Haa, ha, ha, ha, haaaaa, hngh, ha, haa! We came at almost the same time. We both collapsed right where we were, and then... The two of us, exhausted, fell asleep. As the sun was rising on a new day, we were woken by Tsukasa. She saw us embracing each other, completely naked. But she wasn't surprised or disgusted. Tsukasa: Onee-chan, would you please think of the people who have been waiting for you upstairs all night? Tsukasa got mad and said that. Behind her, Takashima was giggling. Zakuro: Well, there's no time to shower. Put on your clothes. Let's go home. Like that, the last day ended. Zakuro: But Tsukasa-san's heart is beating just a little bit faster. Tsukasa: Huh? Th-That's not... Kagami: Oh? What are you thinking about, Tsukasa? Tsukasa: I-It's a misunderstanding. I'm not thinking about anything. Zakuro: Well then, you two, use your own hands and feel it for yourself... Tsukasa: Huh? Zakuro: Which one is faster, the heartbeat coming from your own chest, or the heartbeat coming from the other's? Tsukasa: Urgh... Kagami: Whoa, it's fast. Tsukasa: Th-That's not it. That's a loaded question! If you ask me that, of course my heart rate is going to speed up. Kagami: But she said the same thing to me. Tsukasa: N-No. This is one of Zhuge Liang's traps. Zhou Yu is in trouble! Zakuro: There's no trap. Just reality. Kagami: Go with her. We'll be here, wholesomely looking at the stars. Tsukasa: Wh-What's that? You make it sound like we're about to do something that's not wholesome. Kagami: Heheh. I didn't say that. I just said we're going to be here, wholesomely looking at the stars. Tsukasa: Ughh, that's a trap! Tsukasa: Jeez, it's fine. I'll go get it myself! Yuki: Oh... Tsukasa went alone. Kagami: Go on. Hurry up and go catch her. Yuki: Huh? Me? Kagami: That's right. Run, Sima Yi! Death to Zhuge Liang! Yuki: That makes so little sense that I don't even know where to begin. Kagami: Anyway, just go after her! Yuki: Y-Yeah. Gotcha. But where had she gone? The astronomy clubroom ought to be in the club wing of the school, so going there was probably my best bet. Yuki: Ah, Tsukasa! Tsukasa: Huh? Tsukasa: Y-Yuki... Yuki: Why did you run off? It was hard to catch up. Tsukasa: S-Sorry. Y-You see... Yuki: Huh? What is it? Tsukasa: Well... don't get too close to me, please. Yuki: Huh? Tsukasa: When we're alone together... you shouldn't get too close to me... Yuki: U-Uh, that's... I wasn't sure, but... did she hate me now?! Why?! Hadn't I been trying to get along with her lately? Tsukasa: Uh, the astronomy club is all the way at the end of the club wing. Oh, there it is! Yuki: Yeah. It really was all the way at the end. Tsukasa: Uh, um, the key, the key... Oh, here. Tsukasa: S-So, we'd better find it quickly. Uh, I think it was on this shelf... Yuki: Is it on that shelf? Tsukasa: Hey! Stop! Yuki: Huh? What is it? Tsukasa: U-Um, Yuki, something bad could happen if you get any closer to me. Yuki: Why's that? Why are you suddenly avoiding me like that? Tsukasa: N-No, don't come closer. Yuki: Ah... Tsukasa: I-I-I can't... hold on... Yuki: Ts-Tsukasa? Tsukasa: Ah! What happened? Huh? Wh-What was this? I was being pushed down? Tsukasa: I t-told you... you shouldn't get any closer. Tsukasa: I-I'm... unbelievably bad at holding back... That time too, everyone else was shocked by how long I kissed you... Tsukasa: I think you understand... I-I... was so wet... that your leg was soaked... Tsukasa: Since then... I get like this... every time I look at your face... Yuki: Mm?! Tsukasa: Aah... hmm... ha... hnghh... hmmm... Yuki: Ngh... ha... hmm... ha... Tsukasa insatiably explored the inside of my mouth. My tongue responded in kind, moving against hers as well. With every clash of our tongues, a shudder went through our bodies. With every shudder, a small cry escaped Tsukasa's mouth. Tsukasa: Ah, ah, aah... Yuki, you dummy, you're stronger, so you have to stop me... If you don't, I'll... I'll... Yuki: I-If I don't... you'll do what? Tsukasa: I won't be able to just be your childhood friend anymore... Since then, I've constantly been thinking of your lips... Never, never able to forget that kiss... I can't... Yuki: I-Is that so... My lips... were that good... I feigned calm, but even I could tell my voice was shaking. My heart was beating so loudly I could hardly hear my own words. Tsukasa: Yeah... Ah, aah, that's why I want to kiss you more... More and more. I want to kiss you and have it never end... Tsukasa's eyes were wet. Her skin was soft. Her lips were beautiful, warm, and moist. Yuki: I-I... don't mind... Mmh?! Before I could even finish speaking, Tsukasa silenced my lips with her own. She cradled my head and, rather than kissing me, she seemed to be devouring my lips. Yuki: Mm, mm... ha... hmm... mmhh... Tsukasa: Nhaa... psh... mhaa... mhaa... mmm... ha, ha, haa... Tsukasa: Haa, S-Sorry... Sorry... Yuki... I'm... Haa... weird, huh? You probably think I'm weird... Tsukasa: I thought just a kiss would be fine, ha, ha. I thought if I could just kiss you... that would be enough, but... Tsukasa: Ha, haa, I can't stop this feeling. I want to get closer to your warmth. Yuki: Hhmm?! ...Hnnn... Ha, haa... Tsukasa didn't tire of kissing me. Her lips and tongue ventured everywhere. Not just my mouth but also my cheeks and the nape of my neck were licked. She licked all over my face, almost like a dog. Tsukasa: Ah, haa, I love you, Yuki... I love you... haa... psh... mhaa... ha... I want to feel you, Yuki... Even in the dark, I could tell her face was flushed. It wasn't just warmth. Her body was burning, like she had a fever. Next, Tsukasa licked my blouse as well as my face. After that, she started unbuttoning it with her teeth. Tsukasa: Yuki... Yuki... haa... haa... Yuki... After unbuttoning it, she buried her face in my exposed breasts. Tsukasa: Your skin... Your... haa, haa... Yuki... She buried her face in my breasts. I wasn't sure what was my sweat and what was her saliva. She buried her face in my breasts, covering her face in liquid. I unhooked my bra. That was when I noticed my hand was shaking terribly. My body was already too excited to move without shaking. My head was just blank. Tsukasa wanted me, and I wanted her. My mind was completely shorted out by the heat. All I could hear was the racing of my heart and my ragged breath. Yuki: Ah, aa... aauh... No, ah... Tsukasa pushed my bra out of the way with her tongue and managed to get to my nipples. It would've been easier if she had just calmed down and used her hands. Tsukasa: Ha, ha, ha... hmm... psh... Your skin... You're soft... fluffy... You smell good... hmm... mm... ha... haa, haa... Yuki: Tsukasa, Tsukasa... Auuuh, that's... Tsukasa's hand was rolling my skirt up. Her finger started rubbing my crotch. Tsukasa: Ha, ha, ha... Yuki... Yuki... Yuki... I couldn't believe the sensation I felt just from being touched through my underwear. The impossible pleasure set my entire body trembling. Tsukasa brought her face to my breast and traced it with her tongue. The sensation of her tongue really felt amazing. Her tongue was really soft and warm. Yuki: Haa... Hnn... Haa... Hmm... Aah... Tsukasa: Haa, your crotch, haa... It's so warm... I'm just one piece of fabric away from your... I reached out and slid my hand under her skirt. Tsukasa: Wah?! Her crotch was already so wet that her underwear couldn't absorb it all. Yuki: Hee... Huaa. The tip of her finger touched my underwear and ran along my special place. Yuki: Haa, ha, hnn, Tsukasa... Tsukasa: A-Aah, haa... I-I'm so happy... When your finger touches me... it feels so good... Tsukasa: Haa... ha... Amazing... It's amazing... ha, haa... Yuki, Yuki, I love you... The sounds of our clothes rustling mingled with our voices. I responded to the stimulus of her finger, rubbing my special place against her hand. Tsukasa: This is like a dream, like I'm dreaming. I'm doing... dirty things with Yuki... Yuki: Tsukasa... ha... haa, haa... We pushed against each other's bodies, trying to go inside. We wanted to get closer and feel more. We wanted to be together even more. Tsukasa: Haa... haa... I love you, Yuki... I want to tease your crotch more... haa... Our two warm bodies desired each other. Fluids being exchanged between them. We writhed, as if our entire beings were going to melt into each other. Neither of us could think straight. We just indulged in each other. We just desired each other. Our breathing was ragged. The two of us called each other's names in shrill voices. Above all, there was the sound of our fluids mingling. Tsukasa: Haa, ha, ha, I-I can't, can't hold... I, Yuki, I can't hold on... I'm going to cum... I'm going to cum! Yuki: Ha, wait just a little bit... M-Me too, if you wait just a little bit, haa, haa. Our juices intermingled, our fingers so drenched that we could hardly even tell where they were rubbing any longer. Yuki: Hauu, ah, I might... I might be about to... Auuhh... I was caught at the height of pleasure. I couldn't hold on more than a few seconds longer. In an instant, ecstasy flowed through my entire body. Yuki: A-A-Aaannnnnnnnnnnghh! Tsukasa: Huaaaaaauaaauaaaaann! A sweet stimulus crawled up from my lower body, and then I felt as if I were floating in air. Yuki: Haa, haa, ha... ha... Tsukasa: Haa, haa, haa, haa... ha... ha... Yuki... We both desired each other and started kissing again. Yuki: Mm... hmm... ha... hmm... ha... Tsukasa: Ahhmm... Ha... Hmm... Aah... Hmm... Ha, ha... Tsukasa: Look, my finger is so... hmm... hmmm... Tsukasa lasciviously licked the fluid off her finger. Tsukasa: Haa, ha... I want to kiss your body more... I want to kiss you where I can feel your warmth... Yuki: Ha... You want to lick it? Tsukasa: Let me lick it... I want to lick your pussy... Yuki: Pervert... Tsukasa: I'm a pervert... A pervert who likes girls... I've always, always loved you, Yuki... Yuki: It's fine... but let me kiss yours too... Tsukasa: Huh? But that's no good... I can't make you do that... Yuki: I'm saying that I want to... Tsukasa: Aah... Tsukasa: Au, auuh, it's embarrassing... Yuki: Incredible... Soaked doesn't describe you anymore... It's more like flooded... Tsukasa: That's not true... Ahh. I lightly kissed Tsukasa's swelling slit. I did it lightly, yet Tsukasa jumped. Yuki: Mm... It tastes like Tsukasa. Tsukasa: Haaa, ha... Yours... is just as wet as mine... Tsukasa: I have to clean it up... Yuki: Haa, ha... hmph... ha... ha-hauu... ha... hmm... Tsukasa: Hmm... hmm... hah... mm... mm... hmmm... ha... Tsukasa: Haa, haa... No matter how much I clean it with my tongue, it doesn't stop... It keeps coming and coming... So much is coming out... Yuki: Haa... ha... W-Well, of... of course... If... If you lick me there with your soft tongue... Yuki: You too... You're so wet... So much... Tsukasa... Tsukasa: Auuhhaa, aa... Your tongue... Your tongue is... Your tongue... Ah, you're licking... You're licking me... haa. Yuki: Mhaa, mm... I found... your... ha, ha... I'll lick it for you... so stay still... Tsukasa: Ha, ha, haa, whaa, don't peel it. Ah, ahh, aaa, it feels amazing. It's too amazing... You can't do that... As if to announce her pleasure, juice poured from her slit, filling my mouth. Tsukasa: Haa, haa... Not just me... I have to... make you feel good too... Tsukasa reached her hand between my thighs, pulled back the hood of my clitoris like I had hers, and began licking it. Yuki: Haa, haa, ann, haa. It's so good... No, it really feels good... There, Tsukasa... ahh. Tsukasa: Yes... Me too... It feels good... I love you... so please feel more... haa. We pushed on each other's clitorises, lightly pinching them. Our pussies were drenched. Yuki: Haa, ha... ha... mmm... mhmm... ha... nn... Tsukasa: Mmm... haa... psh... mmm... ha... mmm... ha... We licked each other's genitals, each relishing the other. We licked and licked each other, covering our entire bodies in fluids. Yuki: Haa, hann, ha, haa... It feels good. It feels so good, Tsukasa, Tsukasa, Tsukasa. We could still scarcely think, the two of us carried away by the heat. We just licked each other's sensitive parts, rubbing together, tasting higher pleasure and unity. Tsukasa: Haa, me too, it feels so good. I'm going to melt, Yuki, Yuki. Our fluids overflowed, as if they would never stop coming. Yuki: Ha, haaa, I can't... can't... It's incredible, so incredible. I'm going to come. I'm going to cum! Tsukasa: I'm going to cum too... I can't hold on. Something... Something amazing's coming, ah, aahaahaaaah! Right then, Tsukasa sucked on my erect clitoris, and the core of that condensed pleasure exploded, sending it soaring and galloping through my body. Yuki: Nnaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Tsukasa: Aannaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Tsukasa: Haha, haa, haa... The blood didn't reach our brains. We felt dizzy. I didn't know how long we were in that state, but I then noticed something was amiss with Tsukasa. Tsukasa: ...Haa... haa... I... d-did it... Tsukasa: I... did this... I... I... shouldn't have done it, but... I couldn't resist... I... Yuki: Haa, ha, ha... mm... I calmed down and embraced Tsukasa before she could start panicking. Tsukasa: Huh? Yuki: Dummy... I'm not gonna let you regret it... Tsukasa: Huh? Huh? Yuki: You made me do this, so... take responsibility... Tsukasa: Huh? Huh? Yuki, you mean... Yuki: Mm... ha... mmm... haa... Tsukasa: Ahh... hmm... ha. Yuki: I love you... Tsukasa... Tsukasa: Huh? What? Tsukasa covered her mouth with her hand. Huge tears flowed from her eyes. Whether it's above or below, she really loves to drip on me, doesn't she? Tsukasa: That means you'll forgive me for this? Yuki: There's nothing to forgive. Come on, don't cry. Tsukasa: But... But, Yuki, Yuki... I... I... Waaaahh... Yuki: C'mon... Jeez. We embraced each other, bare skin against bare skin. Tsukasa kept crying, and I kept embracing her. She eventually stopped crying, and when I brought her back up to the roof, the sun was rising. Kagami smiled and slowly walked over to me. And then punched me in the face. Kagami: Haven't you heard of moderation? No matter what you were doing, it shouldn't take until morning. Kagami: Imagine if you were the one waiting! We greeted the morning of the 20th day of the month.
That day, it was afternoon by the time I realized all the other people had disappeared from the world. The first thing I noticed was that Kagami and Tsukasa were gone. The house that had been so noisy before was now enveloped in silence. Not a single voice could be heard. There was nothing but static on the TV no matter which channel I flipped to. At first, I thought it was just a coincidence. I thought Kagami and Tsukasa had gone home. I thought the TV antenna was just acting up. I walked around the room with sleepy eyes. I didn't start to get anxious until I got in the shower. As the hot water pricked at my skin, my thoughts started to come together, and I began to notice that some things were off. Since last night, I had hardly seen any other human beings. I took some milk out of the fridge. The stuff in the fridge hadn't gone bad. The power was still on. I looked at the clock. It was still ticking away the seconds. It ticked off each second, one by one, with a crisp sound. I sat on the floor and looked around. The room was really big. I'd been living in this house alone up until now, but this was the first time I'd felt like I was living alone. I chugged the rest of the milk and went back to my room. I turned on the computer. The servers were still up, so I could connect to the Internet. My email inbox was empty. Nothing new. My anxiety grew. But then I felt a moment of relief. Yuki: There are new posts. The news site I visit had been updated, and there were new posts on the anonymous text board. Through the screen, I could feel the presence of people in the world. The words were increasing. The words were expanding. Time kept ticking away. Second by second, unchanging. But despite that... Or perhaps... because of that? The landscape had changed, like it was flickering. I felt a strange feeling every time the clock ticked away another second. It felt like the world was contracting. Yuki: Now that I think about it, why haven't I seen Kagami and Tsukasa since last night? They were so insistent on staying here, but now... They had left without a word. In that case, why didn't I just go press the intercom and ask? Their house was right next to mine. The two of them should've been over there. The words on the Internet were still increasing. Words were being written on every site. That was my proof that people still existed. This wasn't an imaginary world. It was the real world, where the news was still being updated minute by minute. So why did I feel so uneasy? The words continued expanding, but I had this feeling like the world was contracting. As the world shrunk, the words expanded. I turned the TV on again. Static. The signal was poor. Was the antenna mistuned? Words still flowed through the telephone line. No, not just words. Images and even videos were showing up. Yuki: What's this feeling? What the... Ahaha. The television screen was still full of static. It wasn't receiving anything. 36,000/86,400 36,100/86,400 Yuki: Hmph. I give up. I brushed the hair out of my face as I let out a sardonic laugh and looked around the room. I looked out the window. A large sunflower was blooming. For some reason, it looked gloomy. They say sunflowers face toward the sun when they bloom. They're flowers that symbolize brightness. Regardless, the sunflower looked like a flower that had been put on someone's grave. The sunflower's yellow color started to get on my nerves. The static didn't stop. The words increased. The computer screen was covered in words. I took out my cellphone. I had zero bars of reception. Yuki: No signal at all? All the wired devices were still working. But not a single radio signal was getting through. Yuki: Some sort of jamming, maybe? I tried the landline. If I could use the Internet, I should've been able to use the phone. I could hear the phone ringing next door. Are Kagami and Tsukasa not home? The atmosphere was unbearable. I got dressed and ran outside. I stood in front of the Wakatsuki house. Why didn't they answer the phone? Shouldn't someone be upset by all the weird stuff happening? Yuki: What's this? When I tried to ring the doorbell, I realized... This house had no nameplate. There was just a white ceramic plate there. Yuki: Ah... I walked to the station. The trains were running like normal. But no one was there. It wasn't a terribly large station, but it wasn't so small that the lack of people seemed normal, either. A train came into the station. There was no announcement. I couldn't help but laugh. Yuki: If every trace of humanity was gone, then it wouldn't be that scary, but... Existences flickered before me. They were existences that I couldn't see or touch. Yuki: Ahaha... What is this? This is just like that ride from yesterday. The Spirit Room. Lifestyles that continued despite the people being cut out of them. The gondola that kept moving forward and forward. I rode the train. 36,427/86,400 43,200/86,400 I didn't see anyone even after coming all the way out here. No one was at school. Even in Suginomiya, I didn't see anyone. "Maybe you didn't see anyone because it's the weekend?" Yuki: Ahaha. Still, it's weird that I didn't see anyone at all. Yuki: Where are we? Zakuro: Is there any meaning in that question? Yuki: Who cares if there's meaning? Of course I'm going to ask! That's just natural! Zakuro: Natural, is it? Zakuro: Well then, I'll answer you. Zakuro: This is the roof of the tallest building of Kita High, Building C. Zakuro: The closest place to the sky. Yuki: No, that's not what I mean. This whole city. Zakuro: This ward is called Suginomiya. Yuki: That's not it. I didn't meet anyone on my way here, but there are still signs of human existence. Zakuro: The world is nothing but the world. If you ask what 'the world where I didn't meet anyone' is, there's nothing to say except that it is 'the world where you didn't meet anyone.' Yuki: That's not what I mean! Zakuro: I brought some tea. Would you like to have some? Yuki: Tea? Zakuro: Yes. The roof and the tea set. Takashima-san and I. The texture of the teacup Takashima-san handed me. I smelled an aroma coming from the tea. Earl Gray filled my nostrils. Zakuro: I picked out the best leaves. Please, relax. The bitter taste and pleasant aroma grew within my mouth. I glanced up at the sky. The blue sky stretched as far as the eye could see. The sunlight. The sound of the wind. Every sensation seemed to affirm the reality of this world. Zakuro: The internal world. She let those words hang in the air. Zakuro: The internal world and the external world. Zakuro: Do you think they exist? Zakuro: Is everything you're feeling right now part of the external world? Or part of the internal world? Zakuro: Is this blue sky part of your internal world? Or is it part of the external world? Zakuro: It is as if we each have our own internal world, and we only feel that we are all inhabiting a communal external world. Zakuro: So how does one reach the external world which we share? Yuki: Reach... Zakuro: By what means can a person truly know the world? Zakuro: And by what means can a person come to false conclusions about the world? Zakuro: Is there a way to determine whether a perception is correct? Zakuro: Is there a limit to human knowledge? If so, in what form does that limit exist? Yuki: What are you talking about all of a sudden? Zakuro: Nothing. I just answered your question with more questions. Zakuro: Is this world right here your internal world? Or is it the external world? Yuki: The internal world and... the external world? Zakuro: Yes. The internal world and the external world. Zakuro: It is from the external world that we get all information which can't be codified in language. It manifests in our consciousness through vision, the sense of touch, and all our other senses. Zakuro: External information, basic cognition, sense data. The nomenclature isn't important. We receive that information and use it to construct our inner worlds. Zakuro: If one believes that... Zakuro: Then the world has a two-layered structure, with an internal and external world. Zakuro: In that case, how are those two worlds demarcated? Zakuro: Is the flavor of the tea you just drank part of the external world? Is it part of the internal world? Zakuro: How about the teacup you just touched? Is it part of the external world? Is it part of the internal world? Zakuro: The person you are looking at right now... Am I part of your internal world? Am I part of the external world? Zakuro: The object that existed before the information came from the external world... Zakuro: What is the object that comes from the outside, and until what point is it external? From what point is it internal? Zakuro: An object becomes part of the internal world at the moment that one senses it through sight, sound, or any other sense. Zakuro: So when can we reach this so-called external world? Zakuro: So I answer your question thusly. Zakuro: Where are we? Zakuro: Suginomiya Ward, Kita High, Building C, rooftop. Zakuro: I cannot give you a better answer than that. Zakuro: I have no way of viewing any world other than the one I am looking at now. I have no way of finding out about the external world. Zakuro: I can only gain information through the context of my own inner world. I can only speak to those questions which I am capable of knowing the answer to. Takashima-san's expression was almost blank today. It was like her expression had vanished along with the people of the city. Yuki: You sure know a lot of hard stuff, Takashima-san. Zakuro: No. They're all thoughts that you've had. Yuki: ... Zakuro: I suppose you've realized by now. Yuki: The identity of the girl who is the world itself is... Zakuro: Yes. Yuki: Hey, Takashima-san. Zakuro: Yes. Yuki: Could I touch you? Zakuro: Yes, if that is what you desire. I reached out to her. The smell of her hair. The feel of her skin, her breath, her pulse. I could feel all of them. Yuki: You're warm. Zakuro: Yes. Yuki: Why did everyone disappear? Zakuro: If there is no vessel or container for a liquid, then that liquid is unable to fill any space. Zakuro: You were the one who whispered that this earth is not a vessel. Zakuro: That is all. Yuki: A liquid without a vessel... Yuki: That's me? Zakuro: You could say that. Or you could say it's not. Zakuro: Putting that aside... Yuki: What? Zakuro: Shall we go see the beginning and end of the sky together? Yuki: The beginning and end of the sky... Zakuro: Yes. The final sky. The two of us looked up at the sky from the rooftop. We laid down and looked at the great blue sky. Her head came up to my arm, so she ended up using it as a pillow. Zakuro: It doesn't hurt, does it? Yuki: Not at all. Zakuro: I see. Yuki: Takashima-san? Zakuro: Yes. Yuki: Does my arm make a good pillow? Zakuro: Yes. It's very comfortable. Takashima-san laughed. I definitely felt her. I could feel her touch, her fragrance, and her breath. That's why I asked. Yuki: My smell, my pulse, my warmth... Zakuro: Heheh. Don't worry. They're all right here. Zakuro: I'm not a figment of your imagination or an illusion, so long as you believe that to be so. If I believe, then I exist. Yuki: Existence through belief... We're like gods. Zakuro: Heheh. Not at all. Zakuro: That's an incredibly natural prerequisite. Zakuro: Without belief in something, a person couldn't even muster the will to walk. Yuki: We aren't permitted to even walk through the maze of skepticism. Zakuro: Your feet will falter when you begin to doubt whether the next step will plunge you into the abyss. Yuki: Heh. In other words, don't doubt yourself. Zakuro: That's not what I'm saying. There are myriad answers without questions worth asking. Zakuro: I'm just saying that there's no meaning in asking them. Zakuro: After all... Zakuro: Hah, haa... Her eyes suddenly started to droop. Zakuro: Regardless of whether you believe or not, I'm happy here next to you. Zakuro: It feels very, very nice. Zakuro: The warmth of the person I love is comfortable. That's all. Hmm... Takashima-san nuzzled into my arm, a tranquil expression on her face. She said my arm was comfortable. Was there any meaning in doubting her words? Zakuro: Oh, how I wish I could stay here forever. Yuki: Forever? My arm would go numb. Zakuro: Not that I want to lay here forever. Just... Zakuro: I want to stay in our world. Yuki: Our world? Zakuro: Right. This world is you, and this world is me. Yuki: What do you mean? Zakuro: Who knows? What do I mean? Heheh. The world was dyed red as the sun began to set. Vega revealed her form in the eastern sky. Next, Deneb. Finally, Altair completed the shape of the Summer Triangle. An enormous triangle stretched across the Milky Way. Stars dashed across the sky. The Summer Triangle approached the apex of the heavens. Yuki: The Summer Triangle is all the way up there. Zakuro: Yes. Yuki: We're almost out of time. Today is the last, isn't it? Zakuro: Yes. Yuki: The time is approaching when the girl of the sky will meet the girl who is the world itself, right? Zakuro: Yes. Zakuro: Well then... Takashima-san took the doll and held it over the fence. I silently waited for the sky. Zakuro: Yuki-san. I opened my eyes when I heard her say my name. The doll she had thrown was floating in the air, and then it stood up. Yuki:! I had thought that things were a little strange before, but this time I couldn't help but gasp at the sight before me. Zakuro: Excuse me, Mr. Stuffed Rabbit? Doll: Yes? Zakuro: Are you the station master? Doll: No, not at all. Zakuro: Then who are you? Doll: I'm the Rabbit Station Master. Zakuro: So you're Mr. Rabbit Station Master, then. Doll: Yes. I'm Mr. Rabbit Station Master. Um, putting that aside... The stuffed rabbit moved toward me. He stopped in front of me and peered at me with eyes that looked like... No, eyes that really were buttons. Yuki: What? Doll: Excuse me. Would you allow me to partake in one of your cigarettes? Yuki: Sure... I wondered why he was here, but for the moment, I just passed him a cigarette. Doll: Oh... You have good taste. This is quite the rare brand. Yuki: Not really. It's sold at the convenience store, so it's not all that rare. Doll: Then that convenience store is what's rare. Yuki: Convenience stores are everywhere. Doll: Are they now? Also, could you give me a light? He was awfully demanding for a stuffed toy. Yuki: Sure. Doll: Whoa, whoa, be careful with that. I'm really flammable, you know? Yuki: Then maybe you shouldn't be smoking? Doll: That's a good point. Ahaha. He laughed, though he didn't seem to pay any heed to my warning. 86,383/86,400 He lit the cigarette. Doll: Haaa... It tastes really good. Yuki: Well, yeah. Doll: You know, they say tobacco is bad for you, don't they? Yuki: Yeah. It really is, you know? Doll: Actually, that's a lie. Yuki: No. It's definitely not a lie. Doll: You don't get it. You don't get it at all. You can say that so easily because you don't smoke yourself. Yuki: No, I smoke. Why else would I have cigarettes on me? Doll: I guess you're right. That's another good point. Ahaha. He laughed me off. He really didn't care about my opinion at all. The gray smoke disappeared into the darkness of the night. 86,394/86,400 86,395/86,400 86,396/86,400 86,397/86,400 Doll: You know, they only recently discovered that tobacco isn't all that bad for you. Doll: They actually discovered it's good for you. They did research and proved it. Yuki: What? Who did research like that? Doll: The Ministry of Health and Welfare. Yuki: No way. Doll: It's true. The newest statistical analysis bears it out. For young people, it's almost always good for the body. Doll: They say good medicine never tastes good, right? It's just like that. Doll: It means what's bitter is better for you. Yuki: That's wrong. Doll: It's not wrong. Yuki: Then what about a poison that tastes bitter? Doll: Well, of course poison is going to be bitter. Doll: Poison and medicine are the same thing. Depending on how you take it and how much you use, poison can be medicine. That's why tobacco is a kind of medicine. Doll: Right now, the majority party is advocating the classification of tobacco as a designated health food. Doll: But still, this cigarette tastes really good. What's up with this guy? He flicked the cigarette away. It slowly fell to the ground and scattered cinders into the air upon impact. 86,398/86,400 His feet began to rise off the ground. 86,399/86,400 00,000/86,400 He took out his pocket watch. Doll: Please stay behind the white line. It's dangerous. Yuki: White line? At some point the fence had disappeared, and it was replaced by a white line. It felt like I could step right off the roof and into thin air. Yuki: Huh... I guess anything can happen now. Doll: Not 'anything,' not anything at all. Come on, it's dangerous, so please step back. Yuki: What's that? Doll: Oh, the next steamer is a special direct train to the Summer Triangle. Please step away from the white line. Yuki: Steamer? Yuki: What the hell? Zakuro: This is what surprises you, not the fact that the doll is the station master? Heheh. Yuki: This is a steam train? Zakuro: Yes. It's the Milky Way Railroad. Doll: The doors are opening. Zakuro: Well, let's go. Yuki: What do you mean, 'let's go'? Suddenly the rooftop was overflowing with people, like a train station. Though I had no idea what they were. "Aren't you going to get on?" I suddenly heard a voice from behind me. Even though no one was there a moment ago. The man in front of me was covered in grime and wore tattered clothes. Yuki: Oh, well... Doll: I'll inspect your tickets. A teddy bear came out of the train and stood in front of me. Yuki: Who are you? Doll: I'm the conductor, of course. Come on, if you're going to get on, please show me your ticket. The conductor? He looked just like the stuffed animal that fell on me from the rooftop. Zakuro: Here. Takashima-san took a small gray ticket from her pocket. Doll: And how about you? Yuki: Oh, no, I don't... Even if I wanted to get on this mysterious train, it's not like I had a ticket. I pulled out my pockets to show I didn't have anything and... pulled out a green piece of paper, about the size of a postcard, folded in four. When he saw the paper, he took it from my hand. Doll: Let me see. The conductor stood very straight and unfolded the paper carefully. Then, as he read it, he kept fidgeting and straightening the buttons on his jacket. What was that? Was it not a ticket after all? The station master came over too, and they both peered up at the paper and studied it intensely. I wondered if they were going to get mad at me... Doll: Hmm... You've got something really rare here. Did you bring this from three-dimensional space, sir? The conductor asked me that while handing the ticket back to me, but I had no idea how to respond. Yuki: Uh... I don't really know... I opened the paper, and it proved to be ten strange characters printed in the middle of a black arabesque pattern. Yuki: What's this... Mysterious Person: My, this is very valuable... Yuki: Is it? Mysterious Person: I can't believe you could have something like this and not know about it... What you have here is a ticket that even lets you go to the real heaven. Mysterious Person: Not just heaven, wherever you like. Why, if you have this, you ought to be able to go anywhere at all on the likes of this Milky Way Railway of the imperfect, illusory fourth dimension. Mysterious Person: No, this really is quite something... Doll: We only stop at this station for five minutes. Please board the train. Yuki: This station? The rooftop was... a train station. Yuki: What's the name of this station? Doll: Suginomiya Kita High Rooftop Station. Oh, just what you'd expect... Takashima-san and I entered a carriage lit by a row of small yellow lights. The seats in the carriage were covered with plush blue cloth and were almost all empty. We sat in one of the many empty seats. Then a man who we'd seen outside started talking to us. Mysterious Person: Well then, where would you like that ticket to take you? Yuki: Ahaha... This is kind of embarrassing, but I actually don't know where we're going. Mysterious Person: I see... How about we say, 'I don't have any particular place to go, but I thought I'd ride the train to Osaka'? Yuki: Does this train go to Osaka? Mysterious Person: Of course it does. Yuki: But I don't really feel like going to Osaka... Zakuro: Here, look at this map. Yuki: Map? Takashima-san took out a map that looked like a circular sheet. Yuki: That's a map... Mysterious Person: Oh? You didn't receive one at the station? It was a sparkling stone that seemed to have been cut out of the night sky itself. Yuki: Is that obsidian? Zakuro: Yes, that's right. This map is made of obsidian. Zakuro: Look, if you hold it up to the window like this... Yuki: Ah... At that moment everything before my eyes became suddenly bright as though the light from a trillion phosphorescent squid had been frozen at the same instance and dropped down into the sky. Or as though a diamond company had pretended it was not making a good haul and had hoarded its diamonds in hopes of keeping the price high, but someone had suddenly turned the cache upside down and scattered diamonds everywhere. Zakuro: Is that moonlight shining on the river bed? We glanced out the window and watched as the silver pampas grass of the sky that grew among the palely shining banks of the Milky Way river rippled and swayed in the rustling wind. Yuki: That's not moonlight. It's on account of the silver river of the Milky Way that it shines so. When I stuck my head out the window... The Milky Way. I became aware of beautiful water, more transparent than glass or even hydrogen, flowing soundlessly on. It might have been a trick of the eyes, but at times the water seemed to form tiny purple ripples or shine like a rainbow. In the fields here and there stood beautiful phosphorescent triangular markers. The far ones were small and sharply etched in orange and yellow. The near ones were large and had a slightly hazy pale blue light. Set in various configurations, some triangular, some rectangular, some in the shape of a lightning bolt or loop of chain, they filled the fields with their light. Mysterious Person: It's beautiful, isn't it? The man whispered to himself, and something caught my eye. Yuki: Um, is that line on your hand a charm or something? Mysterious Person: The line drawn on my hand? This is... something my master bestowed upon me. Mysterious Person: A very enthusiastic person, apt to draw such lines with a pen. Yuki: Oh... So his master drew a line on his hand with a pen. What a strange person. Yuki: Is there some meaning to that line? Mysterious Person: Yes. Every one of these lines marks the parts of my body that my master is pleased with. He touched one of the many lines drawn on his body and laughed mischievously. That face looked like the same man's face and a completely different man's face at the same time. Mysterious Person: It may be unforgivable that I lived to be eighty-two. My satisfaction on that account was, however, less than you might think. Mysterious Person: You are right that a great longing for survival possessed me continually. I was in continual fear of death and continually struggling with it. Mysterious Person: I believe that the struggle against death, the unconditional and self-willed determination to live, is the motive power behind the lives and activities of all outstanding men. Mysterious Person: My eighty-two years showed just as conclusively that we must all die in the end as if I had died a schoolboy. Mysterious Person: If it helps to justify me I should like to say this too; my nature had much of the child in it, its curiosity and love for idleness and play. Mysterious Person: Well, and so it went on and on, till I saw that sooner or later there must be enough of play. When he read out that description, I got the feeling that I knew him from somewhere. Zakuro: Where have you come from? Takashima-san asked that of the man in front of us. Mysterious Person: I was in the service of a wise master, but for a time I separated from my master and approached the house of my kin. Mysterious Person: That was because I thought more people than just myself should know of my existence. Mysterious Person: I had many friends in the mansion, and many guests came every day. Mysterious Person: People who were shocked, who laughed, who cried, who were enraged. I met with many people like that. Mysterious Person: That was the Wonderful Everyday that my master allowed me. Zakuro: Your master truly valued you, didn't he? Mysterious Person: Yes, truly. Even after I've aged many years and been burned by the flame, I still have the ability to come here. Mysterious Person: I suppose this is what they call destiny. Zakuro: Would you mind if I touched your hand? Mysterious Person: Of course, if you wish. Takashima-san softly grasped the man's outstretched hand. Zakuro: Seriousness is an accident of time. It consists, I don't mind telling you in confidence, of putting too high a value on time. Zakuro: I, too, once put too high a value on time. For that reason I wished to be a hundred years old. In eternity, however, there is no time, you see. Eternity is a mere moment, just long enough for a joke. Mysterious Person: Are you able to read the line? Zakuro: I can read it because it is. Because your master drew it on you. Zakuro: As a playwright shapes a drama from a handful of characters, so do we from the pieces of the disintegrated self build up ever new groups, with ever new interplay and suspense, and new situations that are eternally inexhaustible. Zakuro: It takes hold of some music played where you please, without distinction, stupid and coarse, lamentably distorted, to boot, and chucks it into space to land where it has no business to be. Zakuro: And yet after all this it cannot destroy the original spirit of the music; it can only demonstrate its own senseless mechanism, its inane meddling and marring. Zakuro: Listen, then, you poor thing. Listen well. You have need of it. Zakuro: And now you hear not only a Handel who, disfigured by radio, is, all the same, in this most ghastly of disguises still divine. Zakuro: You hear as well and you observe, most worthy sir, a most admirable symbol of all life. When you listen to radio you are a witness of the everlasting war between idea and appearance, between time and eternity, between the human and the divine. Zakuro: It little becomes people like you to be critics of radio or of life either. Better learn to listen first! Learn what is to be taken seriously and laugh at the rest. Yuki: Is that... how it is? The man looked at my expression and understood everything. Yuki: I remember it being smaller than that, though. It was pocket sized. Book: That's right... You often took me along to the cafe. Book: Please look at the cross in the stars. Does it make you remember a poem from another day? When I looked out the window... Far downstream, emerging like a single tree out of the invisible water of the river, a cross studded with lights of blue, bitter-orange and every color under the sun and crowned with a pale white halo of cloud. "But we above you ever more residing, in the ether's star translumined ice Know not day nor night nor time's dividing Wear not age nor sex for our device All your sins and anguish self-affrighting Your murders and lascivious delighting Are to us as but a show, like the suns that circling go, Changing not our day for night; On your frenzied life we spy, and refresh ourselves thereafter, With the stars in order fleeing; Our breath is winter; in our sight Fawns the dragon of the sky; Cool and unchanging is our eternal being; Cool and star bright is our eternal laughter." A current of excitement ran through the train. All that could be heard here and there was a happy cry, as when a child leaps up and plucks a gourd, or a sigh, ineffably deep and humble. Then, gradually, the cross came abreast of their window and they could see the circlet of clouds, pale as the flesh of apples, slowly, gently turning. "Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" the voices of the people resounded bright and joyful. And from the farthest reaches of the sky, that chill sky, everyone heard the indescribably fresh, transparent call of a trumpet. Then, passing a cluster of signals and electric lamps, the train gradually slowed, until at last it came to a full stop directly opposite the cross. Book: I'm happy that I had the chance to meet you. Book: We'll walk from space to space in glad progression. Book: And should not cling to one as homestead for us. Book: The cosmic spirit will not bind nor bore us. Book: It lifts and widens us in ev'ry session. Book: For hardly set in one of life's expanses, we make it home, and apathy commences. Book: But only he, who travels and takes chances, can break the habits' paralyzing stances. Book: It might be, even, that the last of hours will make us once again a youthful lover. Book: The call of life to us forever flowers... Book: Anon, my heart: Say farewell and recover! Yuki: Thank you. In the next instant, his form had disappeared. The train was over half-empty now. All at once, it had become lonely and deserted with the wind rushing in. We looked and saw all the people kneeling devoutly on the shores of the Milky Way river in front of the cross. We saw a god-like figure robed in white approaching with outstretched arms across the invisible water of the heavenly river. But at that moment a glassy whistle blew and, just as the train was beginning to move, a silvery mist rolled smoothly in from farther downstream and blocked their view. Zakuro: Yuki-san. Then, the only passengers left were the two of us. Zakuro: There's the Coal Sack over there. It's a hole in the sky. I looked where she was pointing. In one part of the heavenly river gaped a huge pitch-black hole. I could not tell how deep the bottom was or what might be inside. No matter how much I peered into it, rubbing my eyes, I could make nothing out; only my eyes began to smart. Those were all lines out of Night on the Milky Way Railroad. Indeed, our story ended with a story. Yuki: This is where Giovanni and Campanella have to part ways. Yuki: This was the final stop for their story. Zakuro: Yes, that's right. Yuki: Then, from here on out, I have to walk alone. Zakuro: Yes. Yuki: I see. So that's how it is. When had I realized? No, I got the feeling there was no "when." I'd probably understood everything from that moment. Yuki: The girl who is the world itself was me. Zakuro: Yes. Yuki: And the beginning and end of the sky that you were looking for... Yuki: That was the end of this illusionary world's sky and the beginning of the sky in the real world. Yuki: So you were looking for the border between the illusionary world and the real world. Zakuro: The illusionary world and the real world, is it? I wish they were so clearly demarcated. Zakuro: I just tried to return you to your original world. Zakuro: Because you got caught up in this. Yuki: I got caught up, huh? From that twilit rooftop. A girl jumped over the fence. I saw it happen. Yuki: I definitely did hear a loud sound, at least for a moment. Yuki: The moment that doll touched my skin... Yuki: That evening, it wasn't a doll that fell from the rooftop, was it? Zakuro: No. That was me. Yuki: You were the one who fell. Zakuro: Yes. Yuki: And that's how you hit me? Zakuro: Yes. That's how it happened. Yuki: I see. Yuki: Which means that the destination of this Milky Way Railroad is a pretty boring place. Zakuro: A boring place? Yuki: After all, wouldn't that mean we're going to wake up in a hospital bed? Zakuro: I don't understand. Yuki: You don't? Zakuro: No, not really. Yuki: Or we might even wake up in Heaven. Zakuro: No, I don't think that world exists. Yuki: Then Hell, maybe? Zakuro: That world doesn't exist, either. Zakuro: The world ahead is a familiar sight. It is a world of filled with ordinary sights. Yuki: So at the very least, I'll be going back somewhere. Zakuro: Yes, beneath the sky where the three stars of Vega, Altair, and Deneb shine. Yuki: Beneath the sky... Zakuro: This is our parting. Yuki: Yeah, I guess it is. Zakuro: I'm sorry. Yuki: You don't need to apologize anymore. Zakuro: Then please let me say one more thing. Yuki: One more thing? Zakuro: Thank you. Zakuro: You were the one who gave me life. Zakuro: I always loved you. Zakuro: I'm sure I was just a nuisance, but I'm thankful that I was able to meet you again in this world. Zakuro: I'm thankful that you let me experience something so wonderful, even as I was walking this road that I must walk alone. Zakuro: In my short life here in this world that you call an illusion, I made many memories. Zakuro: Even if it is an illusionary world, they're the best memories I have. Zakuro: Even if it is just a cheap, good-for-nothing dream world. Even then, the time I spent with you... "Every day was wonderful." The world was covered in white. Unbroken white. A world of nothing but white. An astonishing world. A world where you could neither move forward nor run away. But still, I forged ahead. Even though the scenery around me didn't change at all, I kept on running. Takashima-san... Obstinance, vanity, scruples, discrimination, pride. Takashima-san left all those bothersome things behind. But I... I would continue to demand my tobacco, my rooftop, and my frilly dress. If that was the road by which I was supposed to return. I remembered the sunflowers. And I realized something. Sunflowers bring to mind an offering of flowers. Actually, he was the one who said that. They look like chrysanthemums because they both belong to Astaraceae. I had walked through this white world before. This was the second time I had to walk this road. This inescapable white world... It was just like the road beyond that field of sunflowers. Yuki: I exist if I desire it, huh? In that white world, I remembered it all. I knew that when I woke from this dream, I would have forgotten most of it. But... I pointed to the end of that endless white pathway. Yuki: The world is a vessel. Yuki: That which can fill the vessel... I pressed to my chest the truth I'd found and exited the white room. I was done being a ghost. * 00,001/86,400* Yuki opened her eyes.
Kagami: U-Um, Yuki. Yuki: Huh? Wh-What? Kagami: You know, the other day, we kissed, didn't we? Yuki: Huh? Uh, yeah... Why the hell was she bringing that up? I was trying not to think about that. For some reason, I could feel my heart beating faster. I wondered why I could feel it so clearly. You don't normally pay attention to the beating of your own heart. Kagami and I looked into each other's eyes. She was the first to speak again. Kagami: You see, when our lips touched, I was incredibly happy. Ahaha, am I a pervert? Yuki: You're a pervert, huh? Kagami: Wh-What did you say?! Kagami looked upset. Somehow, seeing that face made me want to tease her. My heart started to beat even faster. If I kept looking at Kagami's pale skin, here in the darkness, I might... Yuki: Yeah. When you kissed me all of a sudden, it was pretty surprising. Even though you're a girl, you kissed another girl like me. Kagami: Th-That was because we were playing the King Game. Yuki: So you just kissed me out of the blue like that? Kagami: W-Well, yeah. Yuki: In that case... Kagami: Huh? I pushed Kagami's body down and whispered, my mouth right next to hers. Yuki: What if this time, I kissed you right here and now? Kagami: Huh? My lips slowly approached hers. Kagami closed her eyes. Yuki: Mmh... Kagami: Ah! My tongue traced the outline of Kagami's lips. A simple joke. We'd kissed before, and I was just touching her lips. It was just a prank, a continuation of before. Somehow, the beating of my heart made it impossible to resist such a prank. Yuki: Hehe. That was hardly a kiss. I laughed as I said that. And then... Kagami: Ahh... Yuki: Hh?! Seizing my face between her hands, Kagami kissed me back. Kagami: Ngha... mmha, ngh... hnn... chu... ngha... nn... We were too eager, so our teeth kept bumping each other. But Kagami didn't notice at all, so she kept kissing me. Kagami: Auh... hnn... psh... hnn... Aha... ngh... haa... ha... Even as we drew apart, a silver thread connected our lips. Kagami looked at me silently, her eyes moist. Those were the exact same eyes as she'd had the other day. Since she first looked at me with those eyes, it was just a matter of time until we ended up doing this. I teased her even as I felt my own heart beating like a drum in my chest. Eventually, it was beating so fast that I was no longer just teasing her. The situation grew like a snowball rolling downhill. As it rolls, it grows bigger. Just like our hearts. I found myself moving in for another kiss before I realized it. Kagami: Ahn... hnn... psh... ngh... ha... ha... Kagami's soft tongue made its way inside my mouth. Yuki: Hmm... hmm... psh... ha... hnn... ha... I responded by twining my tongue around hers. We moistened each other's lips, the sound escaping them seeming obscene. Kagami: Haa... Yuki. Yuki: What is it, Kagami? Kagami: Yuki, you dummy. Dummy, dummy, dummy. Yuki: You shouldn't call people dummies all the time. Kagami: Jeez. It's your fault that I couldn't hold back my feelings any longer. Yuki: It's my fault? Kagami: That's right. Yuki, I... Yuki: You know, there's nothing you need to hold back. Kagami: Huh? Yuki: Because I feel the same as you do. Yuki: Nn... huh... ngh... ha... ha... ngh... hmm... I'd tried to deny it, but... In reality, I knew it ever since that day. I knew it since we kissed during the King Game. A game can change reality. The mischief in my heart had turned into true love. I ran my fingers over Kagami's thigh. Yuki: Your skin is so soft and smooth. Kagami: Auh, Y-Yuki? Yuki: What? You want me to stop? Kagami: Ah, no! If you stop... Yuki: Hmm? What? Kagami: Grr... Dummy, dummy, dummy! Kagami: Ah, haa... Ha. Yuki: Relax. I'm not gonna stop. My hand slid beneath her skirt. Yuki: Haa... You're so warm down here. There's just this one scrap of cloth between me and you. Kagami: Ah, hya! Kagami really was hot down there. And wet. Yuki: Are you sweating? Kagami: Th-That's right. It was hot today, so I was sweating. Yuki: Hmm, so your sweat's all stringy like this. I drew my hand away, sticky with her fluids, and spread my fingers to show her. I felt her body quivering underneath me. Kagami: Ah, no, that's... Th-That's not it. Yuki: What's not? This is sweat, isn't it? Kagami: Uh, I, I, uh... You know... Yuki: Hehe... Your sweat is kind of slimy, but it tastes good. Kagami: Ah, that's... You can't lick that. Yuki is... Yuki is... My... My... Kagami's body was shaking. It felt like she might have cummed just from watching me lick her sweat. Yuki: Heh... hehe... Why is your crotch the only part that's sweaty? Your thigh is soaked. Kagami: Huh? Ah... Ha! I rubbed her through her underwear. Kagami covered her mouth with her hands, but she couldn't hold back her moans. Kagami: Why... Why are you picking on me? Don't pick on me like that. Yuki: What? This is sweat, isn't it? There's nothing to be embarrassed about. Kagami: No, you can't... Y-Yuki, that... Ah, aah... No... Yuki... Yuki: Kagami, what can't I do? Can you say it? Kagami: If you touch me any more... I... I'll... Ah. As I made her explain, I slid her underwear down. Though it was dark, her lower body was completely on display when I lifted up her skirt. Kagami: Aaah... Yuki... Yuki: What's wrong? Kagami: Hyaaaaha... ha. She did her best to cover her mouth and stop her moans from escaping. Yet every time she covered her mouth, juices came out below. Anyone could tell what kind of state she was in. I barely had to move my finger to feel how wet she was. My finger made lewd noises every time I moved it. Yuki: Your sweat is so weird. And I have to ask, does sweat come out of your vagina? Kagami: Uhaa. Yuki: There's so much... You really are a pervert, huh? Pervert. Kagami: P-Pervert... I-I... Yuki: If you get turned on from being touched by a woman, that makes you a pervert. Don't you agree? Kagami: N-No. No. I-I... It's because it's you. It's because I'm being touched by you. Yuki: That's right. You're turned on because you're being touched by me. Kagami: Ah, haa... It feels good... Your finger... feels so good... Kagami pushed my finger further into her special place. Kagami: Ah, ha... ha... Your finger... feels so good... Yuki: That's right. You're such a pervert. Kagami: Ah, hnn... Sorry... I... I'm a... pervert... but I'm happy... that you're... doing this to me... Yuki: Heheh. Is that right? You wanted me to do this. Kagami: Ooh... That's mean... Yuki: But that face is so cute. Slurp, slurp. My finger felt warm and moist. Kagami was wet from being fingered. Yuki: Haa... Haa... You're cute, so it makes me want to pick on you. Kagami: Haa, ha... If you say something like that... I... I... Yuki. Yuki: Heheh... You're a pervert. Yuki: But... Kagami, look. Me too. So much, I can hardly believe it myself. I put Kagami's hand inside my skirt. My thigh was wet like I'd pissed myself. Yuki: I'm a pervert, just like you... Yuki: Hmm... ha... ha... hmm... Kagami: Ha... Haa... Haaa! Yuki... Ha! Aa... Kagami wouldn't leave my lips. We were connected at that point. Kagami: Aaa... Aaaaa... No, no, no, no, no... I'm about to... Kagami: Kuha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Ahhhhhh... Kagami convulsed, and then her body tensed up like she had been struck by lightning. Kagami: Aah... ha... ha... ha... Yuki: Heheh... Did that feel good? Kagami: Y-Yeah... It felt good... Kagami: B-But it only felt good for me... Yuki: Kagami... hnn... psh... ngh... I kissed Kagami for a long time. Then I took off all her clothes. We were assaulted by a pleasure we'd never felt before. Our warm, soft, moist parts were grinding up against each other. Kagami: Aah, amazing... Yuki's and mine are... Yuki: Hmm... Ha... This action, just rubbing our genitals against each other, felt so good. Such a simple action... But the feeling of our most sensitive parts aligned was only amplified by the feeling of depravity, of doing this despite being childhood friends. Kagami: N-No! Yuki! No... Yuki... This feels so good... Amazing. Yuki: Kagami... it's amazing... You're so wet... So disgustingly... wet... I want to feel you... more... More. Kagami: Ah, auh... Lining up our girl parts... I can't believe... Yuki: Incredible... Your pussy feels so good... It's amazing... Ah... Even though we're both girls... Two girls rubbing their parts together... Two girls rubbing... Kagami: Haa... Ha... But Yuki, you're wet too... I... I don't know what's happening to me... Yuki: Your pussy is amazing... It's bright red... You're so wet, I can't tell if it's sweat or cum. Kagami: No... Don't say that... Aahhh... No no... Aah... No, Yuki... It feels way too good. Kagami and I grinded up against each other in the clubroom, in the middle of the night. Both of us were completely naked. We did our best to grind our hottest parts together. We pushed harder and deeper, and we grew hotter still. It was as if we were melting into each other. We grinded, determinedly shaking our hips. And we kissed. We shared each other's lips, top and bottom. Kagami: Ah, ah, that... Your pussy... Your pussy feels so good... I can feel your pussy... Auhh... Yuki: Mm... hup... hmm... ha... psh... haa... Your pussy is so warm... Kagami: Hmm... haah... Yuki, Yuki, Yuki... Ahm, Hmm, hmm... Ha... Hmm hmm... Yuki, I want more. Your body... I want more... Yuki: U... Uha... ha, your pussy... is so soft... Ee, ha... ha... Yuki: Haa... ha... ngh... ha... I want you, too... Connect our bodies more... Grind our pussies... more, more. Kagami: Yeah... I want your warmth... I want to feel your warmth more... I want to feel your warmth... Yuki: Auh... ha... ha... hmmm... Come closer... Everything, your everything... more, more... Kagami: Haaa, uuuh... Haa... ha... uh... It's so intense... Yuki, Yuki, Yuki... It feels good... Yuki: Me too... It's intense and amazing... Haa... psh... ngha... uhhh... I... I... Kagami: N-Nooo... Haaa! I can't... Your pussy feels so good... Yuki: Ah, I... I can't hold out... Kagami... Aaauu... Haa! Haa, haaa! Kagami: Aah, that's fine... Me too... I... can't... I can't hold on either... Aah... Kagami: Ahaah! Amazing... Aahh, ahhh, ahhh, I'm going to cum! No mooore! Yuki: Haa, hngh, I... I'm... going to cum! Haa, ha, ha, ha, haaaaa, hngh, ha, haa! We came at almost the same time. We both collapsed right where we were, and then... The two of us, exhausted, fell asleep.
What'd happened? Huh? Wh-What was this? I was being pushed down? Tsukasa: I t-told you... you shouldn't get any closer. Tsukasa: I-I'm... unbelievably bad at holding back... That time too, everyone else was shocked by how long I kissed you... Tsukasa: I think you understand... I-I... was so wet... that your leg was soaked... Tsukasa: Since then... I get like this... every time I look at your face... Yuki: Mm?! Tsukasa: Aah... hmm... ha... hnghh... hmmm... Yuki: Ngh... ha... hmm... ha... Tsukasa insatiably explored the inside of my mouth. My tongue responded in kind, moving against hers as well. With every clash of our tongues, a shudder went through our bodies. With every shudder, a small cry escaped Tsukasa's mouth. Tsukasa: Ah, ah, aah... Yuki, you dummy, you're stronger, so you have to stop me... If you don't, I'll... I'll... Yuki: I-If I don't... you'll do what? Tsukasa: I won't be able to just be your childhood friend anymore... Since then, I've constantly been thinking of your lips... Never, never able to forget that kiss... I can't... Yuki: I-Is that so... My lips... were that good... I feigned calm, but even I could tell my voice was shaking. My heart was beating so loudly I could hardly hear my own words. Tsukasa: Yeah... Ah, aah, that's why I want to kiss you more... More and more. I want to kiss you and have it never end... Tsukasa's eyes were wet. Her skin was soft. Her lips were beautiful, warm, and moist. Yuki: I-I... don't mind... Mmh?! Before I could even finish speaking, Tsukasa silenced my lips with her own. She cradled my head and, rather than kissing me, she seemed to be devouring my lips. Yuki: Mm, mm... ha... hmm... mmhh... Tsukasa: Nhaa... psh... mhaa... mhaa... mmm... ha, ha, haa... Tsukasa: Haa, S-Sorry... Sorry... Yuki... I'm... Haa... weird, huh? You probably think I'm weird... Tsukasa: I thought just a kiss would be fine, ha, ha. I thought if I could just kiss you... that would be enough, but... Tsukasa: Ha, haa, I can't stop this feeling. I want to get closer to your warmth. Yuki: Hhmm?! ...Hnnn... Ha, haa... Tsukasa didn't tire of kissing me. Her lips and tongue ventured everywhere. Not just my mouth but also my cheeks and the nape of my neck were licked. She licked all over my face, almost like a dog. Tsukasa: Ah, haa, I love you, Yuki... I love you... haa... psh... mhaa... ha... I want to feel you, Yuki... Even in the dark, I could tell her face was flushed. It wasn't just warmth. Her body was burning, like she had a fever. Next, Tsukasa licked my blouse as well as my face. After that, she started unbuttoning it with her teeth. Tsukasa: Yuki... Yuki... haa... haa... Yuki... After unbuttoning it, she buried her face in my exposed breasts. Tsukasa: Your skin... Your... haa, haa... Yuki... She buried her face in my breasts. I wasn't sure what was my sweat and what was her saliva. She buried her face in my breasts, covering her face in liquid. I unhooked my bra. That was when I noticed my hand was shaking terribly. My body was already too excited to move without shaking. My head was just blank. Tsukasa wanted me, and I wanted her. My mind was completely shorted out by the heat. All I could hear was the racing of my heart and my ragged breath. Yuki: Ah, aa... aauh... No, ah... Tsukasa pushed my bra out of the way with her tongue and managed to get to my nipples. It would've been easier if she had just calmed down and used her hands. Tsukasa: Ha, ha, ha... hmm... psh... Your skin... You're soft... fluffy... You smell good... hmm... mm... ha... haa, haa... Yuki: Tsukasa, Tsukasa... Auuuh, that's... Tsukasa's hand was rolling my skirt up. Her finger started rubbing my crotch. Tsukasa: Ha, ha, ha... Yuki... Yuki... Yuki... I couldn't believe the sensation I felt just from being touched through my underwear. The impossible pleasure set my entire body trembling. Tsukasa brought her face to my breast and traced it with her tongue. The sensation of her tongue really felt amazing. Her tongue was really soft and warm. Yuki: Haa... Hnn... Haa... Hmm... Aah... Tsukasa: Haa, your crotch, haa... It's so warm... I'm just one piece of fabric away from your... I reached out and slid my hand under her skirt. Tsukasa: Wah?! Her crotch was already so wet that her underwear couldn't absorb it all. Yuki: Hee... Huaa. The tip of her finger touched my underwear and ran along my special place. Yuki: Haa, ha, hnn, Tsukasa... Tsukasa: A-Aah, haa... I-I'm so happy... When your finger touches me... it feels so good... Tsukasa: Haa... ha... Amazing... It's amazing... ha, haa... Yuki, Yuki, I love you... The sounds of our clothes rustling mingled with our voices. I responded to the stimulus of her finger, rubbing my special place against her hand. Tsukasa: This is like a dream, like I'm dreaming. I'm doing... dirty things with Yuki... Yuki: Tsukasa... ha... haa, haa... We pushed against each other's bodies, trying to go inside. We wanted to get closer and feel more. We wanted to be together even more. Tsukasa: Haa... haa... I love you, Yuki... I want to tease your crotch more... haa... Our two warm bodies desired each other. Fluids being exchanged between them. We writhed, as if our entire beings were going to melt into each other. Neither of us could think straight. We just indulged in each other. We just desired each other. Our breathing was ragged. The two of us called each other's names in shrill voices. Above all, there was the sound of our fluids mingling. Tsukasa: Haa, ha, ha, I-I can't, can't hold... I, Yuki, I can't hold on... I'm going to cum... I'm going to cum! Yuki: Ha, wait just a little bit... M-Me too, if you wait just a little bit, haa, haa. Our juices intermingled, our fingers so drenched that we could hardly even tell where they were rubbing any longer. Yuki: Hauu, ah, I might... I might be about to... Auuhh... I was caught at the height of pleasure. I couldn't hold on more than a few seconds longer. In an instant, ecstasy flowed through my entire body. Yuki: A-A-Aaannnnnnnnnnnghh! Tsukasa: Huaaaaaauaaauaaaaann! A sweet stimulus crawled up from my lower body, and then I felt as if I were floating in air. Yuki: Haa, haa, ha... ha... Tsukasa: Haa, haa, haa, haa... ha... ha... Yuki... We both desired each other and started kissing again. Yuki: Mm... hmm... ha... hmm... ha... Tsukasa: Ahhmm... Ha... Hmm... Aah... Hmm... Ha, ha... Tsukasa: Look, my finger is so... hmm... hmmm... Tsukasa lasciviously licked the fluid off her finger. Tsukasa: Haa, ha... I want to kiss your body more... I want to kiss you where I can feel your warmth... Yuki: Ha... You want to lick it? Tsukasa: Let me lick it... I want to lick your pussy... Yuki: Pervert... Tsukasa: I'm a pervert... A pervert who likes girls... I've always, always loved you, Yuki... Yuki: It's fine... but let me kiss yours too... Tsukasa: Huh? But that's no good... I can't make you do that... Yuki: I'm saying that I want to... Tsukasa: Aah... Tsukasa: Au, auuh, it's embarrassing... Yuki: Incredible... Soaked doesn't describe you anymore... It's more like flooded... Tsukasa: That's not true... Ahh. I lightly kissed Tsukasa's swelling slit. I did it lightly, yet Tsukasa jumped. Yuki: Mm... It tastes like Tsukasa. Tsukasa: Haaa, ha... Yours... is just as wet as mine... Tsukasa: I have to clean it up... Yuki: Haa, ha... hmph... ha... ha-hauu... ha... hmm... Tsukasa: Hmm... hmm... hah... mm... mm... hmmm... ha... Tsukasa: Haa, haa... No matter how much I clean it with my tongue, it doesn't stop... It keeps coming and coming... So much is coming out... Yuki: Haa... ha... W-Well, of... of course... If... If you lick me there with your soft tongue... Yuki: You too... You're so wet... So much... Tsukasa... Tsukasa: Auuhhaa, aa... Your tongue... Your tongue is... Your tongue... Ah, you're licking... You're licking me... haa. Yuki: Mhaa, mm... I found... your... ha, ha... I'll lick it for you... so stay still... Tsukasa: Ha, ha, haa, whaa, don't peel it. Ah, ahh, aaa, it feels amazing. It's too amazing... You can't do that... As if to announce her pleasure, juice poured from her slit, filling my mouth. Tsukasa: Haa, haa... Not just me... I have to... make you feel good too... Tsukasa reached her hand between my thighs, pulled back the hood of my clitoris like I had hers, and began licking it. Yuki: Haa, haa, ann, haa. It's so good... No, it really feels good... There, Tsukasa... ahh. Tsukasa: Yes... Me too... It feels good... I love you... so please feel more... haa. We pushed on each other's clitorises, lightly pinching them. Our pussies were drenched. Yuki: Haa, ha... ha... mmm... mhmm... ha... nn... Tsukasa: Mmm... haa... psh... mmm... ha... mmm... ha... We licked each other's genitals, each relishing the other. We licked and licked each other, covering our entire bodies in fluids. Yuki: Haa, hann, ha, haa... It feels good. It feels so good, Tsukasa, Tsukasa, Tsukasa. We could still scarcely think, the two of us carried away by the heat. We just licked each other's sensitive parts, rubbing together, tasting higher pleasure and unity. Tsukasa: Haa, me too, it feels so good. I'm going to melt, Yuki, Yuki. Our fluids overflowed, as if they would never stop coming. Yuki: Ha, haaa, I can't... can't... It's incredible, so incredible. I'm going to come. I'm going to cum! Tsukasa: I'm going to cum too... I can't hold on. Something... Something amazing's coming, ah, aahaahaaaah! Right then, Tsukasa sucked on my erect clitoris, and the core of that condensed pleasure exploded, sending it soaring and galloping through my body. Yuki: Nnaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Tsukasa: Aannaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Tsukasa: Haha, haa, haa... The blood didn't reach our brains. We felt dizzy. I didn't know how long we were in that state, but I then noticed something was amiss with Tsukasa. Tsukasa: ...Haa... haa... I... d-did it... Tsukasa: I... did this... I... I... shouldn't have done it, but... I couldn't resist... I... Yuki: Haa, ha, ha... mm... I calmed down and embraced Tsukasa before she could start panicking. Tsukasa: Huh? Yuki: Dummy... I'm not gonna let you regret it... Tsukasa: Huh? Huh? Yuki: You made me do this, so... take responsibility... Tsukasa: Huh? Huh? Yuki, you mean... Yuki: Mm... ha... mmm... haa... Tsukasa: Ahh... hmm... ha. Yuki: I love you... Tsukasa... Tsukasa: Huh? What? Tsukasa covered her mouth with her hand. Huge tears flowed from her eyes. Whether it's above or below, she really loves to drip on me, doesn't she? Tsukasa: That means you'll forgive me for this? Yuki: There's nothing to forgive. Come on, don't cry. Tsukasa: But... But, Yuki, Yuki... I... I... Waaaahh... Yuki: C'mon... Jeez. We embraced each other, bare skin against bare skin. Tsukasa kept crying, and I kept embracing her.
...... Zakuro: It's the next train, isn't it? Yuki: It's a limited express train. It'll take you straight there. I looked away from the display and returned my eyes to Takashima-san. Zakuro: Yeah. Kagami: Come play with us again if you ever get the chance. Zakuro: Yes. I'll contact you soon as I get settled in there. Tsukasa: Yeah. Call us when you can. Zakuro: Okay, though it's really far away. Yuki: What do you mean? We'll still be living under the same sky. It's not like it's that far. Zakuro: But that applies to any place in the world. Kagami: Jeez. You always take everything to the extreme, Yuki. Tsukasa: Yeah, she sure does. Zakuro: Thank you for everything. I really had fun. Tsukasa: No, thank you. There were a lot of things we only got to experience because you were around. Kagami: That's right. It really wouldn't have been the same without you. Tsukasa: Is your train coming soon? Zakuro: Yes. In ten minutes I'll be on my way, swaying with the movement of the train, looking out at the passing scenery through the window. Yuki: Haa... These past few days were kind of mysterious. Zakuro: Heheh. Mysterious, were they? Yuki: Yeah. They were the same, yet somehow they were completely different. Zakuro: ... Takashima-san's expression looked sad for just a moment. Zakuro: U-Um, Yuki-san, could I ask you something? Yuki: Huh? What's that? Zakuro: Are you happy with this world? Yuki: What are you saying? Of course I am. Yuki: I'm incredibly happy. Yuki: But shouldn't you say, 'happy to be in this world'? Zakuro: Heheh. I guess you're right. Tsukasa: Oh, your train is coming. Zakuro: Tsukasa-san. Tsukasa: Hmm? Zakuro: Please take care of Yuki-san. Tsukasa: Yeah, of course. Zakuro: Kagami-san. Kagami: Wh-What is it, all of a sudden? Zakuro: Nothing. It's just that you should take care of her too, Kagami-san. Kagami: What? No way... Zakuro: This world which is not a vessel has nevertheless been filled to the brim. Zakuro: The shape of that happiness is probably like a soft soap bubble. Zakuro: The memories we made were real, even if they only happened in this illusionary world expanding like an ephemeral soap bubble. Yuki: Huh? What? Zakuro: N-Nothing. It's just that I― The train passed behind me. I couldn't hear her words over the noise. I think that her lips formed the words "was happy." The train stopped. The doors opened behind me. Yuki: The train's arrived, huh? Zakuro: Yes, but it's all right. Zakuro: Did you know that this train goes all the way over there? Zakuro: This train goes all the way to the next city. Yuki: Heheh. That's right. Zakuro: So if you forget me, I can still come see you again someday. Zakuro: Farewell. Takashima-san laughed. The train doors closed. The train shook, and then it started to move. Zakuro-chan's hand waved in the air. It only lasted a moment. A very, very long moment. Kagami: You look a bit down. Yuki: Huh? What do you mean? Kagami: Since Takashima-san left, I mean. Yuki: Really? Well it's awfully lonely without her, isn't it? Kagami: What the heck? Just go live with her, then. Yuki: Who? Kagami: You. Yuki: What are you talking about? Are you jealous? Kagami: Wh-Why would I be?! Yuki: Well, you sure seem like you're upset about something, and you were watching my face really intently when you said that. Kagami: Y-You're so self-centered! Wh-Why do you think I care about you?! Yuki: Because you love me, of course? Kagami: Geh! Yuki: You're all red. Kagami: H-Hey, you're teasing me, aren't you?! Yuki: Teasing? Whatever could you mean? Kagami: Huh? I embraced Kagami. She doesn't look it, but Kagami is actually a very fragile little girl. It seemed as if I could break her in an instant. If there is one thing that changed after Takashima-san came into my life, it's that my childhood friend became something more than a childhood friend. I got a new girlfriend. A girlfriend, even though I'm a girl myself. How about that? Though it probably doesn't really matter. Happy days... Something inside me had been filled. That's the kind of world I live in now. Tsukasa: Hey there. Yuki: Hey where? Tsukasa: I came to play. Yuki: To play, huh? Tsukasa: You were reading Takashima-san's letter again. Yuki: Ah, yeah. Tsukasa: Ahaha. She was really interesting. Yuki: Yeah, she sure was. Tsukasa: Thanks to her, I was able to catch you. Yuki: Ahahaha. Tsukasa: A chance! Yuki: You always go for the hug right away. An unchanging day to day. Unchanging scenery. It was like the world was just a container, made of inorganic matter. Our lives gradually changed. In both good ways and bad. I got a girlfriend. It might sound strange to say I got a girlfriend even though I'm a girl myself, but still, I was pretty happy about it. Yuki: Tsukasa, you're heavy. Tsukasa: Ahahaha. Tsukasa: Hey, Yuki. Yuki: What? Tsukasa: Kiss me. Yuki: Okay, okay. Happy days... Something inside me had been filled. That's the kind of world I live in now.
Every day continued on like normal. It was enough to make you think that this peaceful life could go on for eternity. Get up in the morning, go to school like everyone else, sit around chatting like everyone else, go to your job like everyone else, take a few hours off just like everyone else. Going through life while doing everything just like everyone else. But of course, common sense tells me that it can't continue forever. Even the middle-aged man sleeping on the train, drooling on the seat, was my age once. At that time, he probably thought those happy days would go on forever, just like me. But those days slipped away from him while he wasn't looking. First a job, then marriage, then children, and finally buying a house. Just like that, things accelerate, and before you know it... He went from living the carefree days of youth to living the life of a middle-aged man. But he might say this. Old Man: I'm just as young as ever! Old Man: I'm still young at heart. At heart, maybe... No, no. Maybe you're young at heart, but just look at yourself. You're old. You're nothing like the young man you once were. Time will continue chugging along, slow and steady, no matter how young you insist you are. Your youthful life will crumble and spoil as time eats away at its edges. My day-to-day life is definitely different from his. His day-to-day life is something I can't even begin to imagine. Or maybe he would talk like this, with a calm (weary?) voice. Old Man: There was a time when I too believed that I would be young forever. Old Man: But then, all of a sudden, my skin was getting thicker (they call it adipose tissue) and hair was growing from places I never thought possible (the first joint of my finger), yet I was losing hair where it really mattered (my head). Old Man: Suddenly I realized... Old Man: No one else looked at me as a child anymore. Old Man: Before I knew it, I wasn't just an adult. I was well past that. I was downright old. Old Man: ...Someone like you would call me an old fart. Yeah, totally over the hill. He doesn't live the same day-to-day life that I understand. He lives the day-to-day life on the other side of the hill. Old Man: Hahahaha... Old Man: I look old now, but back in the day, everyone was jealous of my disco moves. Oh, really? Old Man: How about it? Wanna dance? Yuki: I'd rather not. Old Man: Huh? My eyes locked with those of the middle-aged man. His eyes were dashing. At that moment, I fell in love with― No, not really. Of course not. Today, I was going to Tower Records (a CD store) in Suginomiya to buy a new release by one of my favorite bands. As you can tell from my clothes, I'm totally... not actually a Visual Kei rocker. I came to buy a new album by a famous English band. This band isn't really goth, or goth-loli, or anything dark like that. Actually, I think there was something called gothic rock in England, but it's not all that dark either. It's a bit hasty to assume the word gothic implies "dark." My clothes are dark and black, but the blood running through my veins is white. Ah. I'm not sure where that was heading. Well, who cares about that? I bought the English rock CD. Yay. They hadn't released anything in three years. Yuki: Oooh... Ah, crap. I can't believe I let out a squeal like that in public. Oh, no... "Y-You're..." Yuki: Oh? I couldn't believe the way she was looking at me. Just because I made some noise and struck a pose didn't mean that she needed to stare at me. Yuki: Hmm? Oh, you're... From the class next door... Takashima Zakuro-san, I think? Yuki: Takashima... Zakuro-san, was it? Zakuro: Yes. Hello. Yuki: Ah, hello. Zakuro: Why are you here today? Yuki: Oh, uh, there's no particular reason. I was buying something, and now I guess I'm just walking around. Yuki: I mean, for someone living near the train station, Suginomiya is the most convenient place to go shopping, right? I suppose you could go all the way out to Shinjuku if you wanted, though. Zakuro: I see. I'm glad. Yuki: Glad? Zakuro: Yes. I'm glad I got to meet you. Yuki: Okay. I-If you say so. Zakuro: Yes. This might be divine providence. Yuki: Divine providence? What providence? Yuki: Um, we've never really talked much, so... Zakuro: Huh? Yuki: Huh? Have we? Zakuro: Ah, no. You're right. You're probably right, but I knew you very well. Yuki: O-Oh, really? Why? Did I do something unnecessary and make another enemy? Yuki: Did I do something to tick you off? Zakuro: Why do you ask? Yuki: Well, if someone I don't remember all that well says they remember me, it means they're holding some kind of grudge, right? Zakuro: A grudge against you? Heheh. I'm not holding any grudge. Yuki: I see. Well, that's good to hear. Zakuro: I don't have a bad impression of you. Yuki: That's... good to hear. Zakuro: Not a bad impression at all. Yuki: At all? Zakuro: ... Zakuro: Ah. I hope we can have cordial relations. Yuki: Huh? Yuki: Huh? Yuki: Mmmgh?! Zakuro: Mm... Wh-What? What just happened? Yuki: Wha―... Zakuro: I'll give you some of my power. Yuki: Power? Wh-What do you mean? B-Besides that, I was just kissed... By some girl from another class who I hardly even knew. Zakuro: Soon, something amazing will happen. Yuki: S-Something amazing? Wait a second. She wasn't satisfied with a kiss? She wants to do "something amazing" to me? By "something amazing", she means... Yuki: You mean, like, tribadism? Zakuro: Tribadism? Yuki: Ahahaha, nothing. By the way, what is that 'something amazing' you were talking about? Zakuro: Well, it's... Zakuro: The sky is really, really full. Yuki: Full of what? Zakuro: Anxious words. Yuki: ... Zakuro: The sky is full of anxious words. Yuki: Um, not full of anxiety, but full of anxious words? That would've kind of made sense if she'd said "The sky is full of anxiety," but what did she mean by "anxious words"? Yuki: That's kind of a cool expression. Zakuro: Heheh. It's not a metaphor. So she really meant it... * Well, let's ignore that for now.* Yuki: So, what about it? Zakuro: The process of absorption has begun. I didn't really get what she meant. Who was she talking about? Yuki: Who's doing the absorbing? Zakuro: The world is. ... I took a step back and thought to myself. Her clothes. I know that style... Um... Yuki: Wanjuku Style! Zakuro: Hm? No, I really didn't know either. Let's think about the real essence of this style. I know it. This style is a metaphor for the darkness. Yuki: It's V Kei! Zakuro: Wh-What is? Yuki: It's Visual Kei! Zakuro: Yes, I know that, but... Yuki: Ah, well, I was just wondering if you liked it. I was going to say she was cosplaying Makki Shoujo or Jakigan, but I figured she would get mad if I said that. Zakuro: ... Zakuro: Anxious words, and the world that has absorbed them. Zakuro: Do you know what those are? Yuki: Uh, not really. Zakuro: The heart of the person who will soon die. Zakuro: Therefore, the world... Zakuro: Will end. Yuki: ... Yuki: What? I took a second to organize my thoughts. "Something Amazing" ≠ Tribadism. "Something Amazing" = The end of the the world. I understood. I understood instantly. Yuki: Huh? Zakuro: You probably can't believe it, right? But I'll protect you. "Zakuro-chan!" "Who is this?" Takashima-san said something weird, and then two strange girls appeared behind her. It was scary how they were glaring at me. It looked like they were mad about something. But what? "What are you doing with an outsider?" Zakuro: Sorry, but... this person should be fine. Fine? Fine for what? "I really don't approve..." Zakuro: Yeah, I understand. "Please be more careful, Zakuro-chan." Zakuro: Okay... More importantly... Who are these people? Her... sex partners? And that's why she suddenly kissed me? Then the reason why she knew me so well even though I didn't know her was because she was after my body? And then, and then, her sex partners were mad because she made a pass at an "outsider" (a heterosexual)? That means... My chastity is in danger. Yuki: Ahahaha, well then, I'd better be off... Zakuro: Hey! Yuki: Yes?! Zakuro: I'll protect the world, so... Yuki: ... Yuki: Okay? Zakuro: I won't fail. I can do it. "Zakuro!" Zakuro: Coming... ... What? What did she just say? I organized my thoughts. So that meant... 1. * Takashima-san is a lesbian.&* 2. * Those other girls are her sex friends.&* 3. * That's why they're fighting to protect world peace.* I guess? Is that... correct? Yuki: I suppose because they're a minority group, they have a lot of interest in world peace and stuff like that. ...... Right? We'll go with that. I didn't really want to get involved with them. "Yuki!" Yuki: Huh? Yuki: Ah, one of the Wakatsuki sisters... The younger one... Tsukasa? Tsukasa: Yuki, what are you here for? Your job? Yuki: No, I'm not. "What do you mean? Yuki, you have work today, don't you?" Yuki: Oh, uh, you're... Yuki: Who are you? Kagami: What the hell?! There's no way you could remember Tsukasa and not remember me! Yuki: Where there's a will, there's a way. Besides, what's with that attitude, as if it's ridiculous that anyone would ever forget a celeb like you? Kagami: You grew up with us! There's no way you could remember the younger twin and then forget about the older one! Tsukasa: Yeah. We've always been together since kindergarten. Yuki: Really? Has it been that long already? Tsukasa: So, Yuki, what about your job? Yuki: Unfortunately, I'm taking time off for personal reasons. Tsukasa: You shouldn't take a day off work for personal reasons... Kagami: Whatever. Let it go, Tsukasa. At this rate, we're going to catch the stupid from her. Tsukasa: Ahahaha. That's not possible. Yuki: No, it just might be. Yuki: You caught Tsukasa's stu― Yuki: Oww. Kagami: I'll hit you if you say anything bad about Tsukasa. Tsukasa: Onee-chan. Yuki: You should give me that warning before you hit me... Yuki: So, what are the Wakatsuki sisters doing? Kagami: We're going home after our club activities, unlike you. Yuki: What do you mean, unlike me? We're both human, aren't we? Kagami: I don't think anyone would take you for a human. Yuki: Do I look more like a goddess? Kagami: Hmph... Tsukasa, let's go. Tsukasa: Ah... Yuki: Kagami's as grumpy as ever. Tsukasa: So you did remember her name. Yuki: Well, I am a tsundere. Tsukasa: Yuki, you know... Being a tsundere isn't an excuse for bullying someone like that. Yuki: I see. Tsukasa: You've always been Onee-chan's role model. Yuki: ... Tsukasa: So it wouldn't hurt you to be nice to her once in a while. Yuki: Hmm. Yuki: Maybe I'll think about it if you promise to be nice to me. Tsukasa: Wait, Y-Yuki... Yuki: Look, your boobs are so soft, too. Tsukasa: Y-You can't do that... Ah, ahn! Tsukasa: Stop, you can't touch me down there. Y-You can't call that a joke! Yuki: Ow... Kagami: J-Just how stupid are you? Yuki: Hahahaha... Oops. Yuki: I just thought you might come back if I messed with Tsukasa. Kagami: Wh-What do you mean?! Yuki: Don't ask me. Kagami: Y-You're teasing me again! Yuki: Maybe I am, maybe I'm not! Tsukasa: You just wanted to walk home together with us, right? Yuki: Huh? Tsukasa: That's it, isn't it? Yuki: Y-Yeah. Kagami: Together? Tsukasa: That's right. Our houses are right next to each other, after all. We used to walk to school together all the time. Kagami: Yeah, we used to... Tsukasa: Yeah, but we could do it again if we wanted. Kagami: Well, all right. We haven't really seen Yuki all that much lately. Tsukasa: Yeah, let's walk home together. Yuki: S-Sure. Walk home? I wasn't planning on heading back yet... Tsukasa: All right, let's go! I went back the way I'd just come, rocking back and forth with the movement of the train. I suppose it's my fault for getting up so late, though... Well, it's not a big deal. My only real goal was to go buy the CD. I didn't have anything else to do in particular, so there was no reason I couldn't go home. No reason at all. That said, my days off are short. Too short. And every other day is ridiculously long. My days off pass by in the blink of an eye. The sun hung low in the sky. The sky doesn't change colors based on the day, but it does change based on the time. The sky slowly changed from blue to yellow and then eventually dyed the buildings purple. What a beautiful sunset. Just looking out at the unchanging scenery made my body feel utterly exhausted. So the sunset was a little invigorating. But maybe that's just because the sunlight was going directly into my eyes, banishing my fatigue. The sunset was pretty, but it wasn't kind on the eyes. I looked out the window as the scenery, which was beautiful and yet harsh on the eyes, flowed from right to left. Right to left. It flowed and flowed. And as the scenery flowed, the shades of purple amongst it continued to darken. Tsukasa: Hey, Yuki, weren't you talking to someone earlier? Yuki: Oh, yeah. I guess so. Yuki: It was Takashima-san from the next class over. She suddenly came and started talking to me. Kagami: Takashima-san? I didn't know you two were acquaintances. Yuki: Ahahaha. We really aren't. I'm not as sociable as you two. Kagami: No way. You're way better than either of us, at least when it comes to pushing people's buttons. Oh, wow. She's still mad. Tsukasa: But it'd be nice if you could get along with Takashima-san. Yuki: What do you mean? Tsukasa: It's kind of... Kagami: That Zakuro girl seems to be getting bullied. Yuki: Oh... Tsukasa: I heard it stopped for a while, but it seems like it's starting to happen again. Tsukasa: I just thought you were the type of person who'd be nice to someone like that. Yuki: I see. Of course, I won't go out of my way to avoid her, but it's not like I'm going to hunt her down and make friends either. Tsukasa: Do you find it a bit hard to talk to her, too? Yuki: I find it a bit hard to talk to everyone. I hate people. I always have, really. Tsukasa: But you're talking to us right now. Yuki: That's because we've always been together, since we were kids. Tsukasa: Yeah. You were like our big brother. Yuki: That breaks my heart every time I hear it. Tsukasa: But your hair was so short back then, and you wore pants, and you never lost to anyone in a fight. Yuki: That's just because they were comfortable to wear. Kagami: And you always talked like a boy too. Yuki: That's... How should I put it, uh... Kagami: And what kind of girl practices martial arts? Until the day you suddenly started wearing a skirt, we always thought you were a boy. Tsukasa: Yeah, I wasn't really sure how to react when I found out the dashing prince that always rescued us was actually a princess. Yuki: You say that like it was obvious. I never even realized you thought I was a boy. Kagami: Even if you didn't know it, you were a prince to us. Not just in fights, either. You're really good at sports, and you're smart too. Kagami: Just looking at you now makes me want to ask for a refund on my feelings. Yuki: Your feelings? What do you mean? Kagami: Uahh! Kagami: N-Nothing! Um... I'm just saying, I thought you were a boy at the time, so I acted differently around you! Yuki: I don't remember anything like that. Kagami: Wh-Who cares about what you think? I did my best! Wh-Why can't you at least notice something like that? Yuki: O-Okay... Takashima Zakuro. I didn't know her very well, but she always seemed like a really lonely person. I definitely remembered her being ignored by people in the past. Maybe you could call that bullying. All this... All this thinking was... Making me tired... ... Kagami: Hey, Yuki, we're getting off. Tsukasa: Hey. Yuki: Huh? Kagami: She's still snoozing. Come on! Yuki: Yeah, sure... Kagami: Haa... We almost missed our stop. Yuki: Oh, I didn't even realize that I was so sleepy. Kagami: I don't know how you can sleep like that, hanging over the railing. Yuki: Sleeping is my specialty! Kagami: Haa... Why are you so proud of that? Yuki: I've been really tired lately. I fall asleep all the time. Just like that, my brain shuts off. It's like time is flying by. Kagami: They say time is money, but I've never met anyone who values their money less than you. Yuki: The sun already set before I knew it. Tsukasa: Ahahahaha. Anyway, it's going to be summer pretty soon. Yuki: I see. Finals are over, so we get a vacation soon. Tsukasa: Do you have any plans for the summer? Kagami: Nothing but sleeping, I'm sure. Yuki: That's not true. I have lots of things to do over the summer. Kagami: Like what? Yuki: Waking up, eating breakfast, brushing my teeth, washing my face, drinking tea, and so on. There's plenty of stuff to do in the summer! Kagami: I mean after that. What are you going to do after you get up, eat, brush your teeth, and wash your face? Yuki: I wonder... Maybe I'll go back to sleep. Kagami: Haa... So I was right all along. Yuki: What about you? Kagami: I'm taking classes over the summer, so I won't be able to spend as much time with my club. Yuki: Why am I not surprised... Kagami: How about you? Are you planning on studying? Yuki: Not even a little. Kagami: And we used to call you a genius. Yuki: They say geniuses are just normal people after age twenty. Kagami: Then what's your excuse? Yuki: I'm doing my best. Tsukasa: Heheh. Kagami: What's so funny? Tsukasa: Nothing. I was thinking that it's been a while since we've been together like this. Yuki: Has it? Tsukasa: Yeah. Back then we thought you were a boy. Kagami: Enough of that! Yuki: My hair was short, and I wore pants, and of course I was flat as a board. Kagami: Of course. There's no way a grade schooler would have huge boobs. Tsukasa: Back then, you were really strong. You protected me and Onee-chan. Yuki: Violence was my only redeeming feature. Kagami: And your grades. You were the best student in the class. Actually, probably the best in the entire ward. Yuki: Like I said, plenty of people are smart when they're young. Kagami: It's just that you started skipping. Tsukasa: Onee-chan... Kagami: No matter what reason there was... Yuki: You're right. Yuki: But who cares? That's something for me to worry about. It's not like you ought to be upset just because I got stupid. Kagami: Of course not. I-I... Of course I don't care... Not at all. Kagami: I-It's just unpleasant watching you waste away your life. Yuki: Ouch, that's brutal. There are tons of different kinds of people in this world. You can't let them all get on your nerves. Kagami: I'm not talking about all the people in the world. I'm saying it's unpleasant watching you. Tsukasa: Onee-chan... Tsukasa: Oh... I, I got it! Tsukasa: Tomorrow, let's all walk to school together. Yuki: Wh―What do you mean, 'I got it'? Tsukasa: Hmm? It's because we haven't been together like this in a long time. Yuki: And why exactly does that mean we have to walk to school together? Tsukasa: Plus, you've been skipping a lot lately, Yuki. Yuki: That's not what I'm asking. And I'm not skipping. Tsukasa: You are. Yuki: Well, you see, I've just calculated how many days I can take off or be late without flunking. Tsukasa: Three tardies is one absence, right? Yuki: Right. And if you skip more than one in four classes, you won't get credit regardless of your exam grade. Tsukasa: I see. Yuki: But if you don't skip more than a fourth of your classes, it has no effect on your grade whatsoever. Tsukasa: Oh, I see. Kagami: Hey, you shouldn't be impressed by that. Tsukasa: A-Ahahaha. It's just that she's right, you know? Kagami: The people who know about that rule are more likely to fail, though. Yuki: Not at all. Kagami: Shut up. Anyway, don't even think about skipping tomorrow. Tsukasa: See ya, Yuki. Yuki: Sure. Tsukasa: Let's walk together tomorrow, okay? Yuki: I'll probably be sleeping, though. Tsukasa: We'll come wake you up. Kagami: That's right. Prepare yourself. Yuki: Just a question. Why would I need to prepare myself for being woken up? Kagami: You'll see. Heheheh. Yuki: Ahahaha... Stay away from me. Tsukasa: That's a joke. Right, Onee-chan? Kagami: I dunno. Maybe it is a joke, heheh. Yuki: What are you implying? Yuki: Here we go, for today... I took out the CD I bought. I bought a rock CD today. Rock. But this is an album by that band that led the British pop movement years and years ago. So it's not rock... but pop music? What's the difference between rock and pop? With my mind full of questions, I put the CD into the player. And closed it. Yuki: ... Yuki: Huh? Yuki: What's up with this CD? The music that came from the CD player wasn't rock or Brit pop. It was... Yuki: It's anime music. Yuki: Oh? I checked the CD. Written there was... Is that name... a voice actress? Yuki: Oh? Why did I buy this? Yuki: The first album from the popular actress... They switched my bag with someone else's! Or maybe I accidentally grabbed someone else's bag on the train! Yuki: Or maybe... Yuki: Is this one of Kagami's pranks? I won't forgive her! I ran to the phone and yelled at Kagami, but she ripped my ear off in return. It sounded like she wasn't involved. My rock CD...
"..." " -san..." Who... This voice... This is... Oh, right... is... Yuki: ... "Yuki!" Yuki: ... Tsukasa: Yuki, you have to get up. Yuki: ... Tsukasa: If you keep sleeping, we're going to be late. Yuki: ... Tsukasa: It's morning! Get up, Yuki! Yuki: ... Tsukasa: Get up already. Yuki: Hmmm... Tsukasa: No, you can't sleep in. You'll be late again. Yuki: Zzz... Tsukasa: She's snoring again. I guess I have no choice. Kagami: Move over. Tsukasa: Whaa? Thunk! Yuki: Uwhoa?! Kagami: How about you get up? Yuki: Agh! Ow! You're going to break my spine! My spine! Tsukasa: Yuki, if you don't get up, you're going to get hurt. Yuki: Aaaah! If you think she's going to hurt me, why don't you stop her?! Kagami: That's no good. If I stop, you'll go back to sleep. You haven't changed one bit. Yuki: I won't! I promise I won't go back to sleep! So please! Don't sit on me! Kagami: No way! I can't trust you to get up just because you say you will. Yuki: Are you stupid?! Kagami: What did you say?! Didn't I come all the way here just to wake you up?! You're going to piss me off! Yuki: Aaah, n-no. Ah, stop. My spine's going to snap, aaaah. Tsukasa: Um, Onee-chan. Kagami: Be quiet, Tsukasa! I won't move until she gets up! Tsukasa: Um, Onee-chan, I don't think she can get up until you get off of her. Kagami: Oh, I see. That's a pretty good theory you have there. Yuki: It's not a theory! It's a fact, no matter how you look at it! Kagami: Shut up. I-I'm not that heavy... Yuki: You totally are! Kagami: I am not! Tsukasa: Ahaha. Come on, get off her, Onee-chan. Yuki: I thought I was going to die. Tsukasa: Ahaha, I'm sorry. It hurt, didn't it? Kagami: She's fine. She's just exaggerating. Yuki: Heavyweight class. Yuki: You didn't need to hit me! Kagami: I-It's because you said something rude. Tsukasa: But you'd probably make up some reason to go back to sleep, so we had to do that to get you up. Yuki: Had to, huh? As if! I'd die if I were woken up like that every day! Tsukasa: Ahaha... But you won't die if you just wake up the first time. Yuki: So you're saying that I'll die if I don't get up? Tsukasa: I guess so. Yuki: Jeez... Instead of the Wakatsuki sisters we should just call you the Stupid Brigade. Tsukasa: Ahaha. We're not much of a brigade with just the two of us. Kagami: Hmph. I hope you fail and can't graduate. Tsukasa: You say that, but you're the one that's the most worried about her. Kagami: Th-That's― Tsukasa: Oh, just look at the time. Hurry up or we're going to be late. Yuki: Yeah, got it. Anyway, I have morning wood, so I'm going to have to ask you two to step outside. Kagami: Wh-What? Y-Yuki, you're a girl. Yuki: Even women have dicks in their hearts. Tsukasa: Then you should be fine, since we can't see that one. Kagami: Besides, if it's in your heart, you should be able to control it better. Tsukasa: Anyway, we'll believe you for now. We'll wait outside, but you'd better be getting changed. Yuki: Ahh... Kagami has no common sense, sitting on me like that. Yuki: She was so much nicer in the past. When did she become such a mean old lady? Kagami: Who's an old lady?! Yuki: Oh? You can hear me. Kagami: Of course I can! Yuki: Which means you have your ear pressed up against the door, Kagami-san? Kagami: B-But you would just go back to sleep if we let you! Kagami: Once, when we were in grade school, we believed you when you said you were gonna get up and you kept us waiting until noon. Yuki: I think there's a problem with you in that case, for waiting that long. Kagami: Y-You were the one that said 'trust me,' so I did! Yuki: But still, I doubt anyone else would wait more than four hours. Tsukasa: Ehehe. Onee-chan fell asleep while she was waiting. Yuki: Then it ended happily for both of us, didn't it? Kagami: Of course it didn't! Kagami: I-It's because you act like that that I decided I wasn't going to be nice to you. Yuki: Now then... Shower, shower. Kagami: I told you we don't have time for that! Yuki: What? It doesn't matter whether we have time or not, there's no use going to school without showering. Kagami: It matters a lot! If we're late, then there's no point to us coming to wake you up. Yuki: That's not true. There's value in participation, even if you don't win. Kagami: So what exactly is the value of participating in this? Yuki: They say that with a healthy body comes a healthy mind. Kagami: Are you stupid? Waking you up has nothing to do with our health! Yuki: The important thing is that you believe it does. Kagami: Shut up! We're going. Kagami pulled my hand forcefully. Yuki: Whoa... At least let me put on some underwear. Kagami: What?! Y-Yuki, you're not wearing any?! Yuki: Like I said, I was about to get in the shower. Kagami: Haa... Kagami sighed. Kagami: All right. Go take a shower if you want. Yuki: Kagami, you're so understanding. It's like you've returned to your younger self. Kagami: Tsukasa, let's go. Leave this idiot behind. Yuki: Aww, that's mean! Kagami: Then hurry up and get in the shower already! Yuki: Haa, haa... What did I even shower for if I'm just going to get sweaty again? Tsukasa: Haa, haa... Yuki, could you run a little slower? Onee-chan doesn't look well. Kagami: Ha, ha, I-I'm fine... Yuki: You heard her. Tsukasa: She's just acting tough... Haa, haa. Yuki: I see. She's just acting tough, but she's still keeping up. I wouldn't have expected any less from Kagami. I'm actually trying pretty hard right now. Tsukasa: Haa, haa. W-Were you trying to leave us behind? Yuki: Hahaha, not at all. I just thought that if Kagami collapsed, we could stop at a nice cafe or something to nurse her back to health. Kagami: If we stop now, all this running will have been for nothing! Yuki: That's fine, isn't it? Kagami: No, it isn't! Tsukasa: Haa... Do you dislike school that much? Yuki: I hate it! I guess. Kagami: Your grades used to be so good, too. Yuki: Now I'm flourishing in the lower half of the class. Kagami: How can you be flourishing all the way down there? Yuki: Well, at least I feel like I'm flourishing. Tsukasa: Ahaha * but you know, it kind of bothers me, too."* Yuki: Oh? What's this all of a sudden? Tsukasa: It's like you quit while you were ahead, you know? Yuki: Quit while who was ahead? Huh? Tsukasa: You were so smart when you were a kid. You always made us look bad in comparison. And now, you don't even try. That's why it seems like you quit while you were ahead. Yuki: Yeah, but now I'm the stupid one, so we're even. Tsukasa: Not really. Our grades aren't nearly as good as yours were, and you'll probably start studying again when entrance exams come around. Kagami: Haa, haa, you're right. She managed to get into the same school as us, after all. Yuki: That was just a coincidence. I can hardly even keep up in class now. I'll probably fail the entrance exams. Kagami: Haa, haa. I remember telling you that entrance exams aren't that easy, but they were no trouble for you. Yuki: That was a coincidence. The rest of the world isn't that easy. Kagami: I hate how you say that, haa, haa. Kagami: So this summer I'm going to study like crazy, so that you can't catch up. Kagami: I'll make you the dumb one this time. You won't catch up. Yuki: You overestimate me, Kagami. Tsukasa: Now that you mention it, shouldn't you be happy if Yuki skips school? Yuki: Not like it really matters. I'll just cut all the classes I don't like anyway. Tsukasa: There's such a thing as too much free spirit. Yuki: Freedom is amazing! Kagami: Wh-Who cares? Can we stop talking until we're done running? Yuki: Oh? Are you tired? Kagami: N-Not at all! Tsukasa: Haa, haa, we're here... We were almost late. Kagami: Haa, haa, haa... Dangerous. That was dangerous. Yuki: Haa, haa... Kagami: Yuki, you're slow. Yuki: Haa... Haa... Why am I carrying your bags? Kagami: Because you lost at rock-paper-scissors. Tsukasa: You were the one that said the loser had to carry all the others' bags. Yuki: I thought I would make a new rule since Kagami was complaining. I figured it would give the loser a chance to get back in the race. Kagami: Who are you calling a loser? Tsukasa: But what if Onee-chan had lost? Yuki: Well, then she would've been late and we would've been just fine. Tsukasa: But even if we weren't late, wouldn't we be in trouble too if we didn't have our bags? Yuki: Then we could all be late. Kagami: Then what was the point?! Ding, dong, ding, dong. Kagami: Huh? Tsukasa: What's wrong, Onee-chan? Kagami: Oh, nothing. Tsukasa: Hmm? Yuki: Mm? Kagami was talking so animatedly before, but the second she reached the school gate, she stopped short. For some reason, she was glaring at the school building. I wondered what was up. Even if it was nothing, her face scared me. She looked really scary, the way she was glaring at the building. Yuki: What's wrong, Kagami? Why are you staring at the school? Kagami: Huh? Why would I be doing that? Yuki: You were. For a moment, your eyes looked really incredible. It looked like you were ready to pick a fight. Tsukasa: Sh-She probably wasn't doing anything that weird. Probably. Yuki: Well then, is something bothering you? Kagami: Oh, it's, uh, it's nothing. Tsukasa: ... Yuki: Hmm? And then, suddenly Tsukasa started looking at the building in the same way. The two of them glared at the building. I might be stating the obvious here, but this was unusual for them. Why were they staring at the school we'd been going to for years? I didn't understand. Yuki: What is it? The twins are acting really creepy. What's wrong, Tsukasa? Tsukasa: Oh, it's nothing Yuki: That's not what your face is saying. Kagami: Tsukasa. Tsukasa: Yeah, Onee-chan. What's this? It feels really strange. Kagami: Yeah... Yuki: Strange? I looked up at the school building again. The building seemed like it was ten or twenty years old. The design wasn't really out of the ordinary. And nothing had changed from yesterday. I would've understood their reaction if it had been transformed into a futuristic Building C that only looked like our school building but could actually transform into a robot. But I really didn't see anything wrong. Yuki: It doesn't feel like anything's changed. Tsukasa: Yeah, you're right, but... Kagami: Oh. Let's go. The bell's about to ring. Tsukasa: Oh, you're right. Yuki: ... The same scenery. Nothing had changed at all. But something about the rays of the summer sun and the deep blue sky felt a little off. That was all. Tsukasa: I wonder what happened. The school seems really noisy. Kagami: Yeah. Maybe something happened. Yuki: Jeez, what are you waiting for? You're going to be late. Kagami: Oh, sorry. Tsukasa: W-Wait a sec. Chatter, chatter... Chatter, chatter, chatter... Chatter, chatter... Chatter, chatter. Chatter, chatter... Chatter, chatter. Chatter, chatter, chatter, chatter, chatter. Chatter. I opened the classroom door. The same classroom as always. The same faces as always. But still, something was different. The classroom was loud and chaotic. Female Student: Seems like it really was the girl from class 3. Female Student: I heard she was with some people from another school. Female Student: Really? It actually happened? Female Student: That's super scary. Male Student: Who's that? Male Student: You don't know? She really stood out. Male Student: She had really long, black hair. Male Student: Black? Male Student: She seemed like a total bimbo. Male Student: She was in the classes we had along with class 3. She had a long bob cut. Male Student: The one with huge boobs who acted like she was in The Grudge, or some horror movie like that. Male Student: Yeah, yeah, the crazy Grudge girl. She had huge boobs. Male Student: She was always alone. Male Student: Ah, yeah, I remember her. Female Student: But still, this is right after Shiroyama-kun from class 3. That's kind of scary. Female Student: But wasn't that an accident? Female Student: Still, it happened just a little while ago. That's scary. So many bad things happening in such a short time is kind of... Tsukasa: ... Tsukasa: Um, Onee-chan... Kagami: Yeah... Miu: Ah, g-good morning. So, uh... Yuki: Oh, you're... Miu: Haa... Why can't you remember my name? I'm Iwata Miu. Yuki: Oh, that's right. Or at least it sounded right. Miu: Oh, you brought the cute pair along today. Yuki: The cute pair? She gazed at Kagami and Tsukasa. Why did she call them that? I thought Miu was friends with Kagami and Tsukasa. Yuki: But anyway, what happened? Miu: W-Well, uh... It's kind of... Yuki: Kind of what? Female Student: Hey, there was this Takashima girl in the next class, right? Kagami: Takashima-san? Tsukasa: Wasn't that the Takashima-san that Yuki said she was talking to yesterday? Yuki: What about her? Takashima from the next class over. And the girls I met yesterday in Suginomiya. Female Student: Takashima committed suicide. Yuki: Huh? Tsukasa: N-No way. Kagami: Suicide? Takashima-san committed suicide? Yuki: Um, by Takashima-san, you mean Takashima Zakuro-san from the class next door, right? Female Student: Yeah, yeah, the gloomy girl with black hair and a bob cut. Female Student: Yesterday evening, she jumped off a roof near the train station. Female Student: She jumped off a twelve-story apartment complex. Apparently, it was really nasty. Female Student: She jumped with two students from another school. Yesterday evening, just a few hours after I saw her. And the two students from another school were probably... Those two girls that were there with her. Which means... They met up there so that they could go kill themselves. A cold sweat ran down my back. The palm of my hand hurt. My hand had apparently balled itself up into a fist from the tension. When I opened my hand, it was damp with sweat. I see. I was... terrified. I was a lot more upset than I would've expected. Yuki: Ha... First, I needed to calm down and think. There are plenty of ways to calm yourself down. One of those ways is to look at your situation from the perspective of an outsider. It's the way I prefer. First off... I didn't really know her all that well. She was just a girl I met. A girl who was prepared to commit suicide that same day. That's the part that made me feel uneasy. Any normal girl would've felt uneasy about that. But does it explain why I was so upset? Of course not. That's just the first part of it. There's something much more important. The kiss. I was kissed... * by a girl who was about to jump off a roof and kill herself.* By a girl who I thought I didn't know very well. That's the reason why I was so shaken. And worse, the incomprehensible things she said after that... Those mysterious words that came out of her mouth could be taken in many different ways, depending on the interpretation. Zakuro: I'll give you some of my power. Zakuro: Soon, something amazing will happen. Zakuro: The sky is full of anxious words. Those vague, philosophical, mysterious words. And after that... Zakuro: A grudge against you? Heheh. I'm not holding any grudge. Zakuro: I don't have a bad impression of you. Zakuro: Not a bad impression at all. ...she talked about her impression of me. And then, after that, what she did... Suicide. Yuki: Calm down. Yuki: Don't think too deeply about it. Right. It's dangerous to think too much about a suicidal person's actions. You don't want to speculate on something like that. A lot of her words were definitely puzzling. They were more than enough to scare me. But they were just the words of an unstable, suicidal girl. It would've been absurd to take them at face value. Let's look at the situation calmly. That was just before she committed suicide, so she wasn't stable. And she just so happened to see a girl she knew from school. In other words, me. She was full of doubt and fear, and in her last moments she just wanted to talk to someone she knew. "I don't have a bad impression of you." If you thought about her situation carefully, those words of hers were important. She was being bullied, so you could think of it like this. Any person that doesn't contribute to her bullying = a good person. Even if it was just because I'd never bullied her, I was still definitely a good person in her mind. Just before her death, that unbalanced girl said a lot of strange things to me. Even the fact that she'd kissed me seemed to make sense considering the situation. Though it definitely is shocking that she talked to me so casually right before she committed suicide. Female Student: Minakami-san, you talked to her a lot since you're such a nice girl, right? Yuki: Huh? I couldn't remember anything like that. Well, I suppose there were a lot of people I'd talked to and forgotten about. She might have been one of them. It seems like most other people usually avoided her because she was "that girl who gets bullied." So maybe I looked like I was her friend since I had talked to her a few times without thinking about it. Things like that are always relative. Female Student: I didn't really know her that well. Female Student: But it's still shocking, isn't it? Female Student: And it's right after what happened to Shiroyama-kun. This is what they call a series of events, isn't it? After all, Takashima-san... Miu: B-But that's just a rumor, isn't it? Female Student: A rumor? Not at all. Everyone's talking about it. She's famous, you know? She's all over the message boards. Miu: You shouldn't talk about someone's death so lightly. And what do you mean about the message boards? Female Student: I was there. Miu: S-So what?! Yuki: Jeez. What she's trying to say is that you shouldn't be so damn happy about someone's death. Why does that make you happy? Female Student: I-It's not that we're happy. Female Student: That's mean, Minakami-san. It's not like I'm happy about it. Female Student: But still, a person from the next class over committed suicide. I'm just shocked. Why would you... Female Student: Why would you say something like that? Yuki: Shocked, huh? Miu: W-Wait. Um... th-the teacher should be here soon. Yuki: It looked to me like you were laughing. Female Student: That's... That's... an awful thing to say... Miu: Ah, d-don't cry, um... Yuki: Maybe you're crying because you know I'm right? Kagami: Yuki! Yuki: Kagami. I was surprised. Kagami was glaring at me. I suppose that's what I should have expected from Kagami. Kagami: You can't say something like that. Apologize to her. Tsukasa: Yeah. You can't do that, Yuki. Yuki: Oh, yeah. Sorry about that. Yuki: I said too much. I'm sorry. My emotions got the better of me. Female Student: Ah, sure... Female Student: I'm sorry, too. You were friends with Takashima-san, weren't you? Yuki: Ahaha... We really weren't friends! I laughed and sat down, but I was coming up with retorts on the inside. The smile is the most important tool in ensuring smooth human relations. I could just end it there and stop talking to her. Yuki: Haa... I sat down and looked at Tsukasa and Kagami sitting next to me. It looked like they were both pretty upset. "Everyone, please sit down!" The chatter in the classroom instantly evaporated when the teacher appeared. Of course, that wasn't because of the teacher's authority. It was just that we assumed she had the answer to the question on everyone's mind. The reason for the noise. The truth behind the rumor. In other words... Did Takashima Zakuro really die? Why did she end her life? And tons of other questions in that vein. The teacher stood at the podium. All eyes in the room were glued to that one spot. Yuki: The classroom hasn't been this quiet in years. If they always paid this much attention in class, their grades would go up a lot, I bet. Jeez... It was like the time before a festival. Everyone's eyes looked so eager. Kiyokawa: Good morning, everyone. No one made a sound. Even the greeting was frustrating. She seemed to understand what everyone wanted and cut straight to the heart of the matter. Kiyokawa: Some of you may already know, but yesterday, a student from the neighboring class, Takashima Zakuro-san, passed away. Kiyokawa: Unfortunately... Tears were forming in her eyes. And for some reason, the classroom erupted in noise. The teacher didn't mention her cause of death. But she had still lent some credence to the rumors. Even if the death was a suicide, the school wouldn't announce it. After all, it was difficult to determine whether a death like that was suicide, an accident, or murder. The only people who knew the truth were probably the police, family, and those at the scene of the incident. So they didn't want to announce it publicly. The school would probably try their best to sell it as an "accident." If it was announced as a suicide, lots of people would search for the cause. The reason for the suicide. In other words, whether or not there was bullying involved. But in the end, had the school made the right choice in keeping quiet? At the very least, this school had already experienced one death by falling before this. The last one looked like a plain accident, but two deaths in a row will still cause rumors to crop up. There could be people talking about it on the Internet, too. And then the mass media might show interest too, since they're always lacking real news to show. The school could make the situation worse by trying to cover up the facts. The younger generation knew with the way information spread on the Internet, trying to cover something up just leads to more speculation. Chatter, chatter... Chatter, chatter, chatter... Chatter, chatter... It was really loud. They were probably bottling it up while the teacher was talking. The chatter from before didn't even compare to the noise that was filling up the classroom. People turned and talked to the person behind them. People broke into tears. People yelled. It really was as noisy as a festival. I sat in the middle of that, thinking, "Crying people are an eyesore." I couldn't help thinking that, * since it was the only thing that came to mind at the moment.* Kiyokawa: Everyone, please be quiet. Kiyokawa: Listen to what I'm saying! Chatter, chatter... Chatter, chatter, chatter, chatter... Chatter, chatter... Chatter, chatter, chatter. Chatter, chatter... Chatter, chatter. Chatter, chatter... The teacher tried her best to calm down the class. But the students weren't listening to a word of it. Just a little while ago, I'd seen this same scene unfold. Even if it was someone no one cared about, if that person dies, this is the result. It was really amazing. The sky was blue. Probably because the weather was so nice. For some reason, the sky turns blue when the weather is nice. Yuki: I wonder why it does that. Why is the sky blue when the weather is nice? Yuki: Is its azure the proper color of the sky? Yuki: Or is it occasioned by its distance and illimitable extent? Yuki: As if. My grandfather used to teach ancient martial arts at a dojo, so there was a time I heard quotations like that every day. I forget what book it was written in, but I thought what it meant was... Is the blue of the sky its true color? Or does it just look that way because it's endless? I thought it meant something like that. I wonder if this blue sky looked the same to people two thousand years ago. I'm actually kind of surprised I remembered that. When I was a child, I thought about the color of the sky too. Why is it blue? You know, outer space is black. When you mix the black from outer space and the white from the sun, you get blue! But if you actually mixed black and white paint together, it wouldn't really end up looking blue. So it was a mystery. Not really, though. It just looks blue because Rayleigh scattering causes mostly blue light to reach the Earth. I know that much. But even though I know that, I can't really explain the color of the sky. I was on the roof until first period ended. I cut class. Though I always did that. The classroom didn't feel comfortable today, so I got out of there. I'm what you would call insensitive. I couldn't read the mood. I couldn't match the atmosphere in there. So I disappeared. I suppose I showed a little sensitivity by doing that. ...... Which one is it? Heh. This rooftop is my favorite place, and... Luckily, there is a nice, shady place that stays cool and breezy even in the middle of the summer. Yuki: Well, then... What shall I do? There wasn't much to do, though. I could either listen to music or read a book. From those two options, I chose to read. The title of it was... The Flying Fiend with Twenty Faces. Twenty faces flying through the air would be amazing. I laid down and got comfortable. Yuki: Whoaaaa! Jeez, it's you, Otonashi Ayana-san. Ayana: Interesting? Yuki: Hey. Don't stand over me all of a sudden like that. Ayana: I have been standing here a long time. Yuki: A long time? Really? Had she really been standing there? My grandfather taught me martial arts, so I'd always been proud of my sharp senses. And yet this girl managed to slip behind me that easily? Yuki: Ayana-san, do you have any experience with martial arts? Ayana: Is that book interesting? She ignored me. Yuki: B-Book? Yuki: Oh, this? Ayana: Is it interesting? Yuki: I just started it, so I'm not really sure. Ayana: Hmm. Otonashi Ayana-san stood and looked down at me. She probably wasn't planning on moving. Yuki: Hey, how long do you plan on standing there? Ayana: I had not planned on moving. Yuki: I can see your underwear. Ayana: No, you can't. Yuki: Uh, even if I'm not looking right now, I can look anytime I want, since you're standing over me. Ayana: I don't think that is a problem. After all, you are technically what we call a girl, are you not? Yuki: What do you mean, 'technically' a girl? That's rude. I'm a pure maiden in the prime of my youth. Ayana: What part of you is pure? Yuki: Who knows? Still, wasn't it a problem that this girl was always wandering around the school instead of going to classes? Yuki: You never go to class, huh? Ayana: That isn't true. Yuki: Yes, it is. Ayana: Then what about you? Yuki: I'm fine. Ayana: Then so am I. Yuki: I see. Yuki: ... I see Ayana-san around here a lot when I was cutting class. Of course, it's not like we're actual friends that hang out together or anything. I'm happy goofing off without dragging anyone along. And she's another oddball who skips and never hangs out with anyone else. We're similar, but different. Ayana: You're finished. Yuki: Because it's a kid's book. It didn't even last me an hour. Yuki: That aside, Ayana-san, aren't you tired of standing there bent over, watching me? Ayana: The blood is rushing to my head. Yuki: Well, yeah, if you bend over that far, the blood will obviously go to your head. Ayana: Yes, but I was interested in the book too. Yuki: Isn't it hard to read upside down? Ayana: Not really. Yuki: Really? Jeez. I took out another book. But still, I hadn't brought very many books. This kind of difficult book doesn't really suit me. Ayana: Critique of Pure Reason. Yuki: Yeah, the title is kind of cool. The word 'critique' is cool, you know? Ayana: Not really. It kind of bugged me how she was just standing there and looking at me. I was reading a kid's book before, so I thought that maybe she would go away if I read a book that was hard even for me. Something like this Critique of Pure Reason. I didn't even want to read it myself. Ayana: An erotic book. How interesting. Yuki: Huh? Ayana: A book of philosophy written by a woman's genitals. That's erotic. Yuki: U-Um, I'm not sure what I just heard the refined lady in front of me say. Ayana: Who knows what I just said? Heheh. Otonashi-san laughed. It seemed like she was having fun. Or so I thought. It was hard to tell when her expression didn't really change at all. Her mouth just curved upward slightly. Well, putting that aside... Yuki: Excuse me, Ayana-san, you shouldn't say that about such a famous philosopher. Ayana: Heheh. But this book has 'Cunt' written on it. Yuki: U-Uh, Ayana-san, are you some dirty old man? Ayana: Yes, I'm a dirty old man. Yuki: You say that as if it's a good thing. I see. She's right. "Kant" does kind of sound like "Cunt." I heard they pronounced it like "can't" in America so that you could tell the difference. And why does this weird girl know about American slang, anyway? Yuki: ... Yuki: A question. Would you prefer we pronounced it like 'can't,' in that case? Ayana: Heheh. Ayana: Can't. That's interesting. Ayana: The virginity rate among males is increasing nowadays. I suppose this author is one of those men who can't. Heheh. Yuki: ... Yuki: Excuse me, but Kant lived a long time ago, so that doesn't really apply to him at all. And what do you mean by 'can't', anyway? Ayana: Can't get it up. Yuki: ... Yuki: Th-That's mean! Ayana: Cunt, a book written by a man who can't. Heheh. Yuki: Excuse you, little lady. You can't say those kinds of things. There's a limit, and besides, as a joke it's not really all that funny. Ayana: Oh... Yuki: Why do you have such a pitiful look on your face? There's nothing to pity here. Ayana: That isn't true. It's pitiful. This is just too pitiful. Yuki: Why? Ayana: Because you are here, alone on the rooftop, reading the book 'Cunt', a book written by a man who can't. That's just pitiful. Yuki: Ayana-san... Ayana: Hmm? Yuki: That was pretty good. Ayana: Was it? The two of us bantered lightly for a while. I started reading the book. I got confused because it was so hard, but I kind of wanted to read an abstract book like this, one with no connection whatsoever to our day-to-day lives. Anyway, today was that kind of day. Yuki: Hah... Finally, it's lunchtime. Ayana: You didn't finish that book. Yuki: Yeah, you're right, but that's fine. Ayana: Why? Yuki: Even if I did finish it, there wouldn't be any point since I wouldn't understand all of it. It doesn't really matter if I finish it or not. Ayana: I see what you mean. Yuki: Yeah, I just wanted to waste some time here. Ayana: Hmm. Yuki: And you were bugging me, so I tried to read a hard book. Ayana: see what you mean... I see. Is that all you're going to say, Ayana? This girl.... She's awfully stubborn... Yuki: So then, why have you been skipping class all this time? Ayana: I wonder why. I'll answer you in 30 seconds. Yuki: ... Ayana: ...... Yuki: ......... Ayana: I didn't realize I was up here that long. Yuki: There's no way you wouldn't realize that. Ayana: There is always a way. Yuki: Heh. You seem like you don't have any friends, Ayana-san. Ayana: Friends? Yuki: Yeah, friends. Ayana: I have them. Yuki: Really? Ayana: I have friends. Yuki: You have friends? I haven't ever seen you talking to any of your friends. Ayana: ... Ayana-san slowly lifted her finger and pointed. She pointed... At me. Ayana: ... Yuki: ... Yuki: Don't point at me. That's rude. Ayana: Heheh, you're embarrassed. Yuki: ... Yuki: What makes you think that? Ayana: That's just what I think. Yuki: Well, let's put that aside. As far as I can remember, we haven't talked nearly enough to be considered friends. Ayana: Maybe you're right. Yuki: I'm pretty sure I am. Ayana: Yes, but that's how it feels. Yuki: How it feels, huh? Ayana: Yes. Yuki: ... Yuki: Well then, I suppose we should go home? Classes have ended. Ayana: Ended... Ayana-san looked up at the sky. For some reason, seeing that made me shiver. Her gaze made me think she was looking deep into the abyss. The sky is far, far away. Is it because it's so far away... That it feels creepy? I shivered when I looked at the sky, the sky that had always been there. Because something like this had always been hanging over our heads. Yuki: Is its azure the proper color of the sky? Yuki: Or is it occasioned by its distance and illimitable extent? That ancient philosopher's maxim came to mind naturally. I remembered those words once more. Yuki: ... Ayana: It will end, and so it shall return. Yuki: What do you mean? Ayana: Hmm? Yuki: No, I'm the one asking the question. Don't look at me like you're the one who's confused. Yuki: You're the one that's saying scary stuff like 'It will end.' Ayana: Really? Was it cool? Yuki: No, not really. I wasn't complimenting you. Ayana: I see. Yuki: Please don't look so disappointed. Ayana: I'll do my best. Yuki: You're going to try your best not to look disappointed? Ayana: Yes. I'll do my best. Yuki: Heheh. Ayana-san, you're interesting. I tried to ruffle her hair a bit. But she dodged my hand, as if I was a nuisance. She really is a strange girl. Kagami: Ah, Yuki. Yuki: Oh, Kagami. Tsukasa: You skipped class again. Yuki: Yes, you're absolutely right. Tsukasa: You're not going to graduate at this rate. Yuki: I'm fine. It's calculated truancy. Kagami: There's no such thing. Are you stupid? Kagami: ... Kagami was probably trying to act normal, but I could tell she was still feeling a bit down. She was probably still anxious about Takashima-san's death. I wondered if the clubs would be doing anything today. Yuki: Are you two going to your clubs today? Kagami: What? Why do you care? Yuki: Hmm? Because I'm interested in you, Kagami. Kagami: W-What? In me? Ah... Yeah, the kendo club is meeting today. And what do you mean by interested?! Yuki: Maybe I'm interested in the same way a child is interested in an elephant at the zoo. Kagami: Wha.. * What did you just say?!"* Kagami is the kind of animal that is utterly incapable of ignoring something. Yuki: Kendo club, meaning both of you are going? Tsukasa: Yeah. I'm in the same club. Yuki: I see. So what should I do while you guys are gone? Kagami: Huh? Don't ask me. Yuki: Tsukasa? Tsukasa: Huh? I-I don't know... Yuki: Okay. In that case, I'll wait here until I get an answer. Kagami: What? Tsukasa: Really? Yuki: Like I said, I don't know what to do, so I'll wait for you two to finish up. Tsukasa: Won't you get bored? Yuki: Don't worry, I'm really good at wasting time. Kagami: That's not something to be proud of. Yuki: Or would you rather I didn't, Kagami? Kagami: D-Didn't what? Yuki: Hmm? Wait on you two, of course. Kagami: I-I don't care. Yuki: I think you do care. Tsukasa: That'd make me happy. Then we could all walk home together. Yuki: Tsukasa is a good girl because she's always honest. Tsukasa: Uwah, don't pet my hair. I'm not a kid. Yuki: I could just go home if you don't want me around, Kagami. Kagami: N-No! It's not that I don't want you around. I don't care either way! Yuki: Oh, really? Tsukasa: But you really won't be bored? Yuki: Nah. I look like a slacker, but I actually have plenty of things I need to do. Kagami: Like walking around idly? Yuki: Of course. I'll idle with all my might. Tsukasa: Even if you say it like that, it's not all that impressive. Kagami: Dummy. Yuki: So I'll kill the time somehow. Tsukasa: Okay. Kagami: Oh, and, uh, Yuki. Yuki: Hmm? Kagami: Thank you. Yuki: Oh? Tsukasa: Ahahaha. She can't just admit it. Tsukasa: Well then, I'll see you in a bit. Yuki: Yeah. How about we meet up at the gym? Tsukasa: Sure! I'll tell Onee-chan, too. Kagami seemed a bit more cheerful as she ran to the gymnasium. I'm glad I was able to cheer those two up. Yuki: So is your club doing anything today, Tsukasa? Tsukasa: Yes, we are. The Kendo club is meeting today. Yuki: Kendo club, which means both of you are going, right? Kagami: Of course. I'm the club leader. There's no way I wouldn't go. Yuki: I see. Well, I was thinking... Kagami: About what? Yuki: Maybe I should wait for you two to finish up with your club. Tsukasa: Wh-Why? Yuki: As thanks for today, maybe. Besides, I have to act like a prince for you two. Kagami: But you're a girl. Yuki: Hmm? Does your prince need to be a boy, Kagami? Kagami: Huh? Kagami: Th-That's not... what I.. * Hey, what do you mean by that?!"* Yuki: Oh, nothing. Yuki: I'm no good at studying, but you know, I'm still stronger than any of the guys around here. Tsukasa: The two of us are pretty strong, too. If we have a bamboo sword, at least. Yuki: Sure, I know, but it would still be safer if we were together, right? Tsukasa: Yeah. Yuki: What do you think, Kagami? Kagami: I-I... I don't mind. Yuki: So that's settled. I'll kill some time around here. Tsukasa: See you in a little bit. Yuki: Yeah. How about we meet up at the gym? Kagami: Let's go, Tsukasa. Tsukasa: Yeah. Bye, Yuki. Well then, what should I do? Honestly, I didn't really have anything to do. Since I already skipped class. Ahaha. Yuki: What should I do indeed? Yuki: I don't really have anything else to do, so... Yuki: I suppose I'll try the roof again. Yuki: Oh? You're still here, Ayana-san. Yuki: Ayana-san. Ayana: ... Yuki: What are you doing, Ayana-san? Ayana-san was looking at something. Though there was nothing there. Just the sky and the clouds. Yuki: Do you see something? Ayana: The sky. Yuki: Well, yeah. What kind of sky? Ayana: ... Ayana: Minakami-san. Yuki: Hmm? What is it? Ayana: If you died, what would happen to you? Yuki: ... That came out of nowhere. Though I suppose after what happened with Takashima-san, it wasn't that strange. Yuki: I don't know. I've never died before. Ayana: You've never died? Yuki: Why are you looking at me like that? Ayana: Heheh. It's nothing. Yuki: What do you mean, it's nothing? Ayana: It's just that I thought it was a bit odd that someone would be able to say they've never died. Yuki: ... What is this girl talking about? Who could say that they've... died before? That's obvious. If I'd died, I wouldn't be living right now. Ayana: ... Otonashi Ayana kept smiling and looking at me. I didn't understand her. Yuki: If I'd died, I wouldn't be alive, would I? Yuki: Because I'm living right now, I know I haven't died, right? Ayana: You do not understand even life. How can you understand death? Yuki: You're saying I can't understand death because I don't have enough experience in life? That's Confucius, right? Ayana: You're pretty smart, Minakami-san. Yuki: Not at all. My grandfather used to make me read stuff like that. He would make me recite the Analects. Yuki: But what's that got to do with anything? Ayana: The End Sky. Yuki: Huh? The and sky? Yuki: ... And sky? Sky and what? Yuki: What's that? Ayana: What I was looking at. Yuki: Y-You kind of got off topic all of a sudden, Ayana-san. Ayana: I'm not off topic. I returned to the topic. I originally asked what she was looking at, so she was technically right. Yuki: ... I looked at the sky where Ayana-san was looking. Just a plain old sky. Pure blue. Nothing other than a normal sky. Nothing more. Yuki: ... Ayana: What's wrong, Minakami-san? Yuki: Nothing. Nothing's wrong. Ayana: You can't see it? Yuki: See what? It's just the sky. Ayana: ... Ayana: You will. Yuki: Huh? Ayana: There will be a time when you will be able to see it too. Yuki: I can never understand your jokes. Ayana: ... Ayana: I see. Ayana-san looked up at the sky again. But still, what the heck is the "And Sky"? Maybe it's another one of her incomprehensible jokes. But still... I wonder what she was trying to say. Was it related to Takashima-san's suicide? Yuki: ... Yuki: Mm... What the... I feel... kind of dizzy. Yuki: Though I really don't have anywhere to go... Yuki: Oh well. I didn't really know where to go, so... I just walked around aimlessly. And then... Yuki: Classroom 3. It was Takashima Zakuro's classroom. No one was in the classroom, but there was a vase of flowers on one of the desks. I'd seen that on TV and in manga, but I guess people really do put flowers on the desk like that. I went over to the desk with the flowers. Yuki: I see. So that means this was Takashima Zakuro-san's seat. Yuki: ... "I'll give you some of my power." Yuki: ... Yuki: Huh? Wh-What? I felt kind of... dizzy. "What are you doing here?" Yuki: Oh? Yuki: Wh-Who are you? "What do you mean, who am I? You're Minakami-san from the next class over, right?" Yuki: Yes, I am. And? "What were you doing in front of Takashima-san's desk?" Yuki: I just came to look. "To look. Do you..." Yuki: Actually, I saw Takashima-san just before she committed suicide. "Huh? You did?" Yuki: Yes. I bumped into her in Suginomiya, yesterday evening. "Y-You two were friends?" Yuki: Oh, no, not really. She started talking to me. It kind of bothered me, so I came here. "Huh? You talked to her?" Yuki: Yes. "Wh-What did she say?" Yuki: Why are you so concerned about what happened to her? "Huh? Wh-What do you mean?" Yuki: Are you her sister? "..." "Are you saying you don't remember me?" Yuki: Yes. Who are you? "Are you stupid? I'm Senagawa Yui, Senagawa: the homeroom teacher here. I even teach your math class. Yuki: Wha... Yuki: Which means... Senagawa: Which means I'm one of your teachers. Jeez. Yuki: You just looked familiar, so I thought you might've been Takashima-san's sister or something. Senagawa: I don't think the two of us look alike at all, though. Yuki: Really? Senagawa: Haa... Anyway, what did you two talk about? Yuki: Uh, well... How should I put it... Tribadism and the end of the world. As if I could say that. Yuki: It was kind of a strange conversation. Senagawa: A strange conversation? Yuki: She said that the sky was full of anxious words. And, like, 'I'm going to protect the world, yay,' or something. Though she didn't say, "yay". Senagawa: ... Yuki: Is something wrong? Senagawa: Oh, th-that's what it was. I see. Yuki: Did that help you out? Senagawa: Ah, yeah. Takashima-san's emotions were unstable at the time she died. That might be our collateral. Yuki: Her emotions were unstable? Senagawa: A-Anyway, why are you here? There aren't any club activites going on in here. Yuki: Um, I just explained why. Senagawa: A-Anyway, would you please leave the classroom? Yuki: S-Sure... Like that, I was chased out of the classroom. Mrs. Senagawa Yui, huh? So she was the math teacher. The homeroom teacher next door. Yuki: She's probably not having much fun right now. Having one of your students commit suicide would be a big problem for a teacher. And if the rumors about the bullying got out, the mass media might get involved too. Yuki: She was really on edge. Poor thing. I stumbled down the steps. I... might be a little bit sick. I feel kind of dizzy... Yuki: Ooh... Wha... Vertigo? I staggered outside and ended up behind the school. Yuki: Oh, I wasn't really looking where I was going, and I ended up here at the old pool. Yuki: Actually, when are they going to demolish this thing? Last year, our school finished some major renovations. The gymnasium got renovated, and a huge indoor pool was installed. So this pool wasn't being used at all. There was no water in it, even though it was the middle of summer. Yuki: A pool without water looks kind of crappy, doesn't it? Yuki: It's not like they're totally letting it fall apart or anything, but it just feels like an old ruin now that it's not being used. Though it looked like the drain was still shut, since a bit of water was collecting at the bottom of the pool. Yuki: Shouldn't they do some maintenance even if it's not getting used? Huh?! Yuki: Ha... ooh... Yuki: Ugh... This dizziness won't go away. What's happening? I suddenly feel sick... I definitely don't feel good at all... Yuki: Hmm? I felt some sort of presence. I turned to look toward that presence and... somehow, I got the impression that someone had just crawled out of the pool in front of me. Yuki: Ah... I was struck with vertigo when I turned. My eyes felt like they were full of needles, and my vision went pure white. For a moment I couldn't tell who was in front of me. My vision returned to normal. I really wasn't feeling good today. Yuki: Um, what a coincidence meeting you here. You were, uh, Mamiya Takuji-kun, right? Takuji: Y-You're... Minakami-san. Yuki: Why are you hanging around here? Yuki: Actually, where did you crawl out of? You weren't here a moment ago. Takuji: Huh? Uh, huh? He looked like he was upset to run into me in a place like this. Yuki: Why did it bother you when you saw me? Takuji: No, uh... Yuki: And why did you suddenly appear here? Takuji: No, it was my wallet, you see. Takuji: I dropped my wallet around here. Yuki: Your wallet? Takuji: Yeah, that's right. I dropped my wallet. Ah, I have to hurry. I'll be going, then. Yuki: I see... Mamiya Takuji left, almost running. Yuki: What's up with him? It was like he was avoiding me. Hmm. Mamiya Takuji. Didn't I run into him the other day... I couldn't remember any time we'd interacted in particular. He was in the same class as me, but I hardly ever saw him. Well, I guess I did cut class a lot, and he was usually skipping school altogether. He was kind of like Takashima-san, being separated from the rest of the class. He might have been getting bullied, but I wouldn't know anything about that. I wondered what he thought about Takashima-san's suicide. Yuki: Well then, I should get going too. Yuki: Where should I go? Maybe the staff room? No way. Yuki: I cut class. I'd probably get in trouble if I went there. Not like I really have any business there, anyway. Yuki: I wonder what they would say if they saw me. They probably wouldn't say anything, though. That was the nice part of being a flunky. They'd already given up on me. Yuki: Where should I go? Maybe the gymnasium? There were lots of things going on in the newly renovated gym, like the kendo and archery club meetings. So of course Kagami's club activities were in the gym. Yuki: Maybe I could kill some time in the gym. There's plenty to do there. Yuki: Worth a look. While heading to the gymnasium, I spotted a girl with two antennae sprouting from her head. Yuki: Hola, Kagami. Como estas? Yo soy una extraterrestre. Kagami: What is it? She turned slowly and scowled at me. I guess she was about to go change, since she had her gym clothes and bamboo sword under her arm. Yuki: Could you act just a little bit happier to see me? Kagami: I don't think anyone would be happy after hearing that kind of greeting. Yuki: I said I was an alien. Kagami: Haa... So what do you want? Yuki: That's cold. I'm trying my best! Kagami: Well, it seems you really did wait for us, but you look bored, and it doesn't really look like you're trying your best, either. Yuki: That's not true! I've been doing my best. First, I would stand around, then sit for a while, then get up again. Then I walked around for a while, and... Kagami: Are you some old man? Yuki: No, I'm as young and spry as ever. Kagami: You sure don't act like it. Kagami: Well, sorry for making you wait for me. Yuki: No, I was the one that wanted to do it. It's fine. Kagami: ... Yuki: Why is your face getting red? Kagami: Who cares about something trivial like that?! Yuki: Whoa! Don't swing your sword at me! Female Student: Hey! Yuki: Come on. They're calling for you. Kagami: Tch. Yuki: Don't click your tongue at me. Kagami: I missed out. Yuki: V-Violence isn't the answer... ... ...... ......... Yuki: It's getting late. They should be finishing up soon. I tried my best to kill some time, but I ended up just walking around outside since I didn't feel comfortable inside the school building. Then I ended up on the roof, where I continued reading that book. The book was a pain in the ass to read, but that made it better for killing time. Yuki: Huh? When I was about to go to the gym, I remembered Kagami saying something like, "The club is meeting on the field today, not in the gym, so don't bother going to the gym 'cause we won't be there." I followed her advice and headed out to the field, but... Tsukasa: Ah, Yuki! Tsukasa ran over when she saw me. Tsukasa: Ahahaha. Sorry to keep you waiting. Yuki: No, it wasn't all that not, not, not awful at all. Kagami: Knowing you, you were probably just sleeping anyway. Coach: Gather up! Let's review what we covered today! The voice that echoed across the field probably belonged to their coach. Tsukasa and Kagami hastily ran over there. While she was leaving, Tsukasa mouthed the word "sorry" at me. I waved at her, as if to say, "Don't worry about it." Review, huh? They'd already changed back into their uniforms, so they'd probably finish up soon. I leaned against the wall and waited for them to finish. ... Yuki: Whoa. Ayana: ... Yuki: Oh, it's just you, Ayana-san. Ayana: Yes. I am Ayana-san. Yuki: What are you doing at school this late? I figured someone like you would be long gone by now. Ayana: Someone like me is still here. Yuki: I see. Ayana: Ah. Yuki: Hmm? Kagami: We're done. Tsukasa: Let's head home. Yuki: Yeah. Yuki: Huh? Yuki: ... Ayana-san was gone. Kagami: What's wrong? Yuki: Uh... nothing. I was going to introduce Ayana-san to them, but it seems she got spirited away. Yuki: We're here. This is the Wakatsuki house, and this is the Minakami house. Kagami: Um, Yuki. Yuki: Yes? Kagami: Sorry. I guess we were a nuisance today. Yuki: What do you mean? You weren't a nuisance. Kagami: But thanks to that, Tsukasa and I were able to be with you. So thank you. Yuki: ... Kagami: Aaah, don't say anything, don't say anything. Don't destroy the mood. Kagami: Occasionally, even I feel like I need to say thanks to you. Yuki: Heheh. Understood. Tsukasa: Thank you, Yuki. Kagami: Really, thanks for everything today, Yuki. Yuki: Hahaha. If you want to pay me back, you could be a little more ladylike when you come to wake me up tomorrow. Yuki: Boys won't like you if you keep acting like that. Kagami: Who cares about them? B-Besides, you could act a little more ladylike yourself. Yuki: Hahaha. I'm fine. I'm not interested in boys, so I don't need to act girly. Kagami: You aren't? Yuki: Aren't what? Kagami: No. It's nothing. Let's go. Tsukasa: Ah, Onee-chan * Anyway, thanks for today, Yuki."* Yuki: ... Yuki: Haa... Yuki: Suicide... Yuki: Takashima Zakuro... Yuki: She... It didn't have anything to do with that, right? That... The accident where Shiroyama Tsubasa fell to his death. ... Yuki: Ahaha... It's kind of scary thinking about those things, so I'd better stop. That's right. What was I supposed to do when something like that happened so close to me? Takashima-san's suicide and Shiroyama Tsubasa's accident... They were unrelated. Two rare events just happened to occur in a short period of time. Shiroyama Tsubasa's death by falling wasn't related. After all, if it was...
Female Student: So that's... isn't it? Female Student: But that's just a rumor, isn't it? All that stuff is. They're just rumors. Female Student: Yeah, they've been saying that for ages, you know? Female Student: A prediction? Something like that, right? Female Student: My dad said they used to be really popular. Something about Nostradamus' prophecies. Female Student: Like I said, they're not prophecies. Female Student: If they're not prophecies, how do they tell the future? Female Student: I don't know the details. Female Student: But they say it's scientific. Female Student: They call it the web bot. Male Student: You mean the Web Bot Project? Female Student: Yeah, that. You know about it? Female Student: What is it? Male Student: It's software that gathers all the conversations on the Internet. Apparently, it can predict the future. Hmm. The Web Bot Project, huh? I sat and listened to their conversation. For some reason, that topic came up at school. I'd only heard rumors about it. Apparently, it was a piece of software that collected data on the Internet and, using that data as a source, analyzed the subconscious minds of large groups of people. I didn't know who would think to make something like that, but apparently it was originally designed to predict stock prices. Though the explanation of why they would need to make something like that to predict the stock market was a bit complicated. It went something like this. A new field called financial engineering was created in the 1950s by combining elements of economics, accounting, math, and traditional engineering. The investment banks of America worked together to develop it further. And in the mid-80's, a group of the world's greatest rocket scientists, mathematicians, and other geniuses were assembled on Wall Street. Using complex financial derivatives, they carefully managed their risks. These geniuses gradually pushed the beast known as the economy into a cage. Soon, they had almost completely tamed the economy, removed its fangs, and acquired for themselves unlimited power to control it as they saw fit. With one exception... However... The geniuses hid this exception away from prying eyes by calling it an "anomaly", a "contradiction", or an "exception". The word anomaly refers to something with no clear theoretical basis, which is nevertheless clearly existent within experimental results. It is a word to describe those patterns that defy theory. They had a precise theory, which they used to find the patterns in their observed data. With those tools, they completely caged the monster. This meant that the human race had obtained the philosopher's stone... or it should have. ... That's where another topic comes up. Our speaker today will be Nassim Nicholas Taleb. HAHAHAHAHAHA! I have a question for you all. The famous American index, the S&P500! (Personally, I would start by explaining what it is, but that's just me.) In what length of time * did the equity market* * make half of its net historical gains* * of the past 50 years?!* So, how long do you think it took? Yuki: It's hard to understand it when a foreigner says it. Yuki: You have to say it clearly, without worrying too much about any oversimplifications. Yuki: In the past 50 years of the stock market, how long did it take for it to make half of the gains it's made up till now? OH! That's wrong! OH! That's wrong too! That's totally wrong! Totally wrong! You're not even on the right order of magnitude! That's totally wrong! Totally wrong! You're not even on the right order of magnitude! If you can't even understand the scale, then the number will never be right! * NO!* * NO!* * NO!* * NO!* * NO!* THEY'RE ALL WRONG! * OH~, NO!!* DUMBASS! * NO!* * NO!* * NO!* * NO!* * NO!* IT'S ALL WRONG! * OH, NO!* DUMBASS! Miko (who?) I'LL KILL YOU! I'm getting ANGRY! Huh, wha-?! NO! IT'S ALL WRONG! * OH, NO!* DUMBASS! Mito (who?) I'LL KILL YOU! I'm getting ANGRY! Eaah?! Correct. It was in just ten days. In those ten days, stock prices skyrocketed. * Those ten days account for half the gains in the past fifty years.* Those irregular numbers were actually one of these exceptions. We could ignore them, since they hardly ever happened. Statistically, this was an exception unusual enough to be absurd. How much of an exception? Umm... It was about ten standard deviations away from the norm. I guess you don't understand that. To state it in more familiar words... "An exception that would only happen once in the entire history of the universe since the Big Bang." This kind of exception happens less than once every ten billion years! So we can ignore it, right? Huh? Oh, you think that doesn't make sense? And of course, you're right. Those words, "ten standard deviations from the norm," are actually famous because a Nobel Prize winner said them after his business went bankrupt. A hedge fund called LTCM was established by two genius economists who had won the Nobel Prize in 1997 for the Black-Scholes formula. This hedge fund's net value grew to over seven billion dollars. But it went bankrupt when Russia defaulted on its national debt. At that time, the geniuses cried and said, "That was an exception that would only happen once in a hundred billion years, so we had no choice but to go bankrupt!" How did that happen? Truthfully, we don't know the details. But there's one thing they should understand even if they're not geniuses (and in a way, they aren't). In economics, there is a human element. Which means... Economies are run by illogical beings. "Animal spirit." By the way, a famous economist called Keynes coined that term. One scholar who investigated found that the kind of massive change that is only supposed to occur every 30,000 years, according to financial engineering, has actually occurred 48 times in the 88-year history of the New York Stock Exchange. That's totally different from the calculations. It's true that it's completely random, but that kind of coincidence is impossible. Though, it's not that strange to think that a human-run economy would be pulled in careless directions by the whims of the imperfect human beings. After all, humans can't make logical decisions. They're all biased. That's how the world works. For instance, if everyone starts reading a boring, amateurishly written novel, it can become a bestseller, then get turned into a movie... And just like that become a fad. Even though everyone seemed to be liberal, all of a sudden they're conservative, or wine becomes more popular than beer, or sake more popular than wine, or maybe it would be shochu... (though I'm getting off topic). For Some Reason, Crystal! In short, these exceptions happen because the economy is run by people who just do whatever they feel like. Everyone overestimates or underestimates things, based on nothing more than their personal feelings. We're a bit off topic, but... Now for the main issue. So if you could figure out this human tendency to act "however they feel like," you could tame the economy. If you could just understand their day-to-day whims. How would you do that? Let's ask a psychologist. Can't we just research the way humans make choices? Isn't that what they call social psychology? Could you apply that to the economy? There are economists seriously researching it (they call it behavioral economics)! But this is a major task! After all, they're trying to use theory to tame the anomalies that can't be explained with theory. That's gotta be hard. But isn't there some miraculous way to get at the public subconscious? That's where the Internet comes into play. If you looked through people's everyday conversations scattered throughout the Internet, could you understand this tendency for people to act "however they feel like"? It might have been impossible in the past, since you couldn't listen to everyone talking. But now it's possible to listen to every single person's voice. You might be able to understand the group's deepest instincts through all their individual voices. Or maybe, by means of the outer layer we call the Internet, you could understand humanity's collective subconscious. That belief was what lead to the creation of the Web Bot Project. It indiscriminately collects the words scattered across the Internet and makes calculations based on figures derived from emotions, allowing it to predict things no economist could hope to predict. The results of those calculations predict what might happen in the future. In other words, they're prophecies. The Web Bot Project is a miraculous piece of software that made predictions from the anomaly, the subconscious, that economists had always ignored! Amazing! Truly amazing! Something sounds fishy... Female Student: Can it really predict anything? Male Student: Seems like it. Their conversation was going in the obvious direction. I laughed a little. Anything, huh? Truly miraculous, huh? Female Student: Right, right, they say that all humans are linked subconsciously. Female Student: Subconsciously? Female Student: Yeah, a great scholar discovered it. Uh... Male Student: It was Carl Gustav Jung. The collective unconscious, right? Female Student: What's that? Female Student: It's something shared by all humans, in the depths of our minds. Female Student: What's it do? Female Student: It's like humanity's subconscious already knows what's going to happen in the world. Female Student: Oh... I see. That sounds kinda scary, though. Male Student: Like, just before you get sick, or get in an accident, you'll see an old lady standing at your bedside. Male Student: That's your subconscious trying to warn you about what's going to happen. Female Student: Yeah, and because of that, we already subconsciously know the day humanity will go extinct. Female Student: I understand that, but are its predictions coming true? Male Student: Yeah, it predicted the anthrax attacks in 2001, the great power outage of 2003, the earthquake in Indonesia in 2004, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and tons of other disasters. Female Student: I-I see. That's kind of creepy. Female Student: And the Web Robot is predicting that something big is going to happen this year. Male Student: It's not a robot. It's called a bot. Female Student: Something big? Male Student: It says humanity is going to reach the peak of this string of recent disasters. Female Student: The peak of disaster? Female Student: The end of the world. Female Student: Th-The end of the world? Female Student: That's what it's predicting. Female Student: The end of the world... No way. Female Student: It says the world is full of anxious words. My smile disappeared when I heard her say that. Yuki: ... Yuki: Full of... anxious words. Female Student: Full of anxious words? Female Student: Yeah, the world on the Internet is filled with tons of anxious words. Zakuro: The sky is full of anxious words. Female Student: And that anxiety is seeping into tons of other words. Female Student: It's like the Internet itself is absorbing the anxiety... Female Student: Wh-What the heck? I don't get it. That's too scary. Female Student: Yeah, but that's what it says. Female Student: The Web Bot Project's data shows that it's just like the anxiety in the heart of a person condemned to death. Female Student: Just like a person condemned to death... Male Student: And... the Web Bot... A heart seeping with anxiety... Just like a person condemned to death... That's... Zakuro: The sky is full of anxious words. Zakuro: The process of absorption has begun. Zakuro: The world... Zakuro: Anxious words, and the world that has absorbed them. Zakuro: Do you know what those are? Zakuro: The heart of the person who will soon die. Zakuro: Therefore, the world... Female Student: Is the world going to end? Female Student: Supposedly. Yesterday, they were all talking about Takashima-san's suicide, but now they were talking about the end of the world. How did they end up at this topic? It kind of made me want to laugh. Yuki: ... But to be honest, I didn't feel like I could even force out a laugh at the moment. Zakuro: Therefore, the world... Zakuro: Will end. I'd tried my best to not think about that, since it was such a ridiculous thing to say. But even though it was a ridiculous thing to say, it was still ringing in my ears. The end of the world... I thought that meant... The end of 'her world'. In other words, I thought those words referred to her death. That's what I had thought she meant. * Or rather, that was what I wanted to think she meant.* But somehow, something deep inside me, something I'd forgotten, was telling me that those words were dangerous. You could call that part my subconscious. It was like my subconscious knew what Takashima-san meant by those words. Something deep down inside me was chattering. Someone in my inner heart, someone who wasn't unrelated to me, was whispering something... Surely that was just an illusion... Yuki: No, no way. This is just a coincidence. As if something like that could happen. Ahaha. Yuki: Huh? What? Tsukasa: You know, Yuki. Kagami: Wait, Tsukasa, you― Tsukasa: Owgh. Yuki: Wh-What? What's wrong? Tsukasa: You know, Yuki. Kagami: Tsukasa, what are you― Tsukasa: Owwaah... Yuki: What? What is it? Kagami: N-None of your business. D-Don't worry about us. Tsukasa: Y-Yuki... Tsukasa was lying on the floor, saying something. Yuki: Wh-What? Tsukasa: Yuki... Delivery. Yuki: Delivery? Kagami: Huh? Tsukasa handed me something wrapped in cloth. Kagami: Wait, that's― Kagami: Uwah! Tsukasa! Tsukasa grabbed Kagami's leg to stop her from moving. Kagami: Ts-Tsukasa. Let go of me! Tsukasa: I-I'm not letting go! Kagami: Tsukasa! Tsukasa: Ooohh... Yuki: ... Kagami was always so kind to Tsukasa, but now she was kicking her on the floor. And Tsukasa always listened to what Kagami said, but now she was on the floor, ignoring Kagami's words. Amazing. What a rare sight. Yuki: U-Um, Tsukasa? Tsukasa: D-Don't worry about me. Hurry up and open it. Yuki: No, it's not that I'm worried about you, but... Kagami: D-Don't! Yuki: ... I was a bit troubled, but I opened the package. And... Yuki: A packed lunch? Tsukasa: Onee-chan made it! Yuki: Okay... Tsukasa: It's yours! Yuki: No, it's not mine. Tsukasa: No! Onee-chan made it for you. Yuki: Huh? Kagami: Th-That's not it... Kagami: That's not it... That's not what it is... Um, well... Yuki: What? Kagami: Yuki, do you like Gdam? Yuki: Gdam? Why? Kagami: B-Because, if you stick... If you stick this box in your G*dam, it'll be three times as fast as it is now. Yuki: This lunchbox will make it three times as fast?! So you're saying it's a Tem Ray lunchbox? Kagami: Wh-Who's that? Yuki: Don't bring up the show like that if you haven't watched it. Tsukasa: Onee-chan! Kagami: Ugh... Kagami: ... I wondered what she was freaking out about. I didn't get what she was saying at all.* Yuki: Um, Kagami... Kagami: Yuki, about lunch... Yuki: I haven't bought any yet. Kagami: I see. I heard there's a nice pastaria by the station. Yuki: Right. Kagami: I heard that they serve lunch around this time. Yuki: Well, it would be pretty amazing if they were serving dinner at that time... Kagami: Yeah, so why don't you go there? Yuki: Why would I? Kagami: B-Because I don't want an eyesore like you around while I'm eating, of course! Yuki: Th-That's ridiculous. Tsukasa: Jeez! Onee-chan! Kagami: I-It's so hot. You can't expect us to eat here in the middle of summer. Yuki: It's fine. Don't worry. Just be quiet and follow me. Tsukasa: Wow, it feels nice here. I didn't know about this spot. Kagami: Well, Yuki is a professional slacker after all. I didn't even know this place existed. Yuki: There's no direct sunlight here, and a cool wind blows in from the forest. It's a nice place. Tsukasa: Yeah, good job, Yuki. I guess skipping class isn't a complete waste of time after all. Yuki: Now Tsukasa is criticizing me too. Tsukasa: Oh, no, that was a compliment. You're good at skipping class. It's a compliment. Yuki: I don't get it. Tsukasa: Anyway, let's eat. Yuki: Yeah, let's. Yuki: From the outside, it appears to be a normal lunchbox. Kagami: What are you trying to say? Tsukasa: Not just from the outside, though. The inside is pretty normal too. Yuki: When you say normal, it sounds like you're saying it's plain. Like it's not very good. Kagami: -Well, of course it's... Kagami: Stare... Tsukasa: Staaare... Yuki: ... Yuki: Why are you two sitting there and waiting for me to eat? Tsukasa: Ahaha, we're not waiting or anything. Yuki: Then what is it? Kagami: Sh-Shut up! Just eat it already, idiot! Yuki: Why does that make me an idiot? Tsukasa: Um, Yuki, Onee-chan was probably waiting to see if you liked it. Kagami: N-Not at all. I just... I was gonna hit you if you said it wasn't good. Yuki: I see. So I should be on my guard after taking a bite? Kagami: So you're assuming it's not going to be good? Yuki: Ahm... Tsukasa: Ah... Kagami: ... Yuki: ... Tsukasa: ... Yuki: ... Kagami: ... Kagami: Hey! Why are you on your guard? Yuki: Aha☆! Kagami: I-If it's not good, just say so. Why won't you say anything? Yuki: Ah, this is a joke. I'm joking. Yuki: It's just... Tsukasa: Just what? Yuki: What is this? Tsukasa: Aha, that's octopus sausage. Yuki: Oh, really? Then what is this? Tsukasa: That's crab sausage. Yuki: Then what is this? Tsukasa: Clam sausage. Yuki: Why clam? Kagami: Sh-Shut up. Just eat it already. It's going to get cold at this rate. Yuki: I don't think a lunchbox could get any colder. Kagami: Sh-Shut up already! Who cares about that?! Tsukasa: Look, the beetle sausage is really cute. Yuki: Beetle sausage?! Kagami: Yes. Got a problem with it? Yuki: I don't have a problem, but anyone would be surprised by that. Tsukasa: Onee-chan tried to make a lot of different things, but they didn't come out too well. Yuki: Oh, I see. So she just gave them all names based on what they ended up looking like. Kagami: S-So how is it? Yuki: How's what? Kagami: Th-The taste! If it's bad, just say so. Yuki: It tastes good. It's really delicious. Kagami: R-Really? Yuki: But they don't look so nice. Kagami: S-Sorry... about that. Yuki: Ahahaha, don't worry about it. It tastes great. Tsukasa: So what do you do up here when you're skipping class? Yuki: Read books, take naps, modify my G*dam to move three times as fast, stuff like that. Kagami: What's that? Are you making fun of me? Yuki: Aha☆! Kagami: You are. Yuki: Right you are, Kawasaki-san. Kagami: You've always liked being alone, haven't you? She ignored my joke like she hadn't even heard it.* No worries, though. She was always like this. Yuki: You think so? It's not really that I like being alone, it's just that I hate being around annoying people. Kagami: Isn't that the same thing? Yuki: Maybe it is. Tsukasa: But you're always off by yourself, so there's tons of stuff we don't know about you. Yuki: You mean, like, 'We always try to get closer to you, Yuki, but you always push us away!' or something like that? Tsukasa: Not really. Lately, you've been like a complete stranger. You hardly ever talk to us anymore. Kagami: Yeah. Kagami: We actually had no idea what you were doing up here. Tsukasa: Even though we used to hang out all the time... Yuki: ?! Yuki: Ah... Kagami: Wh-What's wrong? Yuki: N-Nothing. It's nothing. What was that? My vision kind of blurred. Tsukasa: Yuki, are you feeling all right? Yuki: I'm fine. It's probably because I was up so late last night. Kagami: What were you doing up so late? Yuki: Well, you see... Yuki: I was thinking about you, Kagami. Kagami: Huh? Kagami: Wh-What do you mean? Why would you be thinking about me? Yuki: Oh, nothing. Just that stupid face you made. Kagami: When did I make a stupid face?! Yuki: Well, your face looks stupid more often than not, so... Yuki: You don't have to hit me that hard! Kagami: I'll hit you as hard as I want! Tsukasa: Oooh. Yuki: What, Tsukasa? Tsukasa: I wish you would think about me, even if it was about a stupid face I made. Yuki: You don't make stupid faces very often, though. Tsukasa: I'll... I'll go practice making stupid faces, then. Kagami: Please don't practice something like that. Yuki: I was thinking about Tsukasa. Tsukasa: Huh? Yuki: Her dumb face. Kagami: Are you stupid?! Yuki: Why are you the one hitting me?! Kagami: Of course I'm going to hit you for that. Tsukasa: ... Tsukasa stared at me. Tsukasa: Heheh. Yuki: Why are you laughing all of a sudden? Tsukasa: Ahaha, sorry. Just thinking that you're still the same Yuki we knew in the past. Yuki: In the past? Tsukasa: I would always sit in class and wonder what kind of face you were making at the moment. Yuki: What kind of face? The same as always? Tsukasa: Maybe so, but it's the same, and yet different. It's a face I don't know. Yuki: What do you mean? Tsukasa: I'm not really sure, but that's how it feels. Tsukasa: After you showed us this place, I got this feeling like you were still wearing yesterday's face. Yuki: Yesterday? Tsukasa: Ahahaha, it's nothing. Tsukasa: Now that you mention it... Tsukasa: It seems like some strange rumors are going around in class. I guess she heard them too, since we're in the same class and all. Yuki: Yeah. I don't know what's up with them, but they've been talking about a lot of funny stuff. Yuki: Well, rumors like that only stay around for a little while. They're like measles: everyone will get over them soon enough. Kagami: They're not. Yuki: Not? Not what? Kagami: All that stuff they're talking about. They say it's proof. Yuki: Proof? What do you mean? Kagami: It's really stupid, but they say Takashima-san committed suicide in preparation for the end of the world. Yuki: ... I could feel the muscles in my face tensing up. I almost expected it to come up eventually. I answered in the calmest voice I could manage. Yuki: Hmm. Preparation, huh? How was that preparation? Kagami: I heard the world was going to end on the 20th, and Takashima-san had to die for it to happen. Yuki: She had to die? Why? Kagami: I don't know that. Yuki: But still, an apocalypse on the 20th, huh? Kagami: Yeah. Yuki: I see. Pretty soon, isn't it? So who said that? Did Takashima-san say that while she was still alive? Kagami: I don't really know, but I haven't heard anyone say Takashima-san said that. I see. I'd heard her say a lot of enigmatic things, but she never said the world was going to end on the 20th. Where did that date come from? Tsukasa: There are rumors Shiroyama-kun's incident is related too. And I'm not sure, but I don't think Takashima-san was the one that started the rumors. Yuki: What do you mean? Tsukasa: Apparently, there are a lot of people talking about it on the Internet. Yuki: On the Internet? Tsukasa: Yeah. Miu said there's a thread about our school on one of the anonymous message boards. Yuki: Anonymous message board? You mean the one that got sold off to some foreigner in Singapore? Tsukasa: From what Miu saw, the thread was full of those rumors. Yuki: I see. So when did that stuff about the end of the world and Takashima-san's suicide start coming up? Kagami: Miu said she couldn't really tell. Yuki: But someone had to say it first, right? Someone must've come in and started talking about how the world was going to end. Tsukasa: Maybe, but it seems like all the fuss was caused by a spark from somewhere else. Yuki: A spark? From where? Tsukasa: I'm not sure. They're talking about it on our school's site, a lot of occult sites, and a bunch of other places, so it's hard to tell where it first started. Kagami: The origin... would probably be the underground message board, wouldn't it? Yuki: What's that? Kagami: There was a bunch of controversy about those before. Yuki: Oh, they were talking about those on the news a while back. An underground message board. Even our school has one of those. Though I suppose most of the schools in the country have them, so that's to be expected. The "underground" part of the name would make you think people are doing illegal stuff there, but it just means that it's an unofficial school site. At its core, it's a message board where people from the same school can talk online. But even a mere message board could cause problems. Apparently, they can become hotbeds for slander, bullying, and crime. That's why the news did a bunch of stories on them. Yuki: I see. The underground message board, huh? If a shady site like that existed, then that was probably where they heard about the Web Bot Project. I was surprised to hear a phrase like that in class, but now it made sense. But still... Yuki: But still, the 20th is too soon. It's just a week away. Kagami: Apparently, there have been rumors about it for a while. Yuki: For a while? Kagami: Yeah, it looks like the theory about the world ending on July 20th has been around for quite a while. Yuki: How long is quite a while? Kagami: I don't know... Yuki: Was it Takashima-san who said it, after all? Kagami: I don't know that, either. I haven't looked at the message board myself. Yuki: O-Oh... So neither Tsukasa nor Kagami had seen it themselves. Kagami: U-Um, do you think it's a prophecy? Yuki: Huh? Tsukasa: Ahahaha. Onee-chan and I were talking about it last night. It's kind of scary. If it's a prophecy, do you think it'll actually come true? Yuki: Who knows? Kagami: Y-Yeah... Yuki: But I think you would call that a delusion, not a prophecy. Tsukasa: A delusion? Yuki: Yeah. As far as I know, every person that has ever prophesied the end of the world before has turned out to be delusional. Kagami: Y-You mean... Yuki: They've never come true, so this one won't come true either. Kagami: Y-Yeah, you're right. That's definitely it. Tsukasa: Ahahaha. I told her you'd say that. ...... A prophecy, huh? Whether you call it a prophecy or one of the Web Bot Project's predictions, it's still just a delusion and nothing more. There's no way you could ever perfectly predict what was going to happen in such a complicated world. Even a grade schooler would understand that. Or they should understand that, anyway. But still, people forget that obvious truth. The obvious becomes less than obvious. For instance... For instance, if everyone in the world believed we were about to go extinct. Of course, that's impossible, but if everyone believed it, it might actually happen. If the people believe it... The infinitesimally small chance... The kind of calamity that should only happen every ten billion years... That can actually happen every ten or twenty years, abetted by the illogical human heart. Animal spirit. A swarm of illogical souls. Their overconfidence and their exaggerated fears occasion the impossible. If the people believe it possible, it becomes possible. But still, that won't happen. There's a big difference between the stock market crashing and the end of the world happening. Besides, I doubt everyone in the world would ever really believe such a thing. Tons of people used to say Nostradamus was a prophet, but none of his predictions ever came true. Not the end of the world. Not even a natural disaster. The people didn't truly believe. So nothing happened. But what would happen if a situation was created where everyone truly believed? If a group of people was locked away in a closed space and they were all made to believe the same thing... And if it wasn't a prophecy made by someone in a far off country, but rather a revelation brought about by the death of one of their own... It's not all that uncommon for fatalistic cults to commit group suicides. There have been plenty of incidents like that in the past. The world will end on the 20th? Had Takashima-san said anything like that? All I heard her say was that the world was going to end. Or maybe Takashima-san never said when it would happen. Would that mean the date just came from some embellished rumor? If that was true, there didn't have to be any real basis for the date. Either way... It was spooky. Kagami: Yuki. Kagami: Hey, Yuki! Lunchtime is over. Yuki: Huh? Oh... Sorry. I wanted to investigate a bit. Just what was going on? I wanted to know. Female Student: I saw it earlier, but now everyone's talking about it. Female Student: They were linking to it on other sites. Female Student: Yeah, the posts were all about the Web Bot Project. Male Student: It's just like I said. Female Student: I wonder if it's real. Male Student: What? Female Student: The Web Bot Project says the world will be destroyed on the 20th. Male Student: You saw the link, didn't you? It said that's what the data was showing. Female Student: I know, but that's scary. Yuki: You know... Male Student: Huh? Male Student: Ah, Minakami-san. Yuki: And you're dumbass number one. Male Student: Um, that's not my name. I'm Kiyoshi. Yokoyama Kiyoshi. Yuki: Oh, that's your name? Kiyoshi: Um, Minakami-san, would you please remember it this time? We are in the same class, after all. The boy in front of me was Yokoyama Kiyoshi. Eh, who cares about him? Average looks. Average grades. Not anyone I cared about. Though I wasn't really interested in boys anyway. Kiyoshi: It's awfully rare for you to talk to me. Yuki: I actually don't want to talk to you at all, but I have something I need to ask you, so whatever. Kiyoshi: Something you want to ask me? Wow, I'm honored. Did this guy like me or something? Gross. Yuki: That Web Bot Project you were talking about. Is there really a site like that, where they predict the future? Kiyoshi: Of course there is! Yuki: That's one of those Web Bots that automatically goes around the Internet and collects various information to store in a searchable database, right? Kiyoshi: Um... "Then it's simply a bot that generates HTTP requests, retrieves some HTML documents, searches for keywords within it, and saves them in the database. Then it can analyze the document's anchor tags and use the first file's links to retrieve additional HTML files.": uk Yuki: Then it's simply a bot that generates HTTP requests, retrieves some HTML documents, searches for keywords within it, and saves them in the database. Yuki: Then it can analyze the document's anchor tags and use the first file's links to retrieve additional HTML files. Kiyoshi: I don't get it... Yuki: To put it simply, the Web Bot is a search engine with spiders and web crawlers. Kiyoshi: Um... Yuki: What's this Web Bot Project that's supposedly making those predictions, though? What's the website? Kiyoshi: Um, I don't really know myself. It's just a topic on the message board. Yuki: The underground message board... Kiyoshi: You know about it, then? Yuki: No, not really, but I've heard rumors. Actually, have you ever been to the site? Kiyoshi: Yeah, of course I have. Yuki: Then could you give me the URL? Kiyoshi: Sure, but you have to register to get past the front page, and you can't even register without a referral. Yuki: Registration? I thought it was anonymous? Kiyoshi: Yeah, but what would be the point if it was open to the public? Yuki: So that's how it works. Kiyoshi: Yeah. Yuki: Well, that's fine. Anyway, send me the URL, and then give me a referral. Kiyoshi: What's your phone's email address? I can send it right now. Yuki: I don't have one. Kiyoshi: Huh? You don't have a cell phone? Yuki: It ticks me off that you think everyone has one. Don't go around assuming everyone has a cell phone. Kiyoshi: R-Really? Um... you don't, huh? Yuki: What's your problem? I don't have one. It doesn't exist. Kiyoshi: But still, everyone browses that site with their cell phones. I don't think I've ever seen anyone go there on a computer. Yuki: Just send it to my computer. I always get on the Internet from a desktop computer. Kiyoshi: Sure... Tell me your email address, then. Yuki: Here. I wrote down my email address and passed it to him. Kiyoshi: ... Kiyoshi: This is a free mail account. Yuki: That's right. Is there a problem with that? Kiyoshi: No, but don't you have a real email address? Yuki: I do, but I'm not giving it to you. Kiyoshi: Oh... Kiyoshi: Um... I have a favor to ask. Yuki: What? Kiyoshi: If I become your referrer, that means we're friends, right? Kiyoshi: Ow... Yuki: You shouldn't say such nasty things with a grin on your face. So then, what are you trying to say? Kiyoshi: There's this party pretty soon... If you'd like to come, I could get you in. Kiyoshi: Oogh. Yuki: You remember what happened the last time you guys tried hitting on me, don't you? Yuki: I hate men. If you start talking like that again, I'll do to you what I did to them, but otherwise I don't mind. Kiyoshi: Um, we actually might need you to do something like that. We need someone strong. Huh? Why did they need someone strong for a party? This guy was weird. Yuki: I don't really know what you mean, but I don't mind participating. Kiyoshi: Hell yeah. We haven't had a main attraction at all since Shiroyama-kun died. That was more confusing. Why was I replacing Shiroyama-kun? He was that idiot who died in an accident, right? What's he got to do with it? Anyway... Looks like it really was the underground message board. The girls earlier said there were a bunch of links posted, so it shouldn't be hard to investigate. Yuki: I hope I can figure out what's going on. ...... Aside from that... Most message boards like that were full of people slandering their teachers and classmates. Which meant they were probably talking about me too. For some reason... That was a bit embarrassing. Tsukasa: Yuki. Yuki: Huh? Oh. Kagami: Haa... What are you making that stupid face for? Class is over. Yuki: Is it? I was asleep. Kagami: You were awake. Don't make excuses like that. Kagami: So were you thinking about something? Yuki: You were the one that was thinking about something. Kagami: Huh? Yuki: You were both thinking about me, right? She's so beautiful, I wish I was like her. Stuff like that. Tsukasa: ... Kagami: Tsukasa, let's go. Yuki: You ignored me. Tsukasa: Yuki, we won't mind if you go home without us. Yuki: ... Yuki: Hmm... I have something to do, so I can't go home just yet. Tsukasa: Huh? Kagami: You don't have to do that for us. We'll be fine. Tsukasa: Yeah. I don't want to keep you waiting. Yuki: I-It's not like I'm doing it for you or anything. Kagami: What was that? Yuki: My best Kagami impression. Kagami: D-Don't make fun of me! Yuki: My cheek hurts... Tsukasa: Ahahaha. Yuki: But I really do have stuff I need to do. I'll probably be here until you guys finish up, so call me when you're done. Kagami: How are we going to call you when you don't even have a cell phone? Yuki: Dunno. Tsukasa: What do you mean, 'dunno'? Something was bothering me... There were a lot of things that were still bothering me. Takashima Zakuro... I wanted to know a little more about her. Yuki: Takashima-san's class was right over here... Yasuko: Oh, Minakami-senpai. Yuki: Oh, you're... Yuki: Um... Yasuko: Jeez, how many times do I have to tell you before you'll remember? Yuki: Got it. I'll remember it this time. Yasuko: You said that last time too. Yuki: Did I? Yasuko: Yokoyama Yasuko. Kiyoshi's little sister. Yuki: Um, who's Kiyoshi? Yasuko: How could you not remember my brother? He's in your class! Yuki: Like I said, I'll remember it this time. Yasuko: No, not remembering someone in the same class is a little strange. Yasuko: Come on, he's the one you punched when he was hitting on you. Yuki: Oh, that guy's gross! Yasuko: Um, please don't call my brother gross. For the record, we are related, so it kind of feels like you're talking about me too. Yuki: So then, what's up, Yokoyama Kiyoshi's little sister? Yasuko: What? Say my name! Yuki: Um, Yokoyama... Yuki: Knck? Yasuko: No! That's not even a girl's name! Yuki: Yokoyama Knocketta! Yasuko: No! That's not even a real name! It's Yokoyama Yasuko, and you'd better remember it this time! Yuki: Oh, right. That's what it was. Yasuko: I hope you're ready for the consequences if you don't remember it next time. Yuki: Like I said, I'll remember it this time. Yasuko: Really? Yuki: Trust me. Yasuko: ... Yuki: Hmm? Yuki: Why are you still here? Kagami went to her club. Yasuko: ... Yuki: What's wrong, Yokoyama Sisterko? Yasuko: You're going to make me mad. I'll hurt you. My name is Yasuko! Yuki: Ah, Yasuko. I knew that. Yasuko: No, you didn't. Yuki: Of course I did! You should believe the words of your elders! Yasuko: ... Yasuko: My brother said you're pretty smart. Yuki: Of course. My mind has even grasped the secrets of the universe. Yasuko: What are my three sizes? Yuki: From the top, bust 100 centimeters, waist 100, hip 101. Yasuko: What am I, a cube?! Yuki: It's a joke. They're actually 102 for your bust, 20 for your waist, and 102 for your hips. Yasuko: No, my body isn't that great... Yuki: Is that all you wanted to know? Yasuko: That was a joke. Yuki: Whaaat?! Yasuko: I don't understand why you would be mad about that. Yuki: I tried to make a joke of my own. Yasuko: This conversation isn't going anywhere. Yuki: All right. So what did you actually want to ask me? Yasuko: Will the world end this month, on the 20th? Yuki: ... Yasuko: Is it true that the end of the world is approaching? Yuki: ... Yasuko: Please, answer me! Yuki: Why are you asking me? Yasuko: I heard you were the only one that got along with Takashima Zakuro-san. So I thought you would know the truth. It wasn't like I got along with Takashima-san that well.* Jeez, everyone just assumed that. Haa... Yuki: Well, let me be serious. Yuki: Long ago, people gathered to get rid of all the conflict in the world. They tried to bring all the weapons in the world to one place. Yuki: Then all those weapons coalesced into a single organism. Yuki: This organism was incredibly violent. It had the form of an All-Purpose Humanoid Battle Weapon. Yasuko: What's that? Yuki: It was the Pacifist Robo-Gandhi. Yasuko: What are you talking about?! Yasuko: You just said it was incredibly violent, so how is it a Pacifist Robot?! Yuki: It employs pacifism against its enemies. Yuki: Pacifist Mode! Pacifism! Pacifism! Pacifism! All Systems Pacifist! Yuki: Pacifist Robot, launch! Yuki: Like that. He attacks with pacifism. Yasuko: He would lose, though. He couldn't beat anyone with pacifism! Yuki: Yeah, he always gets clobbered. Yasuko: ... Yuki: Actually, there's something I'd like to ask you. Why would the world end so suddenly? Yasuko: Huh? How did we get back to the serious conversation? Yuki: What do you mean? I was serious the whole time. Yasuko: Y-You were just making up a bunch of stuff, weren't you? Yuki: The words of the wise may appear irrelevant at first, but after careful consideration you'll find they were linked to the true message. Yuki: I'm always serious. I don't mess around. Yasuko: I-I see... So you're saying that the story about Robo-Gandhi was foreshadowing for something else? Yuki: Of course it was! I'm not one of those scenario writers that just keeps writing and writing and can't wrap up all his plot points! Yasuko: Wh-Who are you talking about? Yuki: It's a secret! But back to what you were talking about before... Yasuko: Yeah, everyone is saying that the world will be destroyed on the 20th. Yuki: So you believe them? Yasuko: But it's strange, isn't it? Two people have died in such a short time. Yuki: It definitely is strange that two people from the same school fell to their deaths one after the other, but why exactly does that mean the world's going to end? Yasuko: They say that's the reason why Takashima-senpai committed suicide. Yuki: ... Yuki: How do they know that's the reason she committed suicide? Yasuko: Well, tons of people are talking about it on the message board, and that email is going around. So she'd been looking at the underground message board too. But what email was she talking about? Yuki: What email are you talking about? What's going around? Yasuko: This. Yuki: This... Yuki: Huh?! through death i have been reborn as a warrior or so they said but it hurts i have no body but it still hurts it hurts because i've been broken therefore everyone must die you will die in 6 days all of you will die Yuki: ... Yuki: What... is this? The picture was a bit fuzzy, but it was definitely a picture of her suicide. Who would take such a distasteful picture? Yasuko: This is... Takashima-senpai's email address. Yuki: W-Wait a second. Were you friends with her? Yasuko: I wasn't. I haven't even seen her before. Why would I be getting an email from her? Yuki: Then how do you know it's her mail address? Yasuko: But... If you thought about it, it had to be a prank. But I understood why she was upset. Anyone would be upset if they were sent a freaky picture like this. Yuki: Were you the only one who got this email? Yasuko: A lot of people in my class did. Yuki: Not all of them? Yasuko: Not all of them, but my brother said he got one too. Him too, huh? But he was still talking about going to a party. Maybe thoughtless guys aren't as sensitive to horror? Yasuko: Senpai! What's happening here? Yuki: Calm down. Just try to stay calm, okay? Yasuko: Calm? Yasuko: There's no way I can stay calm. I'm scared. Yuki: Okay, here's a question. Why would Takashima-san send you a picture of her corpse? Yuki: And look at the camera angle. It must have been taken by a third party. Yasuko: Th-That's because the scene witnessed by Takashima-san's ghost became a picture and got sent out in the email. Yuki: I see. You're pretty smart, aren't they? Yasuko: That's just what people are saying on the message board. Yuki: I see. So then why does the person who took the picture have a shadow? Yasuko: Huh? Yuki: The shadow was pretty long, since it was late in the evening. If you look closely, there's clearly a shadow stretching from the position of the camera. Yasuko: Th-That's... her ghost's shadow. Yuki: Do ghosts have shadows? Either way, the shadow here doesn't have long hair. Takashima-san's hair was long. Yasuko: Ah... Yuki: Of course, the outline is blurred, but this looks like the shadow of someone with short hair. Yuki: This has to be someone who was passing by when she committed suicide. They probably took the picture out of morbid interest, and then they used it for this prank. Yasuko: B-But her name is in the email address. Yuki: It would be easy to fool people by registering an email address with her name in it. Want me to show you how easy it is? Yasuko: But... Yuki: Now, now. Don't worry about it too much. Yasuko: Wh-Why not? Yuki: I'll investigate it. Yasuko: Huh? Yuki: Even before I promised you, I planned on investigating this anyway. Yasuko: R-Really? Yuki: Yeah. Yasuko: You'll really check it out? Yuki: Yeah, leave it to me. Yasuko: Do you know something about what's going on? Yuki: That's what I'm trying to figure out, isn't it? Yuki: For now, just forward that email to my computer. Yasuko: Huh? Not to your phone? Yuki: Yeah, I don't have a phone. Yasuko: That's awfully rare nowadays... Yuki: Yeah, maybe, but there are still people who don't. Yuki: Anyway, there's no way the world's going to end in the near future. That's ridiculous. Yasuko: Okay, got it. I'm sorry if I bothered you. Yasuko: All right, time for my club! Yuki: Do your best. Yokoyama's little sister, huh? She was in the kendo club, right? Which meant she was in the same club as Tsukasa and Kagami? Yasuko: Excuse me. Yuki: Yes? Yasuko: So what was the foreshadowing for? Yuki: Huh? Yasuko: The story about Robo-Gandhi. You said that was foreshadowing for something or other. Yasuko: But even at the end, it still sounded like something you made up on the spot. Yuki: The meaning was... Yuki: You can't save someone with violence alone. Yuki: It was.. * a criticism of our modern society, and..."* Yasuko: Hey! That wasn't related to the conversation at all, was it? Yuki: Not really, no. ... Ugh... Honestly, that picture sent chills up my spine. What the hell was that about? Emailing people pictures of a suicide was beyond juvenile. It scared me a bit too. But I wondered if I'd really managed to convince Knocketta back there. Nothing good had happened lately. Takashima Zakuro's classroom... Her desk was decorated with a vase of flowers. No one was in the classroom. An email from Takashima-san, huh? I don't know who thought up that prank, but that person definitely isn't an exemplary citizen in our modern society. Yuki: A prank... Yuki: Though this is quite the elaborate prank. I wondered if they had some other motive for the prank. Oh? I sound like a real detective now, don't I? Cool. Yuki: ... Yuki: Haa... I don't really want to go through a dead person's belongings, but... I did promise Yokoyama Sisterko, too. There was nothing in Takashima-san's desk. I suppose that should've been obvious. If there was anything there before, it was probably taken as articles of the deceased. Yuki: Of course... Yuki: Hmm? Yuki: Whoa? While I was searching around, I felt something slimy in the back of Takashima-san's desk. Yuki: Wh-What? Is something rotting back there? Yuki: What's this? It wasn't a solid, but a liquid. It was like the slime a snail leaves behind it. Yuki: I'm going to pretend I didn't see that. But first, I'd better wipe it up. Yuki: Putting that aside... I carefully looked at the top of her desk. Yuki: What's this? Yuki: Spiral... Matai? Yuki: What the heck is this? She had apparently carved those words into her desk. Yuki: The only way to describe this is 'creepy'. I was under the impression that people thought she was weird because of her personality, but looking at this desk, I could see why. Or did the bullying make her like this? Yuki: ... They were just scribbles, but... It was spooky to think that this was what she was writing just before her death. I took out the detective kit I'd brought with me. It contained a magnifying glass, a fingerprinting kit, a blood testing kit, and more. It cost 18,000 yen, but it was really high quality. I calmly took the magnifying glass out and examined each of the letters. Yuki: This life is worth three billion gildans. Yuki: The third wave... Yuki: Uguu... Yuki: ... This is... This is...! When I looked more closely, I realized that those were the scribbles on my magnifying glass. Ahahaha... * I'm such a trickster.* Yuki: Back to work. ...... Yuki: Brain... Reverse... Yuki: Har Megiddo... Yuki: Nebula Cloud... Elhimuro. It was all the same. Totally incomprehensible. Yuki: Angel Remover... Angel Night... I am Angel Advise... Yuki: ... Yuki: What is this? I don't get it. I jotted it all down. It would be so convenient if I had a camera right now. Yuki: Um, what else? Yuki: Hm? This... I couldn't see it very well because it was blurry. Or rather, she scratched it out after writing it. And quite a few times, too. Why would she do that? In one spot, it was like she'd written something several times and crossed it out every time she wrote it. I took out the aluminum powder. This was a very important part of the detective kit. Yuki: Heheh... With this, your secrets will be revealed! I start dusting the desk and taking prints. This detective kit was amazing. I pulled up a bunch of fingerprints, making the letters hard to read. Yuki: Hey! I'm not getting anything but fingerprints. Well, I guess it was a fingerprinting kit. Yuki: Oh, there are so many fingerprints, I can't read the letters. I kept the fingerprints anyway. Yuki: Maybe they'll come in handy later. Yuki: It looks like there are two different sets of fingerprints here. Only two... It made you think about how isolated Takashima-san was, that almost no one else touched her desk. Yuki: Putting that aside... The first set was, of course, Takashima-san's, but what about the others?" Though I'd need access to a whole database of fingerprints to figure that out. Besides... Yuki: I wonder if there's a better way to dust the carved letters. Yuki: Hmm. For now, I'd do my best to read the rest. It wasn't like there was no chance of it working, right? The same word was written over and over, and each time it had been scratched out. It was a pain to decipher. Yuki: Um, is this an N? No, wait, it's an M. And this is... ...... Yuki: Does this say Mamiya? Yuki: Mamiya... kun. I can't read the rest. Yuki: Mamiya, as in... The Mamiya Takuji in my class? Why was his name here? Yuki: Maybe I should ask Mamiya Takuji directly. Yuki: Though he's hardly ever in class. I didn't see him today either. And he was kind of hard for me to deal with. I didn't know why, but I got a crazy headache when I was near him. Yuki: Hmm... Just because I was always on the roof wasn't a guarantee that he never came up to the roof. Though I was always on the roof and I didn't ever run into him. Yuki: Oh? That's... The person I always ran into up here. Yuki: Ayana-saaan! Ayana: Heeere. Yuki: You look like you're full of spunk today. Ayana: Yes, I am full of cum today. Yuki: ... She parried my greeting skillfully. Yuki: You're full of semen? Ayana: No, I just followed your lead. Yuki: For the record, I'm not full of semen. Ayana: Neither am I. Yuki: I wasn't really talking about a physical substance to begin with, either. I meant you seem energetic. Ayana: I see. I thought it was one of your trademark jokes. Yuki: Why are you on the roof, anyway? Ayana: The same reason you are. Yuki: The same reason? Yuki: I'm looking for Mamiya-kun. Ayana: I'm also looking for Mamiya-kun. Yuki: What? Really? Ayana: Sorry, I just followed your lead. I'm not really looking for anyone. Yuki: Ahaha... Her jokes were kind of hard to follow. Ayana: But if you're looking for Mamiya-kun... Ayana-san pointed down from the roof. Yuki: Huh? Is that... I saw someone in the courtyard. Yuki: Who's that? He's going to the old pool. Ayana: Now that you've spotted his shadow, you should probably chase after him. Ayana: A shadow is a form that you think you want to see, but it is also a form that you don't want to see. Ayana: So take care when looking at the shadow. Yuki: That's awfully profound. Ayana: Yeah. I sound pretty cool. Yuki: Nah, I wouldn't go that far. Putting that aside... I should probably go chase him down. Yuki: Um, it was around here... Yuki: Ah. Not again. Why did this happen? Yuki: That's... A human figure appeared from the base of the pool. It turned this way. For some reason, it looked like it was expanding. Yuki: What's this? I'm getting dizzy again. Yuki: Mamiya... Takuji. I seriously felt nauseous every time I saw him. Why... Takuji: What's wrong, Minakami-san? Takuji: Were you looking for me? Yuki: Yeah, I have something to ask you. Takuji: You don't look so good. Yuki: D-Don't worry about me... Takuji: I'm feeling great, though. What's going on? He was acting a little weird. Why was he so... confident? I thought he was a lot more meek. There aren't very many things that could cause a change like that. One was mental disease, and the other was... Drugs? I felt worse every time we met, and his attitude was changing too. It was possible he'd been smoking something. But it was kind of strange that he didn't smell at all. Takuji: Smoking with a vaporizer, you say? Nope. Yuki: Huh?! Takuji: Wouldn't that have to be something tasteless and odorless? That would be crazy expensive. Yuki: What are you talking about? Takuji: What's wrong? You look shocked, as if someone just read your mind. Yuki: ... Takuji: Didn't you have a question for me? That's why you came. Yuki: ... Yuki: Wh-What are you so cheerful for? You're a creepy guy. Takuji: I see. My name was on Takashima-san's desk, huh? You did a good job finding that. Yuki: Wha―?! Yuki: M-Mamiya, you! Oww... Takuji: A headache again? Maybe you can't bear to look at someone who's grasped the truth? Yuki: What? That's ridiculous. Takuji: Quite. I thought maybe you would understand. I can't write you off as a complete stranger. Yuki: That's gross. We are complete strangers. The only thing we have in common is our class. Takuji: Of course. That's the relation between you and I. Takuji: That's why you deserve no greeting from me. Yuki: Huh? Takuji: Because I have to confirm whether or not the person in front of me is a superior human being. Yuki: What are you... Ouch... Takuji: I'll say it again. Takuji: That's why you deserve no greeting from me! Yuki: ... Was he always this kind of freak? This kind of... Ouch. My head hurt. Seriously. Takuji: That's right. To put it in words, you're still confined to the second dimension. Yuki: The second dimension? Takuji: Yes! That's right. This place, right now, is the two-dimensional world. Your current existence is like that of an ant. Yuki: What are you talking about? Takuji: How would a two-dimensional ant comprehend the third dimension? Yuki: I don't know what you're saying at all! You're not making any sense. Takuji: One way is for the ant to observe a three-dimensional object passing through the plane of the second dimension. It would observe the object as a square flickering in place. Takuji: The only part of the third dimension the two-dimensional ant's imagination can conjure is its shadow. Takuji: The only thing those living in two dimensions are permitted to watch is the shadow changing from moment to moment. Takuji: Then how would we three-dimensional humans comprehend the fourth dimension? How would we comprehend the fifth? The sixth? How would we comprehend the dimensions beyond that? Takuji: That's right. In the same way a two-dimensional being can only imagine us as square shadows, we must imagine the higher dimensions as shadows. He was talking like a madman. But what he was saying... He was referencing Edwin Abbott Abbott's Flatland. That was quite the highbrow reference. Urgh... My head hurt... Why was I so dizzy? He was... Mamiya Takuji was staring at my face. He wouldn't look away at all. They say a mental patient never looks away from the doctor. Because they can't understand how uncomfortable it is for another person to be stared at. Mamiya Takuji never looked away from me. It was incredibly uncomfortable. Annoying... I wanted to throw him to the floor and punch him until my headache went away. Actually, that sounded like a good idea. Yuki: Mamiya, come a bit closer... Takuji: I'll be going now! Yuki: Hey, I'm talking to you! Takuji: I'm not too fond of getting punched. Yuki: Huh?! Why... Could he really... read my mind? Takuji: Can I really read your mind? Takuji: Heheh. I'll let you chase that particular answer yourself. Takuji: But if you can't catch it, you'll never know. Yuki: Mamiya Takuji! Takuji: Well then, I'll be taking my leave. Mamiya Takuji disappeared. He was so small, and he'd always been meek before. But for some reason, I'd felt strangely nervous just looking at him. My hand was balled up into a fist, and my palm was dripping with sweat. Yuki: Why's it so damn hot? My head hurt. I wasn't in a good mood, either. Was this strange feeling because of the heat? Or something other than that? Something felt strange. Since that time... The landscape I'd known had been changing, faster and faster. The world that never changed a bit until now was slowly melting. Tsukasa: Yuki! Kagami: You waited for us, didn't you? Yuki: It's not like I care about you or anything! Kagami: You can stop with that gag already. Yuki: But I have to follow the archetype. Kagami: I don't know what kind of strange world has an archetype like that. Yuki: You dare leverage criticism at one merely for being a bit particular with his manner of dress (picked out by his mom), smelling just a tad bit out of the norm, not conforming to the average body type, wearing a unique style of glasses, and maybe having a weird hobby or two? Kagami: No. And that was really long. Yuki: Then what about Krllin?! Kagami: That one was shorter, but it's still completely unrelated. Tsukasa: What's wrong, Yuki? Yuki: Huh? What do you mean? Tsukasa: You've been staring at our faces for a while. Yuki: H-Have I? Tsukasa: When you do that, it's usually because you want to ask something. Yuki: ... Yuki: W-Well, it's not a big deal. Kagami: What's wrong, Yuki? Yuki: Nothing. Uh, have you gotten any strange emails? Kagami: What do you mean? Tsukasa: What kind of email? Yuki: Oh, nothing. If you haven't gotten any weird ones, it's not a problem. Kagami: Did something happen? Yuki: No, it's not a big deal. Kagami: Something did happen, didn't it? Tsukasa: Is it about Takashima-san? Yuki: ... Kagami: Yuki. Yuki: ... Yuki: It's not a big deal, but earlier, after you guys left, I was talking to Yokoyama **teru. Tsukasa: Yokoyama *teru?! Kagami: Th-There's no one with that name in our school... Yuki: Huh? There's not? Uh, it was the little sister of the guy in our class. I think his name was Taikan. Kagami: Wait, Yokoyama... You mean Yokoyama Kiyoshi? Yuki: Yeah, yeah, Kiyoshi's little sister, Yokoyama *teru! Kagami: Like I said, there's no Yokoyama **teru. You're thinking of Yokoyama Yasuko. Yuki: Oh, yeah, her. Yasuko-chan. Tsukasa: So what were you two talking about? Yuki: Oh, uh... She seemed upset about something or other. Tsukasa: What did she say? Yuki: No, it's nothing important. It's really not a big deal. Kagami: ... Tsukasa: You were talking about some email earlier. Yuki: It seems like some weird email is going around. A prank email. Yasuko seemed really upset about it. Kagami: A weird email? Yuki: It's nothing. It's just a little prank. Tsukasa: The one that says the world will end? Yuki: You heard about it? Tsukasa: Not directly, but I overheard Yasuko-chan talking about it. Yuki: ... Kagami: What did you tell her? Yuki: I told her that was impossible. Tsukasa: But even after you talked to her, she seemed a bit scared about the end of the world. Tsukasa: Even though that's impossible. Tsukasa: We have practice tomorrow in the morning. Yuki: Sure. Kagami: What she's saying is that we can't come get you tomorrow, so don't sleep in. Yuki: Oh, I see. Tsukasa: Do you really understand? Yuki: Clearly it means I can sleep in, since the Wakatsuki sisters won't be around to bother me. Tsukasa: No! You need to get up! Kagami: You little... Yuki: Don't worry. I won't be late. Tsukasa: I really wonder about that. Those two disappeared into their house.* Haa... There's been nothing but trouble. Even I was starting to get scared. What the hell is going on? Huh? Who's that? Someone was looking at me. What? That's― Yuki: Ugh! Yuki: Mamiya... Takuji: Yo, have you been studying reason? Yuki: Mamiya, why are you here? Takuji: You are a being of the flesh. You need to study reason, like me. Takuji: Your flesh is certainly strong, but you need to study reason in order to know the world. Takuji: You might even hit upon some consciousness that my reason has not. Takuji: But you can't understand one such as me unless you study reason. Takuji: And if you don't understand, you'll never even be able to imagine a higher consciousness. Takuji: The dialectical staircase. Takuji: Face toward higher consciousness! Ascend! Yuki: Ah... Yuki: Hey, wait! Yuki: ... Mamiya had disappeared. Yuki: He's faster than me. Yuki: Was he always that fast? Was he? For a moment, it felt as if an electric current had run through my brain. It was almost like a headache. That feeling... I was probably just tired. Yuki: Haa... This was really turning into a strange day. Um... First, I checked my email. Yuki: Hm... Here it is. This gross one is probably from him. Yuki: So... I clicked the link in Yokoyama Kiyoshi's (I remembered his name because it was in the email) message and went to the underground message board. Hello, this is the secretariat for the Kita High message board, SAWAYAKA. You have received an invitation to the SAWAYAKA message board from Yokoyama Kiyoshi. * ----------------------------------------------------* Message sup this is Kiyoshi (^_^) here's the invitation you asked for. go ahead and sign up. and don't forget about the party! a bunch of people from a certain famous college will be coming (^_^) it'll be crazy fun (^o^)/ ---------------------------------------------------- What a creepy message. So, to register, I just needed to click the link... This one, right? Yuki: Hm... Was it a good idea to use my real name? Oh, but there was probably an administrator... Eh, who cares? I could just make up a name and register. It should be fine as long as it didn't sound fake. Maybe I should use a real person's name. How about... Shibata Katsuie. My address was... Owari Province, Aichi District, Kamiyashiro Village. Date of birth... Second year of the Daiei era. My age was automatically calculated. 487 years old, huh? Then a login ID and password. Then it looked like I'd need to be approved by an administrator. If the administrator checked for that name on the register, it might not get approved. But then I could just register with some other student's information, or I could even use my own if I wanted. Well, it's not a big deal either way. Yuki: Okay, finished. Done and done. Yuki: Haa... I collapsed on top of my bed. Yuki: I'm really tired after all that. Probably because I ran around so much today. Yuki: ... Yuki: But still... People were scared. Yokoyama's little sister... Kagami and Tsukasa... and even me... We were all feeling anxious. We knew it was a load of crap, but it was still frightening. But I suppose that's what it means to be afraid... Yuki: Well, I'd better get to bed.
Yuki: Ah, what a pain. I'm late because that guy was so slow ringing up my order. I looked at the clock. It was after 11, about the time when fourth period would be starting. Yuki: Um, also because the train was so slow getting here, maybe? Or something like that. Though that still didn't explain all the lost time, did it? Yuki: And because the shower took so long. Or something like that. Yuki: I guess that's the reason I'm late. Yuki: Oh, that's the bell. Third period is over. Yuki: Ooh, just barely made it. I made it to morning classes, so I can just say my alarm clock didn't go off or something. Vertigo again? Lately, I've been feeling dizzy all the time. Maybe I really am sick. Takuji: Shut up! Kagami: You're the one who needs to shut up! Takuji: What did you say, you whore?! Kagami: Wh-Whore? You're one to talk, you little brat! Takuji: What did you say?! Takuji: You dare say those words to one who has reached true enlightenment?! Y-You're the little brat! Kagami: Don't fucking say that! What's happening? It looked like Kagami and Takuji were fighting. Kagami: Don't say crap like that. Everyone's already scared as it is! Takuji: It's not crap. It's the truth! Tsukasa: W-Wait, Onee-chan, calm down. You too, Mamiya-kun. Takuji: I am calm. Aren't you the ones losing your calm? Tsukasa: U-Um, maybe, but could we please talk without raising our voices? Takuji: I'm not raising my voice! It simply sounds that way because your ears are not capable of comprehending the truth entering them! Iida: Everyone sit down. Class is starting. Yuki: Mr. Iida, the world history teacher. Iida: Come on, why are you just standing around? Kagami: Oh! Yes, sir! Tsukasa: Oh, oh... Iida: Everyone sit down! Class is starting. Iida: Mamiya, why are you still standing? Takuji: ... Iida: What's wrong? Quit spacing out and sit down. Mamiya: Do I look like I'm spacing out? Iida: Come on, Mamiya, your grades have fallen far enough. Would you quit asking stupid questions and sit down already? Mamiya: Hehehe. A stupid question, is it? If you say so. Iida: Okay, class is starting. Turn to page 67. Today, we're covering the Roman Emp― Takuji: Mr. Iida! Iida: Something wrong? Or would you like to let me start class already? Takuji: ... Iida: What's wrong, Mamiya? Do you need to go to the bathroom? Takuji: ... Takuji: You really are one of the vulgar people. That's why you can't see the big picture. Iida: Did you say something, Mamiya? Takuji: You don't even know that it's all about to end. Iida: It's all about to end? What are you going on about now? Takuji: For instance, if we were on a sinking ship, would you be standing at the bow reciting facts about the Roman Empire? Iida: Mamiya, what are you saying? Takuji: It's a question. A question. Would you be talking about some trivia from thousands of years ago while the ship sank around you? Iida: History isn't just trivia. And this isn't a boat. It's a classroom, and it's not sinking. Takuji: I see. It's not a boat, it's not sinking, and your description of long-dead emperors isn't just trivia. Iida: That's right. Well, Mamiya? Have any more complaints? Takuji: I have no complaints. It's rather obvious that a vulgar peasant such as yourself wouldn't be able to see the truth. Takuji: After all, no one complains that cats and dogs can't do arithmetic, do they? Iida: Mamiya, are you feeling all right? Takuji: Feeling all right? Whatever do you mean? Maybe you should ask that of yourself, the one doing something so meaningless at a time like this. Iida: What do you mean, meaningless? Takuji: Please, consider this. The world may have been created by a demon just ten seconds ago, and everything we call history was planted in our heads by that demon. Iida: That's impossible. There's plenty of historical evidence that contradicts that idea. Takuji: Then maybe the demon made that too. Maybe it planted the historical evidence. Iida: Mamiya, are you sure you're feeling all right? What's wrong? Takuji: Even if it wasn't a demon, this textbook may simply be a collection of humanity's convenient rationalizations. Takuji: The truth may be that there are much greater things in this world, and someone wrote this book in order to conceal them. Iida: Who's the class representative? Female Student: M-Me, sir. Iida: Please go to the staff room and ask them to send Ms. Kiyokawa. Female Student: Y-Yes. Understood. The moment the class representative passed by Takuji... He pushed her violently, and she crumpled to the floor. Female Student: Aah! Iida: Mamiya, you―! Kagami: Y-You little...! Tsukasa: Onee-chan... Kagami stood defiantly in front of Mamiya. Kagami: What's wrong with you?! How dare you hit a girl?! Takuji: It doesn't matter whether she's a boy or a girl. Takuji: That you're doing this at all, sitting here and playing along with this farce, when everything is about to end... It's absurd! Takuji: Every single person here has turned their back on the truth! Iida: Cut it out, Mamiya! Are you okay? Female Student: I-I'm fine. I just fell because he surprised me. Takuji: Hmph. Iida: Mamiya, apologize! Takuji: Why would I do that? Iida: Mamiya, do you understand what you're saying? Iida: What do you mean, the world is ending? I heard a lot of the students have been scared of something lately. Are you the one spreading those rumors? Takuji: It means the world is ending, that's all. Takuji: The end of everything. Takuji: You could call it the final destination. Takuji: It's no rumor. It's merely the truth. Takuji: You are a weak human being, a small human being, and therefore you cannot even lay eyes on me. Iida: Mamiya, come over here! Takuji: Haha. So you intend to use violence because you can't win with logic? Iida: Ah... Yuki: Huh?! Kagami: Ah! No one could understand what had just happened. Just that a loud sound echoed through the classroom, and then the teacher fell down, covered in blood. We were too confused to understand that Mamiya had just struck him with a flower vase. Female Student: Th-That's... Female Student: I-It's just like the email said. Yuki: Email? That word seemed out of place, but before I could ask what she meant... Female Student: Aaaaahh! Someone screamed, sending the rest of the class into a panic. Male Student: Wh-What just... Male Student: Is... Is he dead? They made a lot of noise over the collapsed teacher, but no one did anything to Mamiya Takuji except sneak glances from the corners of their eyes. Because they were afraid of him? Because they believed they mustn't look at his face? But Mamiya Takuji simply stood there and smiled. Takuji: What's wrong? You seem awfully scared of something. Kagami: He's... bleeding. Tsukasa: Onee-chan, we have to help him. Tsukasa: Auugh. Kagami: Tsukasa! When Tsukasa tried to go over to the teacher, Takuji threw her to the side. She fell to the ground. Yuki: Mamiya Takuji! You son of a... Takuji: Oh, if it isn't Minakami-san. Takuji: It would appear you're no better than the rest of the poor little lambs here. Takuji: Your heart is thick with fear. Takuji: You should just stand back and watch in fear, like you've been doing. Takuji: And then you shall feel the flames of hell licking at your flesh. Yuki: Mamiya... Takuji: What, are you going to hit me? Takuji: You're going to bully me, just like Yuuki Tomosane and the rest of humanity have?! Yuki: Huh? Again... What's this feeling? When I was near Mamiya, I got dizzy. Why did it keep happening? Takuji: Mark my words, all ye who quiver in fear. Takuji: All life shall end on the 20th! That is the absolute truth! Takuji: Both Shiroyama and Takashima died for this truth! Takuji: Death, that is the message of prophecy! Takuji: Death, that is the absolute truth! Takuji: Why is death the message that leads to prophecy? Takuji: Because the foolish attempt to conceal death! Takuji: So we must speak of that which is concealed! Takuji: That which conceals death! The first is education! The second is the media! Takuji: In countries such as this, mandatory education has become commonplace. In our society, the media has swelled and transformed into the highest authority in the world! Takuji: We have a host of taboos implanted into our minds by public education and through the mass media. Takuji: The greatest taboo of all is to think upon death! Takuji: We have put aside any thought of death! We are obliged to act as if our daily lives will continue for eternity! Takuji: And the reason is because everything is powerless, everything is meaningless before the unreasoning specter of death! Takuji: That is why education and the media try to disguise the true meaning of death! Takuji: The death they intimate to us is but a phantasm on the far shores, something with which we have no relation. It has been reduced to a mere toy, something you can enjoy without worrying that it may ever strike you. Takuji: But the reality that everyone knows is that every single day, death creeps ever closer to all the people on the planet. Death is reality itself. Iida: M-Mamiya... you... Female Student: Mr. Iida! Female Student: H-He's okay... Iida: You're wrong... Takuji: What have I said that's wrong? Iida: That religious nonsense... You... Takuji: Did you hear that? Takuji: Just now, this man called my thoughts 'religious nonsense.' Takuji: As if to say I was a 'madman'. Iida: Th-That's wrong... Takuji: Am I wrong? To ponder upon death... Has religion not advanced thought on mortality for the past several thousand years? Has metaphysics not? Takuji: In other words, that which reeks of religion, the action of contemplating death, seems to him the action of a madman. Am I wrong? Iida: You're wrong... You sound like a cultist... Takuji: Oh, really? What a strange thing you've just said. What part of what I'm saying seems crazy to you? Iida: I don't know, but... Takuji: If you ask me, it seems like you have unfounded conviction for that dogma which you call common sense. Iida: What are you talking about? Takuji: You can't resist attaching the label 'crazy' to that which you cannot understand. You declare anything which would overthrow your common sense to be the words of a madman. Iida: Y-You're twisting my words... Mamiya, you... Iida: Please. Someone call the homeroom teacher! Someone! He desperately appealed to the students, but not a single one moved. Every person in the room was dominated by the atmosphere. Takuji: Modern society has reduced death to an abstraction. It is a society that views death as a taboo! Takuji: The only ones who could speak of that as correct are slaves who have not even the capacity to think! Takuji: In previous generations, death was the most important subject of philosophical thought, was it not?! Takuji: Was death not the matter of utmost concern?! Takuji: And despite that, modern governments and societies have treated it as if it was irrelevant to our lives. Kagami: You're labeling their deaths with your own selfish reasoning. Takuji: Selfish, you say? Kagami: It's sophistry. It's complete nonsense! Kagami: I've heard that theory about society covering up death before. Let's say you're right about that one. Even then, what you're saying about those two deaths signifying something is nothing but fabrication. Kagami: It's nonsense. A delusion. Takuji: I see. You're pretty smart for a whore. Kagami: Stop calling me that! Takuji: I suppose this is what you're trying to say. You want me to show you proof that the meaning I've claimed for their death is veracious. Kagami: Proof? Are you stupid? There's nothing you could show us that would prove that. After all, no matter how you look at it, you're just spouting fantasies! Takuji: Fantasies, huh? Do you know how we differentiate between science and charlatanry? Kagami: Science and charlatanry? Takuji: Yes. How would one differentiate science from pseudoscience? Kagami: I-It's obvious that pseudoscience is fake. Takuji: You can't just say it's obvious that X is Y when that statement has no logical basis. Takuji: The difference between science and pseudoscience lies in whether or not the theory makes novel predictions. Kagami: Novel predictions? Takuji: The word prediction sounds almost religious, doesn't it? To put it simply, a novel prediction is a truthful prediction that may appear strange to the layman, but can be derived from the theory. Takuji: Einstein made many predictions. Black holes, the curvature of space... Those are predictions derived from his theory of relativity. Takuji: To the people who couldn't understand his theory, they seemed like very strange predictions. Takuji: But they were all correct. Do you know why? Kagami: If his theory was correct... Takuji: Yes, the theory of relativity was correct, and so he was able to derive correct predictions from it. Takuji: In other words, if the predictions I make based on my theory, if those predictions come true, then my theory is correct. Kagami: Predictions? Takuji: Therefore, I shall now make several novel predictions. Takuji: And as they bear fruit, one by one, you will all quiver with fear. Takuji: You will see that I am correct... Kagami: That's all drivel. Takuji: God sacrificed these two so that I could be reborn! Takuji: The first was Shiroyama Tsubasa, and the second was Takashima Zakuro. God sacrificed them so that I could be reborn! Takuji: I have been reborn! Takuji: As what? Takuji: The savior. Takuji: Yes, as the savior! Takuji: The world will end in five days. Takuji: But that is an omen of greater things. Takuji: An omen that the world will be reborn. Takuji: Those not saved, along with the old world, will fall into the depths of hell to suffer for eternity. Takuji: An eternity of torment! Takuji: Everyone knows... Takuji: That the world is pervaded by lies! That the truth is hidden! Takuji: The foolish speak of equality! Takuji: But everyone knows that the world is not equal! Takuji: The foolish speak of freedom! Takuji: But everyone knows that there is no freedom in the world! Takuji: The foolish speak of love! Takuji: But everyone knows that love is traitorous! Takuji: The foolish say that you must not kill! Takuji: But everyone knows that the world is brimming with murderers! Takuji: The foolish say that you must not lie! Takuji: But everyone knows that the foolish themselves are lying! Takuji: Those who swallow the lies of the foolish make fools of themselves! Takuji: Yes, their lies! Takuji: They were all lies! Takuji: That the world has always existed... Takuji: And that the world will continue to exist forevermore! Takuji: They are all lies! Takuji: The path we walk leads to... Takuji: The abyss! Takuji: The world will end! Takuji: It will surely end! Takuji: This is the truth! Takuji: As proof, I shall make three predictions. Takuji: Firstly! The thickness of death in the air will be affirmed with yet another death! Takuji: Secondly! A large number of people will witness the death! Takuji: Thirdly! The deceased will speak of... Takuji: The ultimate demise! Mamiya dashed out of the classroom. Everyone was speechless at his sudden departure. After a long silence, another teacher came running in, and the classroom was filled with chatter. Kagami helped Tsukasa up. I just stood there. Yuki: The world is pervaded by lies, and the truth is hidden, huh? Why did I simply stand by and watch? Why didn't I say anything back to him? Because I was dizzy? Because my head hurt? That's no excuse. It wasn't so bad that I wasn't able to at least say a single word. I couldn't speak at all. I just listened to Kagami yelling at him. I just listened to Mamiya Takuji gleefully listing his predictions. I couldn't do anything. I wonder what I was supposed to do back there. ...... I wonder what I was supposed to do to Mamiya Takuji back there. Yuki: Otonashi Ayana-san... Ayana: Good morning. Yuki: Good morning. So you're cutting class too? Ayana: Well, yes. Yuki: I see. So what were you doing? Ayana: Looking. Yuki: At the sky again? Ayana: Yes. Yuki: The sky, huh? Ayana: Yeah. Yuki: I see. Ayana: Minakami-san, why are you crying? Yuki: Crying? Ayana: Yeah. Yuki: ... Yuki: Doesn't the word 'crying' usually refer to someone who's shedding tears? Ayana: Does it? I'm not sure. I just had a feeling. Yuki: ... Yuki: Nothing worth crying over happened, but... Ayana: But? Yuki: I don't really feel that great, either. Ayana: You don't feel that great? Yuki: Nope. Ayana: Because a lot has happened? Yuki: Yeah, maybe. A lot has happened lately. I'm getting worn out. Yuki: What about you? Ayana: What about me? Yuki: I was just wondering, how do you feel? Ayana: How do I feel? Yuki: It's just that two of our classmates died in such a short period of time, and the whole school is going wild with rumors. Ayana: Rumors? Yuki: Oh... I see. You don't know about them, do you? Ayana: Is it about the messages from Takashima Zakuro-san? Yuki: You knew? Ayana: Sort of. Yuki: Did you get one of those messages on your phone too? Ayana: I don't have a cell phone. I received something else. Yuki: Something else? Wait, what is it? Ayana: Yes, something from Takashima-san. Yuki: From Takashima-san?! Ayana: Yes. Yuki: What is it? Ayana: Do you want to see? Yuki: Um... Well, of course, if you say it like that. But what do you mean? Is it okay? Ayana: What do you mean by 'okay'? Yuki: Oh, uh... I don't really know how to put it. Ayana: How about we say, if it's okay with you? Yuki: Why me? Is it something that shocking? Ayana: Who knows? I couldn't say. Ayana: It's just something that you've hidden. Yuki: Me? Ayana: Yes, though more accurately, it's not something you've hidden. It's something that's been hidden from you. Yuki: What do you mean. I don't really understand. D-Do you know something? Ayana: I only know that which you know. Yuki: What I know? Ayana: Yes. Your limit is the limit of the world. Therefore, I am unable to tell or show you anything which you are not capable of seeing or speaking of. Yuki: Wh-What do you mean? Ayana: To put it clearly, that of which you can speak... Ayana: Is only that which you have seen. I can't show you anything else. Yuki: What I've seen? Yuki: Huh?! Ayana: Why do humans try to hide things? Yuki: What are you talking about? Ayana: Even though they know something, they act as if they don't, and then one day they truly do forget. Ayana: They still want to know it, even after they've forgotten it. Yuki: ... Yuki: Ayana-san... Ayana: Actually, I heard a voice from Mamiya-kun's classroom. Yuki: Mamiya told everyone about how people have hidden death. He says the world has hidden death. Ayana: Then why do people try to dig it up after they've gone through all the trouble of hiding it? Ayana: Why are people captivated by death once they've finally managed to hide it out of sight? Ayana: They put so much effort into hiding it, and yet they dig it up again. Ayana: Minakami-san, you too are trying to unearth something which you've hidden. Ayana: It's exactly the same thing. Yuki: Something I've hidden? Ayana: Yes, if you manage to conceal it, or... Yuki: Or? Ayana: The Wonderful Everyday. Yuki: The Wonderful Everyday? Ayana: People live within the eternity of life. Yuki: People live within eternity? What are you talking about? Ayana: Yes. Life is a closed box. After all, death opens its doors for no one. Ayana: If you manage to conceal it, you will know nothing. Ayana: Just like that, the Wonderful Everyday will be constructed upon the silence whereupon you cannot speak. Ayana: Without thinking of death, without knowing death, in the middle of life. Ayana: Just like the cat that one day crossed your path. Just like the dog that one night howled while you slept. Ayana: Walking gingerly upon the top of a fence. Howling as if to devour the crescent moon. Ayana: Like a kitten, ending the lives of those smaller than itself. Like a puppy, looking up at people with submissive eyes. Ayana: Like a cat, passing the night in solitude. Like a dog, amongst a great mass of companions. Ayana: Thinking not of life, yet knowing life. Ayana: Within it, or without it, the Wonderful Everyday will... Yuki: ... Her voice was quiet. And her eyes were lucid. She seemed to know everything. She seemed to see everything. She gave me goosebumps. But... Yuki: Ayana-san, what is it that you know? Ayana: Only that which you know. Yuki: What do you mean? Ayana: Hehe. I don't like people who do nothing but ask questions. Yuki: I don't really want people to like me anyways. Ayana: Hehe. What she knows... I was scared of that truth, and... I wanted to know it, too. Ayana: Do you want to go outside? Yuki: Outside? Ayana: Yes. To the next world. Yuki: The next world? Ayana: Yes. Yuki: You're starting to sound like Mamiya Takuji. Ayana: Really? Do I sound cool? Yuki: Not at all... It's pretty gross. Ayana: I thought I sounded cool talking about the outside world and the next world. They sound like they would be nice. Yuki: Hmm, so then what is that 'outside'? What's the next world? Yuki: You mean heaven? Or some other afterlife? Or a higher plane of existence? Either way... Ayana: Does it sound absurd? Yuki: Yeah. Ayana: Hehe, yes. It's just as you say. Ayana: There is no outside world. Ayana: Everything is our world. No matter how far you go, it is our world. Ayana: Whether you stay here or forge ahead, all of it is our world. Ayana: If there is an afterlife, that too is certainly part of our world. If a higher plane exists, that too is part of our world. Ayana: Even if Heaven exists, even if Hell exists, all of them are certainly part of our world. Ayana: Even if I were to make an annotation, even if I were to add something from outside the world, that too would become a new part of our world. Yuki: No, I don't think you could call that part either old or new. Ayana: ... Ayana: Heh, hehehe. Yuki: ... Ayana: Then the world you can see from here, your world, is neither old nor new. Ayana: Do you think this annotation is correct, Minakami-san? Yuki: What?! Ayana-san slowly brought her face closer to mine. Then she headbutted me with a conk. Yuki: A-Ayana-san? Ayana: ... Yuki: Wha― Yuki: Wh-What was... Ayana: Hehe. Yuki: Just now, Takashima-san was... Ayana: I can show you anything you possess. Yuki: What I possess? What does that mean? Ayana: Minakami-san, have you heard this? Yuki: Hmm? Ayana: How many souls does a world require? Yuki: ... Yuki: What do you mean? Ayana: Exactly what I said. Ayana: The necessary number of souls in a world. Most likely, one is enough. Yuki: What do you mean, Ayana-san? Yuki: Huh?! Yuki: Ayana-san? She wasn't there anymore... No one was there... While I was on the rooftop killing time, all of the day's classes had ended. I had no reason to be at school after classes were over, so I decided to go back to the classroom for the moment. Kagami: Ah, Yuki! Yuki: Kagami... Kagami: Yuki. Kagami: You were cutting class again. Yuki: Yeah. Sorry. Kagami: Like I care! Yuki: Haa... Yuki: 'Like I care'? Did you get that out of some shoujo manga? Yuki: Hey, Kagami-san. What are you so mad about? Kagami: Nothing. Yuki: It doesn't seem like nothing. Kagami: I'm not mad. Yuki: Ah... Kagami: We have a practice match with another team, so don't bother me. Yuki: Kagami! Kagami: Ah. Yuki: Kagami, what's wrong? Kagami: Nothing's wrong. Yuki: Kagami... Kagami: I have to go to my club. ...... Haa... Maybe it's because I skipped class to get out of there. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, after I ran off and left her alone in there. Sorry about that. Yuki: Tsukasa. Tsukasa: Sorry. Would you mind leaving her alone for a little while? Yuki: All right. ...... Maybe Tsukasa is mad at me too. As soon as I got home, I turned on my computer. Yuki: I wonder if they approved my registration. I immediately opened my email and checked the messages. Yuki: I want to meet you soon. Yuki: All I want is sex. Yuki: My husband was raped by a giant anteater. They were almost all spam. All this spam sure is annoying. The guy sending out all this crap should go kill himself. Yuki: Registration complete. Kita High message board SAWAYAKA Secretariat. Yuki: ... The title almost looked like spam at first glance, but it wasn't. This was the first step in following the trail of breadcrumbs. My pulse quickened a little bit. Yuki: Here I go. I opened the email. Hello, Shibata Katsuie-san. This is the secretariat for the Kita High message board, SAWAYAKA. Thank you for registering on the Kita High underground message board. Your member registration has been completed. You may log into the site with the login credentials you provided at the time of registration, which are also listed below. Please make another copy of this information and keep it in a safe place. Login ID: * YA!KI!U!CHI!* Password: * SI!ZU!GA!TA!KE!Suicide!* This name and the ID and password definitely were mine. Yuki: They actually approved it. If they actually approved something like "Shibata Katsuie," that meant the administrator was just approving any registration without even thinking about it. It might've even been automatic approval. I wondered who the administrator was. I clicked the link. It was the typical style of floating thread message board. The threads with the most recent posts were displayed closest to the top of the page. So the threads dropped to the bottom if there weren't many responses, though they could rise to the top again if they got responses. Apparently, this kind of message board got its name from the way threads at the bottom could float up to the top. Yuki: I figured there would just be a few threads, but it's pretty popular, huh? Though there probably weren't this many threads until just recently. Yuki: Takashima Zakuro's death... Mamiya Takuji's speech... Is it true that the world is going to end... There weren't very many threads before all this happened, so the entire board is covered with threads on this topic. And the one that particularly stood out... 1: Who shall be saved and who shall not This thread was created today at 11:23 a.m. Mamiya Takuji himself made it. 1: Mamiya Takuji: 2012/07/15(Wed) 11:23:12 ID:mamiya Many of you have confirmed it. Many of you have seen it. Takashima's message predicted my awakening. I am standing here now. As the savior. Now it is time to determine who will be saved and who will not. 2: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/15(Wed) 11:26:15 ID:KAERA Another one right after Takashima? Knock it off with that crap. 3: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/15(Wed) 11:30:20 ID:inkin I reported you to the police. 4: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/15(Wed) 11:35:40 ID: ADAMO lol they still haven't caught you yet? Not surprisingly, Mamiya's thread was full of trolls. Though of course no one was taking him seriously. I was a bit relieved. I'd heard several people went missing after the incident earlier, but evidently they were unrelated. Everyone was just making fun of his posts on here. Yuki: Hmm... Yuki: Well then, let's start checking these out. I'd better start with the ones that are about to disappear. I looked for the oldest of the threads that had topped 1,000 posts and gotten locked. Yuki: This might be it. 97: Thread for discussion of the falling accident. The date was 7/10. This thread was about Shiroyama's accident. 1: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/10(Fri) 15:20:12 ID:marudai It's been coming up in other threads, but I made this thread to talk about it exclusively. 2: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/10(Fri) 15:21:15 ID:KAERA It's kind of rude to start a thread about someone's death. 3: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/10(Fri) 15:22:20 ID:inkin Was it really Shiroyama from Class 3? 4: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/10(Fri) 15:25:40 ID: ADAMO ~This thread has peacefully ended~ 25: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/11(Sat) 00:20:12 ID:KINKIN Kita High, 3rd year, class 6, seat number 12 Shiroyama Tsubasa Height: 175cm, Weight: 62kg Date of Birth: 5/10 Blood Type: A 26: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/11(Sat) 00:20:45 ID:Aanana lol where'd you get that? did you measure him yourself lolol 27: Takashima Zakuro: 2012/07/11(Sat) 00:20:46 ID:zakuro His death was inevitable. This reply, #27, was posted with a registered name. Was this... Takashima Zakuro-san herself? So she was posting on here... 28: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/11(Sat) 01:21:25 ID:kintama >>27 Seriously, learn some tact. 29: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/11(Sat) 01:22:16 ID:aria Takashima Zakuro's in class three, right? I bet she killed him. 30: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/11(Sat) 01:22:50 ID:anaana Your name is Takashima-san? I think you need to be a little more respectful. 31: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/11(Sat) 01:31:20 ID:meka >>27 what a freak Everyone was insulting her. That was to be expected, since she said that right after his death. But why? 32: Takashima Zakuro: 2012/07/11(Sat) 01:50:15 ID:zakuro His death is just the beginning. 33: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/11(Sat) 01:51:20 ID:kinako lol it's just the beginning she says. does that mean our token black guy dies next? 34: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/11(Sat) 01:53:21 ID:aida >>30 I think there really is a problem with what you're saying, Takashima. 35: Takashima Zakuro: 2012/07/11(Sat) 02:00:25 ID:zakuro But this is all according to prophecy... 36: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/11(Sat) 02:02:11 ID:kanakana now she thinks there's a prophecy lol 37: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/11(Sat) 02:03:21 ID:kanakana where's your tinfoil hat? Was Takashima-san the one who started all this? Before Mamiya Takuji... But still, a prophecy... Yuki: ... It seemed like that was Takashima-san's last post in that thread. Takashima-san's posts were ignored, and the thread about Shiroyama's accident went on to a thousand posts. I looked for other threads. Yuki: This is... 74: Bick Hazard is coming. 1: Takashima Zakuro: 2012/07/11(Sat) 22:02:13 ID:zakuro The sealed nevus uses a Specialized Physics Bug (i.e. an Outer Magic Dark Summons Bug) to plant negative thoughts in the human race. That is the true nature of the battle between the dictators and tyrants of the world (Hitler, Genghis Khan, Marie Antoinette, etc.) and us (the peasants, the revolutionaries, the proletariat). Shiroyama Tsubasa was infected by the Specialized Physics Bug. The nevus used him to degrade me (the phenomenon of inducing a low energy state with a negative energy blast). And the reason is because the nevus will soon awaken. Bick Hazard is coming. A great disaster will occur! 2: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/11(Sat) 22:10:15 ID:KAERA Stay away from me, Bick Hazard. * /\___/\* // ヽ \ * \|(●) (●) \|* * \| ノ(、_)ヽ \|* * \| ;‐=‐ヽ \|* * \ `ニニ´ /* * /`ー‐--―´´\* * nn nn* * n\|\|\| \|\|\|\|n* * \|\|\|\|∩ ∩\|\|\| \|* * \|::!} {! \|* * ヽ,イヽ :イ * 3: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/11(Sat) 22:16:25 ID:KAERA >>2 lol 4: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/11(Sat) 22:17:23 ID:KAERA * ∧ ∧ ∩Pls* * ( ´∀`)/ ∧ ∧ ∩stay* * ⊂ ノ ( ´∀`)/* * (つノ ⊂ ノ ∧ ∧ ∩away* * (ノ (つノ ( ´∀`)/* * (ノ ⊂ ノ* * (つノ ∧ ∧ ∩from* * (ノ ( ´∀`)/* * _\| つ/ヽ-、_* * / └-(____/* * ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄* * <⌒/ヽ___me* * /<__/____/* kthx 5: Takashima Zakuro: 2012/07/11(Sat) 22:21:13 ID:zakuro Don't joke around! They weren't going to take her seriously. She sounded crazy. I probably would've reacted the exact same way. I didn't know what she was talking about, but it was full of hard words. I wasn't sure what else she expected anyone to say. 8: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/11(Sat) 23:28:21 ID:KAERA >>1 Who's Bick Hazard? He sounds like some big guy. 9: Takashima Zakuro: 2012/07/11(Sat) 23:30:15 ID:zakuro >>8 Bick Hazard is not a person. It is a great disaster. 10: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/11(Sat) 23:30:21 ID:daiki >>8 Honestly, I think it's the aftershocks from the worldwide recession. Bick Hazard was the reason the *son in front of the station closed down. 11: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/11(Sat) 23:30:21 ID:daiki >>8 I know what you mean! 12: Takashima Zakuro: 2012/07/11(Sat) 23:30:15 ID:zakuro >>10 >>11 That's wrong! Yeah, it probably was wrong. Though I didn't really know what Bick Hazard was either. 24: Takashima Zakuro: 2012/07/11(Sat) 23:31:45 ID:zakuro The nevus implanted the Specialized Physics Bug in Shiroyama Tsubasa in order to induce a low energy state in one of the angel warriors, the only beings that can stop the nevus. Every angel warrior was targeted by an assassin that was being manipulated by a Specialized Physics Bug. However, every Specialized Physics Bug within the barrier (Tokyo's 23rd Ward) has been exterminated with the combined power of the golden Angel Remover and the flashing blue Angel Night. Since Shiroyama-kun's brain had already been devoured, he went insane and jumped from the rooftop when the Specialized Physics Bug disappeared. After that, the thread was filled with trolls. People making fun of her, people getting mad, people who sounded a little scared. But at this point, the people in the thread weren't terribly scared. Everyone was just making a lot of noise over some crazy person on the Internet. 256: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/12(Sun) 00:30:21 ID:daiki So then, when is the world going to end? You keep saying it's a prophecy, but all I hear you talking about is stuff that already happened. When is the world going to end? 257: Takashima Zakuro: 2012/07/12(Sun) 02:10:05 ID:zakuro A great disaster will occur on July 20th, 2012. 258: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/12(Sun) 02:31:11 ID:daiki >>257 lol next week? 265: Takashima Zakuro: 2012/07/12(Sun) 04:18:25 ID:zakuro Not just a few people, but many people will die. More than you can count. The planet will reach a bottleneck. 266: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/12(Sun) 04:31:21 ID:KAERA >>265 A bottleneck? 267: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/12(Sun) 04:33:54 ID:daiki >>266 A bottleneck... You could probably think of it as a genetic bottleneck. A sudden decrease in genetic variety. It's when a lot of animals die and their genetic strains disappear. Like she said, that would be a great disaster. 652: Takashima Zakuro: 2012/07/12(Sun) 05:18:25 ID:zakuro We shall perform the Brain Reverse on July 12th, 2012. Then everyone will know. The fact that I am not human. And the fact that the world is heading toward destruction. She was writing about this "Brain Reverse" on the day she committed suicide? Actually, isn't that word... I looked at the words I'd copied off of Takashima-san's desk. Yuki: ... Yuki: This really is the same as the scribbles that were on her desk. Which meant there was no doubt the posts were made by Takashima-san. Brain Reverse, Har Megiddo, Nebula Cloud, Elhimuro... Angel Remover... Angel Night... I am Angel Advise. Yuki: So Takashima-san is Angel Advise, and the two that she mentioned in the thread, Angel Remover and Angel Night, are... The other two that were with her. It all made sense. So I guess when she said, "I'm not human," she was saying that because she thought she was the angel warrior, Angel Advise. 856: Takashima Zakuro: 2012/07/12(Sun) 09:02:13 ID:zakuro Bick Hazard shall arrive soon! Nine o'clock in the morning, on the 12th. Apparently, that was her last post. It was the day she performed the Brain Reverse. In other words, that's when she jumped from the rooftop. Yuki: What's this? Yuki: This thread was made that evening. This would be right after her suicide. * 71: I got something weird (\|\|\|\|▽ ̄)」 scary* 1: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/12(Sun) 22:52:25 ID:MARUKOME I got an email, but the picture and message are weird. through death i have been reborn as a warrior or so they said but it hurts i have no body but it still hurts it hurts because i've been broken therefore everyone must die you will die in 8 days all of you will die The address on this was takasimazakuro. 2: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/12(Sun) 22:55:12 ID:GENKI I got one too (´・ω・) 3: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/12(Sun) 22:58:32 ID:KINDARMAN That's the same as the one I got. What's up with that? Is it really from Takashima Zakuro? After that, the thread was full of responses saying they had gotten the message too. It looked like almost everyone on this message board had gotten one. The same question I was thinking popped up in the thread. 50: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/12(Sun) 23:40:45 ID:WAKAWAK Did they all come at the same time? 52: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/12(Sun) 23:45:05 ID:KITAMURA Doesn't it look like they were all sent at the same time? 54: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/12(Sun) 23:48:45 ID:GENKI >>50 I think it was around 10:44. >>52 It looks like everyone's getting them at the same time. 55: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/12(Sun) 23:50:45 ID:WAKAWAK >>54 Mine was right around 10:45, too. >>52 I think they were all simultaneous... Simultaneous transmission... Well, I suppose so. Every single one was at the same time. Which means... The sender had a register of names or some collection of data like that. Though, that was assuming that Takashima Zakuro wasn't the sender. Yuki: A register... Maybe a teacher? Though of course the school register doesn't have email addresses. 152: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/13(M) 01:40:45 ID:satokon It's kind of hard to say, but I think those messages really are from Takashima Zakuro. I know because I had her address in my phone. I don't know if someone else might be using it, but the messages are coming from Takashima's phone. 153: Akasaka Megu: 2012/07/13(M) 01:42:25 ID:megu >>152 You're Satoko, right? I have it too... That definitely is Takashima. I mean, the address is the exact same... And the picture is from her phone too. Her phone's camera had a horrible resolution. 154: Satoko: 2012/07/13(M) 01:46:48 ID:satokon What should we do? That's Takashima's phone. The picture is the same resolution as the pictures we took with it before. The same as the ones we took at the restaurant. Is Takashima alive? 155: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/13(M) 01:51:11 ID:atata Takashima died. She's not alive. That much is certain. 160: Satoko: 2012/07/13(M) 03:12:48 ID:satokon I'm scared... What should I do? 161: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/13(M) 03:15:11 ID:atata Why are you scared? 162: Akasaka Megu: 2012/07/13(M) 03:22:25 ID:megu Takashima probably has a grudge against us... Was that message really from a ghost? Takashima's ghost? Then I'm... 163: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/13(M) 03:25:21 ID:atata You guys bullied her? 164: Satoko 2012/07/13(M) 03:29:18 ID:satokon It wasn't just us. At first, the whole class did it... Why just us? 165: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/13(M) 03:33:31 ID:atata What do you mean, "just us"? 166: Satoko: 2012/07/13(M) 03:36:33 ID:satokon I asked Akiko and Eri. The other people in our class didn't get the email. 167: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/13(M) 03:40:42 ID:manaka lol we got it and we don't even know her. 168: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/13(M) 03:40:42 ID:kiri It's your fault! Go die so she can rest in peace. 170: Satoko: 2012/07/13(M) 03:52:32 ID:satokon I didn't think it would... I didn't think it would turn out like this... 171: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/13(M) 03:55:53 ID:akana Who cares? You guys should be the only ones receiving her curse. 172: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/13(M) 03:58:12 ID:kotoko Actually, just before she died, didn't she say she wasn't human? 173: Anonymous Kita High Student >>172 >We shall perform the Brain Reverse on July 12th, 2012. >Then everyone will know. >The fact that I am not human. >And the fact that the world is heading toward destruction. That's what she said. Maybe she was already a ghost when she wrote that? 174: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/13(M) 04:06:12 ID:mamada >>173 She committed suicide after that post, so I think it's okay to assume she was human at the time. Don't say stuff like that to confuse people. 392: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/13(M) 11:42:53 ID:ikeda The twentieth is way too soon for the world to end, but maybe it's when Takashima's curse will happen? 393: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/13(M) 11:45:22 ID:mamada >>392 But still, it's not like one person's ghost could destroy the world. 394: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/13(M) 11:48:52 ID:mini So the world won't end. 395: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/13(M) 11:55:52 ID:kimi It means the people who bullied her will perish. On the 20th, they'll be killed by the curse. 396: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/13(M) 11:58:02 ID:tomoda She was probably holding a grudge. That's why part of her curse was sending out that picture... 397: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/13(M) 12:02:02 ID:kotoko Um... I googled this: July 20th, 2012 end of the world... What the heck is this? http:::org:webbotproject.com/ I clicked on the link. Yuki: Whoa... Yuki: This page is really sketchy... Sketchy as hell. Everything on the page looked like a lie. Yuki: Nanakusa Ward, Tama City, Tokyo Metropolitan Area... Uh, the New White Lotus Association Web Bot Research Facility... Totally an occult page. Yuki: This has to be some random page that the search engine dragged up. The page looked like it was thrown together in a few minutes. Would anyone really believe this? It listed events predicted by the Web Bot. Yuki: I see... The anthrax attacks in America in 2001. The east coast's Great Power Outage in 2003. The earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia that caused 30,000 casualties. Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Yuki: Oh, this is what they were talking about in class. And the last one... July 20th, 2012. Disaster level: Infinity. Yuki: Disaster level... infinity. What's up with this prediction? Is that really right? This website was more than a little suspect. ...... Yuki: But still... Even if it was just a coincidence, that was the same day Takashima-san predicted the world would end. Yuki: I can see why people might believe that. The site was full of nonsensical explanations for its predictions. This site must have been where Yokoyama was getting all her information. Yuki: Hm? Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. Those verses were written there. Yuki: This is... a verse from the Bible. Are they a Christian organization? I thought they were Nichiren Buddhists. Kind of creepy. Yuki: Haa... I'm tired. I'd been on the computer since I got home. Before I realized it, midnight had long since passed. Yuki: It's already starting to get brighter outside. Yuki: Haah... The sun comes up so early in the summer. Well, that's because I was reading every thread one by one. That's why it took so long. Yuki: If I don't get some sleep soon, I'm not going to wake up until after noon. I stopped what I was doing for the moment and crawled into bed.
Yuki: Perfect. I'm just as late as I planned. I looked at my watch. The time was exactly noon. I was laughably late for school. Yuki: Jeez, being this late is downright beautiful. I wondered if the Wakatsuki sisters would be angry again. It was only yesterday that I skipped all my classes. Yuki: Haa... Well, if I'm going to be late anyway... I might as well use my time wisely. I took some papers that I'd printed out of my bag. I discovered the Web Bot Project site last night. The New White Lotus Association Web Bot Research Facility. Yuki: The location on that strange page... I looked at the map of the train stops. Yuki: This is an express train, so... That occult-looking research facility should be right around the third stop. Yuki: The New White Lotus Association Web Bot Research Facility... Incidentally, I'd heard about an emerging religion called the White Lotus Association. It was pretty famous. Supposedly, it even had some political influence. But this organization was the "New" White Lotus Association. I wasn't sure if I should consider it a completely separate entity, or if I should think of it as a related organization. Well, either way, it's probably some sort of religious organization... Or a new science fad... Like, mad scientists and stuff... Yuki: Hmm... Yuki: Maybe I should go check it out? Yuki: I'm going to be late either way. And it can't be that dangerous if I just go and see what kind of place it is. Yuki: And... The origin of the prediction was so close to me, just three train stops away. The prophecy was made that close to where I live. And it was causing all this ruckus. There was no way I wouldn't be interested. Yuki: Maybe I should check it out. I sat and waited until I got to the third station, where I got off. The station was in a quiet residential area. It was totally unremarkable. It was no different from the place where I live, but that wasn't too surprising. Yuki: Um... Looking at the map I'd printed out, I headed to the place it indicated. Yuki: Um, this is the third block, so... Tokyo never changes. Everywhere is pretty much the same. And because of that, it was a bit of a pain locating my objective. Yuki: I can't find it. Strange. I didn't see anything that looked like a research facility. If I had to describe the place... There was nothing but run-down apartments. Yuki: White Lotus Apartments, huh? Whoa, it's the same name. Yuki: Huh? There was almost no one living there. Yuki: Does that mean there's only one occupied apartment? The post box only had one name on it. The rest of the slots were blank. I checked the electricity and gas meters. With the exception of one room, all of them had notes to stop service. Yuki: There really aren't many tenants here. What's going on here? This was all super suspicious. Yuki: But still... The only nameplate that wasn't blank simply said "Kotomi," with no last name listed. Yuki: Maybe it's the owner of the building. I wonder if she's living alone. Yuki: Hmm, this is... Ridiculously suspicious, right? It could be some rich guy's hobby... Though that would describe pretty much every mad scientist. Yuki: Though that's probably not it at all. It's probably some old lady that got caught up with a cult. The name "White Lotus" brought to mind that other religious organization. There were several branches of it around here. And even if it hadn't, "White Lotus" does sound religious. Most people wouldn't name an apartment building that. "White Lotus" is just like the lotus in the Lotus Sutra. I believe the original title of the Lotus Sutra meant "The Sutra of the White Lotus of True Instruction." Yuki: Hmm. Yuki: I walked onto the property without even thinking. But still... Yuki: It's not all that old... The building didn't look very old, but it wasn't very well maintained. If the owner is still living here, why is it so beaten up? Yuki: Though it's only my assumption that the owner is still living here. Yuki: Ah... "..." My eyes met those of the girl who'd walked out the door. The girl looked at me, shocked. Of course she was shocked. No one else was supposed to live here, and yet I was loitering in the area. Yuki: U-Um... "Wh-Why are you here?" Yuki: S-Sorry... I-I'm not a burglar or anything. Oh, crap. Saying that made it sound like I actually was one. Yuki: Umm... "Wh-Who are you right now?" Yuki: Huh? "Who are you?" Yuki: Um, my name is Minakami, you see... "Yuki... san?" "Yuki-san... I..." Yuki: Huh? Why do you know my name? "Oh!" "E-Excuse me... Um, why are you here?" Yuki: Oh, nothing... Um... "..." Crap. She cut right to the chase. And she answered my question with another question. I wasn't sure what to say given the situation. "Do you want to come in, Yuki-san?" Yuki: Huh? "Do you want to come in... to the house?" The house? Isn't that kind of dangerous? She looked younger than me. I didn't think she could do me any harm. But I didn't know if there was anyone else inside the house. That definitely would have been dangerous. The building was completely normal, at least on the outside. What I could see of the entranceway looked normal, too. It didn't look like there was any mysterious organization in there. Though, of course, that didn't guarantee my safety. I was still interested, though. Yeah... There was no way I could just go home after coming this far. Yuki: Well, I guess, if I wouldn't be a bother. "You won't be." ...... Naturally... The inside was normal too. "What would you like to drink?" Yuki: Oh, don't worry about me. "Does Oolong tea sound fine?" Yuki: Oh, sure. Yuki: But before that, could I ask why you know my name? "Sorry. You're right. That was a little creepy, wasn't it?" Yuki: Oh, no, that's not what I mean. "My name is Hasaki: Mamiya Hasaki. Yuki: Mamiya Hasaki... Huh? Mamiya? Hasaki: Yes. He's in your class. Yuki: Mamiya Takuji... Hasaki: Takuji is my father. Yuki: Huh? The truth made me doubt what I was hearing. Did she just say... father? Takuji had... a daughter of this age? Wh-What the... So he married incredibly young? No, even then, that made no sense. What's going on here? Yuki: That's... Hasaki: It was a joke. Yuki: Oh, riiight. Wait, a joke?! Hasaki: Takuji is my husband. Yuki: Huh?! Hasaki: That was also a joke. Yuki: No... Enough with that, already. Hasaki: Excuse me. Hasaki: I just thought it would help break the ice. Yuki: No, well... You don't have to worry about me. Hasaki: Excuse me. Hasaki: The truth is... I'm Mamiya Takuji's little sister. Yuki: Little sister? Hasaki: Yes. Why is Mamiya's little sister in a place like this? What's the meaning of this? Hasaki: Ah... Mother. Yuki: Mother? Hasaki disappeared into the next room. I could see into the room through the crack in the door. ...... That must have been her mother. That's what Hasaki said, anyway. She did look like she was old enough to be a mother. But her posture was rigid, and her eyes were staring into space. It was like... Hasaki: Ah, excuse me. My mom just... Yuki: Your mother, you said... She was just gazing in one direction, without moving. Hasaki: Yes. You can probably tell by looking. Our mother is a bit... ...... Yuki: Is she sick? Hasaki: Yes. Hasaki: More importantly, why are you here at this house, Yuki-san? Even Nii-san doesn't come here. Yuki: Ah, sorry. I came after I saw this. Hasaki: Huh? I showed her the pages I'd printed out. Hasaki: Oh... This is why. Yuki: The address on the site brought me to this building. Hasaki: I see. So you saw the New White Lotus Association website. Yuki: Um... So are you guys really involved with some religion? Hasaki: That's right. I think that's what it was originally. Yuki: Originally? Hasaki: Now it's just an apartment building owned by the Mamiya family. Yuki: Oh. Sounds like you guys are pretty wealthy if you own an entire apartment complex. Hasaki: No. It's just because our father is from one of the older families. Apparently, it's a famous family out in the countryside. Yuki: But if your family is wealthy... Hasaki: Ahaha. Apparently, my parents eloped, so they're not all that rich. Hasaki: I think the title on this building is in the name of one of our relatives, too. Yuki: Um, the name outside says it's the New White Lotus Association... Hasaki: Yeah. It was related to the White Lotus Association that you've probably heard about. Yuki: Was, in the past tense? Hasaki: Yes. Now it's just an apartment building. It has nothing do with any religion. Yuki: So what relation does it have with the White Lotus Association now? Hasaki: None at all. Well, I suppose there's still a relation concerning my mother. Yuki: With your mother? Hasaki: A long time ago, my mother was part of the White Lotus Association. She apparently rose to a pretty high rank, though she was eventually excommunicated. Yuki: I see... Hasaki: After that, maybe it was revenge, or some kind of love-hate thing, but she made a new organization with a similar name. Yuki: And that's the New White Lotus Association? Hasaki: Yes. At first, it had several members who had left the White Lotus Association, but then her heart suffered a blow. Yuki: Her heart? Hasaki: Yes. Several of our relatives died in quick succession. Yuki: Her relatives? Hasaki: My father died from cancer, and my brother died in an accident. Yuki: Brother? Hasaki: Oh, I had a twin brother. A twin brother. So he would've been younger than Mamiya Takuji. Hasaki: The two of them died in succession, and my mother became mentally ill. Yuki: And she ended up like this, huh? Hasaki: Yes. That's right. Yuki: I see. So, in reality, the New White Lotus Association doesn't exist. Hasaki: I suppose so. Yuki: But the site is still up. Hasaki: My mother is always staring at the wall like that, but occasionally she turns on the computer and starts fervently investigating. Yuki: What's she looking for? Hasaki: Who knows? I suppose it means something to her, but I can't figure it out. Yuki: So your mother made the Web Bot Project? Hasaki: Oh, no, that was an acquaintance. Yuki: You'd have to be pretty knowledgeable to make something like that. Hasaki: He would probably call it a 'gag.' Yuki: A gag? Who'd make something like that as a joke? He sounds like a pain in the ass. Yuki: So is it really making predictions? Hasaki: He said it would cross into the future soon. Yuki: Cross into the future? Hasaki: Yes. As he says, it gathers samples based on the words on the Internet and posts them as predictions. Yuki: Huh? Wh-What do you mean? Hasaki: When it was first started, it took a full day for something to be posted after it became a topic on the Internet. Now it's been improved, so it can post a few seconds after a topic comes up on the Internet. Hasaki: It went from twenty-four hours to just a few seconds. Supposedly, it will soon pass the present time and start posting future events. Yuki: Ahahaha... That guy was a bit strange. Was he a dumbass? Who'd make something like that as a joke? Yuki: In other words, it's a fake prediction system. Hasaki: Yes. It only updates after something happens, but it does it so quickly that it can look like it's making predictions. Hasaki: I don't know all the details, but he said it was just three millimeters from the future. That guy was an idiot. No doubt about it. Hasaki: So I don't think there's anyone who actually believes it. If you check the site after something happens, you'll see that it's just making predictions that've already happened. Yuki: I see. You could just look at the site right after something big happened. Hasaki: It would just add it to its list of predictions. What's up with that? What a nonsensical invention. Why would someone make that, even as a gag? Hasaki: We really should take it down, but the only time Mom looks alive is when she's looking at that site. Hasaki: I doubt anyone else looks at the site.. * Though you saw it and came out here, right?"* Yuki: Oh, well, I have a bit of interest in nonsense like that. Hasaki: Nonsense? Yuki: Well, 'new science' and all that. I like to keep an eye on that stuff. Hasaki: Oh, do you? Yuki: Yeah, I guess. Yuki: So how long has your mom had this site up? Hasaki: Since about seven years ago. Yuki: Do you know about that prediction? Hasaki: What prediction? Yuki: On the site, there's a prediction about the end of the world. Hasaki: Yeah. July 20th of this year, right? Yuki: At the very least, that one's not in hindsight. Hasaki: Yes. It's in four days. Yuki: Then that really is a prediction, though we don't know if it's actually going to happen. Hasaki: That site is based on that prediction. Yuki: Based on it? Hasaki: Yes, that the world will end on July 20th, 2012. Hasaki: My mother put up the site in order to prove that prediction was correct. Hasaki: Though there's no way she could actually make something like that. Yuki: Based on that prediction? Who made the prediction? Hasaki: I heard it was something the founder of the White Lotus Association said. Yuki: I-I see. So it has to do with the White Lotus Association. Hasaki: No. It's already been recanted. Yuki: Recanted? Hasaki: Yes. They announced that we had avoided that calamity through the power of the founder. Yuki: When? Hasaki: Seven years ago. Yuki: Around the time the New White Lotus Association was made? Hasaki: Yes. From the association's perspective, my mother was probably just a nuisance. Hasaki: The White Lotus Association probably could've used legal means against her, but apparently she had them in an awkward situation, and they didn't want to cause a fuss. Yuki: I see. So the association left her alone... Hasaki: They're a huge organization. They just ignored her. Yuki: Sorry for taking up your time like this. Hasaki: Oh, no. It's not a big deal. Yuki: Well then... Hasaki: U-Um... Yuki: Yes? Hasaki: Ah... excuse me. It's nothing. Yuki: Hmm? Hasaki: If something's ever troubling you, please come here any time. Yuki: Sure thing. Hasaki: And if you meet my brother, tell him his little sister asked him to stop by once in a while. We're all waiting for him. Yuki: Oh, sure... Yuki: You haven't seen your brother lately? Hasaki: No. It seems like I can't. Hasaki: That's probably part of the curse. Yuki: Curse? Hasaki: Oh, it's nothing. Yuki: Anyway, if I see him, I'll tell him what you said. Yuki: Look, I know it might not be my place to say this, but I don't think it's anything like that. Hasaki: Huh? Yuki: After all, Hasaki-chan, I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't want to have a cute little sister like you. So I'm sure he hasn't forgotten about you. Hasaki: ... Hasaki: Um, Yuki... Yuki: Yes? Hasaki: You have a childhood friend, right? Two of them, actually. Yuki: Oh, yeah. The Wakatsuki sisters. Hasaki: Do you like them? Yuki: Huh? What's this, all of a sudden? Hasaki: Oh, nothing... Uh... Yuki: ... Yuki: Of course I like them. They've been my friends since we were little. Hasaki: Okay. Hasaki: Thank you. Yuki: Yeah. See you. Hasaki: Bye. Yuki: ... Why did she ask that? There were a lot of mysterious things about her, like the way she chose her words. But still, I gathered plenty of information. First of all, those predictions were all baloney. Especially the thing about the world ending on the 20th. The person who made that prediction was the founder of the White Lotus Association. And the founder himself withdrew the prediction. Yuki: Well, I suppose that was obvious, wasn't it? There's no way a prediction like that could be real. After I left her house, I went to school. Classes were already over, but I wanted to see what was happening at school. I'm not sure why, but I felt like I was being overwhelmed by anxiety myself. Classes were already over... Even though it was immediately after school... There really weren't very many people around at all. It looked like there weren't any clubs going on either. Yuki: I wonder what's going on. It really was deserted. I hardly passed anyone on my way here. Was today a holiday? Huh? Yuki: No one's here. Even if classes were over, it was weird how there was no one around. Did something happen? Yuki: Huh? "Ah..." Yuki: Wh-Who are you? What are you doing to my desk? "Um..." The girl stared at me. "I'm Tachibana Kimika, from the class next door.": imik "I'm Tachibana Kimika, Kimika: from the class next door. Yuki: Tachibana... Kimika-san? Kimika: I see. So you don't know who I am. Yuki: Oh, it's just that I'm not very good at remembering people's names or faces. Kimika: Could I ask what your name is? Yuki: Minakami Yuki. Why do you ask? Kimika: Minakami-san, is it * Well then, goodbye!"* Yuki: Ah! She ran away. That girl was... Yuki: Gotcha! Kimika: Haa, haa... I run track, and yet you're even faster than me? Yuki: Huh? Really? I thought you were running pretty slow. Kimika: Th-That's rude! I'm super fast! Yuki: I'm pretty sure you're not. Kimika: Haa... So then, what do you want? Yuki: No, that's my line. What were you doing to my desk? Kimika: Inspection. Yuki: Inspection? Kimika: Yes, let's say I was taking notes for social studies. Yuki: Like I'm gonna believe that crap. Kimika: Haa... You're an awfully bothersome person, aren't you? Yuki: Huh? Bothersome? She was snooping around my desk and somehow I was the bothersome one? Kimika: I get it. You're the reason the savior is still inadequate. Yuki: The savior? Kimika: Yes, Mamiya Takuji-sama. Yuki: Wait! Are you one of his followers?! Does he have followers?! Kimika: What do you mean, does he? That's rude. There are quite a few people who have come to kneel at the savior's feet. Yuki: D-Don't tell me that's why there aren't very many people around. Kimika: It seems like they're all talking about it in the staff room, too. It's time for everyone to go home pretty soon. Yuki: Wh-What do you plan on doing?! Kimika: It has nothing to do with you. Yuki: Ah! I instantly dodged. This woman... is crazy. Yuki: A kn-knife... Kimika: If you get in my way, I won't hold back, even against you. Sure, she had a knife, but she moved like an amateur. She wasn't a real threat. Kimika: Hehehe. So you at least know that you're strong. She held something up. I tried to block it, but... I failed to do so. Yuki: Guh! A bright light struck my eyes. I was looking straight at her, so it knocked out my vision. Kimika: Well, your eyesight will recover in a few minutes, so do take care. I'll be taking my leave. Yuki: Wait a second! ...... ......... ............ I checked out my desk, but it didn't look like she'd done anything to it. Why was she searching my desk? Yuki: She called Mamiya Takuji 'the savior.' I couldn't believe it had already turned into that kind of situation. She said there were other believers, too. Yuki: I might need to investigate this. Yuki: No one's here. I went back to my classroom, but no one was there. I looked and... there were just a few people. There was hardly anyone doing club activites. Yuki: I don't see any third-years at all. It looked like Kagami and Tsukasa's kendo club wasn't meeting today. I wanted to talk to Yokoyama Yasuko, too. ...... Huh? I think I just saw someone. Where did they go? Yuki: Ayana-san? What are you doing? Ayana: The same as always. Yuki: Hmm... Hey, don't you think it's kind of deserted around here? I'd understand if it was Saturday, but there should be more people around after school on a Thursday. Ayana: Really? Yuki: There are a few people doing stuff with their clubs, but it's like everyone just up and disappeared. Ayana: Then maybe they ran away. Yuki: Ran away? Ayana: Yes. Maybe they ran off somewhere. No one here, huh? I thought Ayana-san might still be hanging around. Yuki: Hmm... I didn't really find out anything new. Oh well, time to head home. There really wasn't anyone in the classroom. I had no choice but to head home. I didn't find out anything important, though I was almost stabbed by some girl from the next class over. Well, I guess you could call that important in its own way. Since I found out that Mamiya Takuji already had followers like that. Yuki: Ugh. This is getting kind of dangerous. I got the feeling I shouldn't stick my nose in. This could turn into quite an incident, couldn't it? But for some reason... I just couldn't ignore the things that happened. Shiroyama Tsubasa's accident, Takashima Zakuro's suicide, Mamiya Takuji's speech, and the supposed end of the world on July 20th. I just couldn't treat them as someone else's problem. I had a feeling they were related to me in some way. Though I didn't really know why. If I had to say... Yuki: My ghost is whispering to me. Something like that? As I was walking out the school gates, I noticed something strange. I thought I heard a bunch of people in the courtyard. Yuki: Is that... a person? Why were there suspicious people gathering behind the school at this time of day? Yuki: Club activities should be over by now, too. There shouldn't be anyone here anymore, so why are there people back there? I chased after them. Yuki: No one's here. Yuki: I'm sure I saw someone running this way. Yuki: Huh?! An unsettling noise echoed in the air. The sound of something crumpling and shattering in an instant. Right in front of me. I heard that sound, right at my feet. Something warm was clinging to my ankle. An incredibly unpleasant... warmth. Yuki: Eek! "It hurts!" "Ihh, ihh hurttss. It..." "Ihh, ihh, ahhhck..." Her lungs had probably ruptured. The person who grabbed my leg was wheezing in a way that I could hardly identify as human breathing. "Ihh hurts... Iiihhhh, uhha..." My eyes met with the person who was grabbing my ankle. Yuki: M-Mrs. Senagawa?! Her face was convulsing. Her clothes were stained dark red. It took me a few seconds to realize that it was my teacher. Yuki: Wh-What happened? Senagawa: Ma-Mami... Iiihh. Yuki: Wh-What? She tried desperately to say something. Senagawa: Taku... ji... kun. Yuki: Takuji-kun? The light suddenly disappeared from her eyes. Her pupils dilated. Yuki: Mrs. Senagawa! I quickly evaluated the situation. Other than Mrs. Senagawa's body, there were several small objects lying around that were probably hers. Among them was her cell phone. I grabbed the cell phone and started to dial for an ambulance. Yuki: H-Hello, is this the hospital? Could you send an ambulance to Kita High in Suginomiya? Someone fell from the roof. Yuki: Yes, I am. My name is Minakami Yuki. Yes, I'm one of the students here. Yuki: The person who fell is a teacher. Yes, understood. Yuki: Now I need to go tell the people in the staff room. "I guess there's a reason he's the savior. The time was exact, down to the very minute." Yuki: Th-That voice! Yuki: Huh? Tachibana-san wrenched the phone from my hand. Kimika: I'm terribly sorry about that, but it just so happens that I need this. Yuki: Y-You again! Kimika: Jeez, what's the savior thinking? He's so stupid sometimes, letting someone like you get in his way. Yuki: I'm getting in his way? What are you talking about? Kimika: You wouldn't understand if I told you. Anyway, you're an outsider, so be a good little girl and stay quiet while I wrap this up. Kimika: Oh, I see. So she's been registered since way back then. Kimika: I see. Ms. Kiyokawa referred her. Kimika: Wow, she has a lot of emails. Yuki: Tachibana-san, you... Kimika: Oh, Minakama-san. Shouldn't you be more worried about her? Yuki: Ah! She was right. I had to head to the staff room. Yuki: Jeez! I ran to the staff room. Yuki: Haa, haa, haa, haa, haa, haa, haa, haa. My head was aching terribly. It felt like I was about to lose consciousness. Probably because of the mental shock. Or maybe because of something else. Yuki: Ugh! My head hurt. Maybe because I started running so suddenly. My memory from that time is vague. When I looked up, it was completely dark outside. My head was spinning so much that I could hardly remember the past few hours. I'm pretty sure I ran around a bunch, and... I told the teachers what happened, and then I ran back to the accident and waited for the ambulance. Yuki: Haa... That said... This headache is awful... Yuki: Huh? There aren't any lights on in Kagami or Tsukasa's rooms. Maybe they're out somewhere. Yuki: Well, it's the last summer they have left to enjoy. I think they've taken up jogging as of late. The two of them probably weren't aware of what had happened. I'd been skipping a lot lately, so maybe it was better that I didn't run into them. Haa... I turned on my computer. Yuki: I still haven't checked all the threads. First, I opened my email. Yuki: Huh? What's this? Death. Yuki: This title is a bit creepy. I clicked on that creepy message and opened it. It read... another one will die from the roof into the courtyard they will keep dying and it can't be stopped soon it will all end Yuki: This is... It was the same message that Yasuko got. The email address read "takasimazakuro." There was no doubt it. It was the newest version of the curse mail. But why? Yuki: I never got this message before, but now I'm getting it too. Why? I never got it before. Yuki: Didn't they say this message was showing up on people's phones? Why did my computer get one? To be sure, I checked my main address. I hadn't given this one to any of my friends. Yuki: I was right... My main address didn't get one of the messages. The message only showed up on my throwaway account. In other words, the curse mail only got sent to the free mail account I gave to Yokoyama Kiyoshi. Kiyoshi: But still, everyone browses that site with their cell phones. I don't think I've ever seen anyone go there from a computer. The curse mail usually went to people's cell phones. And the people who registered on that page usually used their cellphone's email address. Yuki: Which means... There was only one reason. Yuki: That curse mail is being sent to everyone who registered on the underground message board. And that meant... This had nothing to do with Takashima Zakuro's ghost. The messages were just being sent out by the administrator of this message board. In other words, this "supernatural phenomenon" was being orchestrated by a human. Um... The top level domain was .net. And next to it was the word "sawayaka." I might be able to get some information out of this. I tried searching the domain name with a specialized search service. Yuki: Though there's no way I'm going to be able to pin it down that easily. Yuki: Hmm... Yuki: Domain handle... nothing. Of course it's not going to be that easy. Yuki: The server location is Fukuoka. That's a pretty common location. It doesn't tell me anything new. Yuki: The date of registration is June 30th, 2010. It's effective for three years from that date. Of course, I couldn't find any vital information. They weren't going to let me grab their tail quite that easily. Yuki: No good, huh? Anyway, I continued what I was doing last night. Yuki: There are still threads I haven't seen, and I want to see how other people reacted. 4: Takashima mail General Takashima mail... So that's what they were calling the curse mail they were getting from Takashima-san. 1: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/13(M) 18:52:25 ID:MARUKOME This is a thread for everyone to discuss the mail they're getting from Takashima Zakuro. Previous thread I got something weird (\|\|\|\|▽ ̄)」 scary http:::15515743.net/~5425596548565645657676 2: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/13(M) 18:58:22 ID:MARUKOME Confirmed messages. through death i have been reborn as a warrior or so they said but it hurts i have no body but it still hurts it hurts because i've been broken therefore everyone must die you will die in 8 days all of you will die Please post here if you've received any messages other than this one. 32: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/14(T) 09:28:12 ID:ERAE through death i have been reborn as a warrior or so they said but it hurts i have no body but it still hurts it hurts because i've been broken therefore everyone must die you will die in 4 days you will all die I got this message when I woke up. Did everyone get it? 33: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/14(T) 09:38:12 ID:MAME I got it. It came around 9:12 a.m. A countdown to death? Getting the same message over and over really was scary. This was quite the performance. 120: Satoko: 2012/07/14(T) 12:12:48 ID:satokon it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts I got one like this. Did everyone get one of these? 121: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/14(T) 13:15:11 ID:atata I haven't seen one like that. 122: Akasaka Megu: 2012/07/14(T) 13:22:25 ID:megu I got one too, just like Satoko did. 123: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/14(T) 13:25:21 ID:atata You're the ones who bullied Takashima. We haven't gotten anything like that. 124: Satoko: 2012/07/14(T) 13:29:18 ID:satokon We weren't the only ones. Why are we the only ones who got this message? 125: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/14(T) 13:33:31 ID:atata Because you were the ones who put her through hell. 166: Satoko: 2012/07/14(T) 13:36:33 ID:satokon Am I going to die? Is Takashima going to kill me? 168: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/14(T) 13:40:42 ID:kiri How about you go off yourself so she stops bothering the rest of us. ...... Did that mean the curse mail wasn't going out to everyone who was registered on this board? But... 232: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/15(W) 07:24:22 ID:ERAE >blood will pour from the head >blood will pour from another head >blood will flow >blood will flow again today >their head will be covered in blood When I woke up, this was on my phone. Freaking scary. 233: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/15(W) 07:28:12 ID:MAME I got that one. It arrived at about 7:10 a.m. Does that mean someone else is going to die? 234: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/15(W) 07:32:52 ID:DADA I got it. Who's going to die today? 235: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/15(W) 07:38:15 ID:NOIOINO It doesn't say they're going to die. It just says their head is going to bleed. 236: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/15(W) 07:42:45 ID:YAKEMO This could be really dangerous, couldn't it? This is all Takashima's curse. The morning of the 15th... This post was from several hours before Mamiya Takuji hit the teacher with the flower vase, wasn't it? Actually, there were students yelling about some message, but I guess that whole thing was predicted by Takashima's email. Yuki: But still... I thought her messages were going out to all the people registered on the message board. But from what I had read, there were two types of messages: ones that go out to everyone registered, and ones that go out to specific people. At least, it looked like the people posting under the names "Akasaka Megu" and "Satoko" got different messages. I see... Yuki: And then we have... 1: Who shall be saved and who shall not 3 This thread was on part three. The first one was made yesterday at around 10, so the threads were going really fast, way faster than usual on a message board like this. 1: Satoko: 2012/07/16(Th) 15:13:12 ID:satokon >Many of you have confirmed it. >Many of you have seen it. >Takashima's message predicted my awakening. >I am standing here now. >As the savior. >Now it is time to determine >who will be saved and who will not. There is little time until the world will be destroyed. This is a thread to consider the meaning of the words of our savior, Mamiya Takuji. Previous thread. Who shall be saved and who shall not 2 http:::15515743.net/~5425596548565645657676 2: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/16(Th) 15:26:15 ID:kei It looks like Takashima and Mamiya Takuji's predictions match up. If someone dies today, doesn't that mean all of this is real? 3: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/16(Th) 15:30:20 ID:inkin >>2 Takashima and Mamiya's predictions, right? ●July 16th, 9:20, Takashima mail >another one will die >from the roof into the courtyard >they will keep dying and it can't be stopped >soon it will all end ●July 15th, during first period, Mamiya's prediction >The thickness of death in the air >will be affirmed with another death. >A large number of people will witness the death. >The deceased will speak of the ultimate demise... 4: Akasaka Megu: 2012/07/16(Th) 15:35:40 ID:megu Mamiya-sama's prediction will definitely come true. After all, he was able to stop Takashima's curse. What the heck is this? The thread was headed in a strange direction. Why did these people believe Mamiya? Yesterday, it looked like everyone was making fun of him. I went back and started investigating the first thread. 1: Who shall be saved and who shall not The thread I checked yesterday... People were making fun of him and getting mad every time he called himself a prophet. There weren't any signs that they were going to suddenly start believing him. Yuki: ... Yuki: This... 356: Satoko: 2012/07/15(W) 23:13:12 ID:satokon Can you prove you're the savior? If you're the savior, then you should be able to stop Takashima's curse. 357: Akasaka Megu: 2012/07/15(W) 23:15:40 ID:megu It's not hard to say all these things. Stop Takashima's messages. "Akasaka Megu" and "Satoko"... They were the ones who bullied Takashima. They were the two girls Takashima was so afraid of. 430: Mamiya Takuji: 2012/07/16(Th) 01:33:32 ID:mamiya Stop Takashima's curse? What do you mean? I think her future messages will prove useful, don't you? 431: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/16(Th) 01:35:21 ID:rondo Don't stop the messages. Especially the predictions. I'll kill you if you stop the predictions. 432: Akasaka Megu: 2012/07/16(Th) 01:36:20 ID:megu The ones that are just coming to me and Satoko. Those messages that are nothing but scary. Stop those. We're getting those messages every hour. Scary messages... The ones that just say "it hurts" over and over, I guess. So they were getting those messages every hour... I can see why they would get freaked out. 444: Mamiya Takuji: 2012/07/16(Th) 01:37:32 ID:mamiya Do exactly what I'm about to say. First, go to New-town Street in Suginomiya, and walk five meters to the left of the entrance to the apartment building. 446: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/16(Th) 01:38:21 ID:rondo Isn't that the place where Takashima killed herself? 447: Akasaka Megu: 2012/07/16(Th) 01:40:40 ID:megu Don't screw with me. There's no way I can go there. 448: Satoko: 2012/07/16(Th) 01:41:12 ID:satokon I'm too scared to go to the place where Takashima died. Her curse will kill me. 453: Mamiya Takuji: 2012/07/16(Th) 01:43:32 ID:mamiya In the end, you are the ones who will have to decide if you want to go. If you're right about being killed, won't the same thing eventually happen if you don't go? There is a lock of hair at the place where she died. Pick it up and bring it home. 456: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/16(Th) 01:49:11 ID:rama >>453 lollllll what are you dumb theres no way any of her hair is still there especially not a whole lock of it, lol the police investigated the whole place, there's no way they'd leave something like that behind He was probably right. Thinking about it rationally, there was no way anything like that left would have been left there. What was Mamiya thinking? 477: Akasaka Megu: 2012/07/16(Th) 02:45:40 ID:megu I'm in front of the building right now... It's here. A lock of black hair... This has to be Takashima's... The hair is still attached to a piece of her skull at the base... 478: Satoko: 2012/07/16(Th) 02:45:42 ID:satokon Why is this here? After that post... All the posting in the thread stopped for two hours. It was like everyone was watching the thread, waiting to see what would happen next. 479: Akasaka Megu: 2012/07/16(Th) 05:05:40 ID:megu They stopped... 480: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/16(Th) 05:06:11 ID:rama >>479 moar 481: Akasaka Megu: 2012/07/16(Th) 05:08:45 ID:megu When I got home, Mamiya called me. Even though I've never told him my number. Then he told us how to burn her hair and seal away the curse. When we repeated the incantation, they stopped coming. 482: Satoko: 2012/07/16(Th) 05:15:42 ID:satokon We did the ritual just like Mamiya said. It looks like they've really stopped. The messages we would've received at 4:01 and 5:01 haven't come. Yuki: What's this? After that, several other people asked Mamiya for help too. They were all about problems that people thought were from Takashima's curse, and Mamiya solved all of them. Then, the new message from 9:20 a.m. another one will die from the roof into the courtyard they will keep dying and it can't be stopped soon it will all end That message was sent out to the people registered on the board. It had more credibility, since it was the same as Mamiya's prediction the day before. Then today was the day of the prediction. Senagawa Yui fell from Building C and died. At this point, no one on the board doubted Mamiya. He used the special environment that is the Internet to appear charismatic. The rest was pretty awful. They took those far-fetched delusions as truth, and it became their reality. Yuki: This is just like... Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.
Yuki: ... Yuki: It's so quiet. Though that was to be expected, since school was closed. And of course, it wasn't like a series of people dying one after the other was an everyday occurrence. Yuki: ... Yuki: Good morning. Kiyokawa: ... Yuki: Huh? What's wrong? Kiyokawa: Huh? Kiyokawa: A-Ah... I-I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Kiyokawa: U-Um... could I ask your name? Yuki: Huh? M-My name? Kiyokawa: If you... don't mind. Yuki: I'm Minakami Yuki. Kiyokawa: I-I see... Th-That makes sense... That's right... you're not even wearing a white coat... Yuki: A white coat? Kiyokawa: Uh, nothing. You don't need to worry about it. What's up with her? Kiyokawa: U-Um... so why are you here? Yuki: Huh? What are you talking about? You guys are the ones who told me to come and get counseling. Kiyokawa: Huh? Counseling? Oh, th-that's right... Ahahaha... I-I'm sorry... I had to wonder what was going on. She was clearly acting strange. Kiyokawa: Oh, yes... It looks like the counselor will be coming soon. Yuki: Haa... I really don't need counseling, though. Kiyokawa: B-But... after what happened... Yuki: You don't have to worry about me. I'm feeling great. Kiyokawa: That's not true. You saw a teacher fall to her death with your own eyes. Kiyokawa: There's a chance you're suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. That's what the other teachers said. Yuki: Post-traumatic stress disorder? I don't think you need to worry about it when I'm telling you I'm fine. Kiyokawa: Don't say that. We have to do it for our sake as well. Yuki: But there's no need. Kiyokawa: Th-Though the counselor is late, isn't he? Yuki: Looks like it. Kiyokawa: ... Kiyokawa: Um, I'd like to ask you something, if you don't mind. Yuki: What is it? Kiyokawa: It's kind of hard to ask, but... Yuki: Is it about Mrs. Senagawa? Kiyokawa: Yes. This was supposed to be counseling, and yet she was asking me about that. Though she probably just wanted to know. They were colleagues at work, too. Yuki: I don't really know anything. She wasn't in a condition to talk. Her lungs were probably ruptured. Kiyokawa: O-Oh... Yuki: So why did Mrs. Senagawa commit suicide? Kiyokawa: Um, you know, we're not certain that her death was a suicide. Yuki: I actually haven't heard what happened after all that. Kiyokawa: After? The ambulance came, then the cops. It was a mess. Yuki: What happened to her? Kiyokawa: Oh, right... She was taken to the hospital, and then she stopped breathing. Yuki: I see. Well, that made sense. But she wasn't telling me what was really important. Yuki: Was Mrs. Senagawa's death an accident? Or suicide? Kiyokawa: Right now, we're not sure, but we've confirmed that she went up to the roof of Building C alone. Yuki: Alone? Kiyokawa: We also have testimony that she fell by herself. And they said it looked more like an accident than a suicide. Yuki: It looked like an accident? Kiyokawa: It looked like she climbed up the fence herself and was trying to do something, though we don't know what that might've been. Kiyokawa: They say she didn't climb up the fence and jump off, but rather fell off while trying to do something up there. Yuki: Oh, there were witnesses? Kiyokawa: There are several eyewitnesses. Not just students, but also people from the surrounding neighborhood who saw her. Yuki: So it wasn't murder. Kiyokawa: Probably. Yuki: Probably? Kiyokawa: Oh, it probably isn't directly related * but a suspicious person was spotted in the school at the time of the accident."* Yuki: A suspicious person? Kiyokawa: Apparently, that person wasn't a student. They had a large camera, and we're still not sure what their intentions were. A suspicious person holding a camera... That wasn't just suspicious. It sounded like the media was already monitoring the situation. After so many people had died in a row, it wasn't surprising at all. Yuki: Did Mrs. Senagawa have any particular problems lately? Kiyokawa: I haven't heard anything like that. Yuki: But she was the homeroom teacher of Takashima-san's class, so maybe... Kiyokawa: So maybe? Yuki: If one of her students committed suicide, there might've been people who said it was her fault. Kiyokawa: Why would they? Her death was certainly regrettable, but it wasn't Yui's fault. Why did she call her Yui all of a sudden? Actually, Ms. Kiyokawa and Mrs. Senagawa were pretty close, weren't they? The two of them didn't have any other colleagues close to their age. But she didn't seem terribly sad, all things considered. Rather than sad, she seemed... Scared? Yuki: Even if she wasn't at fault, it was probably enough to make her worry, wasn't it? Kiyokawa: W-Well, maybe so, but that had nothing to do with her death. Yuki: How can you be so sure? Kiyokawa: B-Because... Yuki: Anyway, they determined she wasn't at fault at all? Kiyokawa: They did. Or rather, there was no doubt to begin with. The doctors and police say that Takashima-san's suicide happened because of a neurotic breakdown. Yuki: I see. So it happened because of her mental illness, and the cause wasn't bullying or any other external factor like that. Kiyokawa: Th-There was no bullying. W-We don't have any bullying here. Or, at least, we haven't been able to determine if there is any occurring. Yuki: Oh, no, it's not like I'm saying there was any bullying involved. Kiyokawa: Oh * I-I see."* ...... She reacted pretty strongly there. It felt like she was already making excuses to the media. The teachers were all on edge too, I guess. When it came to them, they couldn't let people think that Takashima-san's suicide was caused by bullying, and Senagawa Yui's death was caused by her feeling of guilt. The police and the attending doctor both said that Takashima-san jumped because of her neurosis. And Mrs. Senagawa's death was a completely unrelated accident. That's the version of events they wanted to show to the public. But that was probably impossible. Last week, Shiroyama Tsubasa fell to his death, and then the following Sunday, Takashima Zakuro committed suicide in Suginomiya. And now, Senagawa Yui had fallen from the roof by accident and died. The most convenient explanation for the school was to claim the incidents were all unrelated. The school was already being talked about on the Internet, and the media had probably contacted them too. The school was probably closed today because the phones were all ringing off their hooks in the staff room. They were probably getting calls from anonymous people on the Internet who found out about the school. This was about the time the media would get involved. Reporters always pay attention to what happens on the Internet. And someone with a camera was actually spotted. If the mass media was already getting involved, the school's convenient interpretation of events could be overturned soon. What really bugged me was Mrs. Senagawa's death. The eyewitnesses claimed that it was closer to an "accident" than a "suicide." Mrs. Senagawa was Takashima-san's homeroom teacher. Takashima-san was definitely being bullied. The real question is whether Mrs. Senagawa actually knew that Takashima Zakuro was being bullied. If she knew about it, the likelihood that she committed suicide out of guilt was much higher. If she didn't know, it would match up with the testimony, which would mean it was just an "accident." Kiyokawa: Excuse me, Minakami-san. Yuki: Yes? Kiyokawa: I'd like to ask you something as well. Have you heard rumors of bullying? Even if it wasn't related to Takashima-san, have you heard any rumors about this school? Yuki: I don't really keep up with that stuff. I can't really say, but if you'd like to find out, why don't you try looking at the underground message board? Kiyokawa: Th-The underground message board?! Yuki: ... Kiyokawa: Wh-What's that? She was so bad at acting. It was obvious that she knew about it. Kiyokawa: Do we have one of those? Yuki: Who knows? I've only heard rumors, but they say there is one. Kiyokawa: Right, according to the rumors. She knew about it, so she knew the truth about Takashima Zakuro's bullying. She knew, but she was pretending like she didn't. So... If she knew, you could assume there was a pretty good chance her colleague, Mrs. Senagawa, also knew. In other words... I couldn't eliminate the possibility that Mrs. Senagawa's death was a suicide rather than an accident. Kiyokawa: At the moment, the cause of Mrs. Senagawa's fall hasn't been determined. But from what I've heard from the police, they're only trying to determine whether it was a suicide or an accident. Kiyokawa: Building C's roof isn't open to the students. Several other teachers saw her borrow the key from the janitor right before she fell. Yuki: I see. All of the evidence points to it being an accident, then. Kiyokawa: That's right. According to her, the school officials didn't believe it was related to Mamiya Takuji in any way, so the police hadn't heard anything about him, either. He might not have been directly related, but I couldn't be sure he wasn't involved. The school would probably prefer that the police knew as little as possible. Yuki: Now that I think of it, have the students who disappeared shown up again? Kiyokawa: Th-The students who disappeared * Oh, I might've heard about something like that."* Yuki: What was going on there? Kiyokawa: R-Right. Most of them were staying home or loitering downtown. Yuki: But aren't there still missing people? Kiyokawa: Oh, y-yes. Couldn't she give a better answer than that? Kiyokawa: Oh, an announcement. Announcement: Ms. Kiyokawa. Ms. Kiyokawa, if you are in the building, please come to the staff room immediately. There is a phone call from Mr. Katagai, the counselor. Kiyokawa: From the counselor? Yuki: Maybe he's calling ahead because he's going to be late? Kiyokawa: Please wait a moment. I'll go to the staff room. Yuki: Okay. The call was probably just about the reason why he was late. Though I really didn't want to receive any counseling. Yuki: Aside from that... Ms. Kiyokawa knew about the underground message board. She must've been getting the curse mail too. But she was still acting like she didn't know about it. Actually... Back then... Kimika: Oh, I see. So she's been registered since way back then. Kimika: I see. Ms. Kiyokawa referred her. Kimika: Wow, she has a lot of emails. Yuki: Huh?! Yuki: She was registered? A lot of emails? By registered, she must have been talking about the message board. And "a lot of emails" was referring to the curse mail. Which meant... Yuki: Mrs. Senagawa browsed the underground message board, and she was getting the curse mail. Yuki: And she said Mrs. Senagawa was referred by Ms. Kiyokawa. So Ms. Kiyokawa had been browsing it too, and she had definitely been getting the mail. So then, could I trust her? The underground message board had been turning them all into fanatics. I couldn't say for certain that she hadn't gotten sucked up into all that as well. Especially since Mrs. Senagawa was her only real friend. She was the one who referred her to the underground message board. Was Ms. Kiyokawa still stable after having someone like that die? Normally, you'd expect her to take a leave of absence to grieve. Despite that, she was... Yuki: ... Yuki: I thought she seemed scared of something, but she didn't really seem sad about the death. She left her bag and some of her papers on the desk where she was sitting. I casually looked at her bag. It was rather small. It was more of a pouch than a bag. Yuki: Huh? There was a cell phone strap protruding from the bag. Yuki: I think I've seen that strap somewhere before. Yuki: ... I opened the fastener on her pouch. Yuki: This is... Yuki: Mrs. Senagawa's cell phone. It was the phone that I had picked up, which Tachibana-san had taken from me. Why was it in Ms. Kiyokawa's bag? Isn't that bizarre? Even if she found it after Tachibana-san dropped it, this wasn't the kind of thing someone would just hold on to and not say anything about. Common sense says she should've handed it over to the police, or maybe Mrs. Senagawa's relatives. Why did Ms. Kiyokawa have the cell phone? This is just weird. Ms. Kiyokawa... Yuki: Haa, haa, haa... Yuki: Haa, haa... I took her cell phone. Yuki: But it's not like I can let them hold on to it. I wasn't sure what to do. It might have been better to hand it over to the police. That would've been the easiest thing to do. But my subconscious wouldn't let me do that. My heart was telling me that I couldn't just leave solving this mystery up to someone else. Yuki: Why... Why do I feel like this? I was totally unrelated to the incident. I didn't really know Takashima Zakuro-san very well, and I'd only met Mamiya Takuji a few times before. Mrs. Senagawa, and Shiroyama Tsubasa before her too. They had nothing to do with me. But still, my heart was saying something to me. "I have to stop this." Why? Why did I feel like this? I couldn't understand... Why did I feel the need to get involved? Yuki: Haa... For the moment, I opened up Mrs. Senagawa's phone and checked. Yuki: ... Yuki: It really is... All the emails were deleted. That wasn't surprising. If someone found it, the police would definitely get involved. At this point, the police didn't consider the deaths to be related. They thought the two deaths were completely separate. They hadn't even considered there might've been a third party orchestrating it. Yuki: Maybe it was Tachibana-san. Or it might have been Ms. Kiyokawa. Either way, someone had definitely deleted them all. Since she hadn't handed this over to the police as evidence, there was a high chance that Ms. Kiyokawa was an accomplice. Yuki: What's going on? Yuki: Since it's this model, if I do this... I might have gotten a bit lucky. It's almost impossible for an amateur to copy messages from a cell phone. Of course, logically it is possible, but as far as I knew, there's no software to copy messages from a cell phone. Well, cell phones were developed by lots of different companies, whereas email on a computer is mostly all the same. But this particular brand of cell phone stored the messages on the server for thirty days after they'd been deleted. So I could retrieve the messages that had been deleted. Yuki: They were deleted just yesterday, so I should be able to retrieve all the important messages I turned on my computer and connected to the underground message board. Yuki: There was a list of the different messages from Takashima around here. There was a thread for people to talk about the messages they were all sent from Takashima. From looking at the thread, it seemed like almost everyone was getting the same messages, but there were occasionally some personalized ones. So there were two types of Takashima mail, communal and individual. For some reason, there weren't very many people posting the contents of their individual messages. That was probably because they talked about what kind of stuff that person had done to Takashima. The messages I retrieved with Mrs. Senagawa's phone, and the common messages posted on the message board... With the two of these, I'd be able to figure out what kind of messages she was getting, and whether they drove her to her death. ... ...... ......... Yuki: Whoa... There are a ton of them. The two girls, "Satoko" and "Akasaka Megu," said on the message board that they were getting messages every hour, but... Yuki: Mrs. Senagawa was getting them too. There were way more of these messages than communal ones. The total number of messages from Takashima was 62. Even if she wasn't dead, getting that many messages from one person would be a bit scary. I calmly read the 62 messages. The first email was to be expected. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/12 22:44 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― through death i have been reborn as a warrior or so they said but it hurts i have no body but it still hurts it hurts because i've been broken therefore everyone must die you will die in 8 days all of you will die The first of Takashima's messages. Yuki: Huh? What's this? There was quite a gap between the first and second messages. The next one was two days after the first message. But still... ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/14 18:01 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts Yuki: After the second one, they started coming every hour. They were all sent at fixed intervals. Yuki: The contents are mostly the same: 'it hurts' repeated over and over. Yuki: But look at all of these. The guy sending these must not have any hobbies. ...... Yuki: Huh? I continued reading... Starting on the night of the 15th, there were more messages with actual content. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/15 21:01 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― you definitely saw it but you didn't do anything you knew but you pretended like you didn't Of course, this was talking about the fact that Mrs. Senagawa knew about the bullying and didn't do anything to stop it. Takashima-san was blaming her for it even after her death. I see. That's pretty scary. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/15 22:01 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― you knew they were always bullying me on the roof of building c they borrowed the key from you after all Building C? That was the place Mrs. Senagawa jumped from, right? ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/15 23:01 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― they threw my doll off the roof until i have that i can't rest in peace you knew about it since you were the one who gave them the key ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 00:01 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― you had the key you knew i want my doll back ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 01:01 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― a black doll my black doll ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 02:01 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― my doll says it's cold it wants to go with me so i want to find it before i go ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 03:01 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― either i take the doll with me or i take you ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 04:01 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― i don't have my black doll i'll take you instead ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 05:01 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― come with me ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 06:01 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― i want you to come with me, so i'm coming ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 07:00 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― i came to your room but why aren't you here? when i touched the cute dolls in your room all their heads came off ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 08:03 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― i have no body my body is broken i need the doll or i need you ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 09:02 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― no body no body broken body i need you let's go together ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 10:02 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― where are you? i need you let's go together ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 11:01 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― it hurts ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 12:04 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― it hurts my body hurts ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 13:01 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― i failed my arm is broken my skull is split it hurts it hurts ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 14:03 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― i bleed when i move i'm cold i'm so cold where are you? ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 15:01 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― i saw you in the hallway i'm coming for you ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 16:02 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― i saw you in the hallway i'm coming for you ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 17:01 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― i can see you huddled on the floor in the staff room ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 17:58 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― behind you * * * * * * * * * * * * i got you This last message. The time was 5:58 p.m. Right around the time she fell. Or rather, the exact moment. Yuki: This doesn't seem like a ghost. It looks like someone was leading Mrs. Senagawa on. Next, I looked at the messages she sent. Mrs. Senagawa had been sending replies back since she started receiving the messages. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/12 19:02 to: Takashima Zakuro subject: Re: ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Is this a prank? Pretending to be Takashima-san is incredibly disrespectful. Who are you? These angry messages changed to fearful ones as more messages came from Takashima. She started apologizing, getting mad, and then apologizing again. There were a ton of them, but I still went through them one by one. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/15 21:06 to: Takashima Zakuro subject: Re: ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― That's wrong. I really didn't know. Akasaka-san and Kitami-san said they were going to use the roof to draw sketches for their club. I was just holding on to the key for the janitor. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/15 22:08 to: Takashima Zakuro subject: Re: ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― They said they were just doing sketches. I didn't know they were bullying you up there. I'm sorry, Takashima-san. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/15 23:09 to: Takashima Zakuro subject: Re: ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― A doll? Your doll was thrown away? If it was dropped off the roof, it might be in the lost and found. I'll go look tomorrow. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 00:06 to: Takashima Zakuro subject: Re: ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― I really didn't know. I'll look for your doll tomorrow. So Mrs. Senagawa was the one who gave them permission to use the rooftop for their club. I didn't think she would have lent it to them so they could bully someone. But still, this must've been really scary. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 06:06 to: Takashima Zakuro subject: Re: ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― No, don't come to my room, Please. Please don't come here. I'll go find your doll right away. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 07:09 to: Takashima Zakuro subject: Re: ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― I looked but it wasn't in the lost and found. But the janitor will be here in just a little bit. I'll ask him about it. Her sentences sounded like she was at her wit's end. Like she was so scared she couldn't even tell what was real. Yuki: The last time I saw her, this is what she was feeling. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 17:08 to: Takashima Zakuro subject: Re: ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Oh, it might still be around Building C. I'll go check to see if it got caught on one of the eaves. That was the last message Mrs. Senagawa sent. After that, she went to the janitor, borrowed the key, and then fell from the roof. Mrs. Senagawa was killed by Takashima's messages. Honestly, I probably shouldn't stick my nose in any further. Anyone could tell this was getting dangerous. This wasn't a game. This wasn't something a person like me should ever get involved with just for fun. If I just handed this phone over to the police, the culprit would be caught. If I did that, it would all end. Yuki: Yeah, that's what I should do. ...... If there was a culprit, it would all end there. If there was a culprit. Yuki: But if... If these messages weren't being sent out by a human... If Takashima Zakuro really was sending these messages... ...... Yuki: No way. It's stupid to even consider that. Yuki: A dead person couldn't send a message like this. The person sending these messages has to be a living, breathing person. ...... Yuki: Actually... The name listed in the 'sent from' section was "Takashima Zakuro." Yuki: Which means she had Takashima Zakuro's mail address. I opened up her contact list. Yuki: This... She didn't just have Takashima Zakuro's email address, she also had her phone number. Yuki: Her phone number... This went directly to Takashima's phone. ...... Though, of course, no one was going to answer. Yuki: I'm just curious. Yuki: Huh?! Why? Why is it coming from inside this room? Yuki: Why is the sound coming from inside this room when I called Takashima-san's phone? Yuki: What the―! I opened the desk drawer where the sound was coming from. And... Yuki: N-No way. Yuki: This is... The case was eerily cracked. It was covered in blood, and hair was stuck to it. That was... Yuki: Takashima... Zakuro's cell phone? Why is it in my room? Why? Full of apprehension, I checked the phone. The phone's email address read... Yuki: N-No way... The email address was the same one that was sending out all of Takashima's messages. Yuki: W-Wait. Just calm down for a moment. I collapsed into the chair. Yuki: Wh-What am I doing? When I sat down to try to relax, I knocked something off the desk. Yuki: Kuh... What's this? Crap. It was the aluminum powder from my detective kit. The case was empty. I probably knocked it over when I pulled out the desk drawer earlier. I just knocked the case to the ground, that's all. Yuki: Wh-What am I doing? I cleaned up the detective kit that I'd knocked over. I'd knocked the fingerprints I'd collected out of the case as well. Yuki: What's wrong with me? Yuki: Huh? The moment I saw it... The blood drained from my face. Yuki: What is this? A chill ran up my spine when I saw the fingerprints. Yuki: These are... The aluminum powder I'd knocked over was showing the fingerprints all over the room. On the desk, on the drawer, on the closet... And those fingerprints... Yuki: Th-They're the same as the ones on Takashima-san's desk. Why? I felt a cold sweat. I tried to make sense of the situation. What could this mean? That was the first time I'd touched her desk, so those fingerprints couldn't have been mine. Which meant... Either Takashima Zakuro herself... Or the second person who touched her desk, came into my room. And left this phone. A chill ran up my spine. Yuki: Wh-Why? Her cell phone is in my room, along with the same fingerprints that were on her desk. Yuki: Why? Yuki: This is... Yuki: Huh? Wh-What's this? An almost humanoid shape, like a black space, had been carved out of the air. It... It was coming toward me. Yuki: Eek! "Ha!" "ehhnonaa... eh... ahshiia" "†〓†‡" "〓†"
Yuki: The sound of the chime... Yuki: The sound of the bell... That's right... Even at this kind of time, the school bell still rings... I just didn't know because I never showed up to school at this time of day. Yuki: I don't really want to be in such a gloomy place. Yuki: This place... where it seems like people keep dying. I'd fled from my house. At first, I wandered around the shopping district. But I ran here after getting hit on by drunks and delinquents. It looked like I was about to be rounded up by the police along with them. Even a place like this was better than that house. Yuki: Ugh! Yuki: That was a hallucination! There's no way something like that can happen! Right. It was just an illusion. Like the air had been carved out in the shape of a human... A creepy shadow. It was an illusion. I couldn't imagine it as anything else. It unhinged me a little, seeing the same fingerprints that were on Takashima-san's desk. And that's why I had that hallucination. Even if it wasn't real, even if it was a hallucination, there was no way I could remain calm after seeing that. In a way, that's what I wanted to believe. Because if it wasn't a hallucination... "I'll give you some of my power." Yuki: Ah. Takashima-san said that right before she died. Just before she died, she... I was kissed by a dying person. Yuki: That kiss... Why is all of this happening? Even her cell phone... Even her cell phone showed up in my room. Why were her possessions coming to me? Why was that... in my room? Yuki: ... The morning sun had risen. I just sat in front of the gate, since I was afraid to go in the school building. Yuki: I wish I could nap a bit. I started walking shakily. Yuki: ... Ayana: Good morning, Minakami-san. Yuki: Good morning? I mean, I guess it is morning, but why are you here so early, Ayana-san? Ayana: Dunno. Yuki: How could you not... Never mind. Ayana: Did you run away too, Minakami-san? Yuki: What?! Yuki: How do you... Ayana: Because everyone ran away, just like that. Yuki: What do you mean? Do you mean the people who went missing went through the same experience? Ayana: Experience? Yuki: I saw a black shadow. I think it was a hallucination, but I definitely saw a black shadow. Yuki: My room was covered in the same fingerprints that were on Takashima-san's desk, and Takashima-san's cell phone was in my room. Ayana: I see. Yuki: Did everyone else experience that too? Ayana: It's very simple. Ayana: Your experiences are yours alone. That much is obvious. Yuki: That's not what I'm saying! Ayana: Heh. What's wrong? This isn't like you, Minakami-san. Weren't you supposed to have a stronger spirit than anyone? Weren't you supposed to be smarter than anyone else? Yuki: Wh-What's that? I'm nothing like that. Ayana: Really? But it was determined as such. Yuki: What do you mean, 'determined'? You can't just determine something like that. Yuki: And who would determine something like that anyway? That sounds like something God himself might do. Ayana: It was not determined by God. Yuki: Then who? Ayana: If God did not determine it, then humans did. That is all. Yuki: Huh? I don't understand... Ayana: You don't understand? That's just what you think right now. Ayana: After all, every answer is right here, and you are an existence that can either find those answers or ignore them. Yuki: What's... that? Ayana: The Crawling Chaos. Ayana: It emerges from a dark place. Ayana: It creeps in every time you turn off the lights. Ayana: Everyone is incredibly scared. Ayana: People light lamps because they are scared. Ayana: The light illuminates the world. Ayana: And thus they try to forget. Ayana: But that is mistaken, for the stronger the light is... Ayana: The brighter the lights of the world shine, the more vividly the shadow is cast. Ayana: Light can't eliminate the darkness. Light is founded upon the temptation of the darkness. Ayana: We try to eliminate it, because both its sightliness and unsightliness are as ambrosia to us. Ayana: The Crawling Chaos emerges from a dark place. Ayana: It emerges from the shadow in the belly of a cowering man. Ayana: From the shadow of a clenched fist. Ayana: The temptation is biding its time. Ayana: The hidden temptation is always at your side. Ayana: That which is hidden. That which tempts. Yuki: You said something like that before. Ayana: Yes. People try to uncover that which has been hidden. Ayana: But that is not an attempt to hide it and run away, but rather an attempt to hoard that sweet treasure away from others. Ayana: Just like Mamiya-kun. Yuki: Mamiya Takuji? Ayana: You and Mamiya-kun are two figures that stand on opposite sides of the same door. Ayana: Just like the goddess who stands in the doorway, governing the beginning of every action. A quiet voice. Translucent eyes. She seemed to know everything. She seemed to see everything. My skin broke out into goosebumps. But... Ayana: But this time you will advance beyond that. Ayana: And then you will stand at the end of the loop. Ayana: Next time we meet... Ayana: Tell me what you see at the end. Yuki: ... Yuki: Huh? Was I... sleeping just now? Ouch... Yuki: My body hurts all over... Probably because I slept on the concrete like this. Yuki: But why... Why am I in a place like this? I... Yuki: I saw something like a black shadow. Yuki: I don't know if that was a hallucination or what, but I couldn't stay there after seeing that. After wandering around the town, I arrived at this place. And here, something... Something happened. It was... Yuki: ... Ayana: Good morning. Yuki: I want to ask you something, Ayana-san. Ayana: What? Yuki: The last thing I remember is you saying something really important. Ayana: The next time we meet, tell me what you saw at the end. Yuki: ... Yuki: Um, this would count as the next time, but I still haven't seen anything. Ayana: I suppose so. Yuki: What's that supposed to mean? Ayana: Well, that's something to look forward to next time. Yuki: But... ...... She said that like it was a joke, but... What's going on? I had no memory after that, and yet now my head was really clear. The thought of that shadow passed through my mind, but even that didn't scare me. Even though it was so scary last night, it didn't seem scary anymore. Ayana: The classroom. Yuki: Yeah. I don't have any money, since I ran straight here. I have a 500 yen coin hidden in my desk, though. Ayana: Hidden? Yuki: Yeah, it's jammed in here, between the metal and the top board. Sometimes I forget my money, after all. It's one of the tricks you pick up in life. Ayana: I see. Yuki: Huh? Ayana: What's wrong? Yuki: That's weird. Ayana: It's not there? Yuki: The money is there, but why are there books in Tsukasa's desk? When I crouched down to get the coin out of my desk, I saw into the desk diagonally in front of mine: Tsukasa's. There were still textbooks left inside it. I took one out. Yuki: This textbook is... That book was for a Thursday class, which was two days ago. Why are these still in her desk after two days? Yuki: Huh?! I looked into Kagami's desk too. Yuki: It's the same. Yuki: This is... Ayana: Why are you running all of a sudden? Yuki: Sorry, there's something bothering me! Ayana: I see. Actually, that night, two days ago, their house was dark and the curtains were closed. And yesterday too. Which means... Yuki: It really is just the same. Yuki: The Wakatsuki sisters haven't been home. I called the phone in their house. If they were home, they'd answer. Yuki: Tch, no one's answering. Aren't their parents home? ...... But no matter how you looked at it, they definitely hadn't been home. I couldn't think of anything else. Yuki: I can't believe they've gone missing too. Was I stupid? How could I have gone two days without realizing that? Yuki: What a dumbass. Blinded by fear, was I? There were plenty of hints. If I'd noticed, I could've put a stop to it before this had happened. Yuki: I was afraid of something like this. I picked up Takashima-san's bloody phone. Why was I afraid of something like this? Something like this... Something... Yuki: There are... I hadn't noticed before because I was so scared. I'd overlooked it. Yuki: There are... I took out the detective kit and got the fingerprints off the cell phone. Yuki: Those two sets of fingerprints are on this cell phone too. I transferred them to the film and lined them up with the fingerprints I'd found on Takashima-san's desk. Yuki: ... Yuki: Bingo. Just like I thought. The two sets matched up perfectly. Yuki: The fingerprints on her desk are the same as the ones on this phone. Yuki: The first set is Takashima-san's, but whose are the others? I headed back to the school. Ayana: Welcome home. Yuki: I'm back. Ayana: That was surprisingly fast. Yuki: I found a new hint, so I couldn't just stand around. Ayana: A hint? Yuki: Yeah. There was one set of fingerprints in my room, but there were two sets of fingerprints on Takashima-san's desk. Yuki: That's not a mystery in itself, but for some reason there are five sets on Takashima-san's phone. Yuki: The fingerprints that we know are on the phone are mine, Tachibana-san's, Ms. Kiyokawa's, and of course Takashima-san herself. The last set is unknown. Yuki: Even if we assume Takashima-san's ghost or zombie or whatever came to my room and left her phone there... Yuki: In that case, why is there only one set of fingerprints in my room, while there are a bunch of different ones on the phone. There's no good explanation. Yuki: You can only call it unnatural. Yuki: Which means... Ayana: Which means? I took a sample of the suspicious fingerprints from the desk. Who would pull a trick like that in my room? Of course, it could've been Mamiya Takuji, or one of his followers. Tachibana-san, or one of the people I saw on the message board. Yuki: ... I got the fingerprints I was looking for. Yuki: Oh, look. It was the savior himself. Ayana: The savior himself? Yuki: Look. I showed her the four pieces of film. First, the one I took from Takashima-san's desk. Second, the one from my room. Third, the one from Takashima-san's phone. And finally... Yuki: These fingerprints are from Mamiya Takuji's desk. Yuki: No one but him has touched it, so they're the only fingerprints on the desk. I laid the fourth sheet down. Yuki: The answer is simple. Yuki: It wasn't Takashima Zakuro's ghost that went into my room, messed it up, and left the phone. Yuki: It was Mamiya Takuji. Ayana: ... Yuki: Jeez, I can't believe I got worked up about that. I'm such a dumbass. Yuki: I got scared of something silly like this and couldn't look at it as anything other than an object of fear, even when there were so many hints lying around. Yuki: It even made me see that hallucination. Yuki: Ahh, I'm an idiot. Ayana: Heh, heheh. Ayana: You've returned to being the Minakami Yuki I know. Yuki: Hahaha. Once you get rid of all the smoke and mirrors, it's almost comical how silly this whole thing is. Ayana: I see. Yuki: Which means this was all devised by Mamiya Takuji. Ayana: All? Yuki: It all matches up. Ayana: I see. Yuki: Though I still have to hear it from him to make sure. Ayana: ... Yuki: If Mamiya was behind it all... Yuki: Then the Wakatsuki sisters were abducted by him. Yuki: Where could they be? Ayana: ... Ayana: It was all devised by Mamiya Takuji. Ayana: Isn't that the simplest explanation? Ayana: Mamiya-kun became friends with the Chaos. Ayana: He made it dark so that the Crawling Chaos could come more easily. Yuki: Dark? Ayana: Yes, Nyarlathotep likes the dark. Yuki: ... Ayana: That's something you know very well. Yuki: Something I know? Yuki: You mean the place? Ayana: Yes, Mamiya-kun has always had a place. A dark place... Yuki: Oh! Yuki: Mamiya's place... Yuki: The place where Mamiya suddenly appeared. Yuki: There... Yuki: That was... next to the old pool. Yuki: It's there! Yuki: Thank you, Aya― Yuki: Huh? Ayana-san? What the... Ayana-san was already gone. Yuki: But that's not what's important. The pool! Yuki: The old pool, huh? That's where he is. It was my blind spot. But if you thought about it, it wasn't impossible. Last year, our school had an indoor pool installed, so this one wasn't used anymore. So it hadn't been filled with water in over a year. I descended into the pool and found a manhole at my feet. Yuki: This manhole... The scratches on the edges of the manhole cover were relatively new. If it hadn't been used in a year, the scratches would've rusted, but the ones on it seemed fresh. Yuki: This is proof someone opened it recently. It must've been opened and shut again very recently. There were only a few possible reasons for that. The first thing that came to mind was the possibility that a workman opened it to check something. But sadly, that didn't fit. There would be scratches just like these on the other sewer entrances, but there was nothing like that on the rest of them. There was no evidence that any of the other manhole covers had been touched. Yuki: And that's not all. What was really unnatural was that rainwater was collecting in the pool, which meant the pool's drainage valve was closed. Yuki: I thought it was a little strange that rainwater was collecting in the pool. Yuki: If a workman had done something, that's the first thing he would have fixed. Yuki: Someone has intentionally stopped the water from flowing down into the sewers. Why would someone do that? There was definitely a drainage tank below the pool. Apparently these tanks were actually large enough for someone to live in. I saw on TV that sometimes homeless people lived in empty gasoline tanks after the gas stations went bankrupt. If people could live in a gasoline tank, it wasn't improbable to think that someone might live in a drainage tank. Yuki: It was so strange when Mamiya kept appearing here. Yuki: Why didn't I notice something so simple? Yuki: Heh... Well then... I checked to make sure I still had my nightstick to protect myself. Yuki: With this, I can handle several attackers at once, as long as they're amateurs and the space is narrow. It was definitely narrow. You could even have called this guerrilla warfare. And this was a surprise attack. Yuki: No problem. It took all my strength to lift the cover off the manhole. Yuki: It smells like shit. The gaping manhole looked like the entrance to hell itself. Yuki: This is probably Mamiya's hideout. And his followers were totally crazy. This smell probably wasn't poison or anything, but I wouldn't have put it past them to try to stab me. Yuki: But I have to go. I started descending down into the manhole. Yuki: I can't see anything, since my eyes aren't used to this. This is really scary. Yuki: ... My breath had quickened. I had to calm down. If I couldn't see, the rest of my senses had to be as sharp as possible. If my breathing was too loud, it could stop me from hearing something vital. If I started sweating, my sense of touch could be dulled. I needed to calm down and hone my senses. Yuki: The sound of water... Yuki: This should be where the drain connects to the sewer. Yuki: The sewers are a lot wider than I expected. My eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness. A little light filtered in from the open manhole. Yuki: This is a really old style of sewer. It smelled really bad. Being here for very long would be nothing but torment. Yuki: Um, the drainage tank is... I looked around, searching for the path. But the only way forward seemed like the wrong way. Yuki: There's no way the tank is in the direction where the water level rises. The drainage tank should be in the opposite direction, where the water level drops. But when I looked over there, I couldn't see anything but a dead end. Yuki: Why? Yuki: Hm... I started walking and gradually began to see a light. Yuki: This is... The light was from the manhole. Yuki: I'm back where I started. Yuki: What's going on? No matter how far I walked, I couldn't find the drainage tank. Yuki: I'm tired. Haa... I sat down in that spot. Yuki: I should've worn a shorter skirt. The hem is pretty disgusting now. I let out a loud sigh. "..." Yuki: Hmm? Yuki: What's that? Yuki: It's like... Yuki: I can hear voices from inside. This... "..." Yuki: This is... "..." Yuki: Is someone crying? Yuki: It's coming from inside. Yuki: Ah... I was so stupid. Why hadn't I noticed it? Once I thought about it, I realized there couldn't be a dead end in a sewer. It wasn't a dungeon. A sewer is a place where water is supposed to flow. A dead end would be a serious problem. It had to be... Yuki: This spot has been blocked. I started looking around the spot I'd assumed to be a dead end. Yuki: This is... It was like a hatch with a large, screw-shaped handle on it. I pressed my ear up against it. "..." Yuki: This is... Tsukasa's voice. Yuki: Which means... I wonder how many people there are inside. What would happen if I suddenly rushed in? What if there are more than ten people inside? Those thoughts rushed through my mind, but the second I heard her voice, I dashed inside. Yuki: No one's here. Yuki: ... Yuki: But more importantly... Yuki: Tsukasa's not here. Where is she? I looked around the cramped drainage tank. And... Yuki: There's a manhole in the ceiling. Is this the entrance? This was different from the one I came in. There was a manhole on the ceiling of the drainage tank. Yuki: That manhole is open. "..." Was that the sound of someone crying? Yuki: Ah! Yuki: What's... this? Yuki: What is this? A ridiculously huge space opened up before my eyes. The concrete columns seemed to stretch on forever. Yuki: This isn't outside, though it is a pretty massive space. Yuki: Oh, this is the new school building, which means this is beneath the new pool's foundation. Yuki: So it was built on top of the old pool's drainage tank. Maybe they left it because they were considering using the old pool's tank for the new pool. Yuki: But they didn't actually use it. Yuki: So that's it. "..." Yuki: That voice... Yuki: Tsukasa! "..." Tsukasa didn't respond to my voice. It was like her voice was seeping out of the walls around me. Yuki: Tsukasa, where are you?! Yuki: Tsukasa! Just how massive is this place? This might not be connected to just the new building, but the old building as well. I walked through the darkness. I couldn't tell where her voice was coming from because of the echo. Yuki: Tsukasa! Yuki: Huh?! I felt something unpleasantly slimy under my feet. I'd felt something like this before. Yuki: Tsukasa! Yuki: Huh?! My mind couldn't take in the sight before my eyes. I'd never seen something like that before. Even when Mrs. Senagawa died, it didn't cover that great an area. It was a lake of blood. The cold concrete was stained. The entire area was stained with red blood. And right in the middle of that red floor... Therein laid Kagami's tragic form. Yuki: What?! Tsukasa: Onee-chan... Onee-chan... Yuki: Wh-What is this? Yuki: Th-This has to be a joke. Yuki: This can't... Every time I took a step, the sticky blood made a disgusting sound. All of this... came out of Kagami. All of this was once inside Kagami. And now it's been scattered throughout the room like this. Yuki: Hey, Kagami... I put my hand on Kagami's face. It was so cold and hard that it didn't even seem human. It didn't seem like a human's face. Yuki: This has to be a lie... Yuki: This can't be... Hey, Kagami... There was no light in her eyes. The whites and pupils of her eyes were both clouded over. No light could possibly be reflected from those eyes. Yuki: It's a lie, a lie, a lie, a lie, a lie, a lie, a lie, a lie! Yuki: That can't be true, can't be true, can't be true, that can't be true, that can't be true, that can't be true! Yuki: That can't be... Her arms and legs had been cut off, like a Daruma doll. The places where they had been severed were still jagged, like someone had stabbed and slashed at it with a knife until they could forcibly tear it off. Yuki: I'm sorry... If I... If I'd noticed sooner... Yuki: I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It hurt, didn't it? It hurt, right? I'm sorry, Kagami... Yuki: I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I'm sorry... It hurt, didn't it? It hurt, didn't it?... Did it hurt? Yuki: Kagami... Kagami... Kagami, Kagami, Kagami, Kagami... Tsukasa: Everyone said... she was a demon... Yuki: ... Tsukasa: They said... you have to cut a demon to pieces... Tsukasa: Onee-chan wanted to go home... Tsukasa: She asked to go home so many times... Yuki: ... Tsukasa: It hurt so bad... when they cut off her arms, but all the way till the end, she kept saying she wanted to go home... She wanted to go home... Tsukasa: Onee-chan... Yuki: ... Yuki: That's right... Yuki: Kagami... let's go home. I picked up Kagami. Was she always so light? It felt like I was holding a doll. Her body felt that light. Tsukasa: Yuki... Yuki: Let's go... home. Tsukasa: ... Yuki: Back then, I carried you home on my back like this, didn't I? Kagami: ... Yuki: That time, you tried too hard, and sprained your ankle running. Yuki: I came right away when I heard about it from Tsukasa. Yuki: And then, this is what you said. Kagami: Your back... is so soft. Yuki: Well, of course. I am a girl, after all. Kagami: Yeah... That's right. You're a girl... Kagami: Your back was always soft. Back then, too. Yuki: Back then? Kagami: Yeah, when John died, too. Yuki: John? Oh, your dog. Kagami: Yeah. Yuki: I remember you saying you were going to go out and look for his spirit. Kagami: Yeah, I thought I could bring him back to life if I found where his spirit had run off to. Yuki: How would you do that? Yuki: Where were you going to go looking, anyway? Kagami: I don't know. Kagami: It's just... there was a big hill we could never get past. Kagami: I thought John's spirit might've been there waiting for us if we made it. Yuki: A big hill? Kagami: Yeah, the big hill on the way to school. Yuki: Was it really that big? Kagami: Not now it isn't, but back then it was. Kagami: When I was child, it seemed so big. Kagami: I thought it was the wall at the end of the world. Kagami: I thought if I could just get to the top of that hill, it would be the limit of the world. Kagami: But I was wrong. Kagami: When I got to the top... Kagami: There was more of the city, just like here. Kagami: There was a hill after that, and another after that one too. Kagami: The city continued on forever. Kagami: That was when I realized the world had no end. Yuki: Wasn't that when you started crying? Kagami: Yeah. Kagami: Because that's when I knew John's spirit wasn't coming back. Kagami: So I got sad. Kagami: ... Kagami: And then you came, Yuki. Kagami: That's how it always was. Kagami: You always came for me when I was crying. Kagami: Because I'm always crying... Because I can't do anything... Kagami: So I wanted to become stronger... Kagami: I tried to be stronger. Yuki: I know you did, but maybe you tried too hard. Kagami: I'm no good, huh? Yuki: That's not true. I'm still amazed at how hard you tried. I can't do something like that. Kagami: Ahaha... Kagami: I always thought that your back was nice and hard. Big and strong. Yuki: Huh? What do you mean? Kagami: Like a father. No, even bigger. It was so big and strong that it seemed to envelop and protect me. Kagami: So I was surprised when your back was so soft. Yuki: Oh, right, you still didn't know I was a girl at that point. Kagami: Yeah. But really, I was relieved. Yuki: Relieved? Kagami: Yeah. My favorite person's back was soft and small, but that was the back I loved. Yuki: Well, of course a girl's back is going to be softer than a boy's. Kagami: Yeah, so I thought it was good that you were a girl. Yuki: What's good about it? Not like I could change it. Kagami: Dummy. That's not what I'm saying. Kagami: But then I'd never be able to get married. Kagami: Could you love me just a little? Yuki: ... Yuki: What do you mean? Kagami: Ahh, you're so stupid! Stupid, stupid, stupid! Shut up and walk! Yuki: Wh-What is it this time? Jeez. Kagami... Sorry. In the end, my small back... Wasn't able to protect you. Kagami... Yuki: Kagami, we're home. Yuki: Your parents are probably going to be really sad when they see what's happened to you. Yuki: But you said you wanted to go home, right? Yuki: Kagami... Tsukasa rang the doorbell, since my hands were full. I heard footsteps in the house. Old Lady: Yes? Yuki: ... Silence. The woman opened the door with a cheerful voice. But that voice quickly disappeared, and only silence remained. Since what I was holding... was Kagami. Old Lady: E-Excuse me? Yuki: ... Yuki: Please forgive me... I... I couldn't protect Kagami. Yuki: I let them do this to her! Yuki: I'm so sorry! Old Lady: Yes? Yuki: ... Old Lady: E-Excuse me? Yuki: Please forgive me... I couldn't protect Kagami. Yuki: I let them do this to her! Yuki: I'm so sorry! Old Lady: Um... Old Lady: Who are you? Yuki: Huh? Old Lady: Is something wrong with your doll? Yuki: Huh? Yuki: Huh? Yuki: What's happening? Old Lady: Um... What are you talking about? Yuki: No, that's not it. This was Kagami just a second ago. Wakatsuki Kagami-san. Old Lady: Is that the doll's name? Yuki: No, that's not it. Kagami lives here, right? She's your daughter. Old Lady: Um, it's getting pretty late. If you don't mind, I'd really rather not keep talking like this. Yuki: But, Mrs. Wakatsuki! Old Lady: Um... We're the Hasegawa family, not Wakatsuki. Yuki: Huh? Old Lady: Um... If you don't leave, I'm going to have to call the police. Yuki: What's this? Yuki: What's happening? Yuki: I don't... Yuki: Tsukasa! I turned back toward Tsukasa. Yuki: Huh?! Th-This... What? It looked like the place where Tsukasa had been standing had been chiseled out. It was dyed pure black. A shadow... A crawling figure... that couldn't hold a human shape. That's... "△@;¥^-k!!" Yuki: Eek! It yelled something. It definitely yelled something in an inhuman voice. It made a sound that wasn't a sound. I definitely heard it raise its voice in an unholy scream.
The sound of the bell. The midnight chime. The end of the week. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. The day he finished creating the world. Even the weekend doesn't change one bit. Of course not. God doesn't change the color of the sky depending on the day of the week. The world God created contains the same sights every single day. It invariably arrives back at the same scenery over and over, like a mechanical clock. The sky is always blue. Gray. Scarlet. It rotates through the same sequence. A person standing in front of a clock... Doesn't think a new moment begins... With every tick, tock of the clock's hands. When the clock hand passes twelve o'clock, the summit... No one thinks that a new time has begun. An end is the beginning of another commonplace scene. The beginning of a commonplace world. And beyond that, the scenery one just saw comes into existence once more. An infinity we call repetition. An infinity of the same script. There is nothing novel in this world. All that is in this world can be clearly described. There is nothing beyond this world. What is here... And the next world we're headed to... It is all part of a world that can be described in the same terms. Ayana: Good morning. Yuki: Ayana-san, why are you here? Ayana: Why are you? Yuki: I... I... had no reason to be here. I just ran. I just ran, and then I was standing here. At some point, my world had started to go askew. At some point, my world had started to mingle with a scene I'd never seen before. Yuki: I don't understand it. Ayana: You don't understand? Yuki: Ayana-san, I... I! Ayana: ... Ayana: Won't you go and see? Yuki: See what? Ayana: The End Sky. Yuki: The End Sky? Ayana: Yes. Yuki: What's that? I don't know what you mean. Ayana: What I mean? Yuki: What's going on? When did all this happen? Yuki: Wakatsuki Kagami really existed, right? Wakatsuki Tsukasa really existed, right? Yuki: There's no way they didn't. Yuki: I mean, I... I have all these memories with them. All these memories from so long ago. Yuki: Why did Kagami's body turn into a doll? Why did Tsukasa turn into that scary thing? Yuki: When did they get replaced like that? Yuki: When did this all happen? Yuki: When... Ayana: That's why you came to see it, right? Ayana: The End Sky. Yuki: What's the End Sky? Does that have something to do with what's happening?! Ayana: The End Sky is just what Mamiya Takuji-kun called it. Ayana: It has no name. Yuki: What do you mean? Why doesn't it have a name? Ayana: Just like how there's no name for the sky at the end of the week, that sky doesn't have a name either. Ayana: It's a commonplace sight. Ayana: A common final sky. Ayana: There is no mystery here. Yuki: No mystery? Yuki: I wish it was something as nice as a mystery. This is impossible and illogical. Yuki: What's happening to me? Ayana: Nothing, really. Ayana: From the time they're born, people replace the cells in their bodies several times over. Ayana: Just like your body whose cells have been replaced time and time again, you have remained you despite the fact that you have constantly changed since the moment of your birth. Ayana: Nothing changes. Minakami Yuki is Minakami Yuki. There's nothing impossible or illogical about that. Ayana: Forty-five quadrillion, four hundred and twenty-five trillion, six hundred and ninety-eight billion, four hundred and fifty-two million, three hundred and fifty-five thousand, four hundred and eighty-one. Yuki: What's that? Ayana: That is probably the first time I have said that number in this world. Ayana: It is an unknown figure that no one has heard or seen. Ayana: But it's not mysterious at all. Ayana: No one has heard this number, but no one would be shocked to hear it. Ayana: Even if no one has given it shape, anyone can understand it. Everyone already knows it. Ayana: Even if such a scene has never appeared in this world, such a scene should not frighten you. Ayana: It's a very commonplace sort of world. Yuki: How is that... How is this world commonplace? This... Ayana: Like I said, you're going to go see what's beyond this commonplace world, right? Yuki: ... Ayana: That's what Mamiya-kun called that scene. Ayana: The End Sky. Ayana: And there's something you want to ask Mamiya-kun, isn't there? Yuki: ... Yuki: Yeah. Ayana-san started walking. I followed her. Yuki: The old pool... Yuki: Ayana-san. Ayana: Yes? Yuki: Do you know about that? Ayana: Of course. Yuki: Ah... Yuki: She went down first. Yuki: She doesn't ever seem to hesitate. Yuki: My eyes aren't used to this. I couldn't even walk, since it had been less than ten seconds since we reached the bottom. Yuki: Ayana-san. Ayana: It stinks. Yuki: Well, it is the sewer. Yuki: Hey, wait. Yuki: She went into the drainage tank. So she knew all about it. Yuki: There's... no one here. There was no way they could gather in such a tiny place. Yuki: Ah... Ayana-san had already lifted up the cover inside and left. Yuki: Ah, Ayana-san. Yuki: I was thinking that tons of people could probably hide out in here. Ayana-san kept walking. It was like she already knew the way. Yuki: Ayana-san, just who are you? Ayana: Otonashi Ayana. Yuki: No, I already know your name. ...... Yuki: Ah! She walked over to the place where Kagami had been laying. Where the floor was covered in dark red blood. But there was no blood. Yuki: Cotton... There was just cotton scattered everywhere. Yuki: So that really was... Kagami's mutilated body was just... a doll. A doll filled with cotton. What happened to the real Kagami? Ayana: Over here. Ayana-san stopped and stood in one spot. Then she waved me over. A huge pillar stood in front of her. It seemed as if it was supporting the world itself. Ayana-san pointed to that pillar. Yuki: Wh-What... is this? The huge pillar was covered in scribbles, though they were carefully drawn, like religious idols. From far away, they blended in with the rest of the pillar. Yuki: The whole thing is covered in scribbles?! Yuki: Did Mamiya Takuji do this?! Ayana: That's right. This is the shape of Mamiya-kun's Nyarlathotep. Yuki: What? Is that Nyarl-whatever a living thing or something? Ayana: Yes, something like that. Ayana: The Crawling Chaos. Yuki: Huh? The crawling... Yuki: That thing I saw... Yuki: Was that... Ayana: It's time to go see the End Sky. Yuki: End Sky... Ayana: Let's go. Yuki: Huh? Otonashi-san pointed into the darkness. I'd thought it was pure darkness, but I caught a few vague glimpses of steel within it. It looked like a spider web reaching down into the depths of hell. Yuki: Is that a ladder? Yuki: Was this used during construction? Yuki: Ayana-san, where does this lead? Ayana: Like I said, it leads... Ayana: To the End Sky. Yuki: ... ...... The rungs continued on forever. I was caught up in the illusion that I was wandering through endless darkness. Yuki: ... Yuki: Is that wind? I could hear the wind in the distance. Far away... Farther, farther... At the top of the ladder, I could hear the wind. Yuki: That's kind of... The far off sound of the wind slowly came closer. The sound of the wind... Yuki: Huh?! Yuki: This is... Building C? The rooftop that students weren't allowed on. It was the roof of building C. Yuki: Ayana-san. Ayana: Look. There it is. Yuki: There? I looked over to where she'd pointed. Who... are those people? What are they doing over there? That was... The spot Mrs. Senagawa fell from. Why are those two standing there? ...No way. Yuki: Wha―?! Yuki: What just... Yuki: That's a joke, right? Yuki: That was... Yuki: Did another person just die? Yuki: Or was it just a doll? Yuki: Was it just my mistake again? Yuki: This is... Yuki: This is... Yuki: Mamiya Takuji! Takuji: Oh, look. If it isn't Minakami-san. Long time, no see. Yuki: You... Takuji: So you were still there. I just saved everyone. Yuki: Saved? Is this salvation? Takuji: That's right. Yuki: Are you that stupid? Yuki: Can't you see they just died? Takuji: Just died? I see. Takuji: I see. You might be right. Takuji: People wish to become one with something greater, but that's no different from death. That's why they fear becoming one with something greater, just as they fear death. Yuki: I don't want to hear this drivel coming out of your crazy head. Takuji: Oh. Then is there something you do want to hear? Yuki: Something I want to hear? Yeah, I've got plenty of questions for you. Takuji: Plenty, huh? Hmm. Yuki: You set this all up, didn't you? Takuji: Set it up, did I? Yuki: That's right. This whole thing is a farce you devised. Takuji: A farce I devised? Takuji: Excuse me, are you talking about my miracles? Yuki: That's right. Takuji: Oh. That's interesting. So you're saying there's a trick to my miracles? Yuki: Right. There's no curse and no miracles. And, of course, there's no prophecy that the world's going to end. There's just a bunch of crude tricks. Takuji: Hahahahaha. Crude tricks? So that's what you think. Have you figured them all out? Yuki: Of course. Takuji: Heheheheh. That's wonderful. I suppose I should've expected that much of you, Minakami-san. Well then, let's hear it. Let's hear about all my tricks. Yuki: So what should we start with? Takuji: From the beginning. How did it start? Can you explain that? Yuki: The beginning? Well then, the start of this uproar would be Takashima-san's curse mail, I suppose? Takuji: Oh, the curse mail. I'd love to hear about that. Yuki: They call it Takashima mail. The cursed messages that got sent out to everyone. That was the simplest trick. Takuji: The simplest? Yuki: That's right. It was so obvious. The method was downright primitive. Yuki: You either picked up Takashima-san's phone at the site of her suicide, or you stole it. Takuji: Heheheheh. I see. That's an obvious trick, isn't it? So then, what's your proof? Yuki: I found two sets of fingerprints on her phone. Takashima-san's own fingerprints, and yours. Takuji: And how did you find those? Yuki: I don't know if it was a prank or what, but someone left her phone in my room. It was you, right? Yuki: You were probably trying to scare me, but you left way too much evidence behind. I also got fingerprints from your desk and Takashima-san's desk, and then I compared them. Yuki: It was a bingo. I confirmed that the fingerprints on the phone were Takashima Zakuro's and yours. Takuji: I see. Yuki: You used her phone and sent out those messages to as many people as you could. Yuki: I don't know how you got them, but the addresses you got were from the underground message board's registration list. Takuji: Heheheheheh. How I got them? So you still don't know that. Yuki: Unfortunately not, but it all lines up. Takuji: It lines up? Yuki: Well, it's just a hypothesis, so I have no real evidence, but if the police get involved, they'll figure it out right away. Yuki: The school's underground message board, the SAWAYAKA message board... You must be the administrator. Takuji: Heheheh. Yuki: And if we assume that, the strange stuff happening in those threads makes sense too. Takuji: You mean, if I was the administrator, I would have all their registration information? Yuki: Yes, that's it. Takuji: Heheheh. Correct. You're pretty smart, Minakami-san. Yuki: You made the bullying she received the main point of the messages, and you used that information to make the people related to the bullying your primary targets. Yuki: As far as I know, those were Akasaka Megu, Kitami Satoko, and Mrs. Senagawa. Yuki: How's that? Takuji: That is also correct, though I'd have to give you only 75%. Yuki: 75%? Takuji: Right. The people who felt guilty about her bullying were Akasaka Megu, Kitami Satoko, the teacher who let it happen, Mrs. Senagawa, and then, one you forgot: Zakuro's friend, Tachibana Kimika. Yuki: Tachibana Kimika? Yuki: Isn't she one of your followers? Takuji: Yes, now she is. She was the most useful follower I had. Takuji: But at first, she felt guilty about bullying Takashima Zakuro too. Takuji: But putting that aside, I'd like you to tell me. How did I corner Akasaka, Kitami, and Senagawa? Yuki: They were posting all about it on the message board. They got messages from Takashima-san that no one else got. Yuki: Messages from the dead every hour. You used those to put them under extreme stress and stop them from thinking clearly. Yuki: The most elementary of all elementary social psychology techniques. Takuji: Techniques? What do you mean? Yuki: Mind control. It's what emergent religions do to gain followers, and it's what multi-level marketers do to find victims. Takuji: What for? Yuki: A lone prophet is just a nutcase, but if even one other person believes them, if they find even one follower, then it becomes a religion. Yuki: In order for you to become the savior, you needed to have at least one follower. Yuki: From looking at the message board, it seems like the first two to believe you were Akasaka Megu and Kitami Satoko. After you secured those two, your followers swelled. Takuji: Heheheheh. Could you be more specific? Yuki: The endless messages from the dead chased them into a corner. It made them ask for salvation. Yuki: If there was someone who could save them from that hell, that person would be able to call himself the savior. Yuki: And by doing it on the message board where other people could see, the effect was multiplied. Yuki: So in order to raise their stress as high as possible, you told them to go to the place they most feared, the place where Takashima Zakuro committed suicide. Takuji: Their stress? Yuki: Right, you told them to go to the site of her suicide in the middle of the night. What they found there was a lock of Takashima Zakuro's hair with part of her scalp still attached. Yuki: You probably got that at the same time you picked up her phone. Yuki: And you gave them the impression that they had dispelled the curse by having them burn the hair. Yuki: And you told them all about your beliefs while they were completely exhausted, both in mind and spirit. Yuki: You crushed their spirits with fear, and then filled them up with new information. It's the most elementary of elementary mind control techniques. Yuki: The same thing a predatory marketer does. Yuki: You made followers of the weak, and increased the anxiety of the rest. Mamiya: Heheheh. How wonderful. You really are amazing, Minakami-san. Mamiya: Then what about Senagawa Yui? Yuki: You managed to get her cell phone, although I stole it from Ms. Kiyokawa. Mamiya: Yes, that's right. So then what did you learn from that? Yuki: Almost all of the information had been deleted. The messages and everything. Mamiya: So then, what did you find out? Yuki: Everything. Mamiya: Everything? Yuki: Yes, with that brand of phone, I could retrieve all the deleted messages. Yuki: Messages came every hour. And there was nothing to them. They were just trying to scare her. And they suddenly started leading her in a specific direction on the 15th. Yuki: They started working to get her on the Building C rooftop. Yuki: And that made me remember how the 15th was the day when you made a strange prediction. Yuki: Something about another death proving you correct. Takuji: I did make a prediction like that. Yuki: And that's why... Yuki: The messages started mentioning the doll Takashima-san lost on Building C. Yuki: She went looking for it. Yuki: After all, if she couldn't find it, Takashima Zakuro would take her instead. Yuki: And the times she received the messages... Yuki: Interestingly enough, all the messages were sent an hour apart. Yuki: 12:01 a.m., 01:01 a.m., 02:01 a.m. Yuki: But the timing of the very last message was completely different. Yuki: Because that message was right before she fell, at a time that didn't obey the schedule up until then. Yuki: The answer is simple. Yuki: You placed the doll she lost on the Building C rooftop in a very dangerous place. Yuki: Normally, someone would use a tool to get it, but at that time, Mrs. Senagawa wasn't thinking clearly. Yuki: She climbed over the fence, got down on the eaves, and then she stretched out her hand. Yuki: And just when she was least stable, her phone rang. Yuki: What was written there was... ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 1:28 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― behind you i got you And Mrs. Senagawa's hand slipped. Takuji: Heheheh. What a wonderful deduction, Minakami-san. You're almost totally correct. Yuki: Yeah, I've finally been able to put together the big picture. This whole farce was your doing. Yuki: It wasn't a supernatural phenomenon or God or a ghost or anything like that. Just a single person. You came up with the whole thing. Yuki: You broke into my room and left Takashima-san's phone. And Kagami and Tsukasa... Yuki: What about them? Yuki: How did they... Yuki: They... They... Yuki: Just what did you do to me?! Yuki: Tell me that! Takuji: ... Takuji: I haven't done anything to you. Yuki: Th-That can't be true. Takuji: Sorry to say, but I haven't done a single thing to you. Yuki: That's a lie! That can't be true! You did something to me! Takuji: I didn't. I can't do anything to you. Yuki: Then what was that I saw?! What is all this?! Takuji: Oh, it's time. Takuji: It looks like you want to stay in this moment forever. Takuji: I'll go on ahead. Yuki: W-Wait! Mamiya! Takuji: Though I did love you. Yuki: ?! Yuki: Huh?! Yuki: What's that? Yuki: The End... Sky. Yuki: Ah... Yuki: Mamiya is gone. Yuki: Just now, I... Yuki: ... Yuki: Ayana-san, I... Ayana: Hehehe. Yuki: What... was that? Ayana: It's nothing. Mamiya-kun just jumped off. Yuki: What? Ayana: IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF. But I saw something. Did that kill everyone? IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF. No, I didn't do anything. Just... IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF. Just... what? IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF. * * * "IT'S NOTHING. MAMI* * YA-KUN JUST JUMPED * * OFF.""It neither [is]* * is a person nor [isn't] a person.""IT'S* * NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF."* * "It neither [is] Ayana nor [isn't] Ay* * ana.""IT'S NOTHING. * * MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUM* * PED OFF.""It neither* * * * [is] Yukito nor [isn't]* * Yukito.""IT'S NOTHING.* * MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED* * OFF.""It neither [is] Kotomi nor [is* * n't] Kotomi.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-K* * UN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is]* * a student nor [isn't] a* * student.""IT'S NOTHING.* * MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED * * * * OFF.""It neither [is]* * a school nor [isn't] a* * school.""IT'S NOTHING.* * MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neithe* * r [is] barefoot nor [isn't] barefoot."* * "IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED * * OFF.""It neither [is] * * homework nor [isn't] h* * omework.""IT'S NOTHING.* * WATANABE-KUN JUST JU* * * * MPED OFF.""It ne* * ither [is] sex n* * or [i sn't]* * sex.""IT'S NOTHING. MA* * MIYA-KUN J UST JUMPED * * OFF.""It n either [is]* * Kero -Q no* * r [isn't] Kero-Q* * .""IT'S NOTHING.* * * * MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF* * .""It neither [is] scenery* * nor [isn't] scenery.""IT'S* * NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN J* * UST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a lov* * er nor [isn't] a lover.""IT'S NOTH* * ING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OF* * F.""It neither [is] surviv* * al nor [isn't] survival."* "IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST * JUMPED OFF.""It neither [* is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JU ST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MA MIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world n or [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JU ST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [ is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JU ST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God * nor [isn't] God.""It's nothing. ju* mped off""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MA MIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] nor is] a world nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. J UST It neither""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JU ST JUJUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JU ST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [ God[isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""MAMIYA-KUN * JUST JUMPED OFF [is]* form nor [isn't] form.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JU ST JUMPED OFF nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JU ST JUMPED OFF.""It [is] God or MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""It's nothing. off, that's all.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MA MIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] nor * is] a world nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world* nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. JUST It neither""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JU ST JUJUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JU ST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [God[isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF [is] form nor [isn't] form.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] * form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JU* ST JUMPED OFF nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JU ST JUMPED OFF.""It [is] God or MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor * [isn't] God.""It's nothing. off,* * that's all.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MA* MIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] nor is] a world nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. JUST It neither""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JU ST JUJUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JU ST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [God[isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF [is] form nor [isn't] form." "It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor * [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF* nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JU ST JUMPED OFF.""It [is] God or MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor * [isn't] God.""It's nothing. off,* that's all.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MA MIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] nor is] a world nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor * [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. JUST* It neither""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JU ST JUJUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JU ST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [God[isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF [is] form nor [isn't] form." "It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JU ST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It [is] God or * MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF."* "It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""It's nothing. off, that's all.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MA MIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""[is] a world JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world * nor [isn't] a world."* is] nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It [isn't] * a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It [is] a world* JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""[is] a world MIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""[is] a worlding. Mamiya-kun just jumped off, that's all.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""[is] a world * JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] form nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] nor* is] a world nor [isn't] form.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It [isn't] a world.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It [is] a world JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] God nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""It neither [is] a world nor [isn't] God.""IT'S NOTHING. MAMIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""[is] a world MIYA-KUN JUST JUMPED OFF.""[is] a world nor I heard the sound of my skull cracking. But that wasn't from the outside world. I think it came from within me. Minakami-san, sometimes I think about these things. Where is the limit of the world? The very edge of the edge of the world. If such a place existed... Suppose I were able to stand in that place. Could I look at the scenery from that edge, just like anywhere else? If I think it's normal to wonder about these things... that must make me weird. I mean, that's the edge of the world. It's the limit of the world. If I could see that with my own two eyes, wouldn't the limit of the world become the same as my own limit? Wouldn't the world, viewed from that spot... be the world that I see? Wouldn't that be my world? The limit of the world would become the limit of my world. The world is that which I see, touch, and feel. Then what is the world? What is the difference between me and the world? Is there one? The difference between me and the world. They're the same. However, other people might have felt this too. Even you might think that the world is you. And I think that's probably correct. I couldn't say for sure, but if you stood at the edge of the world, you would probably see the shape of the world just like I do. So you would be the same as the world too. But that really doesn't make sense. If the world is me, why can't I see the world that you see? Even though you are in my world, I can't see the world you see. I've never seen the world that you do. They're like parallel universes that can never cross. Even if there are hints that suggest the other exists, they can never touch. I can't see the world you live in. But... Is that really the case? Have I really never seen your world? If every person has been equally allotted one singular world... How could those worlds possibly become one? How can there be so many worlds? There must be a way for the worlds to become one. Sometimes, I think about these things. That's why... * I was able to love you.*
The summer sun is brutal. Apparently in Tibet you can boil water just by reflecting the sunlight with a mirror. And Tibet can't be as hot as it is here, so you could probably do a lot more than just boil water in this place. You could even boil a pot of oil. Takuji: God damn... It's hot. It's so hot. I walked through the shadows to avoid the sun as much as I could. I knew it would be less than half the total distance if I went straight through the courtyard, but... I'd die if I went directly under the summer sun. Since it was hot enough outside to boil a pot of oil, anyone standing out there for a few minutes would die as their blood boiled. Standing out there would be suicide. I think a teacher who tried to make people go out into the blazing sun under the guise of physical education would need to be put to death. That would clearly be attempted murder. Everyone knows PE teachers are stupid, since they all graduated from the easiest universities. That's why they can do something so barbaric without batting an eye. When I was in elementary school, I had a teacher named Mr. Watase. He always wore a jersey, so I assumed he graduated from one of the PE universities. He was definitely the type who did nothing but work out until he got his job. He was always stupidly energetic... and cool... and popular with the girls... Well, who cares about any of that? I can't forget the day I found out I was right about him. It was during a science experiment where we were electrolyzing water. When you electrolyze water... Um, since the formula is H20... Well, that's not important. Anyway, you get hydrogen. When you put a flame to the hydrogen in a flask, it blows up. What he said was... "They make hydrogen bombs by collecting a whole bunch of this stuff." That was the moment when he showed just how dumb he really was. So, is a blimp with a whole bunch of hydrogen actually a hydrogen bomb, then? A rocket has a lot of liquid hydrogen in it, so it's a hydrogen bomb too, right? It's scary that a teacher doesn't even know what nuclear fusion is. Though, he just teaches little kids, so he can get by without being very smart. Takuji: Ah! Takuji: God damn, it's hot... Takuji: What's up with this heat?! I really didn't have a good impression of that teacher... He would put me in detention just because I didn't finish my lunch. Forcing someone to eat something they don't like is just going to make them even pickier in the future. Didn't he know that? Though he was an idiot, so he probably didn't... Because of him, I still can't drink milk or eat vegetables. It's all his fault... His fault... His... No... The reason I can't eat vegetables or drink milk is... No! She's not here! She has nothing to do with it! Wait, calm down... What am I getting so upset about... That's right... It's Watase's fault. Him and this weather. Takuji: Crap, it's hot... It's so hot. Takuji: Why is it always so hot in the summer?! Takuji: It's so annoying, agh... So annoying! The books in my hands were getting covered in sweat... Jeez, there's nothing good about it. Takuji: It's because I'm doing this in the middle of the day... I should do it in the evening instead. No, after school there would be tons of people around the campus... Someone might see me enter my base. Then maybe it would make more sense to sneak into the school at night... Takuji: At night... Nobody would be around, and there would be no sun... And summer nights are pleasant... Takuji: That's right... I should've thought of that earlier. Once I finish with this load, I should do the rest tomorrow night. Takuji: It's really hot... Of course it is, since summer break is almost here. Summer break. Summer break... Not that it really affects me. I still have to go to summer classes during my break. Though I'm planning on skipping most of them. So, I'll spend most of that time in my secret base. Which is why I'm carrying these books over there. Takuji: Well then... I scanned my surroundings... Of course no one was there. Class was still in session after all. Takuji: ... Before I went in, I looked around one more time. Takuji: No problem... Takuji: It still stinks, though... This is the spot where the drain of the old pool connects to the sewers. The pool's drain doesn't smell, but the sewers do. Takuji: It would be such a good secret base if I didn't have to go through this... Takuji: Ahh... I entered the tank, doing my best not to breathe in the sewers. This is the old pool's drainage tank. The pool isn't used at all anymore, so this place is always empty. Though rainwater does still flow down here... I had to plug the drain so it wouldn't come down into the tank. This place is a lot nicer now that there's no water in it. Though of course, I didn't really want to use this place as a base, since it's right by the sewers. Which is why... I could faintly see the huge pillars, even without any light. A certain level of natural light probably comes in through the ventilation. This is the foundation of the new school building. The new building has an indoor pool and various club rooms. This place was originally supposed to be impossible to get to, but for some reason it's connected to the pool's drainage tank. It was probably just a screw-up during construction. They should have demolished the old pool before they started, but they left it there, so the new building overlaps the tank. And thanks to that screw-up, I was able to find this place. This place is wonderful in a lot of ways. I don't know why, but the ground here is concrete. There's nowhere with exposed mud or dirt. It's a completely sterile, inorganic underground room. Though it might start to smell after a few decades. But less than a year has passed since the construction, so there's no smell or unpleasant humidity. It would be more accurate to call it an underground room than the foundation of a building. Maybe they're planning on putting machinery down here at some point... It's the kind of space where you might expect to find a boiler room or something... I turned on the generator next to the entrance. All the construction lights hung around the area lit up. Takuji: Now then... My base is right behind these dark curtains. No one comes here. It's a space just for me... Or so I would like to say... It's not quite that ideal. I can't say it's completely private. I might be stating the obvious, but apparently there are ways to get in other than the drainage tank. From what I can tell, there are three doors. Two of the doors lead in, and one leads out. So the people who have keys to those doors can get in here without going through the complicated path I use. But normal students definitely can't get in. Only those with keys can. There are a lot of pipes and plumbing down here. So workmen or the janitor might come down here to do maintenance or fix problems with the plumbing. Teachers have no reason to ever come down here. Takuji: Though it's been a few months since I set up my base, and I haven't seen anyone else come down here... I've done a lot of work just in case someone does come down here. For instance, there's no plumbing near my base, and it's all the way in the very corner of this underground space. And of course I put up these curtains so that it's not visible from the outside. These curtains aren't just plain fabric. I rubbed gravel into the outside surface so that people mistake it for concrete from a distance. They might notice a discrepancy if they carefully compare it to the blueprints, but... I doubt someone coming to work on the plumbing would notice, even if they had a map. It's a secret base, so obviously I've prepared things to help hide it. Takuji: Umm... I stuffed the books into the bookshelf. I have everything here. First off, there's a generator. It runs on gasoline and gives me a source of electricity. I stole it from a farmer in the neighborhood. It's old and makes a bunch of smelly exhaust, so I put it far away from my living space. In the worst-case scenario, it might give me away, but... who's going to care if there's a small generator in the corner of such a huge space? Most people would just assume it had been placed there for the workmen. The noise it makes when I turn it on resounds throughout the room, but it doesn't reach the outside at all. I checked all around, but there's no place where anyone above ground can hear it. I also have a computer. The Internet at my house is fast since we have fiber-optic cable, but... Here, it's unbelievably slow, since I have to use my mobile connection. I was surprised the signal reached down here at all... It doesn't seem like the signal should reach underground, but surprisingly enough, I can get three bars on my phone. I don't know why I get a signal, but it's all for the best... I brought an old laptop from the house. The specs are pretty awful, but... the Internet is even slower, so the computer doesn't really slow me down. I also have a carpet. It's a cheap carpet. Other than that, I have some chairs and a desk. And I brought a portable gas stove too. I occasionally use it to boil water and make ramen. It's pretty important. I have tons of otaku merchandise too. Manga, DVDs, figures, and so forth. I'm in the middle of transferring my manga and light novels from my old base. Takuji: On my bike, it's going to take... at least one more trip to carry all my stuff. Takuji: First, I have to get the books I already took out of the house... I can get the rest of my books from my house at night, but... ...... My parents aren't waiting for me at home. My father died of stomach cancer... and my mother is dead as well. Neither of them are in this world any longer. My mother was incredibly strict. She often scolded me when I was younger. Whenever I did something bad, she would punish me by dumping boiling water on me, holding my head under the water in the bathtub, or stuffing tubes of wasabi in my mouth, among other things. I hated and resented her when I was younger. I even thought about killing her. But that was a mistake. It was my misunderstanding. She loved me. She loved me too much, which is why she was able to keep doing that. It probably hurt her more than it hurt me. She didn't want to do those things. Since she loved me so much... Under her strict discipline, I did well enough on the mock exams to be recognized at the national level, and I even started getting better grades in my worst subject, physical education. Under her strict discipline, I was promised a bright future. Until the day my mother died... When I lost her, I found out how dear I had been to her. When I found out, the tears wouldn't stop. I couldn't stop them. My mother loved me. She loved me, loved me, loved me so much... That she was smothered by her love and died. Her violence. Her words. They were all the fruit of her excessive love. Now I understand that. So now I don't hate my mother. I'm not going to speak ill of her. I'm not going to make her the villain. But... I still haven't mended my bad habits from when she was alive. My mother hated vulgar things like manga, anime, and video games. If she found them in the house, she always threw them away. So I didn't keep manga or anime in the house. When I was young, I made secret bases and hid my treasures there. An unoccupied apartment room. A deserted gas station. I made bases in various places. Of course, I was found by an old man or woman every time. They would get mad at me and throw my stuff out. But as that pattern repeated through my childhood, I grew more clever about finding secret bases. Now no one can tell me to leave. This base is the seventh generation. Now that my mother is gone, there's no need to do this, but... it's a hard habit to quit. I still feel like my mother is watching me when I'm in the house... I can't focus on manga, anime, or games. So I'm still living the life that she wanted 'at home.' The bookshelves at home are filled with textbooks, telescopes, and globes. The music is always classical. Sometimes I play the piano. I actually hate it, but... it feels like my mother is watching me when I'm at home. I always study... I always read cultured books... I'm always surrounded by high-class art. The boy my mother desired wanted to have... Was that kind of boy. So even now, after her death... I try to be diligent whenever I'm at home. I try to be a good boy. And the rest of the time... I can be the lowest... I can be the worst. A worm― Beneath notice― Crushed underfoot― I might as well disappear. I might as well disappear . Takuji: Whew... This is the last of them. After this, I'm done. Takuji: But... it's so hot. It was pretty cool beneath ground. And because of that the school was even hotter in comparison... Someone could die out here. Next time I try to carry something to my base, it should be during the night... Takuji: Ah... I heard a sound like fireworks going off. My mind was yelling that something bad was about to happen. Ahh... Something bad... Something bad is about to happen... That's why I heard that sound― " ...Wh doing?" H-He... His name. " ou hear me? Hey, " Yuuki Tomosane... His name is Yuuki Tomosane... Takuji: Oh, uh... Tomosane: Don't you have class right now? Takuji: Oh, well... Uh... Tomosane: Haven't I told you... something bad might happen to you if you skip class. Takuji: Agh. Tomosane: You might get beaten up by some lowlife if you skip class... Catch my drift? Takuji: Y-Yes... Tomosane: So then, what are you doing here? Takuji: Ah, well... Nothing, really... Takuji: Gyagh... Tomosane: It's not nothing. I'm asking you a question, so give me a real answer... alright?! Takuji: Gyaa * eekh,* * ahh."* Tomosane: So then, what were you doing, Takuji-kun? Takuji: Oh, uh... Well... I can't say I was moving these books... He would find out about my base. But... Tomosane: What? Haven't I hit you enough? Takuji: Oh, it's just, I was about to get rid of these old books I had in my house... Tomosane: Get rid of old books? Takuji: Th-That's right... There's a dumpster over there, right? I was going to throw them in there. Tomosane: Oh... Getting rid of some books, huh? Takuji: Y-Yeah... Well then... Tomosane: Burn them right here, right now. Takuji: Eh? Tomosane: If you're going to throw them out anyway, it shouldn't be a big deal if we burn them, right? Takuji: Uh, umm... Why? Tomosane: Oh... It's not that I doubt you, but I hate being lied to. I hate it so much I might kill someone if I ever find out they've lied to me. Takuji: Oh, O-Okay... Tomosane: I don't know what I'd do if I found out that you just made up that excuse... so why don't you just burn them so that doesn't happen? ...Wha― What's that crap... That's nonsense. Tomosane: Do you think that's nonsense? Takuji: Oh, no... Not at all. D-Did it show on my face? Tomosane: I hope not. I really can't stand being lied to... Maybe I'm just coldhearted, but.. * I lose control of myself when I find out someone's stabbed me in the back."* Takuji: O-Okay... Tomosane: So then... Takuji: Wh-What are you doing? Yuuki suddenly started pouring lighter fluid on the books I was holding. Of course, he was getting it on my shirt as well as the books. Tomosane: Here we go. Takuji: Agh! Takuji: Hot, hot! Tomosane: Of course it's hot in the summer... Takuji: Aaghh! Tomosane: Why are you jumping around like that? Takuji: Fire, fire. My clothes are on fire! Tomosane: You're fine... The fire on your shirt is going out already. Tomosane: You don't have to play it up. What are you rolling around on the ground for? Takuji: Haaa... Haaa... The fire burned part of my clothes before I put it out. But the books were burning even brighter than before. Tomosane: You okay? You got dirt all over your clothes from rolling on the ground like that. Takuji: Aha, ahaha... I'm fine... Tomosane: Really? Well, I'm glad nothing bad happened to you. Takuji: Oh... Y-Yeah... Tomosane: Oh, that's right... Takuji: Wh-What is it? Tomosane: Now that I think about it, I'm almost out of lighter fluid... Takuji: Eh? Tomosane: Excuse me, I didn't have very much lighter fluid... and I just used up the last of it. Takuji: Uh, I see... Tomosane: Excuse me, could you pay me for the lighter fluid I just used? Takuji: Pay you for it? Tomosane: Yes, this is high octane lighter fluid, so it's expensive. It's an import brand, too. High octane lighter fluid... Either way, he just wants to take my money again. Takuji: How much is it? Tomosane: 30,000 yen. Takuji: 30,000 yen?! Tomosane: Yes, and my traveling expenses will be around 20,000, so 50,000 yen in total. Takuji: W-Wait a second, 50,000― Tomosane: What? Takuji: I-Isn't that too much? Tomosane: What? Are you calling me a liar? Takuji: Ah, no... Takuji: Ow! Tomosane: I'll say it again... I hate liars and backstabbers, so I never lie. Tomosane: But you still think I'm lying... You're going to make me get violent... Takuji: Oh, no, that's not what I mean. Takuji: Uh... Ugghh... Tomosane: I don't care about your excuses... I want 50,000 yen by tomorrow. Takuji: Th-There's no way I can get it by tomorrow. Tomosane: Then before this week ends. Takuji: Eh? At least give me a week... Tomosane: A week.. * Well, that's fine."* Takuji: A-Alright... Tomosane: Well then, right here, one week from now... Takuji: Alright... Tomosane: You better bring the money * If you don't, I'll kill you..."* Takuji: ... Tomosane: See ya. Takuji: ...50,000 yen? Takuji: Where am I going to... Damn it... That jerk. Everything he says is total crap. There's no way lighter fluid costs 50,000 yen. Damn it... Every day has been hell since he came to this school. Even when Shiroyama and Numada were bullying me, it was better than this. Their bullying wasn't this bad... I don't think... Takuji: Haa... No luck... I sifted through the cinders with my foot. The middle of the pile wasn't completely burnt, but... The rest was completely black with soot. It wasn't readable anymore. Takuji: It was the collector's edition, too... Takuji: Huh?! What?! Footsteps? Someone is coming here! Takuji: Tch... I didn't have time to open the manhole, so I just tried to hide. It sounded like the footsteps were coming directly toward me. Takuji: Wh-Who is it... in a place like this... Takuji: That's... Why's she here... She was the girl from the next class over... Takashima Zakuro... I had never talked to her, but... she was kind of a gloomy girl, and she was always off on her own, reading... I thought she was a diligent student, but... Why is she cutting class? ...... ...... It was like she was searching for something, * the way she kept looking around.* Takuji: Sh-She... Maybe she knows about the foundation too? Takuji: I-If she does... My base is in danger. Takuji: Crap. Takuji: Wh-What are you doing? Zakuro: Eh * Oh."* She must have been surprised by my voice, since her eyes shot wide open as she turned to look at me. What's up with her... * It looked like she was trembling...* C-Could she be... even weaker than me? Takuji: So, what are you doing here? Zakuro: Umm... Something was burning, so... Takuji: Something? The cinders were at Takashima Zakuro's feet. Takuji: N-Not really. It wasn't a very big fire. Zakuro: Oh, sorry.. * That's not what I mean. There was smoke in the air..."* Takuji: Smoke? Zakuro: Yes... Takuji: And you are...? Zakuro: Umm.. * I'm Takashima Zakuro. I'm in the class next to yours."* Takuji: That's not what I mean. What were you doing? Skipping class? Weren't you a good student? Zakuro: Oh, excuse me.. * I have certain circumstances..."* Takuji: Circumstances? Zakuro: Wh-What about you? Takuji: Huh? Zakuro: What were you doing? ...... Huh? Why me? What's up with this girl? Takuji: I'm not doing anything really. Zakuro: Your books were burning, though... Did someone make you burn them? Takuji: Ah, th-that's not it. Takuji: Umm... I just got rid of this manga because it was boring. Zakuro: Because it was boring? Takuji: Yeah... There's no particular reason. I just burned it because I didn't want it anymore. Zakuro: I have that manga too... Takuji: Eh? Really? Zakuro: Uh, yes... I like manga, too, so I have a lot of them... Takuji: I-I see. Zakuro: Yes. Wh― What... am I so happy about? I don't know what she came for. I shouldn't trust her so easily... Nothing good ever happens when I open up to another person... That's right... Women especially love to pretend they're interested, and then when I let my guard down... "Gross..." "You're getting the wrong idea..." "I can't believe a nerd like you would confess to me." "Nasty..." Those are their true colors. I know it. This is a trap... These are a woman's natural weapons... That's why... Takuji: Ohh... Do you now? I did my best to reply indifferently, like I wasn't interested at all... Takuji: You like manga, hmm... Zakuro: Yes... Mostly just shoujo manga, but I read shounen too. It's started... Now she's started talking about manga she thinks I read. Just like last time... Just like... when Kawabata started talking about manga. She said 'I read manga' too, and talked a lot about it... Then, the instant I opened my heart... Ikuta: "What is it, what is it?" Kawabata: "Thank you―" Tamura: "What is it? A love letter?" Shimada: "What? Mamiya, did you confess to Kawabata?" Shimada: "Let me read the letter." Kawabata: "Okay..." Takuji: "Wha―?!" I couldn't even tell what was happening anymore... I said I wanted to talk to her alone after school... She said it would just be the two of us. So why were all these other people there? Ikuta and Tamura were there... And there were some boys, too. Why were Shimada and Tokisaka there too? Shimada: "Umm, Lately I've been thinking. What is happiness..." Takuji: "Ah, y-you can't!" Tokisaka: "Shut up already. Of course we can." Takuji: "Ah, ah, ah..." Shimada: "Tokisaka, hold him down! Uh... My happiness is the time when I'm * * talking to you." Shimada: "Before I go to sleep at night, I think back on the words you and * * I shared that day." Shimada: "It rends my heart to remember the words you said with those * * luscious red lips of yours." Shimada: "I hope I can hear your voice again tomorrow... That is the only * * wish I have as I fall asleep." Tokisaka: "What? It sounds like you're confessing that you think of * * Kawabata when you jack off." Shimada: "It rends my heart, ahahahaha." Tokisaka: "It rends my dick, ahahaha hahaha!" Ikuta: "That's seriously creepy." Takuji: "Ah, no, that's not what it means!" Kawabata-san was looking at the letter and trying not to look me in the eye. And there was a smirk on her face... She completely ignored me... and said one thing. Kawabata: "Heheheh... It is kind of gross..." Takuji: "Wha..." Shimada: "I want to hear your voice for the rest of my life. Not just at * * school, but across the world. Not just at noon, but in the * * morning and night... Forever." Shimada: "Please marry me..." Ikuta: "..." Tokisaka: "..." Tamura: "..." Shimada: "Ahahahahahaha!" Ikuta: "What's with that? Why marriage all of a sudden?" Tamura: "Normally you'd ask them to go out with you first. I thought you * * had something in that head of yours." Shimada: "I bet he was thinking with his other head when he wrote that * * letter." Ikuta: "Guys are the worst. That's so vulgar." Shimada: "But it's the truth. When he thinks of Kawabata-san, all the * * blood goes to his other head." Takuji: "N-No, no, it, it... It... doesn't." Tamura: "You can't ask her to marry you all of a sudden." Shimada: "Virgins are the worst." Tokisaka: "What's that mean? Aren't you still a virgin?" Ikuta: "All this stuff you guys are saying is sexual harassment. Watch * * your words. You're gonna hurt Kawabata's feelings." Tamura: "I can't believe he proposed. Well then, Kawabata, how about it? * * What's your answer to his proposal?" Kawabata: "Umm, it's not like that... I'm the class rep, so I have to try * * to talk to everyone, you know? I have to try to be nice to * * someone like Mamiya who's getting bullied." Ikuta: "That's the problem. No one's ever been nice to him, so he * * misunderstands when you act nice to him." Kawabata: "I've never thought of you like that at all, Mamiya-kun." Tokisaka: "He was rejected!" Kawabata: "Ah, no, that's not what I mean. As a friend. We can be together * * forever as friends." Tokisaka: "Makes me wonder what you got into your head just because she * * was nice to you for a little while." Shimada: "What she's trying to say is that she doesn't want a nerd * * confessing to her." Kawabata: "I'm not saying that." Kawabata: "It's just... I don't want to go out with you... and of course I * * don't want to marry you." I did act rashly, but... But still, she said and did all that... Jeez, she said I looked like some manga character... She said that character was cool... She said she wanted to marry that character... She definitely said that... And yet... Kawabata: "...Gross" Zakuro: Wh-What's wrong? Takuji: N-Nothing... Takuji: Oh, hmm... So you read shounen. Do you want a prize? Zakuro: Eh? Takuji: You're not some fujoshi, are you? Zakuro: N-No. I'm not a― Takuji: Well, who cares about something like that. That's right... Sound as disinterested as possible. Avoid the subject as naturally as possible. As if you have no interest at all... As if it's just normal, everyday small talk... It's not like I would get ecstatic just from talking to a girl. Zakuro: Do you like manga, Mamiya-kun? Takuji: That's right. I'm a nerd. Zakuro: Huh? What do you mean? Takuji: That's right! I'm a huge, disgusting nerd! Is there a problem with that?! Zakuro: I-I'm sorry... Takuji: Um... could you just go away? Zakuro: Eh * Um..."* Takuji: Don't make me repeat myself. Zakuro: I-I'm sorry... Takuji: I don't need your apologies... Just disappear. Otherwise... Ah! Damn it... There's someone coming. Isn't that Shiroyama and Numada? Crap... Those are the two that bullied me before Yuuki transferred here... Yuuki's had a monopoly on me lately, so those two haven't done anything, but... Zakuro: The people from before. Takuji: From before? Zakuro: Earlier, they were wandering around the halls... And I was scared... R-Really? Zakuro: Ah! I put my hand on her shoulder and gently pushed her head down. Takuji: They'll see you if you do that... Zakuro: Ah... Thank you. Shiroyama: Did you just hear a girl's voice? Numada: You're just imagining things 'cause you haven't gotten any action lately... Shiroyama: No, really! Zakuro: Th-Those people... I see... So she was running away from them... Those two are as bad as they come... I guess I have to... Takuji: Takashima-san, you said? Zakuro: Huh? Yes... Takuji: Y-You can't say anything about what you're about to see. Zakuro: Eh? See what? Takuji: Just promise that you won't tell anyone about it. Zakuro: Oh, sure... Shiroyama: It came from over here. Someone's probably fucking. Numada: Hey, wait up. Takuji: ... Takuji: Come on... Zakuro: Eh? Takuji: What are you doing? Get in! Just go down the ladder. Zakuro: Ah, okay... Zakuro: Umm... Takuji: Be quiet... Also, this ladder is pretty high up, so be careful. Zakuro: Ah, okay... Shiroyama: Huuuh? Numada: Look, no one's here, just like I said. Shiroyama: That's weird... I'm sure I heard someone. Numada: But there's no one around here. Shiroyama: I definitely heard someone... Numada: You got any smokes? Shiroyama: Yeah, a few... Numada: Sevens, huh... Shiroyama: What's wrong with Sevens? Numada: Sevens is the kind of crap old men smoke... Shiroyama: Huh? Why don't you go smoke your mint crap, then? ...... Takuji: Th-Those bastards... They're smoking up there. Zakuro: Mamiya-kun... Takuji: Hmm? Zakuro: Uh, umm... Her hands were shaking. And probably not out of fear. Takuji: ...Are your arms getting tired? Zakuro: ... She silently nodded. Takuji: Oh... Well, it might be kind of hard for a girl to hold onto a metal ladder like this... What should I do... There's no way we can go back out, and we can't stay like this either... I guess we have to... Takuji: Takashima-san... could you climb down the ladder? Zakuro: Climb down? Takuji: Yeah, I'll turn on the lights when we get to the bottom, so could you go down? Zakuro: Uh, yes... Zakuro: ... Takuji: There we go... Zakuro: Ah... Takuji: You absolutely can't tell anyone else... Zakuro: Huh? About this place? Takuji: ...Not about this place, or any of the rest either. Zakuro: ...The rest? Though I really... can't tell her about it unless I have some dirt on her too... It is my secret base, after all. But how would I get that... ...... ...Come on, this isn't an eroge! Zakuro: What's wrong? Takuji: N-Nothing! Nothing at all. Takuji: W-Well, it's not a big deal. Let's go. Zakuro: Eh? Zakuro: This is amazing... Takuji: This is the old pool's drainage tank. Zakuro: Oh, that's amazing. It's like a secret base. Takuji: That's right. I actually do call this place my secret base. Zakuro: A secret base... It's like something out of a storybook. Takuji: That's... a nice way to put it. Zakuro: Oh, right.. * I think they would call it a hideout."* Takuji: Oh, yeah, yeah, adults would probably use the word hideout, right? That word's not nearly as cool, though. Zakuro: Not cool? Ahaha... I know what you mean. The only people who use that word are sheep who just listen to what the mass (more like trash) media tells them... But still... I've never been alone with a girl in a place like this before... In my secret base... I heard the almost inaudible sound of the bell ringing. It sounded like it was a thousand miles away, since we were underground... Takuji: Come on, get out of here already... That was the bell. Takuji: And this place is a secret, okay? Zakuro: Ah, okay... Of course... Takuji: See ya. Zakuro: Umm... Mamiya-kun. Takuji: Eh? What? Zakuro: I... I might have something I can't tell anyone about, too... Takuji: Huh? Wh-What do you mean? Zakuro: Umm... It's not fair that I know your secret and you don't know any of mine... Huh? That's... I've heard of something like that. I know this pattern. I've experienced this pattern so many times before... This is... I've seen this pattern in so many eroge! Huh? But does that actually happen in reality? Does it? It does, right? Calm down... I have experience from the games I've played, so... Casually... Just pick out nonchalant words... Casually... Zakuro: So maybe, something I can't speak of in public... Takuji: Huh? Th-That's right. Uh... Well... Calm down... As casually as possible... I don't know if she really wants to... Casually... feel out the situation... If this goes well... She might even show me her panties... Zakuro: Umm... Mamiya-kun? Takuji: Wh-What is it, all of a sudden... Zakuro: Oh, uh... I thought it would be rude if I found out your secret without telling you... Takuji: ...Your secret? Zakuro: Yeah... Takuji: What's the single most embarrassing thing about you? Zakuro: Huh? Takuji: Uh, I don't mean it in a perverted way... I just thought that something embarrassing would probably be a secret of equal value... Zakuro: S-Something embarrassing? Takuji: Something you always keep secret... Zakuro: Umm... I guess... Takuji: Or something you always hide away from prying eyes... Zakuro: Something I hide? Takuji: Yeah... Maybe something you're hiding right now. Zakuro: What are you talking about? Crap... She's not following me. Maybe I should just ask her directly? No, I can't do something that risky... Though you do have to take a risk to get a reward... Crap. Thinking about it just made me more confused. Ah, jeez... I'm overthinking it. Zakuro: Umm... Mamiya-kun? Takuji: Ah, wh-what? She didn't want to say anything about my sudden silence, so she just looked at me with her two beautiful eyes. She almost looked like she was a little scared. ...... she seemed like a weak, timid girl... Even in this situation, she was being careful not to hurt my feelings... This... might work. This is my base, after all... And everything is going well so far. It's almost going too well... Maybe... She doesn't really look upset... Actually, she's blushing a little bit. Good... I thought she was going to be grossed out like everyone else... Zakuro: Something I can't tell anyone about... Takuji: Huh? Oh, that's right... Uh... Calm down... As casually as possible... I don't know if she really wants to... I have to casually... feel out the situation. If this goes well... She might even show me her panties... Zakuro: Umm... Mamiya-kun? Takuji: Wh-What is it, all of a sudden... Zakuro: Oh, uh... I thought it would be rude if I found out your secret without telling you... Takuji: ...Your secret? Zakuro: Yeah.. Takuji: What's the single most embarrassing thing about you? Zakuro: Huh? Takuji: Uh, I don't mean it in a perverted way... I just thought that something embarrassing would probably be a secret of equal value... Zakuro: S-Something embarrassing? Takuji: Something you always keep secret... Zakuro: Umm... I guess... Takuji: Or something you always hide from prying eyes... Zakuro: Something I hide? Zakuro: ... Zakuro: Umm... If you could wait a little bit, I'll go get it. Takuji: Huh? G-Get what? Zakuro: Something as valuable as this place is to you... I hope. I'll show you my shameful secret. Takuji: Secret? Takuji: Ah... Takashima-san ran off. She went to go get something... I hope no one saw her when she left in a rush like that, but... I'm a little bit worried... A shameful secret... I wonder what she has in mind... A girl's shameful secret... Takuji: Wh-What are you doing? I thought it was someone else. Zakuro: Oh, I'm sorry. Zakuro: Umm, like I promised... Takuji: Promised? Zakuro: You said you needed one of my secrets. Takuji: Eh? Zakuro: No, like... my weak point. Takuji: ... A-A girl's... w-weak point... Wait, calm down... This reckless attitude is just inviting disaster. Handle it calmly... Act cool and collected... Takuji: Umm, your weak point? Zakuro: Yeah. It's not fair that I know your secret, so... Takuji: Umm, you mean... Zakuro: So... Takuji: E-Eh? Really? Zakuro: Please take this! Takuji: ... Takuji: What's this? I was dumbstruck by her desperate plea. My muscles refused to move, like they'd been tied up with an invisible rope. Zakuro: Oooohh... Her gaze was glued to the floor, her face was bright red, and resting in her outstretched hands was... Takuji: This couldn't be... Resting on her delicate hands was a round shape, almost like an elongated ping-pong ball, with a cord attached to what looked like a remote control. Takuji: Ah, umm, that's... Zakuro: Y-Yes...! I actually knew very well what it was. I knew what it was, but I could never use it myself, and I'd never met anyone else who would use one for me. Zakuro: It's... It's a vibrator! Takuji: Eek?! Takuji: As if that could happen! Takuji: ...Haa, haa, haa... Crap... I got caught up in my delusions again... Don't be stupid... There's no way reality could be that kind. Didn't you learn your lesson last time? Even in an eroge, you'd need a better reason than that... I was right!! She's nothing like I had imagined. My eyes have been opened. She's the kind of girl that only appears in the fictional worlds of erotic manga and eroge. I-If... If something like this fell out of the pocket of someone like Akasaka or Kitami, who were known for being loose― "I knew she was a fucking slut. Sex is all she cares about!" It would be easy to scorn them and laugh it off. I wouldn't even be surprised to see it happen (though I actually probably would be surprised). Zakuro: Ahh... But to hear that a polite and diligent girl like Takashima-san had something like this was a shock that could change my whole worldview. Zakuro: Um, since you told me about your secret base. Takuji: ...Oh, yeah, that's right. She averted her eyes and tried to force the words out of her mouth. Apparently, looking directly at me was too embarrassing. Zakuro: So to make it even, this is something that I could never let anyone else know about! Zakuro: I thought I should tell you my biggest secret, since you revealed yours to m-m-me. It wasn't just her voice shaking from embarrassment. Her whole body was shaking. Takuji: Uh... Uh... 'Takashima-san's embarrassing secret.' 'Something she always hides away from prying eyes...' It's her super secret item, her 'weak point.' 'Embarrassing secret'+'always hidden''a girl's weak point' = ☆@@@☆* Takuji: Is that a v-vibrator?! Zakuro: Eek! When I yelled the word 'vibrator,' she flinched like a little girl being yelled at by her father. Takuji: Oh, sorry, sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I'm really sorry. I tried to calm her down so she wouldn't faint. Right, it's embarrassing for her... There's only one thing she could do with that. If you flip the switch, it'll start to vibrate. You could rub it here or there, or in the heat of the moment even stick it in there―! Imagining the different places she could stick it, I gained a new respect for its versatility, but either way the result is the same. There's only one thing someone could do with it. Takuji: Haa... Haa... Haa... Haa... Just imagining it made my breathing faster, my pulse quicker, and my body temperature higher. Zakuro: Ahh... Haa... I couldn't tell what was causing it, but her breath grew ragged too, as if she was holding a dangerous weapon. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. I had no idea what was going to happen next, but... I felt like it was going well... Takuji: W-Wow... This is really surprising. Takuji: I really am surprised that a chaste, high-class girl like you would have a dirty toy like this. That was certainly something she would want to keep secret. But since it was lying in front of me, not hidden away in her room... she probably had it in the classroom, or she was carrying it around in her bag. Huh? Why would she do that? Why would she carry around a toy like this? Huh? It made me want to interrogate her like a news reporter that doesn't care if they're a bother, but she wouldn't let me do that. Girls can tell when someone has ulterior motives. So I calmed my heart, put on a smile, and tried to speak in a relaxed tone of voice. Zakuro: Um... you hid me in your secret base that you didn't want anybody to know about. You saved me when I had nowhere else to run... Zakuro: If the situation were reversed, I might have left you behind so that I could keep my base secret... Her cheeks were still flushed. She was trying her best to keep her voice steady and look straight at me as she talked. Zakuro: But you saved me when I was in trouble. Zakuro: Even though you had to reveal your secret base to do it! Takuji: Y-Yeah, well, I guess so... This time I had to avert my eyes, since she looked straight into them and spoke as if she were confessing her love. You know... I've had plenty of girls tell me I'm the scum of the earth, but this was the first time I've ever had one talk to me like this. I was honestly a little unsure how to respond. I'll have to cry myself to sleep if I pick the wrong choice and miss the flag... And I was all-in on this bet, since I couldn't go into the menu and make a new save. I was so nervous it felt like the vibrator was being pressed up against my chest. Zakuro: Ehehe... I know I'm a little naive, but even I know how hard it is to be kind to a stranger. Zakuro: Th-That's why... As I tried my best to hide my overflowing emotions, she put her hands in front of her chest and started speaking with a red face. Zakuro: Th-That's why I thought... it would be all right if I showed you my biggest secret. Zakuro: I thought it would only be fair if we both knew each other's secrets, so, uh... Takuji: Oh, uh... Yeah... Zakuro: A-And I know you're kind and trustworthy, so I'm sure you won't tell anyone else about my secret. Takuji: Yeah, of course not... If I tried to betray you, you would tell other people about this place. It really would be a problem if I couldn't use my base anymore, even if it is dark and a bit uncomfortable. It's the only safe place I have at school. If I couldn't hide here, I might not ever be able to come back to school. Zakuro: Th-That's right! I'm glad I showed you... Yeah. A tranquil smile formed on her lovely face. Her cheeks were still bright red, though... The contrast was incredibly lascivious. Zakuro: B-By the way... i-if you slide this switch, you can change the vibration speed... Takuji: Oh, really... I see. No, she really didn't need to explain it to me. I knew that much. But hearing her explain it was extremely sexy... so I quietly listened to her. I was shaking a little bit... I could feel my teeth chattering... Takuji: Umm... since you brought it here so quickly, does that mean you carry it around with you? Zakuro: Eh * Uh, umm... Well... Yes..."* Zakuro: Ah, ooh... Um. Her body was shivering like she was cold, and yet at the same time it looked like she was too hot to stand up straight... Zakuro: I-I have an obligation to tell you all of my secrets. Her voice cracked as she declared that. Zakuro: I-I'll tell you all my secrets. Takuji: O-Okay... I was totally bowled over, but... my head was spinning with anticipation for what she was going to say next... Zakuro: I-I actually... like to go out in public and masturbate, hoping they don't notice... Umm, i-it's one of my hobbies. Takuji: ―What?! I had a feeling it was something like that, but the shock still sent my heart aflutter. Zakuro: I w-wander around town... And then when I find a place that looks nice, I do it, and I th-think about the people watching... Her face was bright red, tears were forming in her eyes, and she was off balance... She shook a little as she stood there... Zakuro: I know I shouldn't, but... I do it, just like that! Her face was red and her eyes tearful as she confessed her perversion. * THIS IS "MOE"!!* Zakuro: I-I'm sorry. You probably think I'm an awful, dirty girl... Takuji: N-No... I don't think anything like that... Ahaha, ha. Zakuro: A-Ahahaha... Her face was as red as a beet... And for some reason, she looked like she was about to cry. She was overcome with emotion... I guess? I couldn't be sure, but her tearful and erotic confession... That was too lewd. I knew it all too well. Takuji: W-Well... I jerk off sometimes too. I don't think it's healthy for someone of our age to hold it in... Ahahaha... Takuji: So you don't need to worry about it too much. Takuji: We're the kind of close friends who can share these secrets, after all. Takuji: I'll swear it to you, right here. I will absolutely never tell anyone else what you've told me. Takuji: I would never betray one of my friends! Zakuro: Oh, that's right. Thank you. Takuji: Yeah, yeah, so, uh... could you tell me more about that? Zakuro: Eh? You still want to know more? Takuji: Of course... I do. Zakuro: Aha, then, I hope you like... my perverted story... Takuji: Gulp... The combination of innocence and obscenity in her smile made my mouth water. Zakuro: W-Well, a few weeks ago... Aha, I think it was a sunny day. She looked at me with a soft smile, but her face was red and hot, and her fists were clenched. Her palms were probably covered in sweat. Her eyes were still tearful... She wiped them a few times, but even then they were moist. Zakuro: The train to school in the morning is always packed, right? Takuji: Yeah, it is... Wait, are you saying some pervert touched you?! Zakuro: Ahaha... That might have been nice too... Takuji: Huh? Zakuro: Oh, ahaha, nothing! Um, no, no one touched me. She wasn't put off when I assumed the worst like that. She actually seemed pleased by it. Of course, I'm a growing boy, so I love stories like this. But I wouldn't want to hear about a beautiful girl I'd just become friends with being defiled by another man. Zakuro: I-I'll continue the story... if you don't mind... Takuji: O-Of course... Zakuro: It was pretty crowded on that day, so there was nowhere to sit. I was holding onto the handhold and standing... Zakuro: I'm not very strong, so often I can't get to the door in time if I sit in the wrong spot. Takuji: Yeah, yeah, I know what you mean. You have to push your way through the people standing by the door. Zakuro: Right! The door's right there, but it feels like it's a thousand miles away. Zakuro: And I'm afraid to squeeze in between people I don't know... Do you know what I mean? Takuji: Oh, most girls probably feel that way. Zakuro: Oh, excuse me. We're off topic again... Zakuro: At that time, there was a drowsy man in front of me. It was still morning and he already looked like he'd done a full day's work... Zakuro: I... don't know why, but standing next to that smelly old man... I started to feel funny... Takuji: D-Do you like older guys? Zakuro: N-Not at all. I never said I liked older guys. Zakuro: But... on that day, it just so happened that I had put the vibrator in my underwear so that I could turn it on with the remote control in my pocket at any time. Takuji: ...I-I don't think that just happened on its own, did it? Zakuro: I guess so... That's right... It was probably... just a coincidence... She said she always carried it around, but... it 'just so happened' to be there... Zakuro: S-So I was relieved, since it wasn't like it was the man in front of me that was making me feel that way... That's what I told myself. Zakuro: But... I imagined it... Zakuro: What would happen if I turned the switch on... Zakuro: What would it be like if I turned the vibrator on in front of him... I felt a little strange the moment that thought popped into my mind... Takuji: Eh? What happened? Zakuro: Oh, nothing... My finger just happened to be on the switch, so I accidentally turned it on... Takuji: ...You turned it on... Zakuro: I didn't mean to... It probably was just a coincidence... So I was a little shocked. Zakuro: But I'm not very quick on my feet, so I hesitated for a moment. I wanted to turn it off, but... Takuji: You didn't turn it off right away? Zakuro: Y-Yes... I totally panicked... I didn't intend to go that far, but I didn't know what I should do next... Zakuro: I was thinking, what should I do... I shouldn't have turned it on in a place like this... I'm not sure what I was doing... Takuji: ...O-Ohh... Zakuro: I didn't know what to do, but... I guess, it kind of felt good... Takuji: Wh-What did it feel like? Zakuro: What did it feel like? Umm... w-well... The vibrator was rubbing up against me and making warm waves of pleasure run through my lower body... Zakuro: A-And then... when I bent over a little bit, the vibrator touched that spot... Takuji: That spot? Zakuro: Umm... my clitoris... Takuji: How did it feel when it touched your clitoris? Zakuro: Umm, when the vibrator hit my clitoris, it felt so good that I couldn't help but jump. Takuji: Oh, ohh... Zakuro: But... I didn't want to overdo it. If it started to feel too good, I wouldn't be able to stand anymore. Zakuro: So every once in a while I would act like I was stretching... Takuji: And when you were stretching, you were trying to escape the pleasure? Zakuro: Th-That's right, but... I felt so miserable standing there and feeling the weak vibrations... Zakuro: So I always leaned over again. Zakuro: And when I did, I couldn't hide the pleasure that was overcoming me. My voice would leak out, like 'Hmmm,' or 'Haaa.' Zakuro: I did my best to cover up my moans, but... Ah, ahh... It looked like she was remembering what it felt like... I had never seen the expression on her face until that moment... She was shaking and staring off into space. Zakuro: And then... th-the man in front of me raised his head and looked straight at me. Takuji: Did he find out about the vibrator? Zakuro: I-I don't know... Oh, he probably just thought I looked like I was sick. Takuji: Yeah! There's no way he would think the girl in front of him was secretly masturbating with a vibrator. Zakuro: Aha, ahahaha... Th-That's right... That would be really strange. I would be, like... Takuji: A pervert? Zakuro: Y-Yes... I'm... a pervert...! Mmm!! She looked strange... She was shaking way more than before... Takuji: Wh-What's wrong? Zakuro: H-Huh? Oh, excuse me... Takuji: That's not what I mean... What's wrong? Zakuro: Aha... I-I think I might have come a little bit... Takuji: Eh? Takuji: You came just now? Just from words? Zakuro: B-But you called me a pervert, so... I-I... Takuji: No... There's no way you could come just from that. Zakuro: Y-Yes... I think you're right... Takuji: I guess... I shouldn't be surprised, since you masturbate in public... Zakuro: Ah... Don't say that... Takuji: But please, the rest of the story... Zakuro: Ah, okay... He looked at me suspiciously, so I gave him a big smile... Like a silent acknowledgement... Zakuro: And then he smiled a little bit. Takuji: Oh, that's good. Zakuro: He really was wondering if I was all right... Zakuro: At first I didn't think anything of him... I actually kind of disliked him at first, but... Zakuro: As I started to feel better and better from the vibrator, I started to feel connected to that old man who worked his heart out every day... Zakuro: I thought about how... he's ridden this crowded train every day to get to that age... It wouldn't hurt to give him something to cheer him up... Zakuro: It probably wasn't a good decision... I wasn't thinking straight because of the vibrator, so I lifted my skirt in front of the old man. Takuji: Then― He could see your panties plain as day?! Zakuro: Y-Yes... And he could tell right away that there was a vibrator buzzing in my panties... Takuji: Whoa, whoaa... Zakuro: That's why... Zakuro: He noticed what I was doing and his face got bright red. He looked away immediately... Takuji: Well, of course. Anyone would be surprised by that... After all... the only people who would do something like that are crazy exhibitionists... You would expect an old woman to do something like that. You would think it was a trap if a beautiful young girl who 'hasn't even experienced carnal pleasure' suddenly flashed you like that... Zakuro: Ah, jeez... What if he didn't like it? I guess he didn't... Why did I do something like that... Zakuro: I thought they were going to yell 'stop that immediately' and arrest me at the next stop... Zakuro: I thought my life was over... Zakuro: I thought, but nothing happened... He didn't say anything... Zakuro: Though he still glanced over at me every once in a while... Zakuro: Or maybe... he wanted to look? But why didn't he look straight at me... I still had my skirt up, trying to show him... Takuji: Well, of course... It could have been blackmail. Zakuro: Blackmail? Takuji: That's what he probably thought. There's no way a girl like you would do that for an old guy for free, right? Takuji: He probably thought a scary guy was going to come after him and say 'You looked, didn't you?' Zakuro: But it wasn't... I just wanted to do it... Takuji: But he didn't know that. Zakuro: Oh... He didn't really dislike it... If he disliked it, I would stop... I'm starting to feel good... Zakuro: I really wasn't thinking clearly... My head felt funny... Zakuro: I would bend over and stimulate my clitoris, seeking that ecstasy. Every time, I got a little closer to the old man... And then I lowered my panties. Zakuro: And then... He casually moved his hands to cover his crotch... Takuji: Yeah, he would have a problem if he didn't react to that. Even I was having trouble hiding my erection from imagining it. Zakuro: When I saw that, my mind went blank... I was too into it to think about anyone else that might be watching... Zakuro: I lowered my panties and started rubbing the vibrator on my wet pussy... Haa... Takuji: Eh? Did you get caught?! That's not doing it in secret at all! That's public masturbation! That's clearly a crime... Just remembering it made her moan as if she was masturbating. No one would ever imagine that she was this kind of girl if they had to judge her at a glance... Zakuro: Thinking back on it now, it was definitely scary... But at the time, my mind was numb. Zakuro: I tried to hold it in, but my voice was getting louder... Zakuro: It was like, "Aaah," and I think I said "Ooooh, it feels so good" a few times... Takuji: That's like you're telling the people around you. That's too dangerous... Zakuro: Yeah, it was... But still, I... Takuji: You what? I couldn't help asking. She looked too cute when she looked down so pensively. Zakuro: They probably thought I was weird... Ahaha, they were all looking at me out of the corners of their eyes, but no one told me to stop. Zakuro: Of course, I was worried about getting caught... Or rather, I thought I shouldn't do something like this... No human being should do something like this... Zakuro: I knew I shouldn't, but... I got even more excited because they were watching... Zakuro: Ahh, it felt so good having all those men looking at me... Just thinking about what a nasty girl I was made me... Zakuro: Ah! But don't get me wrong, please. Zakuro: I'm still a virgin. I just rubbed myself with the vibrator. I never put it inside. Zakuro: Even if I'm no good... I'd like to give my first to the man I love. Zakuro: So I've never crossed that line... Takuji: O-Of course not. I knew she was an incredibly perverted girl, but I felt like I had been saved when she said she were still a virgin. Even if she is a pervert, she should keep her body beautiful... And if I could be her first... that would be the best. Zakuro: I didn't know what was happening anymore, but I probably... Zakuro: I think I kept rubbing my exposed clitoris with the vibrator and watching the reactions of the people around me... Zakuro: I kind of remember seeing that all the men sitting down had erections... Takuji: Those people probably jacked off to you later, you know. Zakuro: Ah... That's embarrassing... Takuji: But the embarrassment made you feel good... Zakuro: Maybe it did... I'm a huge pervert, aren't I? But it felt so good. I just wanted more people to watch... Zakuro: Oh no... My moans probably echoed throughout the entire train... Zakuro: The hand holding the vibrator was covered in love juices... Zakuro: All the strength had left my body. If not for the handhold, I would have fallen... Zakuro: And then I heard the announcer say Suginomiya, and I knew I had to get off soon, so I pressed the vibrator up against my clitoris... Zakuro: I had to go all the way... I had to cum... Zakuro: There was nothing going through my head except... I have to cum, I have to cum, I have to cum... Zakuro: Ahh, ahh... It's so good... Ahh... Zakuro: So good... Ahhh, I'm going to cum, I'm going to cum! Zakuro: Oo, oooohhnnn!! Takuji: ...Amazing. As she told me about her orgasm, she actually let out a moan that left me starstruck. Zakuro: At that very instant, I saw the station come into view... I ran off the train without even pulling up my panties... Takuji: I never knew a quiet girl like you could do something so bold... Zakuro: Oh, yes... Excuse me... Maybe she felt better after telling me about her public masturbation. She acted more friendly toward me than before. Zakuro: Oh... what's the most nerve-wracking place for you? Takuji: Huh? I've never done anything like that... And what about you? Zakuro: Eh? Takuji: What do you think is the most nerve-wracking place to masturbate? It must feel incredibly good to do it there. Zakuro: D-Don't say something like that out loud... Why's she getting embarrassed when she just told me about all that? Zakuro: Umm... from my experience, it's probably the classroom... Takuji: ... Takuji: What?! Zakuro: I-I'm sorry! Takuji: Oh, no... I'd love to hear about that, but... have you actually tried that? Zakuro: Yes... Something like that... Zakuro: If you were in the same class, you might have noticed... Takuji: Eh? Ehh? Don't you try to hide it? Takuji: What if you got caught? If Akasaka or Kitami caught you, your life would be over... Zakuro: I guess so, but I can't stop... Takuji: Ahaha... I see. Zakuro: Um, Mamiya-kun... This might be a silly question, but could we call each other by our names? Takuji: Names? Umm... You mean, our first names? Zakuro: We're partners in crime... We've shared all our secrets already. How about we call each other by our first names, to become even more intimate? Takuji: Partners in crime... First names... Her first name... Ahaha, that felt downright surreal. It was like I just unlocked the Takashima Zakuro route. Zakuro: Um... what should I call you? Takuji: What do you mean? My first name is... Zakuro: Takuji-kun... Takuji: Oh, you remember my full name. Zakuro: Yes... Would it be all right if I called you Takuji-kun? Takuji: Oh, that's fine. Zakuro: Please call me Zakuro, without any honorifics. Takuji: Yeah... alright. Takuji: Ah... Should we start telling each other secrets again? Zakuro: Ah, yes... Umm, well, on those days, I go to the bathroom before homeroom starts and put the vibrator in my underwear... Zakuro: And then... I wait until everyone around me is focusing on the blackboard and their notes. Zakuro: Then I turn the switch on just a little bit... Takuji: ... She turned on the vibrator as she eagerly explained. She was having fun watching my nervous face, and her voice was more seductive than before. Zakuro: Every time, it seems like I'm going to moan, but... I absolutely have to endure it. Zakuro: I can never let them hear me in class... Takuji: Does that restriction make it feel better? It's a pretty big risk, since it'll all be over if someone finds out. Zakuro: I'm not sure, but.. * that might be it, now that I think about it. If someone noticed, I wouldn't just be suspended, I would never be able to come back to this school."* Takuji: The crucial element is that you're one step from oblivion... You really are a pervert, Zakuro... Takuji: While everyone else is diligently studying? That's crazy. I can't believe a so-called honor student like you would do that... Zakuro: If I look out the window, there are guys running laps and playing soccer... Zakuro: The girls look like they're having fun playing volleyball... Zakuro: But I'm the only one in the entire school who would... Takuji: Who would masturbate there... Takuji: Tell me how exactly you masturbate. Zakuro: Ah, okay... Um, should I explain how I do it without the vibrator? Takuji: Yeah, sure... Zakuro: At first, my clitoris is too sensitive, and, how should I put it... It feels unrefined. Zakuro: So first I rub my slit from over my panties until I feel my body start to get warm... My beloved Zakuro-chan curved her middle finger and showed me how she touches herself. I was so into it that my member had started standing at attention, so I put my hand in my pocket to hide it. Zakuro: ... But she had noticed a long time ago... Despite that, she didn't make fun of me. Instead, she gave me a bashful smile. She really was adorable... Zakuro: When my body starts warming up, I slowly move my hand into my underwear... and begin rubbing myself directly. Takuji: Y-Yeah... Zakuro: If I move my finger back and forth like that with my legs closed, it feels really good. Takuji: O-Ohhh... Zakuro: Then when I'm relaxed, my finger starts getting covered in sticky juices... Zakuro: Once I've gotten wet, I start touching my clitoris... She changed her hand motions. Now it looked like she was grabbing something in between her thumb and middle finger. Zakuro: Then it doesn't hurt even if I grab my clitoris roughly. Zakuro: So I grab it and rub it around, and I use my other fingers to rub around my pussy... Zakuro: And of course, I make sure I don't stick any fingers in... Zakuro: So I lay my fingers flat and rub so that it doesn't make as much sound... My excitement suddenly skyrocketed. Her explanation was so realistic that I had to stick my hand in my pocket and hold my penis down to make sure it didn't accidentally go off. Zakuro: And then I get going, and... Zakuro: I can't even hear the teacher's voice at that point... Takuji: Can't even hear the teacher... Zakuro: And then before I know it, I'm climaxing... Takuji: ... Zakuro: Um... should I talk about the rest? Takuji: O-Of course... What's next? Zakuro: Umm... the times I use my vibrator in class... Takuji: Don't people notice the noise? Zakuro: You expect the classroom to be quiet during class, but there are actually a lot of times when it gets noisy... Zakuro: When the teacher is talking, when other students are reading from the textbook... Zakuro: I wait until it gets really noisy and turn the vibrator on. Takuji: I-I see... She aims for the times when it's noisy... That might be its own kind of thrill. Zakuro: And that makes me feel way better than when I do it with my finger. Her eyes flickered up to the ceiling, and then she took a deep breath. Zakuro: Still, I can't be sure when it's going to get quiet again... Zakuro: So I keep my finger on the switch and turn it off when it seems like it's about to get quiet. Takuji: That thrill is irresistible, huh... Even though you know it's risky, you can't stop... Takuji: Do you ever rub yourself with your fingers when you're using the vibrator? Zakuro: Ah, well... even though it's risky, I do have my other hand free to help out... Zakuro: And I watch the clock so that I can adjust the strength of the vibrations and stretch it out for as long as possible... Zakuro: If it looks like the teacher is about to call on me, I turn it off immediately... Takuji: Keeps you pretty busy, I guess. Zakuro: That's right... But that just makes me even more nervous, and even more sensitive. Zakuro: And as the end of the class approaches, I time it so... As she told me the story, her cheeks were flushed, and her face was lost in ecstasy, as if she was masturbating at that very moment. ......... ...... ... Takuji: Eh? Takuji: Wh-What was that sound? What? That sound... Was someone knocking on the manhole? Why? Takuji: ... Takuji: Someone's outside the manhole... I put my ear up against the manhole and listened. Zakuro: Haa... Haa... I think it was this manhole, but... Zakuro: Nngh... I-It's too heavy. Takuji: Ah... It's Takashima-san. Zakuro: Eh? Takuji: Wh-What are you doing? I thought it was someone else. Zakuro: Ah... I'm sorry. Zakuro: Umm, like I promised... Takuji: Promised? Zakuro: You said you needed one of my secrets. Takuji: Eh? Zakuro: No, like... my weak point. Takuji: ... A-A girl's... w-weak point... Wait, calm down... This reckless attitude is just inviting disaster. Handle it calmly... Be completely calm... Takuji: Umm, your weak point? Zakuro: Yeah. It's not fair that I know your secret, so... Takuji: Umm, you mean... Zakuro: So... Takuji: E-Eh? Really? Zakuro: Please take this! Takuji: ... Takuji: What's this? Zakuro: M-My notebook! Takuji: Um, I can see that. Zakuro: Um, this is my weak point! It's my weak point... Takuji: Oh, I see. There were a bunch of drawings in the notebook she gave me. They looked like some shoujo manga... And honestly, they weren't very good. That was her weak point? Takuji: Manga, huh? Zakuro: Y-Yes. Takuji: Well, they're kind of good. Haa... I don't know why I got my hopes up. Well, it's not an eroge. It's not like she would say, 'look at my weak point'... And show me her panties, or tell me about the way she masturbates with a vibrator... The only place where that kind of blissful world exists... is in the mind of the people writing eroge. So it goes... Zakuro: Umm, are you heading back now? Takuji: What? Zakuro: You're about to go back to your secret base, right? Takuji: Well, yeah, that's the idea. Zakuro: Umm... would you mind if I came with you? Takuji: W-Well, sure... You already know where it is, after all... Takuji: But what for? Zakuro: Oh, uh... I just wanted to know more about the base, I guess... Takuji: Eh? "What's that?" She wants to know more? That's kind of... Zakuro: Do you always stay here? Takuji: Here? I'd get sick if I stayed here in the humidity... It's kind of nasty. Zakuro: Oh, I guess so... Takuji: Well then... I'm going up. Zakuro: Up? Zakuro: Huh? There's more to your base? Takuji: Like I said, I'd get sick if I stayed down here... Look, there's a ladder over there. Zakuro: Oh, there is... I couldn't see it in the dark... Takuji: If you want to come along, feel free. Just don't fall. Zakuro: Eh? This is... Zakuro: This is... amazing. Takuji: This is the new building's foundation. Right above us is Building C, where the new pool is. Zakuro: How did you find this place... Takuji: Well, I have my ways... Zakuro: No one comes here, do they? Takuji: No, I'm sure workmen would come down here if there was a problem with the pool. There are plumbing pipes and stuff... Zakuro: But bullies and teachers wouldn't come down here... No one's going to bother us down here. Takuji: Bother us? Takuji: Aha... Ahahaha. Maybe? Wait! What? What did that mean...?! It sounded like she was saying that the two of us could be alone down here! ...... No, wait... Girls always show interest like that and then stab you in the back later... I can't open up too much... Th-That's... right. Zakuro: Huh? You even have a generator? I started the generator's engine and started walking away from her, hoping she wouldn't notice how nervous I was. Nothing good happens when I get worked up. My voice cracks, and I start stammering... Right now, I have to walk and try to calm down. Zakuro: Why's the roof so high? Takuji: M-Maybe they were going to build something down here, but they ran out of money halfway through? Zakuro: What would they put down here? Takuji: Who knows... It looks like they could fit another whole floor down here, though I'm not really an expert. Takuji: Here it is. Zakuro: Here? I passed my arm through the dark, gravelly curtain. Takashima-san looked pretty surprised when my hand went straight through what she thought was the wall. Zakuro: I-Is this fabric? Zakuro: Wow... It's almost like a house. It's so bright. Takuji: Yeah, that's why I have the generator. I can read or even play games in here. Zakuro: Books... Zakuro: Are these your books? Takuji: Some of them are mine... but not all. I brought some books that my parents make me read. Zakuro: There are a lot of really difficult books here. Takuji: Those aren't mine. They're the ones my parents try to make me read... They're in the way, so I just keep them down here. Zakuro: There are a bunch of plays.. * King Lear... Macbeth... Cyrano de Bergerac..."* Takuji: I don't really know anything about them... I don't understand why someone would want to read that. Zakuro: Ahaha... Umm... Zakuro: And... there are a lot of light novels. Takuji: A ton of them, right? They're all mine. Zakuro: Do you like light novels? Takuji: Well, yeah. I don't think there's anything to learn from old books. There's nothing but old information in them, you know? Zakuro: M-Maybe so... Takuji: Right. What good is the information some dead guy wrote a hundred years ago? We have the Internet now. Zakuro: The Internet, huh... You can definitely find stuff out immediately that way. Takuji: Right. All the information you need is on the Internet. Zakuro: Is it... Takuji: Of course. If there's something you really want, you can just use P2P software. Zakuro: P2P? Takuji: Peer-to-peer. Are you looking for any manga or anything like that? I could download it for you right now. Takuji: You can get information without paying money. The only people who use money for that are buyfags. Zakuro: ...Buyfags? Takuji: They're idiots who think they're better than everyone else. Anyway, you can download anything. Look, I downloaded this earlier. Zakuro: ...No. Takuji: Eh? Zakuro: ...That's wrong... For some reason, Takashima-san took a jar off my food shelf. A jar of something... Zakuro: This isn't a jar of marmalade, is it... Takuji: Huh? Takuji: Marmalade? What's that? Do you want something to eat? Zakuro: N-No, it's nothing.. * I'm sorry."* Takuji: What's wrong, all of a sudden? Zakuro: I should be heading home. Takuji: Eh? Already? I stood in front of her when she tried to run off. I wasn't thinking, it was just a reflexive action. Not thinking at all... Wh-What? Why does this girl suddenly want to go home? Did she change her mind for some reason? Takuji: Uh, umm... What's wrong? Zakuro: Ah.. * Sorry."* Takuji: Ah... Takuji: Y-You can come back any time you want. Takuji: Uh, Takashima-san! Takuji: ... Wh-What... was that? Jeez, girls are always like that... They act like they're interested, and then of course, it ends up like that. Just what the heck... was up with that... Takuji: Haa... Ridiculous. I started to feel kind of tired. I sank deep into the sofa. Takuji: Haa... All the stuff that happened today tired me out. My body felt sluggish... Incredibly sluggish... Incredibly sleepy... I was suddenly sleepy... Sleepy. The blazing summer sun steals my strength. But I feel sleepy during the spring too. And the fall, and the winter too... But I think a lot of people say they're tired during the spring. ...So being tired during the spring isn't a problem. The problem is... The prob is... The ob ... * ......*
This is the exact same thing that always happens... Before I knew it... I'd lost track of what was real and what was just my delusion. This always... Zakuro: Umm... Takuji: Eh? Zakuro: I-Is something wrong? You got really quiet all of a sudden... Takuji: Oh, uh... Not really...
Takuji: Ah, well... Zakuro: Yes, what is it? Takuji: Well... for instance, why do you wear a skirt? Zakuro: Huh? D-Did I overdo it? Surely that must have been too direct, right? Takuji: Uh, not in a perverted way. Just, like, there's a normal reason for it. Zakuro: Okay... The reason, huh... Because the skirt is part of the uniform, I guess... Takuji: Uh, no, that's not what I mean... Zakuro: Huh? Then... what do you mean? Takuji: I mean, why do you wear a skirt... or even pants, why do you wear them? Zakuro: Huh?! That's... obvious, isn't it? Takuji: What's obvious? Why do you wear them? It's not like there would be a problem if you didn't, right? Zakuro: Th-There would be a big problem. Takuji: Why's that? Zakuro: B-Because that would... be embarrassing, wouldn't it... Takuji: Right, right! That's why... Walking around outside without a skirt on would be super embarrassing, wouldn't it? Zakuro: ...Yeah. I know women have the tendency to act as if they're content at one moment and grow enraged in the very next. Takuji: And why would it be embarrassing? Because you don't want people to see what panties you're wearing, right? Zakuro: ...Um, yes. Takuji: You wouldn't show your panties to people walking on the street outside, right? Zakuro: O-Of course not! Takashima-san's hands tightened into fists as she looked at me sharply. Takuji: Then, how about that? Zakuro: Eh? Takuji: The secret you're keeping right here, right now... Takuji: Show me the panties you're wearing right now. Zakuro: Ah... H-Huh? She was surprised, but I couldn't hesitate now. Takuji: Like I said, show me your secret! Zakuro: B-But... Takashima-san tried to avert her eyes in embarrassment, but I kept staring straight at her, not letting her change the subject. Zakuro: I-I, I... c-can't do that... Of course, she squirmed in discomfort and tried to refuse. But I couldn't back down after saying it straight out like that. Giving up here would be dangerous. If I gave up now, there was a high chance that she would tell someone 'Mamiya-kun told me to show him my panties.' So I had to change the situation so it was as if she showed me her panties of her own free will. Takuji: You know how important this place is to me. You know how I try to keep it secret. Takuji: Do you get it? This is my 'secret base'... And yet, I told you about it, didn't I? Zakuro: ...Yes, you did... Takuji: To me, this was a place that I could never tell anyone else about. Takuji: But I 'only told you'... so that I could save you when you were being chased. Takuji: Sadly, I don't think you understand just how special this place is to me. Zakuro: Yes, but... Takuji: You were the one who said it wasn't fair that you found out my secret and didn't tell me one of yours, weren't you? Weren't you?! Takuji: Was that a lie? Are you one of those lowlifes that doesn't think twice about lying? Zakuro: N-No... That wasn't a lie. Takuji: That's right. You're different from the rest of those rotten girls who would even lie to their own grandmothers. You're totally different. Takuji: Or at least, that's what I believe. Zakuro: ...Okay... Takuji: I told you not to tell anyone about this place. Takuji: Therefore, I swear on my honor as a man that I will never tell anyone what panties you're wearing. I shall take it to my grave. Takuji: This is fair, right? It's exactly what you said you wanted, isn't it? Zakuro: Oo... Ah. Takuji: You're not a liar... I'm only asking you this because I understand that. I believe you. Takuji: So, is there anything wrong with what I'm asking? Zakuro: ...No. Takuji: Hmm? What did you say? Zakuro: I don't think there is. Takuji: That's right, isn't it?! Zakuro: ...Yes. She didn't look completely convinced, but she'd gotten confused and accepted my arguments. Takuji: So you know what you should do, right? Zakuro: Umm... I... Takuji: Or were you lying when you said you were going to tell me your secret? Zakuro: It wasn't a lie... Takuji: Well, then! Zakuro: Umm, my secret... I just need to... show you my underwear, right? Takuji: Th-That's right... Zakuro: Alright... I'll show you... Takuji: Y-Yeah... Those words, 'show you,' made my mouth water in anticipation. All of this was going too well... Everything was going too well. Zakuro: ...mm... ah... She gathered her resolve and closed her eyes in embarrassment. Zakuro: Ahh... Ah... She grabbed the hem of her skirt and slowly lifted it up. Zakuro: Aah, it's too embarrassing! Takuji: Tch. So that was as far as she would go by herself... Well, that's fine... I wouldn't be interested in a girl who was eager to lift her skirt just because a boy told her to. Takuji: Alright... Takuji: If you stay still, just like that... I'll lift it for you. Zakuro: Eek... Oo... She grew even redder and stiffer as she looked down at my hand, meekly extended toward the edge of her skirt. She slowly lifted her skirt. It's all going according to plan. It's going well.
It's all... going too well. There's no way it would go so well in reality. I know that... Zakuro: Umm, Mamiya-kun? Takuji: Ah. I finally snapped out of my delusion. I was kind of surprised that my fantasy was so convincing. Takuji: Ah, s-sorry... I was just thinking about something. Zakuro: Thinking? Takuji: Ah, yeah... Don't worry about it.
Zakuro: Ooh... Ah... Takuji: Eh? Wha―? You wear these kind? Huh? What's this... They were striped panties, almost as if she intended for this to happen.. What's going on? It made me want to laugh at those idiots who think striped panties are just a fantasy (apparently they don't think striped panties are sold at normal stores). Takuji: Oh, that striped pattern is surprising... And really cute. Zakuro: Ah, ugh~~ Hearing my compliment probably made her even more embarrassed. She trembled as she continued to hold her skirt up. This is great! This reaction is just what I like! Takuji: What's this... It's like this was intentional... Why are you wearing those panties? Zakuro: ...Please don't say that. Takuji: Maybe you wanted someone to see them? Zakuro: Th-That's not it! I'm not that kind of girl. Takuji: But if you just wanted basic, functional panties, then white ones would've been fine, right? Instead you got these striped panties, like something straight out of an anime. Zakuro: Th-That's... Takuji: Oh, I get it! This is like a joke. Takuji: You want to hide them from other people's eyes, but at the same time you want to be a little extravagant... That's what it is, right? Zakuro: ...Yes... Takuji: Ahaha, that's really cute. Zakuro: Ah... Takuji: But that's not enough for you. You enjoy the risk that 'someone might see them.' Zakuro: Wh-Wh-Wh-Why do you think that... She shook her head side to side in denial, but her tone wasn't forceful at all. Takuji: But you must have intentionally worn these striped panties, right? If there was no chance someone might see them, you might as well have worn plain ones, right? Takuji: Or did you want to show them to your boyfriend? Zakuro: I-I-I don't have a boyfriend! Ah... She doesn't have one. I didn't really think about it when I asked, but... she doesn't have a boyfriend. Isn't that tremendously valuable information? Takuji: Have you ever had one? Zakuro: O-Of course... not... Eh? Really? Is this the flag that proves she's a virgin? But still... I won't know if I don't ask. If she's an non-virgin slut, then I could lose out big time... I have to make sure she's a virgin... Takuji: Hmmm, that thin piece of fabric is all that's covering your shameful place... Zakuro: Ah, ahh... Takuji: Ooh~ This round hill is like a piece of art... Zakuro: Ahh... Don't look so closely... It's embarrassing... She was shaking, as if she wasn't sure what to do, but she didn't slap my hand away when I grabbed the hem of her skirt. It didn't seem like she disliked this at all... Huh, what? Takuji: The cloth is thicker here... What's this? Zakuro: Eek! When I looked very closely, the crotch of her underwear was a little more darkly tinted than the rest... and very slightly transparent... This... This couldn't... This couldn't be...! Takuji: Hey, Takashima-san. Is it just me, or does something smell good around here? Zakuro: ...No, not at all... Takuji: But this stain on your crotch... is getting wider. I wasn't lying. The cloth's tint really was starting to change. Takuji: Could it be that... you're getting wet? Zakuro: Ahh... Heheheh, she got wet from having her panties stared at up close... That's so dirty, but it's cute at the same time! Takuji: Hey, you're going to get your underwear all wet. That wouldn't be pleasant, now would it? Zakuro: No, it's fine... Don't worry about me, please... Takuji: No, no, it's not fine at all. Just look at this. Zakuro: Please don't say that! Takuji: That's right. Why don't you just take them off? Zakuro: Huh? Eh? Ehh? I replied with a smile, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Takuji: You can go home after letting your panties dry. That would be for the best. Zakuro: Ah, no, that's... kind of... Takuji: But wouldn't it be bothersome if you had to go home like this? Zakuro: N-Not at all... Takuji: Yes, it would! Just imagine it... Takuji: Even if you tried to act normal, everyone would be looking at you... And you know the boys in our school are at a sensitive age... Zakuro: Th-That's... B-But... Ahh... Takuji: I don't want to make you suffer, since you're the person who I can share secrets with. Zakuro: Share... secrets... Takuji: That's right, you and I are friends. Takuji: We're the only ones in the whole world as special to each other as this. Zakuro: Eh? Special... Zakuro: The only ones... in the whole world... Takuji: So there's nothing to be ashamed about. Takuji: I won't let anything bad happen to you... Takuji: That's all. Zakuro: ...... Zakuro: ...Uh, umm... Slide. Zakuro: Eh? I slid her panties down in a flash without waiting for her answer. Zakuro: Ah, uh, wha―... Eh? Ehh? She was too confused to do anything. She couldn't decide what to do. Takuji: Ah... Oh... For some reason she hid her face... instead of pulling up her panties. It was incredibly cute. Takuji: Gulp... Zakuro: Ha... Aah... Takuji: It's incredibly... beautiful. The words tumbled from my open mouth the instant they passed through my mind. Her virgin crotch was... incredibly smooth, white, and clearly split in two... Zakuro: ...Oo... Takuji: Amazing, amazing, amazing! This was the first time I'd ever seen a girl's most precious parts. It was beautiful, just like in an erotic manga. Zakuro: Umm, Mamiya-kun... Uh, my panties... Takuji: Ah, sorry, sorry. I'll dry them over here and then give them to you Zakuro: Okay... Please do... Takuji: Ah... I was right. One of my middle fingers accidentally touched the crotch of the panties. It was damp and sticky enough to stretch out like string. Hehehe, that's right. When girls get excited, they get like this... I know that. I may look like a nerd, but I've done my research... Takuji: It really is beautiful... Your private place... Zakuro: Don't... Takuji: It's smooth like a child's. That's really wonderful... I wasn't flattering her, either. That was my honest impression. Zakuro: R-Really...? Takuji: Yeah, it's amazing! You should be proud of it. Zakuro: I-I can't... say something like that to someone... Well, I suppose not... Even in eroge, girls wouldn't try to win someone over by saying, "My crotch is beautiful, you know?" Takuji: It's so beautiful. Does that mean you don't touch it very often? Zakuro: ... Takuji: Hey, I'm asking you a question. Now that I'd taken her panties, I started questioning her relentlessly to sate my lust. There was no way she could go back to the classroom without her panties. Her face was flushed, but she had no choice other than to answer my questions. It's not that I want to bully her like this, but she has the kind of body that makes men do reckless things. Ah, it really messes with me. Takuji: Other than using the toilet and washing your body in the bathtub, have you ever touched yourself there for any other reason? Zakuro: ... Zakuro: ...I can't answer that. There were tears in the corners of her eyes as she shook her head in refusal. Zakuro: Isn't... this enough? I showed you my secret, didn't I? Takuji: Mmm... Unfortunately, it looked like she wanted to put an end to my game. But I knew better than to let go of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like this. If I messed this up, I might not ever get another chance. There are tons of people who make it to their midlife crisis while still being a virgin. I might even end up like them... So I can't let this chance go. People are divided into winners and losers based on their choices in times like these... I'm going to make the most of this chance and become one of the winners! Takuji: No, no! You have an obligation to answer me. Zakuro: Ehh?! She probably thought I was going to back down... I surprised her when I said that so brusquely. Takuji: After all, isn't it embarrassing if you say you can't answer it? Takuji: Doesn't that mean it's a secret? Takuji: So you have to tell me. Takuji: You were the one who said you would tell me the secrets you can't talk about in public! Have you forgotten? Zakuro: Ah... ugh... I pressed her for an answer. She'd already shown me plenty of secrets, so there was really no need for her to do as I say, but... Zakuro: Ah... She just squirmed, with a conflicted look on her face. Takuji: Then, I'll tell you another of my secrets. That way there won't be any problems. Zakuro: Huh... Now that we had come this far, I could say something even more suggestive. If she tried to run away, I could send her a picture of her panties and use them as a bargaining chip. Let's go. Takuji: When I come here, I rub mine pretty often to make myself feel good. Zakuro: Huh?! Takuji: Right here, in the same place where you're exposing yourself. Zakuro: Ah... She was taken aback by my sudden, unabashed confession. Takuji: Oh boy, now I've done it... I couldn't tell this to someone I didn't trust a lot. Takuji: Takashima-san, you're someone I can confide in, you know? Takuji: If you were to spread that around, I wouldn't be able to come to school anymore. Zakuro: Oo... Takuji: That's how much I trust you. But secrets are give and take, right? Right?! I changed my tone, spitting the words out without letting her get a word in edgewise. Zakuro: Ah... She was probably confused... Takashima looked so lovely as she stood there trembling. Zakuro: ...I... do... Takuji: What? Speak up. I couldn't hear you. No, I'd heard her perfectly. I just wanted to hear her say it once more. Zakuro: Umm, I have... done that... Takuji: Huh? What is it you've done? Zakuro: ...Like I said, uh... the same thing... as you. Takuji: You mean masturbation! Zakuro: Ahhh?! I'd given her quite the shock by bringing up that keyword. She immediately averted her eyes. What was there for her to be embarrassed about now, when her smooth crotch was already completely exposed? Takuji: Oh really, then how often do you do it? Zakuro: Ah... Takuji: I told you I do it 'pretty often.' It wouldn't be fair if you didn't tell me that much, right? Zakuro: Uh, maybe... That's right... Zakuro: Ah, yes... Well... She was at a loss for words. She cast her eyes around the lifeless room, bashfully trying not to meet my gaze. Takuji: Come on, come on, how often? Zakuro: Umm... Every day... Takuji: Eh?! You do it every day?! Zakuro: Ahh! Takuji: That's... impressive... Wh-Wh-What?! She masturbates every day?! My eyes flew open in shock. It was too perfect. Takuji: Haa... Haa... I would have called her a slut and a whore if she was a normal girl, but she had no boyfriend, which meant that she was a virgin. Oh, right... I should check if she has a hymen... Zakuro: Ah! I stretched open her labia. Zakuro: Umm... Mamiya-kun... that's... Takuji: Uh... huh? What's this... I couldn't really tell if she had a hymen. I thought it was easier than this... Even if I spread it open... I couldn't really tell. Zakuro: Umm... it hurts... Takuji: Oh, sorry... I was looking for your hymen... Zakuro: Oo~ Takuji: I wanted to see it... Zakuro: You don't need to see that! Takuji: Why? I want to know if you're a virgin. Zakuro: You don't need to look for that. I've never done anything to change that fact! Takuji: Eh? Zakuro: Ah, I-I'm sorry. Takuji: Ah, no, you don't need to apologize. She didn't need to apologize at all! Actually, I wanted to thank her! Zakuro: But don't you think it's weird... that I do that every day, even though I don't have any experience with that kind of stuff? Takuji: N-No... Absolutely not! I felt as if our roles had suddenly reversed. I tried my best to put on a pleasant smile, but I was flustered by the unexpected situation. Takuji: Yeah, yeah, I'm actually happy about it... You really are the kind of person I can share secrets with! It's wonderful! Zakuro: Well then... Takuji: Yeah, I don't think it's disgusting at all. Takuji: Actually, I have a better impression of you now, since you were honest enough to tell me! Zakuro: Really? Oh, good... Her mouth settled into a relieved smile. I couldn't believe that the same girl who was showing me this angelic smile also masturbated every single day. Can't judge a book by its cover. Zakuro: I thought... it would be okay if I told you, Mamiya-kun... Oh, this is great! That suggestive smile was enough to make me squirm with anticipation. Now she might tell me even more... Hehehehe, I guess I just have to try it and see, right? Takuji: I jack off to pictures I download on my computer and manga I buy at the store. What about you? Zakuro: What?! That's, um... She passed! If she was able to answer that right away, she would lose a lot of purity points. Takuji: Come on, secrets are give and take, right? You have to say it. Zakuro: Ah... That's right... Okay... She clasped her hands in front of her chest and looked up at me as she spoke. Zakuro: I... read stories on the Internet about sexual encounters, and I imagine myself in their place... Takuji: Oh, I see! Women get more excited by situations than by visual images, right? Zakuro: Yes... Takuji: Thanks, that was a great confession! Takuji: Takashima-san, you're my best friend! We should stay friends from here on out. Zakuro: Friends... ah... All right, that's fine. Takuji: Ahaha... The innocent girl before me showcased a dazzling smile, filled with affection... And of course, her crotch, incredibly smooth despite her daily efforts, was still exposed as she did it... Heheheh, is that so? You touch yourself every day, huh? Poor girl... That was a problem that her one and only friend could never just ignore. Zakuro: I do it every day... That might be my most embarrassing secret... Zakuro: Oh no... I told you, Mamiya-kun... even though you're a boy... She acted as if she were upset, but the eyes gazing upon me were filled with delight. The atmosphere was splendid. Apparently she'd completely opened up to me. Eroge are great, but when it comes to her, I wouldn't mind 3D. Zakuro: You can't tell anyone... Takuji: Of course not. You're my one and only special friend. Takuji: But if you actually want me to spread it around, there's a certain message board where I could tell everyone anonymously. Zakuro: N-No! You can't tell anyone. Posting about it is off limits! Takuji: Ahaha. Takashima-san had always seemed very mature, but all of a sudden she started pouting like a little girl. I laughed and felt pretty satisfied (like an older brother). Takuji: Yeah, I understand... If I went and told a bunch of people, there's a pretty good chance you'd never want to see me again. Zakuro: That's right. This is a huge secret. Takuji: Well then, how about we rub one out right here? Zakuro: Huh... Eh?! Her face tensed up in an instant when she heard my explosive statement. Of course it did. After all, she was just told to masturbate in public, in a place she'd never been to before, in front of a boy she'd never talked to before today. Takuji: The two of us have shared all of our secrets, haven't we? There's nothing to be ashamed of. Zakuro: No, that's not really... Takuji: Even I can tell that you're getting wetter and wetter. Zakuro: Ah?! Takuji: You're excited because a person of the opposite sex has been looking at your most important place, right? Takuji: It makes you feel like you're in one of the situations you read about on those erotic sites, right? Zakuro: ... That she was at a loss for words just proved me right again. You're amazing, Mamiya Takuji! Maybe you should start calling yourself "The Navigator of the Female Heart." Takuji: You should clear your head before going back to the classroom! You wouldn't want your panties to get wet again in the classroom, would you? Zakuro: Aah... But... Takuji: We're friends! There's nothing to be ashamed of! Zakuro: Friends... Takuji: Right, friends. Friends to the ends of the earth! We can share secrets with each other. Takuji: So I want to get closer to you... I want to know more about you. Takuji: I want to see your cute face when you do it! I'll like you way more than I do even now! There was no logic to my words anymore, but I wanted to see her masturbating. I wanted to burn a woman's lewd form into my mind. No, wait. It's not like any girl would do. I wanted to lock the wholesome sight of the pure virgin, Takashima-san, pleasuring herself deep inside my heart! Takuji: If you would do that for me, it would make me very happy. Takuji: So, please! I prostrated myself and begged her, my heart (and crotch) swelling with anticipation. I don't have any lofty ideas of pride, so doing something like this costs me nothing. It might actually make me feel more manly. It must have been hard for her too, being turned on for this long without any relief... So, I'm sure... Zakuro: ...All right... Just this once. Takuji: Thank you, Takashima-san! Amazing... Just as I thought. Everything's going too well. All of this is going too well. ......
"Farce" Zakuro: Umm... Takuji: Ah, s-sorry... Takashima-san, who was doing something so lewd just a second ago, had returned to the normal Takashima-san, as if the film had been rewound. I got caught up in my delusions again. My face was red from the vulgar delusion. How farcical... Zakuro: Wh-What's wrong? You got really quiet for a long time. I... Takuji: Oh, sorry... I was thinking about something.
Zakuro: Ooh, aah... aahh... Takuji: Gulp... This honest, good girl, Takashima-san, put her finger in her wet slit and started masturbating at my insistence. Zakuro: Haa... hmmmm, ah... haa~~ She was still standing as she fondled her privates. Her middle finger, boldly moving back and forth, was reflected in my eyes as I watched her. Zakuro: Ha, ahh... Hmm, aah... My secret base was filled with Takashima-san's sweet voice and the fresh smell of a girl in heat. It was way better than I expected. She looked as if she'd never do anything perverted like this, and yet there she was, masturbating right in front of me. My virgin mind couldn't handle it. Zakuro: Haa... Oo... I couldn't believe I can watch this erotic scene in person. This truly was a special day. I had been forced into sheltering her at first, which made me a little upset, but now she had more than paid me back for the trouble she caused me. Zakuro: Aahhh, Ahh... Haa... Haa... That's right! It would be a waste if this sight was only recorded in my memory. Without taking my eyes off her, I fished through the nearby bag and pulled out a small video camera. Zakuro: Haaa, haa... Hmm? Mamiya-kun... Takuji: Oh, this? Don't worry about it, just keep going! I replied while looking at her face through the camera's LCD screen. Zakuro: No, that's... Takuji: You probably don't know it yourself, but right now, you're incredibly beautiful! Takuji: As a person who loves beauty, I have a natural duty to record something so beautiful. Zakuro: Eh... Ehh?! Takuji: And besides, Takashima-san, you're sopping wet down there. Can you really stop at this point? Zakuro: ... Even with me standing there, smiling and being a little mean to her, her crotch was dripping with juices designed to make it easier for a man to stick his penis in. And her eyes were swimming, unable to focus on any one particular spot. I was getting turned on, incredibly turned on. Takuji: Keep going. Show me how beautiful you are. Zakuro: Haa, ah... Okay... Zakuro: Haaa, mmmnngh... Haa, aahh... She was honest with her feelings. She moved her fingers back to her slit, and I desperately recorded every moment. Zakuro: Haa, mmm, haa, haaa... Takuji: Yeah, that's good! I love your expression. It's like you're totally into it. When she closed her eyes in anticipation of the coming pleasure, it was so cute, and at the same time so hot, that I wanted to just embrace her. Zakuro: Haa... No, don't do that... Ooh... It was amazing. I thought I couldn't love anything but 2D, but suddenly it really felt like I was filming an adult video. And the actress was a beautiful girl who was the same age as me, with long hair and large breasts that complemented her figure. I had no doubt this would be an amazing video... I expected that around this time tomorrow I would be covered in sweat and cumming buckets. Zakuro: Haa, ah, ahh... Zakuro: Ahh... I read about... haa... this once before... Takuji: Oh, you mean on one of the erotic sites where people share experiences? How nice. It's time for the naked truth, part two. Zakuro: Yes... Just like this... she let them videotape her... Ahh... Zakuro: Ooh... It feels even better than that time... I'm such a bad girl... Takuji: Ahaha, I'm glad for that! Now that she realized we had accidentally recreated the same situation she had masturbated to before, she was moving her finger faster and faster. Zakuro: Ahh, aahh, mmmngh, haaaa... Her middle finger went even deeper into her slit, and she started rubbing her clitoris with her index and ring finger. I guess that was her clitoris... I'd never seen one before, so I wasn't sure at first. Takuji: Amazing! I didn't know you were so amazing! Zakuro: Ahhh... It's a secret... Zakuro: Haa, a secret with just you... With a smile on her face, she started massaging her luscious breasts through her uniform with her free hand. Even with her clothes on, I could tell that she was a lot more developed than her classmates. Judging from her beautiful crotch, her breasts were surely beautiful too. Zakuro: Hmmm, Hmmaah... Takuji: Try imagining that I'm sucking on your boobs. Zakuro: Hyaaa... Aah, okay... hmm, hmm... Haa... Takuji: Oh, that's great! I think I might cry. But knowing that she was masturbating to me, my happiness and excitement both hit an all-time high. I had to lean over even more while videotaping. Wonderful. This was more than just pornography. This video would be a piece of high-class art. Takuji: I have to upload this to the Internet and let all the other men of the world see this! Zakuro: What?! Don't... Don't do that... Please don't... Takuji: Don't worry. I'll put a mosaic on your face so they can't tell it's you. Zakuro: Ahh, okay... In that case... Mmm... Not really. That was a lie. It would be a crime against humanity to conceal such a cute, tempting face. But wait... then other guys would look at her face and her privates when they jack off. That would be like NTR! Zakuro: That's okay... Haaa, but it's embarrassing... Haaa, haa, haaa... Takuji: Haa, haa, Takashima-san... You're so beautiful... I really should put a mosaic on her face. Her loveliness is for me alone. Zakuro: Haaa... No... All the men in the world are watching, but... I can't stop! Takuji: Oh, you're so wet... There's a puddle at your feet. Does it feel that good? Zakuro: But, but... Ahaaa! It feels so good. Zakuro: It doesn't feel this good... when I do it by myself... She kept pleasuring herself, almost miserably. All the lascivious things she said were enough to make a virgin like me shake with excitement. Hmm, apparently she's an exhibitionist... Next time, I should invite her out into the woods and tape her doing something like this. Zakuro: It's so embarrassing, but... Aah, it feels great... Aahh! Fluffy white clouds in the blue sky, surrounded by fresh-fallen leaves... Her beautiful white body would look great in that kind of environment. Zakuro: Ah, aaah... The camera is too close... Haa, Oooh... Takuji: I have a great angle! Try to open it up more with your fingers! When I lowered the camera and gave her directions, she did as I said and opened her lips with her fingers. Her cooperative attitude felt like it was going to break my heart. Zakuro: Hmmm, Hhmmm... Soon, oh no... Oh no... Takuji: Yes, yes! I can see the strings of juice in between your fingers! Zakuro: Haa, no, it's coming, ah, aaah, aaaah! Her body started shaking so hard that she could hardly stand. Her finger stimulated her sensitive parts faster and faster. Everything about her was beautiful... Her body hid the devilish power to strip away man's instincts, and yet she was so unerringly magnificent that she couldn't be anything but an angel sent by God. Zakuro: You're recording it, recording me cumming! Haaa, aaahh! Compared to her, the Venus de Milo looked like the work of an amateur. Zakuro: Ha, aaah, aaaah! Zakuro: Mmhaaaaaaaa~~~~! Zakuro: ...Haa, haa... Zakuro: ...Ha, haa, haa... Zakuro: Ah... you're still taping? Zakuro: You pervert, hehehe... Zakuro: Aah, don't... ......... ...... ... Zakuro: Umm... Takuji: Eh? Zakuro: Wh-What's wrong? Takuji: Ah, nothing... Takashima-san, who was doing something so lewd just a second ago, had returned to the normal Takashima-san, as if the film had been rewound. No, that's wrong... It hadn't been rewound. Takuji: Ah... S-Sorry... Uh... I was just playing it out in my head, but I took it a bit too far. It's always like this... I can't stop myself when I get caught up in my delusions. Now she probably thinks I'm really weird. Crap... I messed up...
Takuji: Ah, well... Zakuro: Yes, what is it? Takuji: Well... for instance, why do you wear a skirt? Zakuro: Huh? D-Did I overdo it? Surely that must have been too direct, right? Takuji: Uh, not in a perverted way. Just, like, there's a normal reason for it. Zakuro: Okay... The reason, huh... Because the skirt is part of the uniform, I guess... Takuji: Uh, no, that's not what I mean... Zakuro: Huh? Then... what do you mean? Takuji: I mean, why do you wear a skirt... or even pants, why do you wear them? Zakuro: Huh?! That's... obvious, isn't it? Takuji: What's obvious? Why do you wear them? It's not like there would be a problem if you didn't, right? Zakuro: Th-There would be a big problem. Takuji: Why's that? Zakuro: B-Because that would... be embarrassing, wouldn't it... Takuji: Right, right! That's why... Walking around outside without a skirt on would be super embarrassing, wouldn't it? Zakuro: ...Yeah. I know women have the tendency to act as if they're content at one moment and grow enraged in the very next. Takuji: And why would it be embarrassing? Because you don't want people to see what panties you're wearing, right? Zakuro: ...Um, yes. Takuji: You wouldn't show your panties to people walking on the street outside, right? Zakuro: O-Of course not! Takashima-san's hands tightened into fists as she looked at me sharply. Takuji: Then, how about that? Zakuro: Eh? Takuji: The secret you're keeping right here, right now... Takuji: Show me the panties you're wearing right now. Zakuro: Ah... H-Huh? She was surprised, but I couldn't hesitate now. Takuji: Like I said, show me your secret! Zakuro: B-But... Takashima-san tried to avert her eyes in embarrassment, but I kept staring straight at her, not letting her change the subject. Zakuro: I-I, I... c-can't do that... Of course, she squirmed in discomfort and tried to refuse. But I couldn't back down after saying it straight out like that. Giving up here would be dangerous. If I gave up now, there was a high chance that she would tell someone 'Mamiya-kun told me to show him my panties.' So I had to change the situation so it was as if she showed me her panties of her own free will. Takuji: You know how important this place is to me. You know how I try to keep it secret. Takuji: Do you get it? This is my 'secret base'... And yet, I told you about it, didn't I? Zakuro: ...Yes, you did... Takuji: To me, this was a place that I could never tell anyone else about. Takuji: But I 'only told you'... so that I could save you when you were being chased. Takuji: Sadly, I don't think you understand just how special this place is to me. Zakuro: Yes, but... Takuji: You were the one who said it wasn't fair that you found out my secret and didn't tell me one of yours, weren't you? Weren't you?! Takuji: Was that a lie? Are you one of those lowlifes that doesn't think twice about lying? Zakuro: N-No... That wasn't a lie. Takuji: That's right. You're different from the rest of those rotten girls who would even lie to their own grandmothers. You're totally different. Takuji: Or at least, that's what I believe. Zakuro: ...Okay... Takuji: I told you not to tell anyone about this place. Takuji: Therefore, I swear on my honor as a man that I will never tell anyone what panties you're wearing. I shall take it to my grave. Takuji: This is fair, right? It's exactly what you said you wanted, isn't it? Zakuro: Oo... Ah. Takuji: You're not a liar... I'm only asking you this because I understand that. I believe you. Takuji: So, is there anything wrong with what I'm asking? Zakuro: ...No. Takuji: Hmm? What did you say? Zakuro: I don't think there is. Takuji: That's right, isn't it?! Zakuro: ...Yes. She didn't look completely convinced, but she'd gotten confused and accepted my arguments. Takuji: So you know what you should do, right? Zakuro: Umm... I... Takuji: Or were you lying when you said you were going to tell me your secret? Zakuro: It wasn't a lie... Takuji: Well, then! Zakuro: Umm, my secret... I just need to... show you my underwear, right? Takuji: Th-That's right... Zakuro: Alright... I'll show you... Takuji: Y-Yeah... Those words, 'show you,' made my mouth water in anticipation. All of this was going too well... Everything was going too well. Zakuro: ...mm... ah... She gathered her resolve and closed her eyes in embarrassment. Zakuro: Ahh... Ah... She grabbed the hem of her skirt and slowly lifted it up. Zakuro: Aah, it's too embarrassing! Takuji: Tch. So that was as far as she would go by herself... Well, that's fine... I wouldn't be interested in a girl who was eager to lift her skirt just because a boy told her to. Takuji: Alright... Takuji: If you stay still, just like that... I'll lift it for you. Zakuro: Eek... Oo... She grew even redder and stiffer as she looked down at my hand, meekly extended toward the edge of her skirt. She slowly lifted her skirt. It's all going according to plan. It's going well. Zakuro: Ooh... Ah... Takuji: Eh? Wha―? You wear these kind? Huh? What's this... They were striped panties, almost as if she intended for this to happen.. What's going on? It made me want to laugh at those idiots who think striped panties are just a fantasy (apparently they don't think striped panties are sold at normal stores). Takuji: Oh, that striped pattern is surprising... And really cute. Zakuro: Ah, ugh~~ Hearing my compliment probably made her even more embarrassed. She trembled as she continued to hold her skirt up. This is great! This reaction is just what I like! Takuji: What's this... It's like this was intentional... Why are you wearing those panties? Zakuro: ...Please don't say that. Takuji: Maybe you wanted someone to see them? Zakuro: Th-That's not it! I'm not that kind of girl. Takuji: But if you just wanted basic, functional panties, then white ones would've been fine, right? Instead you got these striped panties, like something straight out of an anime. Zakuro: Th-That's... Takuji: Oh, I get it! This is like a joke. Takuji: You want to hide them from other people's eyes, but at the same time you want to be a little extravagant... That's what it is, right? Zakuro: ...Yes... Takuji: Ahaha, that's really cute. Zakuro: Ah... Takuji: But that's not enough for you. You enjoy the risk that 'someone might see them.' Zakuro: Wh-Wh-Wh-Why do you think that... She shook her head side to side in denial, but her tone wasn't forceful at all. Takuji: But you must have intentionally worn these striped panties, right? If there was no chance someone might see them, you might as well have worn plain ones, right? Takuji: Or did you want to show them to your boyfriend? Zakuro: I-I-I don't have a boyfriend! Ah... She doesn't have one. I didn't really think about it when I asked, but... she doesn't have a boyfriend. Isn't that tremendously valuable information? Takuji: Have you ever had one? Zakuro: O-Of course... not... Eh? Really? Is this the flag that proves she's a virgin? But still... I won't know if I don't ask. If she's an non-virgin slut, then I could lose out big time... I have to make sure she's a virgin... Takuji: Hmmm, that thin piece of fabric is all that's covering your shameful place... Zakuro: Ah, ahh... Takuji: Ooh~ This round hill is like a piece of art... Zakuro: Ahh... Don't look so closely... It's embarrassing... She was shaking, as if she wasn't sure what to do, but she didn't slap my hand away when I grabbed the hem of her skirt. It didn't seem like she disliked this at all... Huh, what? Takuji: The cloth is thicker here... What's this? Zakuro: Eek! When I looked very closely, the crotch of her underwear was a little more darkly tinted than the rest... and very slightly transparent... This... This couldn't... This couldn't be...! Takuji: Hey, Takashima-san. Is it just me, or does something smell good around here? Zakuro: ...No, not at all... Takuji: But this stain on your crotch... is getting wider. I wasn't lying. The cloth's tint really was starting to change. Takuji: Could it be that... you're getting wet? Zakuro: Ahh... Heheheh, she got wet from having her panties stared at up close... That's so dirty, but it's cute at the same time! Takuji: Hey, you're going to get your underwear all wet. That wouldn't be pleasant, now would it? Zakuro: No, it's fine... Don't worry about me, please... Takuji: No, no, it's not fine at all. Just look at this. Zakuro: Please don't say that! Takuji: That's right. Why don't you just take them off? Zakuro: Huh? Eh? Ehh? I replied with a smile, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Takuji: You can go home after letting your panties dry. That would be for the best. Zakuro: Ah, no, that's... kind of... Takuji: But wouldn't it be bothersome if you had to go home like this? Zakuro: N-Not at all... Takuji: Yes, it would! Just imagine it... Takuji: Even if you tried to act normal, everyone would be looking at you... And you know the boys in our school are at a sensitive age... Zakuro: Th-That's... B-But... Ahh... Takuji: I don't want to make you suffer, since you're the person who I can share secrets with. Zakuro: Share... secrets... Takuji: That's right, you and I are friends. Takuji: We're the only ones in the whole world as special to each other as this. Zakuro: Eh? Special... Zakuro: The only ones... in the whole world... Takuji: So there's nothing to be ashamed about. Takuji: I won't let anything bad happen to you... Takuji: That's all. Zakuro: ...... Zakuro: ...Uh, umm... Slide. Zakuro: Eh? I slid her panties down in a flash without waiting for her answer. Zakuro: Ah, uh, wha―... Eh? Ehh? She was too confused to do anything. She couldn't decide what to do. Takuji: Ah... Oh... For some reason she hid her face... instead of pulling up her panties. It was incredibly cute. Takuji: Gulp... Zakuro: Ha... Aah... Takuji: It's incredibly... beautiful. The words tumbled from my open mouth the instant they passed through my mind. Her virgin crotch was... incredibly smooth, white, and clearly split in two... Zakuro: ...Oo... Takuji: Amazing, amazing, amazing! This was the first time I'd ever seen a girl's most precious parts. It was beautiful, just like in an erotic manga. Zakuro: Umm, Mamiya-kun... Uh, my panties... Takuji: Ah, sorry, sorry. I'll dry them over here and then give them to you Zakuro: Okay... Please do... Takuji: Ah... I was right. One of my middle fingers accidentally touched the crotch of the panties. It was damp and sticky enough to stretch out like string. Hehehe, that's right. When girls get excited, they get like this... I know that. I may look like a nerd, but I've done my research... Takuji: It really is beautiful... Your private place... Zakuro: Don't... Takuji: It's smooth like a child's. That's really wonderful... I wasn't flattering her, either. That was my honest impression. Zakuro: R-Really...? Takuji: Yeah, it's amazing! You should be proud of it. Zakuro: I-I can't... say something like that to someone... Well, I suppose not... Even in eroge, girls wouldn't try to win someone over by saying, "My crotch is beautiful, you know?" Takuji: It's so beautiful. Does that mean you don't touch it very often? Zakuro: ... Takuji: Hey, I'm asking you a question. Now that I'd taken her panties, I started questioning her relentlessly to sate my lust. There was no way she could go back to the classroom without her panties. Her face was flushed, but she had no choice other than to answer my questions. It's not that I want to bully her like this, but she has the kind of body that makes men do reckless things. Ah, it really messes with me. Takuji: Other than using the toilet and washing your body in the bathtub, have you ever touched yourself there for any other reason? Zakuro: ... Zakuro: ...I can't answer that. There were tears in the corners of her eyes as she shook her head in refusal. Zakuro: Isn't... this enough? I showed you my secret, didn't I? Takuji: Mmm... Unfortunately, it looked like she wanted to put an end to my game. But I knew better than to let go of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like this. If I messed this up, I might not ever get another chance. There are tons of people who make it to their midlife crisis while still being a virgin. I might even end up like them... So I can't let this chance go. People are divided into winners and losers based on their choices in times like these... I'm going to make the most of this chance and become one of the winners! Takuji: No, no! You have an obligation to answer me. Zakuro: Ehh?! She probably thought I was going to back down... I surprised her when I said that so brusquely. Takuji: After all, isn't it embarrassing if you say you can't answer it? Takuji: Doesn't that mean it's a secret? Takuji: So you have to tell me. Takuji: You were the one who said you would tell me the secrets you can't talk about in public! Have you forgotten? Zakuro: Ah... ugh... I pressed her for an answer. She'd already shown me plenty of secrets, so there was really no need for her to do as I say, but... Zakuro: Ah... She just squirmed, with a conflicted look on her face. Takuji: Then, I'll tell you another of my secrets. That way there won't be any problems. Zakuro: Huh... Now that we had come this far, I could say something even more suggestive. If she tried to run away, I could send her a picture of her panties and use them as a bargaining chip. Let's go. Takuji: When I come here, I rub mine pretty often to make myself feel good. Zakuro: Huh?! Takuji: Right here, in the same place where you're exposing yourself. Zakuro: Ah... She was taken aback by my sudden, unabashed confession. Takuji: Oh boy, now I've done it... I couldn't tell this to someone I didn't trust a lot. Takuji: Takashima-san, you're someone I can confide in, you know? Takuji: If you were to spread that around, I wouldn't be able to come to school anymore. Zakuro: Oo... Takuji: That's how much I trust you. But secrets are give and take, right? Right?! I changed my tone, spitting the words out without letting her get a word in edgewise. Zakuro: Ah... She was probably confused... Takashima looked so lovely as she stood there trembling. Zakuro: ...I... do... Takuji: What? Speak up. I couldn't hear you. No, I'd heard her perfectly. I just wanted to hear her say it once more. Zakuro: Umm, I have... done that... Takuji: Huh? What is it you've done? Zakuro: ...Like I said, uh... the same thing... as you. Takuji: You mean masturbation! Zakuro: Ahhh?! I'd given her quite the shock by bringing up that keyword. She immediately averted her eyes. What was there for her to be embarrassed about now, when her smooth crotch was already completely exposed? Takuji: Oh really, then how often do you do it? Zakuro: Ah... Takuji: I told you I do it 'pretty often.' It wouldn't be fair if you didn't tell me that much, right? Zakuro: Uh, maybe... That's right... Zakuro: Ah, yes... Well... She was at a loss for words. She cast her eyes around the lifeless room, bashfully trying not to meet my gaze. Takuji: Come on, come on, how often? Zakuro: Umm... Every day... Takuji: Eh?! You do it every day?! Zakuro: Ahh! Takuji: That's... impressive... Wh-Wh-What?! She masturbates every day?! My eyes flew open in shock. It was too perfect. Takuji: Haa... Haa... I would have called her a slut and a whore if she was a normal girl, but she had no boyfriend, which meant that she was a virgin. Oh, right... I should check if she has a hymen... Zakuro: Ah! I stretched open her labia. Zakuro: Umm... Mamiya-kun... that's... Takuji: Uh... huh? What's this... I couldn't really tell if she had a hymen. I thought it was easier than this... Even if I spread it open... I couldn't really tell. Zakuro: Umm... it hurts... Takuji: Oh, sorry... I was looking for your hymen... Zakuro: Oo~ Takuji: I wanted to see it... Zakuro: You don't need to see that! Takuji: Why? I want to know if you're a virgin. Zakuro: You don't need to look for that. I've never done anything to change that fact! Takuji: Eh? Zakuro: Ah, I-I'm sorry. Takuji: Ah, no, you don't need to apologize. She didn't need to apologize at all! Actually, I wanted to thank her! Zakuro: But don't you think it's weird... that I do that every day, even though I don't have any experience with that kind of stuff? Takuji: N-No... Absolutely not! I felt as if our roles had suddenly reversed. I tried my best to put on a pleasant smile, but I was flustered by the unexpected situation. Takuji: Yeah, yeah, I'm actually happy about it... You really are the kind of person I can share secrets with! It's wonderful! Zakuro: Well then... Takuji: Yeah, I don't think it's disgusting at all. Takuji: Actually, I have a better impression of you now, since you were honest enough to tell me! Zakuro: Really? Oh, good... Her mouth settled into a relieved smile. I couldn't believe that the same girl who was showing me this angelic smile also masturbated every single day. Can't judge a book by its cover. Zakuro: I thought... it would be okay if I told you, Mamiya-kun... Oh, this is great! That suggestive smile was enough to make me squirm with anticipation. Now she might tell me even more... Hehehehe, I guess I just have to try it and see, right? Takuji: I jack off to pictures I download on my computer and manga I buy at the store. What about you? Zakuro: What?! That's, um... She passed! If she was able to answer that right away, she would lose a lot of purity points. Takuji: Come on, secrets are give and take, right? You have to say it. Zakuro: Ah... That's right... Okay... She clasped her hands in front of her chest and looked up at me as she spoke. Zakuro: I... read stories on the Internet about sexual encounters, and I imagine myself in their place... Takuji: Oh, I see! Women get more excited by situations than by visual images, right? Zakuro: Yes... Takuji: Thanks, that was a great confession! Takuji: Takashima-san, you're my best friend! We should stay friends from here on out. Zakuro: Friends... ah... All right, that's fine. Takuji: Ahaha... The innocent girl before me showcased a dazzling smile, filled with affection... And of course, her crotch, incredibly smooth despite her daily efforts, was still exposed as she did it... Heheheh, is that so? You touch yourself every day, huh? Poor girl... That was a problem that her one and only friend could never just ignore. Zakuro: I do it every day... That might be my most embarrassing secret... Zakuro: Oh no... I told you, Mamiya-kun... even though you're a boy... She acted as if she were upset, but the eyes gazing upon me were filled with delight. The atmosphere was splendid. Apparently she'd completely opened up to me. Eroge are great, but when it comes to her, I wouldn't mind 3D. Zakuro: You can't tell anyone... Takuji: Of course not. You're my one and only special friend. Takuji: But if you actually want me to spread it around, there's a certain message board where I could tell everyone anonymously. Zakuro: N-No! You can't tell anyone. Posting about it is off limits! Takuji: Ahaha. Takashima-san had always seemed very mature, but all of a sudden she started pouting like a little girl. I laughed and felt pretty satisfied (like an older brother). Takuji: Yeah, I understand... If I went and told a bunch of people, there's a pretty good chance you'd never want to see me again. Zakuro: That's right. This is a huge secret. Takuji: Well then, how about we rub one out right here? Zakuro: Huh... Eh?! Her face tensed up in an instant when she heard my explosive statement. Of course it did. After all, she was just told to masturbate in public, in a place she'd never been to before, in front of a boy she'd never talked to before today. Takuji: The two of us have shared all of our secrets, haven't we? There's nothing to be ashamed of. Zakuro: No, that's not really... Takuji: Even I can tell that you're getting wetter and wetter. Zakuro: Ah?! Takuji: You're excited because a person of the opposite sex has been looking at your most important place, right? Takuji: It makes you feel like you're in one of the situations you read about on those erotic sites, right? Zakuro: ... That she was at a loss for words just proved me right again. You're amazing, Mamiya Takuji! Maybe you should start calling yourself "The Navigator of the Female Heart." Takuji: You should clear your head before going back to the classroom! You wouldn't want your panties to get wet again in the classroom, would you? Zakuro: Aah... But... Takuji: We're friends! There's nothing to be ashamed of! Zakuro: Friends... Takuji: Right, friends. Friends to the ends of the earth! We can share secrets with each other. Takuji: So I want to get closer to you... I want to know more about you. Takuji: I want to see your cute face when you do it! I'll like you way more than I do even now! There was no logic to my words anymore, but I wanted to see her masturbating. I wanted to burn a woman's lewd form into my mind. No, wait. It's not like any girl would do. I wanted to lock the wholesome sight of the pure virgin, Takashima-san, pleasuring herself deep inside my heart! Takuji: If you would do that for me, it would make me very happy. Takuji: So, please! I prostrated myself and begged her, my heart (and crotch) swelling with anticipation. I don't have any lofty ideas of pride, so doing something like this costs me nothing. It might actually make me feel more manly. It must have been hard for her too, being turned on for this long without any relief... So, I'm sure... Zakuro: ...All right... Just this once. Takuji: Thank you, Takashima-san! Amazing... Just as I thought. Everything's going too well. All of this is going too well. ...... Zakuro: Ooh, aah... aahh... Takuji: Gulp... This honest, good girl, Takashima-san, put her finger in her wet slit and started masturbating at my insistence. Zakuro: Haa... hmmmm, ah... haa~~ She was still standing as she fondled her privates. Her middle finger, boldly moving back and forth, was reflected in my eyes as I watched her. Zakuro: Ha, ahh... Hmm, aah... My secret base was filled with Takashima-san's sweet voice and the fresh smell of a girl in heat. It was way better than I expected. She looked as if she'd never do anything perverted like this, and yet there she was, masturbating right in front of me. My virgin mind couldn't handle it. Zakuro: Haa... Oo... I couldn't believe I can watch this erotic scene in person. This truly was a special day. I had been forced into sheltering her at first, which made me a little upset, but now she had more than paid me back for the trouble she caused me. Zakuro: Aahhh, Ahh... Haa... Haa... That's right! It would be a waste if this sight was only recorded in my memory. Without taking my eyes off her, I fished through the nearby bag and pulled out a small video camera. Zakuro: Haaa, haa... Hmm? Mamiya-kun... Takuji: Oh, this? Don't worry about it, just keep going! I replied while looking at her face through the camera's LCD screen. Zakuro: No, that's... Takuji: You probably don't know it yourself, but right now, you're incredibly beautiful! Takuji: As a person who loves beauty, I have a natural duty to record something so beautiful. Zakuro: Eh... Ehh?! Takuji: And besides, Takashima-san, you're sopping wet down there. Can you really stop at this point? Zakuro: ... Even with me standing there, smiling and being a little mean to her, her crotch was dripping with juices designed to make it easier for a man to stick his penis in. And her eyes were swimming, unable to focus on any one particular spot. I was getting turned on, incredibly turned on. Takuji: Keep going. Show me how beautiful you are. Zakuro: Haa, ah... Okay... Zakuro: Haaa, mmmnngh... Haa, aahh... She was honest with her feelings. She moved her fingers back to her slit, and I desperately recorded every moment. Zakuro: Haa, mmm, haa, haaa... Takuji: Yeah, that's good! I love your expression. It's like you're totally into it. When she closed her eyes in anticipation of the coming pleasure, it was so cute, and at the same time so hot, that I wanted to just embrace her. Zakuro: Haa... No, don't do that... Ooh... It was amazing. I thought I couldn't love anything but 2D, but suddenly it really felt like I was filming an adult video. And the actress was a beautiful girl who was the same age as me, with long hair and large breasts that complemented her figure. I had no doubt this would be an amazing video... I expected that around this time tomorrow I would be covered in sweat and cumming buckets. Zakuro: Haa, ah, ahh... Zakuro: Ahh... I read about... haa... this once before... Takuji: Oh, you mean on one of the erotic sites where people share experiences? How nice. It's time for the naked truth, part two. Zakuro: Yes... Just like this... she let them videotape her... Ahh... Zakuro: Ooh... It feels even better than that time... I'm such a bad girl... Takuji: Ahaha, I'm glad for that! Now that she realized we had accidentally recreated the same situation she had masturbated to before, she was moving her finger faster and faster. Zakuro: Ahh, aahh, mmmngh, haaaa... Her middle finger went even deeper into her slit, and she started rubbing her clitoris with her index and ring finger. I guess that was her clitoris... I'd never seen one before, so I wasn't sure at first. Takuji: Amazing! I didn't know you were so amazing! Zakuro: Ahhh... It's a secret... Zakuro: Haa, a secret with just you... With a smile on her face, she started massaging her luscious breasts through her uniform with her free hand. Even with her clothes on, I could tell that she was a lot more developed than her classmates. Judging from her beautiful crotch, her breasts were surely beautiful too. Zakuro: Hmmm, Hmmaah... Takuji: Try imagining that I'm sucking on your boobs. Zakuro: Hyaaa... Aah, okay... hmm, hmm... Haa... Takuji: Oh, that's great! I think I might cry. But knowing that she was masturbating to me, my happiness and excitement both hit an all-time high. I had to lean over even more while videotaping. Wonderful. This was more than just pornography. This video would be a piece of high-class art. Takuji: I have to upload this to the Internet and let all the other men of the world see this! Zakuro: What?! Don't... Don't do that... Please don't... Takuji: Don't worry. I'll put a mosaic on your face so they can't tell it's you. Zakuro: Ahh, okay... In that case... Mmm... Not really. That was a lie. It would be a crime against humanity to conceal such a cute, tempting face. But wait... then other guys would look at her face and her privates when they jack off. That would be like NTR! Zakuro: That's okay... Haaa, but it's embarrassing... Haaa, haa, haaa... Takuji: Haa, haa, Takashima-san... You're so beautiful... I really should put a mosaic on her face. Her loveliness is for me alone. Zakuro: Haaa... No... All the men in the world are watching, but... I can't stop! Takuji: Oh, you're so wet... There's a puddle at your feet. Does it feel that good? Zakuro: But, but... Ahaaa! It feels so good. Zakuro: It doesn't feel this good... when I do it by myself... She kept pleasuring herself, almost miserably. All the lascivious things she said were enough to make a virgin like me shake with excitement. Hmm, apparently she's an exhibitionist... Next time, I should invite her out into the woods and tape her doing something like this. Zakuro: It's so embarrassing, but... Aah, it feels great... Aahh! Fluffy white clouds in the blue sky, surrounded by fresh-fallen leaves... Her beautiful white body would look great in that kind of environment. Zakuro: Ah, aaah... The camera is too close... Haa, Oooh... Takuji: I have a great angle! Try to open it up more with your fingers! When I lowered the camera and gave her directions, she did as I said and opened her lips with her fingers. Her cooperative attitude felt like it was going to break my heart. Zakuro: Hmmm, Hhmmm... Soon, oh no... Oh no... Takuji: Yes, yes! I can see the strings of juice in between your fingers! Zakuro: Haa, no, it's coming, ah, aaah, aaaah! Her body started shaking so hard that she could hardly stand. Her finger stimulated her sensitive parts faster and faster. Everything about her was beautiful... Her body hid the devilish power to strip away man's instincts, and yet she was so unerringly magnificent that she couldn't be anything but an angel sent by God. Zakuro: You're recording it, recording me cumming! Haaa, aaahh! Compared to her, the Venus de Milo looked like the work of an amateur. Zakuro: Ha, aaah, aaaah! Zakuro: Mmhaaaaaaaa~~~~! Zakuro: ...Haa, haa... Zakuro: ...Ha, haa, haa... Zakuro: Ah... you're still taping? Zakuro: You pervert, hehehe... Zakuro: Aah, don't... ......... ...... ...
Zakuro: W-Well, a few weeks ago... Aha, I think it was a sunny day. She looked at me with a soft smile, but her face was red and hot, and her fists were clenched. Her palms were probably covered in sweat. Her eyes were still tearful... She wiped them a few times, but even then they were moist. Zakuro: The train to school in the morning is always packed, right? Takuji: Yeah, it is... Wait, are you saying some pervert touched you?! Zakuro: Ahaha... That might have been nice too... Takuji: Huh? Zakuro: Oh, ahaha, nothing! Um, no, no one touched me. She wasn't put off when I assumed the worst like that. She actually seemed pleased by it. Of course, I'm a growing boy, so I love stories like this. But I wouldn't want to hear about a beautiful girl I'd just become friends with being defiled by another man. Zakuro: I-I'll continue the story... if you don't mind... Takuji: O-Of course... Zakuro: It was pretty crowded on that day, so there was nowhere to sit. I was holding onto the handhold and standing... Zakuro: I'm not very strong, so often I can't get to the door in time if I sit in the wrong spot. Takuji: Yeah, yeah, I know what you mean. You have to push your way through the people standing by the door. Zakuro: Right! The door's right there, but it feels like it's a thousand miles away. Zakuro: And I'm afraid to squeeze in between people I don't know... Do you know what I mean? Takuji: Oh, most girls probably feel that way. Zakuro: Oh, excuse me. We're off topic again... Zakuro: At that time, there was a drowsy man in front of me. It was still morning and he already looked like he'd done a full day's work... Zakuro: I... don't know why, but standing next to that smelly old man... I started to feel funny... Takuji: D-Do you like older guys? Zakuro: N-Not at all. I never said I liked older guys. Zakuro: But... on that day, it just so happened that I had put the vibrator in my underwear so that I could turn it on with the remote control in my pocket at any time. Takuji: ...I-I don't think that just happened on its own, did it? Zakuro: I guess so... That's right... It was probably... just a coincidence... She said she always carried it around, but... it 'just so happened' to be there... Zakuro: S-So I was relieved, since it wasn't like it was the man in front of me that was making me feel that way... That's what I told myself. Zakuro: But... I imagined it... Zakuro: What would happen if I turned the switch on... Zakuro: What would it be like if I turned the vibrator on in front of him... I felt a little strange the moment that thought popped into my mind... Takuji: Eh? What happened? Zakuro: Oh, nothing... My finger just happened to be on the switch, so I accidentally turned it on... Takuji: ...You turned it on... Zakuro: I didn't mean to... It probably was just a coincidence... So I was a little shocked. Zakuro: But I'm not very quick on my feet, so I hesitated for a moment. I wanted to turn it off, but... Takuji: You didn't turn it off right away? Zakuro: Y-Yes... I totally panicked... I didn't intend to go that far, but I didn't know what I should do next... Zakuro: I was thinking, what should I do... I shouldn't have turned it on in a place like this... I'm not sure what I was doing... Takuji: ...O-Ohh... Zakuro: I didn't know what to do, but... I guess, it kind of felt good... Takuji: Wh-What did it feel like? Zakuro: What did it feel like? Umm... w-well... The vibrator was rubbing up against me and making warm waves of pleasure run through my lower body... Zakuro: A-And then... when I bent over a little bit, the vibrator touched that spot... Takuji: That spot? Zakuro: Umm... my clitoris... Takuji: How did it feel when it touched your clitoris? Zakuro: Umm, when the vibrator hit my clitoris, it felt so good that I couldn't help but jump. Takuji: Oh, ohh... Zakuro: But... I didn't want to overdo it. If it started to feel too good, I wouldn't be able to stand anymore. Zakuro: So every once in a while I would act like I was stretching... Takuji: And when you were stretching, you were trying to escape the pleasure? Zakuro: Th-That's right, but... I felt so miserable standing there and feeling the weak vibrations... Zakuro: So I always leaned over again. Zakuro: And when I did, I couldn't hide the pleasure that was overcoming me. My voice would leak out, like 'Hmmm,' or 'Haaa.' Zakuro: I did my best to cover up my moans, but... Ah, ahh... It looked like she was remembering what it felt like... I had never seen the expression on her face until that moment... She was shaking and staring off into space. Zakuro: And then... th-the man in front of me raised his head and looked straight at me. Takuji: Did he find out about the vibrator? Zakuro: I-I don't know... Oh, he probably just thought I looked like I was sick. Takuji: Yeah! There's no way he would think the girl in front of him was secretly masturbating with a vibrator. Zakuro: Aha, ahahaha... Th-That's right... That would be really strange. I would be, like... Takuji: A pervert? Zakuro: Y-Yes... I'm... a pervert...! Mmm!! She looked strange... She was shaking way more than before... Takuji: Wh-What's wrong? Zakuro: H-Huh? Oh, excuse me... Takuji: That's not what I mean... What's wrong? Zakuro: Aha... I-I think I might have come a little bit... Takuji: Eh? Takuji: You came just now? Just from words? Zakuro: B-But you called me a pervert, so... I-I... Takuji: No... There's no way you could come just from that. Zakuro: Y-Yes... I think you're right... Takuji: I guess... I shouldn't be surprised, since you masturbate in public... Zakuro: Ah... Don't say that... Takuji: But please, the rest of the story... Zakuro: Ah, okay... He looked at me suspiciously, so I gave him a big smile... Like a silent acknowledgement... Zakuro: And then he smiled a little bit. Takuji: Oh, that's good. Zakuro: He really was wondering if I was all right... Zakuro: At first I didn't think anything of him... I actually kind of disliked him at first, but... Zakuro: As I started to feel better and better from the vibrator, I started to feel connected to that old man who worked his heart out every day... Zakuro: I thought about how... he's ridden this crowded train every day to get to that age... It wouldn't hurt to give him something to cheer him up... Zakuro: It probably wasn't a good decision... I wasn't thinking straight because of the vibrator, so I lifted my skirt in front of the old man. Takuji: Then― He could see your panties plain as day?! Zakuro: Y-Yes... And he could tell right away that there was a vibrator buzzing in my panties... Takuji: Whoa, whoaa... Zakuro: That's why... Zakuro: He noticed what I was doing and his face got bright red. He looked away immediately... Takuji: Well, of course. Anyone would be surprised by that... After all... the only people who would do something like that are crazy exhibitionists... You would expect an old woman to do something like that. You would think it was a trap if a beautiful young girl who 'hasn't even experienced carnal pleasure' suddenly flashed you like that... Zakuro: Ah, jeez... What if he didn't like it? I guess he didn't... Why did I do something like that... Zakuro: I thought they were going to yell 'stop that immediately' and arrest me at the next stop... Zakuro: I thought my life was over... Zakuro: I thought, but nothing happened... He didn't say anything... Zakuro: Though he still glanced over at me every once in a while... Zakuro: Or maybe... he wanted to look? But why didn't he look straight at me... I still had my skirt up, trying to show him... Takuji: Well, of course... It could have been blackmail. Zakuro: Blackmail? Takuji: That's what he probably thought. There's no way a girl like you would do that for an old guy for free, right? Takuji: He probably thought a scary guy was going to come after him and say 'You looked, didn't you?' Zakuro: But it wasn't... I just wanted to do it... Takuji: But he didn't know that. Zakuro: Oh... He didn't really dislike it... If he disliked it, I would stop... I'm starting to feel good... Zakuro: I really wasn't thinking clearly... My head felt funny... Zakuro: I would bend over and stimulate my clitoris, seeking that ecstasy. Every time, I got a little closer to the old man... And then I lowered my panties. Zakuro: And then... He casually moved his hands to cover his crotch... Takuji: Yeah, he would have a problem if he didn't react to that. Even I was having trouble hiding my erection from imagining it. Zakuro: When I saw that, my mind went blank... I was too into it to think about anyone else that might be watching... Zakuro: I lowered my panties and started rubbing the vibrator on my wet pussy... Haa... Takuji: Eh? Did you get caught?! That's not doing it in secret at all! That's public masturbation! That's clearly a crime... Just remembering it made her moan as if she was masturbating. No one would ever imagine that she was this kind of girl if they had to judge her at a glance... Zakuro: Thinking back on it now, it was definitely scary... But at the time, my mind was numb. Zakuro: I tried to hold it in, but my voice was getting louder... Zakuro: It was like, "Aaah," and I think I said "Ooooh, it feels so good" a few times... Takuji: That's like you're telling the people around you. That's too dangerous... Zakuro: Yeah, it was... But still, I... Takuji: You what? I couldn't help asking. She looked too cute when she looked down so pensively. Zakuro: They probably thought I was weird... Ahaha, they were all looking at me out of the corners of their eyes, but no one told me to stop. Zakuro: Of course, I was worried about getting caught... Or rather, I thought I shouldn't do something like this... No human being should do something like this... Zakuro: I knew I shouldn't, but... I got even more excited because they were watching... Zakuro: Ahh, it felt so good having all those men looking at me... Just thinking about what a nasty girl I was made me... Zakuro: Ah! But don't get me wrong, please. Zakuro: I'm still a virgin. I just rubbed myself with the vibrator. I never put it inside. Zakuro: Even if I'm no good... I'd like to give my first to the man I love. Zakuro: So I've never crossed that line... Takuji: O-Of course not. I knew she was an incredibly perverted girl, but I felt like I had been saved when she said she were still a virgin. Even if she is a pervert, she should keep her body beautiful... And if I could be her first... that would be the best. Zakuro: I didn't know what was happening anymore, but I probably... Zakuro: I think I kept rubbing my exposed clitoris with the vibrator and watching the reactions of the people around me... Zakuro: I kind of remember seeing that all the men sitting down had erections... Takuji: Those people probably jacked off to you later, you know. Zakuro: Ah... That's embarrassing... Takuji: But the embarrassment made you feel good... Zakuro: Maybe it did... I'm a huge pervert, aren't I? But it felt so good. I just wanted more people to watch... Zakuro: Oh no... My moans probably echoed throughout the entire train... Zakuro: The hand holding the vibrator was covered in love juices... Zakuro: All the strength had left my body. If not for the handhold, I would have fallen... Zakuro: And then I heard the announcer say Suginomiya, and I knew I had to get off soon, so I pressed the vibrator up against my clitoris... Zakuro: I had to go all the way... I had to cum... Zakuro: There was nothing going through my head except... I have to cum, I have to cum, I have to cum... Zakuro: Ahh, ahh... It's so good... Ahh... Zakuro: So good... Ahhh, I'm going to cum, I'm going to cum! Zakuro: Oo, oooohhnnn!! Takuji: ...Amazing. As she told me about her orgasm, she actually let out a moan that left me starstruck. Zakuro: At that very instant, I saw the station come into view... I ran off the train without even pulling up my panties...
Takuji: It's awfully hot today, too... It was too hot, so I was forced to attend class starting with first period. One reason was for my credits. And another was for the air conditioning. It was cool inside the building, but my secret base was pretty stifling. Takuji: Now that the air conditioning in the floor above my base has turned on, it should start getting cooler... When the floor above cools down, the underground room cools down as well. I guess the air flows down from the floor above. So it starts getting cooler down there in the afternoon. I planned to head underground once second period ended. Takuji: And I'm sick of going to classes... Classes really tire me out. I mean, there are so many people in such a small classroom. And they're all sitting, facing the same direction. It's like a horror movie. It would be strange to not get creeped out by that. Honestly, while I'm in class, my palms get really sweaty from the stress. Just from being in that space... Takuji: Haa... I immediately laid down on the sofa. Takuji: I'm tired... And incredibly sleepy. It's probably because the summer sun steals all my strength. No, I'm tired in the spring too. But lots of people say they're tired in the spring... so it's not a problem to be tired in the spring. The problem is... ...The problem is...? The ... pr ... ...... * .* I poured hot water into some of the cup ramen I kept down here. Then I used the portable stove to boil water. For the record, I do have an electric water heater, but... it cools down while I don't have the generator running. Takuji: Haa... I slept quite a while. Since I wore myself out today... Sleeping like that makes me hungry. But when I eat, I get tired. It kind of feels like I'm always sleeping. Takuji: There we go... I turned on my computer while waiting on my ramen. Takuji: Umm... The signal looked fine... It was working pretty well. Takuji: That's right... Maybe I should check in on the site I administrate... After checking my email, I went to the site that I administer. Takuji: Hmm... More registration applications, huh... Who referred them? Takuji: The referrer is... Wait, ahaha, this address is Senagawa's, isn't it? So this new registration must be another teacher pretending to be a student. The referrer was Senagawa Yui, one of our teachers. She had been registered on this message board for three months. After registering, she'd never posted anything. Apparently she was just monitoring the site. Or maybe there was something she was worried about... Well, even teachers are human. Even they would be interested in what people are saying about them on the message boards. I've been the administrator of the underground message board for quite a while. Before I started this site, there were several different underground message boards for Kita High, but they were all much smaller sites. I knew quite a lot about making websites, despite my age, because I'd been helping my parents manage their site since I was a child. Though all I actually did was modify an existing floating thread message board template... I don't know if my site was more user-friendly than the rest or what, but it grew larger than all the others. Since no one can look at the site without registering, a lot of sketchy things get posted here. From personal information to illegal wares... All of that stuff. Takuji: I wonder who this teacher could be... Well, I suppose I'll find out eventually. The reason I found out which account was Senagawa's was because she put her name in her email address (what a stupid woman). And also from the times she logged in. Most of her logins were between classes. One time I actually saw the site up on her phone screen. Takuji: What a stupid teacher... Takuji: Supervision, huh... As if that stupid teacher could... It's easier to just let her think she's supervising us... She can dance in the palm of my hand... Takuji: Hehehehehe... I can't get enough of this feeling of omnipotence. Since I'm the administrator, I know everything that almost everyone in the school says or does... Takuji: Though that's only for the people who've registered... There are 158 people registered... An entire grade consists of about 280 people, so that's not too bad. I guess. Though it's not that many out of the whole school... For the record, I laid it out in a spreadsheet, and 63% are third years, 25% are second years, 10% are first years, and the other 2% are unknown (probably teachers). It's a pretty good percentage of the third years, at least. So I know what most of the people in the same year as me are doing. Takuji: But they're all such idiots... Mostly they talk about boring stuff, but sometimes they talk about dangerous topics like sex, schoolgirl prostitution, bullying, and occasionally even drugs. Takuji: Actually... There was a thread about Takashima-san's bullying, wasn't there... Though it was from like a year ago... The posters in that thread were Akasaka Megu, Kitami Satoko... and Tachibana Kimika, I think. At the time, I'd glanced at it for a few seconds, but it irritated me, so I ignored it after that. Bullying gets on my nerves, even if I'm not the one being bullied. Well, I don't really remember what they were talking about, since I haven't looked at it in so long. Takuji: I wonder what happened after that... They probably kept bullying her. The thread is still there. Which means her situation hasn't changed at all. Or maybe they're talking about something completely different now... Takuji: I wonder... ... So? So who cares? After all, Takuji: What can I do with that knowledge? Even if I do find out what's happening to her, what exactly am I supposed to do about it? I can't even do anything to help myself... How can I possibly help someone else? I can't even change my own fate. There's no way I could save someone else. Though there is one thing I can do. Takuji: Next time she comes here... I should try to be a bit nicer to her. Takuji: I could show her my favorite anime and favorite manga... There's no way I can save her. But I might be able to ease her pain. I should try showing her some of my anime, manga, and other stuff like that. Takuji: That's right. She's not an enemy. She's not an enemy... So next time, I should try to be nice to her. Takuji: Haa... It feels a bit cooler now. The sun had started to weaken. But still, the summer sun was persistent. The sun scorches the earth, even late into the evening. Takuji: The clubs probably haven't ended yet... I got thirsty while I was down there on the Internet. I could probably get a small refrigerator to put down here, but for the moment I still had to go out and buy my drinks. I usually go to the convenience store when I want something to drink. Takuji: Although... I'm almost out of ramen. I guess I'll go to the dollar store, though it's a bit further away. It's cheaper out there... Takuji: Ah... "Ah..." This girl... Girl? I know her. I know this girl. She's― Tsukasa: Umm.. * Hello, Mamiya-kun."* Takuji: ... She gave me a thin smile as she greeted me. She looked as if she had forced her expression into a smile as she answered... Why would she want to go out of her way to talk to me? Tsukasa: Have you been doing okay, Mamiya-kun? Her name is Wakatsuki Tsukasa. She's the prefect, isn't she... Is that why she's talking to me? No, it feels like she might have been on the student council... The class representative? Either way, I don't want to talk to anyone like that. Tsukasa: Umm... it seems like you haven't been in class lately... Takuji: ... Her smile just gets on my nerves. It's not like she's ever done anything to me. There's no reason for me to hate her. I hate most of the people in my class. There's hardly anyone I like. I'm not sure why, but I especially hate this girl. Why is that... Tsukasa: Um, Mamiya-kun? Takuji: ... I couldn't say anything in response to that smile... Kagami: ... Wakatsuki Tsukasa... Someone else was standing behind her. Why didn't I notice before? ...She was probably completely hidden in the other's shadow. But still, I completely missed her. The other one was― Wakatsuki Kagami. Wakatsuki Tsukasa's twin sister. Why didn't I notice her... There was probably some reason. I probably didn't notice because I didn't want to see her. Kagami: Mamiya Takuji-kun. That's your name, isn't it Takuji: ... She actually had to double check that was my name, even though we're in the same class. It's true, I hadn't been going to classes all that much... but still, we'd been in the same class for almost half a year. Kagami: Haa... He's not even answering. Kagami: That's enough, Tsukasa. Let's go. Tsukasa: Ah, sure.. * But..."* The Wakatsuki sisters. The older one is bursting with energy. The younger one is reserved and quiet. Their personalities are complete opposites, but... Top of the class. Beautiful. Good at sports. Popular. I don't have anything in common with them. They get on my nerves. Tsukasa: Though * I did put the printouts from class in your desk."* Takuji: ... I walked away. They're... annoying. Tsukasa: You don't go to class very often... Mamiya-kun. What's her problem... Why is she following me? Kagami: Don't assume that we're following you. Takuji: ... Kagami: We're just heading in the same direction. Tsukasa: Ahahaha... What a coincidence. Takuji: ... Tsukasa: Why are you skipping classes? Takuji: ... Takuji: Who knows... I don't feel so good. I just made that up so they would stop following me. Kagami: You don't feel good, huh... Her voice sounded accusatory. What was that supposed to mean? Was she trying to say that it was my motivation at fault, not my health? Kagami: So you don't go to classes... Can't go... Don't want to go... This woman... What's her problem? How could this woman be so persistent? We walked like that all the way to the Suginomiya shopping district. It was quite a long distance. I was going to go to a closer store, but then these two started following me... No, according to them, they were just headed in the same direction. Kagami: Most of the students here use this station, after all... Everything she said seemed to be in response to what I was thinking. Kagami: That's not possible.. * Why do you think I can read your mind?"* But you just did. Just now, you did. Kagami: You think the world revolves around you? That's ridiculous. Takuji: Huh? Tsukasa: Oh, sorry. Did we upset you? Takuji: Tch. My head felt itchy. It kept getting itchier. For some reason, my head gets itchy at times like this. All my pores open up. I suppose my head itches because there are so many pores on it. Anyway, this woman gets on my nerves. Kagami: ...What? Our eyes met. She had an unpleasant face. Her expression was carefully controlled. Looking at her face reminded me of something... Just looking at those two irritated me. Kagami: Tsukasa... we shouldn't be so close... Tsukasa: Onee-chan! Kagami: Look. He doesn't want to associate with us. There's no reason for us to talk to him. Tsukasa: Onee-chan, you can't say that... Tsukasa: Uh, umm... Mamiya-kun. I tried to put distance between us, but Tsukasa was doing her best to keep up with me. I was walking fast, so Tsukasa had to run to keep up, since she was so much smaller. I walked even faster. She ran even harder. I started running too. Her breath was ragged from running. Something like this... Did something like this happen in the past? I'm not sure why, but... it felt nostalgic. As if I knew this situation. Why? The answer is obvious. It's just deja vu... Simply deja vu. It's not a memory of the past. Tsukasa: .. This is just like old times." Takuji: Huh? Tsukasa: Ah, sorry.. * It has nothing to do with you."* Takuji: ... Tsukasa: That's right. We never met until we came to this school. Sorry for saying something so weird. What is she saying... Of course we didn't. Tsukasa: I just remember doing something like this before. Takuji: But we only met recently, right? Tsukasa: Like I said, it's just my memory. It has nothing to do with you.. * I just remembered something."* Takuji: Hmm... A girl chasing after the protagonist... I don't have a sister. I didn't even have any female friends when I was growing up. So there's no way she could remember me. But I still felt nostalgic about something. Which means... It's probably because that kind of situation comes up so often in eroge. I've seen scenes like that so many times in games. So when something like it happens in reality, it feels familiar... It's kind of sad, really... But besides that... Takuji: Your sister does that too... Would you stop reading my mind? Tsukasa: Ah, s-sorry... I didn't mean to... Takuji: Jeez... Looking at other people's thoughts. What are you, peeping toms? Kagami: What? Are you trying to pick a fight? Takuji: Huh? Kagami: I won't let you off easy if you talk about Tsukasa like that. Takuji: I-I'm not trying to start a fight. Kagami looked at me fiercely. Why is she so outspoken? Kagami: Then don't say crap like that. Tsukasa: O-Onee-chan! Takuji: Wh-What's your problem... You're the ones trying to talk to me. Kagami: It's not like I want to talk to someone like you. Tsukasa: Onee-chan! Kagami: Ah... sorry... She apologized when her sister yelled at her. That's surprising. It almost looks like the younger one is the one in control. Well, not like it matters to me. Tsukasa: Ah... Tsukasa pointed to a store window. Tsukasa: Look over there. Takuji: ... I wasn't really interested, but I looked where she was pointing. Tsukasa: It's a big rabbit doll. Takuji: ... So what? That's what I wanted to say, but... I didn't. If I had said that, the older one would've gotten on my case again. Tsukasa: When I was little... I got a big rabbit doll from my brother. Takuji: Hmm, that's nice. And what about it... What do I care? Tsukasa: A big doll... It was as tall as I was. Takuji: Hmm, it was really big, huh? Tsukasa: Yeah, it was probably really expensive too. Takuji: How kind of him. Tsukasa: Yeah! Tsukasa answered with a joyful smile. That smile kind of... irritated me. Kagami: ... Kagami glared daggers at me. What's wrong this time... It's not like I did anything to make her sad. Tsukasa: That was the happiest moment of my life... Tsukasa: I was so happy I wanted time to just stop right there. Takuji: You mean, like, 'Beautiful moment, do not pass away!', right? Tsukasa: Yeah, just like Faust. Takuji: ... What's this... Why did those words... Why did Faust's words come out of my mouth? I don't know anything about him. I've never read that book... Faust is one of those old novels that they talk about in textbooks. Well, who cares... Kagami: Who cares... Her happiest moment really has stopped, after all. Tsukasa: Yeah. Kagami: But still, you can't talk about that to just anyone on the street, Tsukasa. Kagami: That's one of your most important memories, you know? Tsukasa: Yes, but... Takuji: ... What's... she saying? Kagami: Mamiya-kun... right? Takuji: Yeah, and? Kagami: Don't make her worry too much. Takuji: Huh? Kagami: I wouldn't care if you got run over by a bus tomorrow, but Tsukasa would be upset if something happened to one of her classmates. Takuji: ... But you wouldn't care at all... Kagami: Well, whatever. This is where we part. Tsukasa: Yeah, this is the station. Takuji: See ya. Tsukasa: Yeah, bye. Kagami: We're off. ... What's up with them? Their personalities really are complete opposites. It bugs me how that Kagami girl is always trying to pick a fight. But that girl called Tsukasa... I don't know why, but she bugs me too. Those two... Why do I hate those two? Why do they irritate me so much? Takuji: I bought quite a lot... The teachers would confiscate this bag if they saw it, so I had to climb over the back fence. This way is a shortcut to my secret base, too. Takuji: Haa... Well then... Takuji: Huh...? Zakuro: Eh? Takuji: Huh? Zakuro: Umm... Wh-Why did she come out of the manhole? Umm... that means... Takuji: Umm, Takashima-san... what are you doing? Zakuro: U-Umm... Takuji: Did you come to see me? Zakuro: ... Takuji: H-Hey! Takuji: What's wrong? Wh-Why did she run away? Takuji: Haa, haa, haa... I chased after her, but... she was already gone. Takuji: Sh-She's pretty fast... She was gone. Takuji: But still, what was that? Takuji: She came to see me, didn't she? Why did she run when she saw me? Takuji: Hmm... Maybe she came to see me... and ran away because she was embarrassed? Takuji: What do you mean? That almost makes it sound like she m-might like me, ahahaha. Takuji: D-Does she? ...No. This is how they get you to lower your guard. Nothing good has come of this before... You can't open up to them so easily... Takuji: W-Well, it didn't seem to me like she had any bad intentions. Takuji: I wonder if she's going to come again. Takuji: Ahaha... If I get my expectations up, it'll just end in tragedy. I laughed as I slumped into the couch. Takuji: Haa... And then I was assaulted by drowsiness. What... I'm getting sleepy again... Well, I did talk to those unpleasant girls, and I walked all the way to the shopping district. There were plenty of reasons for me to be tired. Sleepy. The blazing summer sun steals my energy. No, I was tired even before it got hot. Lots of people say they're tired in the spring... ...So being tired during the spring isn't a problem. The problem is... ...The problem is...? The ob ... * ......*
I haven't seen Takashima-san lately. I've tried to stay in my base as much as possible in case she comes by... Takuji: I guess she really wasn't... Feminine caprice, huh... Maybe it was just morbid curiosity. Maybe she was just window shopping... It's all the same to me... Takuji: Crap... I should've tried to get some upskirt photos to make sure she wouldn't tell anyone... I wish I had gotten some pictures of her underwear... Then I could threaten to put them on the Internet if she told anyone... ... But... Takuji: But it doesn't seem like she's told any of the teachers about this place... If that was just a prank that the girls in my class were playing on me, then everyone in the school would know about it by now... Takuji: It doesn't seem like she's told anyone... Takuji: Hmm... I wonder why... Does she have some reason? Takuji: Actually... Takashima-san was being bullied by the other girls in her class, wasn't she... Maybe they just wanted to use the girl they were bullying to pull a prank on me... That's pretty common... They make one of the girls they bully do something to someone else... A while back, I remember a girl was bullied into confessing to all the ugly boys in her class... That was terrible... None of them were popular with girls, so a lot of them misunderstood and started stalking her. The stalkers all thought she was cheating on them, so they would call her a whore in the classroom, and they posted her personal information online... It was awful. Maybe they tried to use Takashima-san in the same way to make me do something like that... It's definitely possible. ... But... Even then... there are a lot of unanswered questions. If that was the case, they would have already told everyone about this place. And yet I don't think anyone but Takashima-san knows about it. Maybe they're just waiting to see what I do? Hmm... That's a bit strange, too. Even if I assume they're waiting and trying to trick me... it's strange. The first time she came here was... eight days ago, I think? She came here the next day... And it's been a whole week since then. Even if they were biding their time, they wouldn't have waited this long. Since then, she hasn't come to see me even once. Nothing has happened since then. Takuji: What's she trying to do... If they're trying to mess with me, something should've happened. If they're waiting for me to let my guard down, they're letting too much time pass. So why? Takuji: Why hasn't anything happened... Whether they plan on telling everyone about this place, or if they're trying to trick me... Takuji: That's right. If it's one of their plots, they should be talking about it in their thread on the underground message board. They've always posted about the different ways they bully Takashima-san... I might be able to find something on there. Takuji: They were in the same class, so... Akasaka Megu, Kitami Satoko, and Tachibana Kimika, huh... 15: Megu and Satoko's friendship thread. What a stupid thread title. It made me nauseous just looking at it. Using the word 'friendship' for what they do is just nasty... It's really creepy... They shouldn't talk like that at their age. Only a moron would talk like that. Paradoxically enough, using those words just shows how weak their friendship truly is. Otherwise they wouldn't feel the need to say it like that. Most people wouldn't feel the need to do that... But because they're selfish people, they don't mind... Honest people wouldn't use those words like that. And this thread is the proof. Takuji: All they talk about in their friendship thread is makeup, boys, complaints about the school, and finally, bullying. The worst kind of friendship... Takuji: Well, that's why they always bully other people... For them to be friends, they have to have someone to bully... Their relationship is founded on having something else to take out their frustration on. Well, that's just how it is. Takuji: Umm... Oh, here it is. Takuji: Huh... What's this? There have been a lot of posts lately... Threads generally don't move very fast, since there aren't that many people on the site. But the past few days this one has been getting a lot of posts. Takuji: So they really were trying to trick me? They must have been. If not, there wouldn't be so many posts. Shit... They really did use Takashima-san to pull a prank on me. They're probably laughing at me... I won't forgive them. Takuji: Crap... What are they saying about me? 680: Satoko: 2012/07/10(F) 01:21:25 ID:satoko couldnt we get in trouble for that? it seemed like she was broken 681: Megu: 2012/07/10(F) 01:22:16 ID:megu i hope shes totally broken then she wont be able tell anyone lol 682: Satoko: 2012/07/10(F) 01:25:25 ID:satoko we might have overdone it. if they find out, they wont just let us off with a suspension Takuji: What's this? Suspension? Broken? They... can't be talking about me... What's happening? 683: Megu: 2012/07/10(F) 01:26:16 ID:megu youre worrying too much lol nothings going to happen lol as long as she doesnt squeal were fine 684: Satoko: 2012/07/10(F) 01:28:25 ID:satoko what about the police? 685: Megu: 2012/07/10(F) 01:32:16 ID:megu there wont be any police lol even if there are, we can just keep quiet lol It wasn't what I was expecting at all. They sounded like they're nervous about something. 686: Megu: 2012/07/10(F) 01:36:16 ID:meg there's no way takashima is going to talk after that lol theres no problem. Takuji: What? They're talking about Takashima-san? They haven't said a single thing about me... All of the recent posts have been about Takashima-san... Takuji: This means... something happened to Takashima-san... Maybe she's not feeling well. Takuji: What happened... Takuji: Broken, they said... That's awfully ominous. What's going on... Takuji: Did Takashima-san...! Takuji: Haa, haa... Her classroom was... The class next to mine, so... Takuji: Here... They're having class right now... I carefully peeked into the classroom... Takashima-san's seat is in the back, by the window... I looked at her seat from the door in the back of the classroom. Takuji: ...She's there. I could see her in her seat... though she was slumped over on her desk. Takuji: I can't see her face, but that's Takashima-san. She looked depressed, but she might have just been sleeping, too. Takashima-san... How are you feeling? If she's depressed because something bad happened... Takuji: Then... ... Then? Wait... What am I doing... Maybe something happened to her, but what am I supposed to do about it? Let's say class ends... What would I do then? Talk to her? Ask her about it? Ask? Ask her what? What would I say to her in that situation? If she ran to me with all her worries... What would I do? I can't even do anything about my own problems... Even if she's being bullied, there's nothing I can do about it. Takuji: B-But when class is over, I can at least say something to her. Just a greeting... 'How have you been?' A casual exchange like that. I could do that... I don't know if something like that could save her, but... But... Takuji: That's right... When class lets out... Takuji: Ah... " ooking for you..." Tomosane: I've been looking for you... Takuji: U-Umm... Yuuki was looking for me? Ah... crap... That's right... It's been a week, hasn't it? I totally forgot about that promise... Tomosane: You promised you'd bring me 50,000 yen. Your time's up. I forgot... He made me promise him last week... And I completely forgot... Tomosane: Hurry up... Give me the money. The money. Takuji: Um, well... Tomosane: Don't tell me you don't have your wallet with you. I can see it in your back pocket. Takuji: Huh? U-Umm... Takuji: Eagh! Tomosane: Now then, hand it over. Takuji: U-Uh... Okay... There's no point in resisting. If I do, he'll just beat me up and take it by force... Tomosane: What's this? Takuji: Huh? Wh-What do you mean? Tomosane: There's only 27,571 yen here. Takuji: W-Well... Takuji: Ow... Tomosane: You're not going to have a good time if you can't even keep your promises. You're more than 20,000 yen short. Takuji: I-I'm sorry... Tomosane: Oh, no... Takuji: E-Eek. Tomosane: I don't care for your apologies. It's just, it really bothers me when I don't have any money. Shiroyama: Ah... Numada: Oh, Yuuki-kun. Iinuma: Sup? Tomosane: ... Shiroyama: Gah! Iinuma: Why? Tomosane: Just now... 'Oh crap' was written on your face, like you didn't want to see me. Shiroyama: Th-That's... Tomosane: I don't know why, but I'm not too fond of excuses. Iinuma: Yuuki-kun, I don't think he meant it that way... Tomosane: What? Iinuma, are you talking back to me? Iinuma: N-Not at all, but... Tomosane: If you're going to disobey me, you'd better be prepared to kill me. You know that, right? Iinuma: Y-Yes... That's... Tomosane: Well, whatever. Tomosane: Actually, didn't you know someone who was growing some herb, Numada? Numada: A-About that... He got caught by the police. Tomosane: Really? He got caught? Shiroyama: Yes, and... he snitched on a lot of other people. Tomosane: So you're going to get caught too? Numada: No... I think I'm probably safe, but... Tomosane: Anyway, if you do get caught, don't tell them about me * Otherwise, I'll kill you when I get out."* Numada: I'm not a snitch. Besides, I'm not going to get caught... Probably. Tomosane: Hmm. Well, keep it up then. Tomosane: And as for you, Mamiya-kun, I'll wait till next week * Get me the rest of the money."* Tomosane: If you don't, it won't just be painful. I might end up leaving you in a wheelchair. Takuji: O-Okay... Tomosane: Alright, then... Does anyone have a cigarette? Shiroyama: Ah, you want some of my Sevens? Tomosane: Sevens? Isn't that the stuff that smells like shit? Numada: Yeah, it is. Shiroyama: What? Really? I like it. Tomosane: Whatever, that works. Numada: You always like the offbeat brands. What was it? Never... Neverland, I think? Tomosane: It's not like I want to smoke something weird like that. It's just what's always in my pocket, so I smoke it. Numada: What? Is your pocket an extradimensional portal? Tomosane: I wish. Then I'd have as much as I wanted. Though I'd rather it gave me money instead. Shiroyama: Of course. Shiroyama: Huh? Are you heading home? Tomosane: I just wanted to go to the station. Numada: You're gonna ditch all your classes? Tomosane: Dunno. Anyway, I want to get some coffee at that cafe, Spring Coffee, in front of the station. Numada: Ahahaha, see ya later. ...... Yuuki finally disappeared... Takuji: Finally... Numada: Let's go to the roof. Shiroyama: Why? Numada: It's... something I can't talk about here. Shiroyama: Eh? Really? They were apparently relieved that Yuuki was gone, too. They ignored me and walked off somewhere. They said they were going to the roof... Why would they want to do that in the middle of summer? The roof is hotter than hell right now... And they always avoid the rooftop... Huh? Now that I think about it... don't they avoid the rooftop because of Minakami-san? They don't go near it because Minakami Yuki is always up there... Takuji: Are they going to be alright? They might run into her. Minakami Yuki is in my class... And technically, so is Yuuki. She's not as bad as Yuuki, but she's ridiculously violent for a girl. That's why Shiroyama and the others avoid her. They don't really want to go near her. Apparently they got messed up last time they tried to screw around with her. They say she's an experienced martial artist, so she's incredibly strong... And she doesn't hold back at all when fighting guys. It's not like they can complain when they get beaten up by a girl. She knows that, so she fights dirty. Fighting her means taking the risk of getting at least one of your arms broken... Even Yuuki Tomosane avoids her. I kind of wonder who's stronger, but those two don't cross paths very often. I've never heard of them fighting. I hear stories about both of them fighting other people, though... And apparently, Minakami-san beats up people from other schools on occasion. So why are those guys so calm about going to the roof? Takuji: Maybe they already know she's not up there... Is that why they're going up to the roof? Like, maybe she already left? Well, she usually skips class too, so it wouldn't be a surprise if she left school altogether. Takuji: But that bastard Yuuki... Takuji: What's wrong with him? He took 30,000 yen from me... Why'd he have to hit me like that? Takuji: Lowlifes like him are such a pain in the ass. Why do they think they're so much better than me? They can't even see ten feet in front of themselves, so they don't care what they're doing to others. Takuji: And 50,000 yen is impossible. I don't have that kind of money. I don't want to get a job at all... How can someone expect me to get a job when I can't even stand to talk to other people... Takuji: Haa... Why is that Yuuki guy so violent... Apparently he transferred here from another school last year. He doesn't really stand out based on his looks. He's not very tall, and he's skinny... No one expected him to be that strong. But now everyone fears Yuuki Tomosane. Of course, even Shiroyama and Numada fear him. The first day he came here, he beat the two of them up. Though it would be better described as physical abuse, since it was completely one-sided. I witnessed it happen. He's truly a fearsome man... Even people from other schools are afraid of him. They say he's a lunatic who's going to murder someone one of these days. He probably will kill someone eventually. There's almost no doubt about that. He doesn't think twice about using a knife, and he doesn't hesitate to stab someone if they let him. Yuuki once stabbed Shiroyama through the palm when Shiroyama made him mad, and he even stabbed Numada in the ass just because he was in a bad mood. There are rumors that gang members and lowlifes throughout the town have been stabbed by him, and some have even lost fingers when they ran into him. Normally, someone would be more reserved when using a knife. Well, as normal as stabbing someone can be (which really isn't normal at all). Considering the way he stabs every single person he fights, it's just a matter of time until he kills someone. From the time I entered this school until Yuuki transferred here... I was bullied by Shiroyama, Numada, and Iinuma. They didn't use simple violence as much as he does, but they attacked my spirit. Their bullying was more constant and subtle, probably so it was harder for others to tell that it was bullying. It made me feel neurotic every day. Especially when Nishimura couldn't find a woman... That wasn't just bullying. That demand was beyond mere bullying... When Yuuki Tomosane came to this school, all that ended. Since he came to this school, all of the bullying changed into outright violence. One year ago... He came to our school without even introducing himself to the class. The reason he didn't get to introduce himself was because he was late on the first day after he transferred. My impression of him is from... That day when he suddenly appeared before me. Yes... that day... The bullying on that day was a little unusual. At first, they were pretending we were 'playing,' like always... but then it turned into something different. I feel sick just remembering it... Because... For some reason, 'playing around' turned into sexual assault on that day... Takuji: ...Aah... It hurts... It really hurts... Numada: This could be pretty bad, couldn't it? His bone's probably broken by now. You're crazy, Shiroyama-kun. You've gotta be breaking it. Shiroyama: That just means he's lacking calcium, doesn't it? Iinuma: Osteoporosis, right? Nishimura: Mamiya, you won't be able to jack off anymore. Takuji: Ah, please... stop it... Numada: No way, we have to be fair. Rock, paper, scissors. Iinuma: Come on, throw something out or you lose automatically, and that's 10,000 yen. Go, go, go! Shiroyama: Whoa, this time I lost. Iinuma: Alright, here it comes. Shiroyama: S-Seriously...? Shiroyama: Gaaa, ow, it hurts! Kiyoshi: Alright, rock, paper scissors! This stupid... pointless game... The person that wins at rock, paper, scissors punches the loser's arm as hard as he can. I guess it started because people wanted to show off their muscles, but... I was forced to participate. Hitting someone in the arm isn't fun, and being hit is nothing but painful. It's really pointless. Shiroyama: Rock, paper, scissors! Numada: ...Scissors! Takuji: Ah... Crap... I was thinking, and... I threw late. Throwing late is... Iinuma: You threw yours after us! Kiyoshi: Alright, alright, a late throw is 10,000 yen. Takuji: I-I don't have that kind of money. Kiyoshi: Of course you do. Pay up. It's a promise. Takuji: B-But... Shiroyama: No buts. Either pay up or we're all going to hit you. Takuji: I'll die if you do that. Iinuma: How are you going to die from getting punched in the arm. No one's that weak. Takuji: B-But... Shiroyama: Shut up. Come on, put out your arm. Takuji: S-Seriously, don't. Just stop. Nishimura: Let's just punch him in the face. Numada: Like I said, we can't do that. It's just a game, after all. Iinuma: But he's a pain in the ass. He's not following the rules. Numada: Well, yeah, he's not. Nishimura: Ah! I have an idea. Shiroyama: What? Nishimura: Hey, Mamiya. Go steal a girl's uniform. Takuji: Eh? Numada: How? Shiroyama: Megu's class is swimming right now. There should be uniforms in the changing room. Nishimura: Of course. Numada: What? That's brilliant. Nishimura: Mamiya, go steal one of their uniforms. Then we'll let you off. Takuji: Wh-Why? Shiroyama: Or would you rather pay 10,000 yen? Better yet, we could all punch you. Takuji: Th-That's... Shiroyama: So then whose uniform should he take? No one wants some fat chick's uniform. Numada: Yeah, a cute girl would be good. Don't pick an ugly girl. Iinuma: Whose then? I wouldn't mind Takashima or Tachibana's. Those two are the cutest. Nishimura: Takashima acts a bit weird, but she is pretty cute. Iinuma: That's right. She's getting bullied by the other girls, but it's just jealousy, isn't it? Nishimura: Yeah, she's getting bullied. Shiroyama: Though it's Megu and Satoko doing it. Iinuma: That's your girlfriend, isn't it... Nishimura: Well, whatever. Just grab Takashima or Tachibana's uniform and bring it here. Takuji: Eh? I-I can't do that... Shiroyama: Of course you can. You need to! Iinuma: It's your punishment, so there has to be a little risk. Takuji: I-I can't... Takuji: O-Ow... Shiroyama: Are you misunderstanding something? We told you to do it. You can't just say you can't. You'll do it. Iinuma: Making the impossible possible is what it means to be a man. If you're a man, you'll do it. Nishimura: I'm not so sure... He's so scrawny, and I bet he doesn't even have a dick. Shiroyama: So if he clears this mission, he'll become a man. Show everyone that you really do have a dick, Mamiya. Takuji: But... Shiroyama: Knock it off. We're not going to ask nicely again. This is what we came up with because you were whining about our other plans. Iinuma: Yeah, you can't just say no to everything. We might just have to beat you up. The next punishment game could be stripping you naked, burning your dick hair, and throwing you out in the field. Nishimura: Hurry up. Their class is about to end. Takuji: But... Numada: It'll be fine. If you steal Takashima's uniform, she'll just think it was one of the girls' pranks. Shiroyama: Then they'll suspect my girlfriend, since she's the one who's been bullying Takashima the most. Numada: But bullying someone is awful. Of course there's a risk to that. She should take responsibility for her actions, right? Shiroyama: Says who? Kiyoshi: Anyway, they won't think it's you, Mamiya, so don't worry about it. Takuji: I guess so... B-But... Shiroyama: Shut up. If you don't go, I'll... Takuji: Ah, s-sorry... Numada: And her seat is number 12. Takuji: Huh? Numada: What do you mean, 'huh'? The changing room lockers use the same numbers as their seats, so you need to know that to find out which locker is Takashima's. Takuji: Ah, I-I see... The men's lockers were like that, weren't they... Shiroyama: Well then, we wish you luck. Nishimura: And you can't forget the underwear. You absolutely can't! Now that I think of it... my first memory of Takashima-san was when I stole her uniform and underwear. It's such an unpleasant memory that I've tried my best to forget it, but... it really wasn't a good way to meet someone. Maybe you could call it fate. I snuck into the changing room, still feeling depressed. Once I tried it, it went easier than I expected. I couldn't believe it was so easy. There was no lock on the door, and no one was watching it. And I just had to open the locker with the same number as her seat. Takuji: This one? I checked the uniform inside. The name 'Takashima Zakuro' was written on the lining. Takuji: This is it... I felt guilty taking it, but I had no idea what they would do to me if I turned back. Takuji: W-Well... Kiyoshi: Hmm? Takuji: I-I got it... Nishimura: Huh? Got what? Takuji: Eh? Iinuma: Isn't this a girl's uniform? Kiyoshi: Are you serious? He really did it! That's terrible! He doesn't know what a joke is at all! Takuji: Eh? A j-joke? Shiroyama: You actually stole it. You're a criminal now. Takuji: Eh... B-But... Numada: This is getting dangerous. We're gonna be accomplices now. Takuji: B-But you all said I had to go get it... Takuji: Ow. Shiroyama: What are you talking about? Are you trying to blame someone else? You're scum. Numada: That's right. You shouldn't do that. Nishimura: We'll have to turn you in. There's no way we're going to be your accomplices. Numada: That's right. We have to turn him in. Takuji: S-Stop it. I'll go return it right now. Iinuma: You can't. Takuji: Ah... Iinuma: If you go back to the changing room now, you'll be caught, 100%. Kiyoshi: Oh boy, you're out of luck. You're totally a criminal now. Numada: Well, I'll go find one of the teachers. Takuji: I'm sorry. I'll apologize. Just don't tell the teachers. I'll do anything, so forgive me. Shiroyama: Don't touch me, girly man! That's nasty! Takuji: Agh... Numada: Jeez, he really is nasty. Shiroyama: You don't even have a dick between your legs, do you? Kiyoshi: Hahaha, he doesn't have one. No way! Takuji: I-I do... Shiroyama: Huh? What did you say? Takuji: E-Even I... have one... Shiroyama: ... The most powerful punch yet hit me right in the face. My vision went blank, as if the wiring in my head had been jostled loose. Then, a moment later, a loud bang resonated through my head, and my eyes were filled with the sight of sky. When I fell, I hit my head on the concrete. Takuji: Ah... My head was spinning too much for me to even move. Shiroyama: Numada, let me borrow your knife... Numada: Seriously? Are you gonna cut him up? Shiroyama: Just give it to me. Shiroyama took the knife from Numada. Takuji: Wh-What?! Shiroyama cut into my uniform with his knife. Takuji: S-Stop it. My uniform is... Numada: Are you actually gonna burn his dick hair and throw him out in the field? Takuji: Y-You can't! That's my uniform! I fought like a dying man to stop them from destroying all my clothes. Shiroyama: Tch! Takuji: Ow! The knife went astray and cut into my belly. Shiroyama: Shut up. If you don't sit still, I'm gonna have to slice you up. Takuji: Eek... Even after threatening to cut me, he threw in another punch to the face for good measure. Iinuma: I wonder what his body actually looks like... Nishimura: He really is disgusting... So pale and skinny. He doesn't even have any muscle. Takuji: ...Uuu... Shiroyama: This is awful... I don't even want to bother with the rest. Let's just burn all the hair on his body. Numada: Really? That's evil. Shiroyama: But he really does look like a woman. He's so disgusting, jeez. Nishimura: It's dangerous to burn his hair, though. I know someone who did that once as a joke, and the guy got burned when his head caught on fire. My friend got arrested for it. Kiyoshi: The hair on someone's head burns like crazy, and it stinks something awful. Someone would definitely notice. Shiroyama: Okay, that's fine. We'll just burn his dick hair before we throw him away. That's good enough for me. Numada: Yeah. Numada grabbed my hands to hold me down. Takuji: N-No! Shiroyama: He still doesn't understand. What a pain... I resisted, trying not to let him get ahold of my hands. Iinuma: Why's this dumbass flailing around like a child? It's hard to look at, man. Takuji: S-Stop it! No! Stop! Shiroyama: Shut up! Iinuma-chan, grab his legs. Iinuma: Got it! Takuji: S-Stop... My resistance was useless. They exposed my lower body to the world. Takuji: Ah... Nishimura: ... Shiroyama: What the hell... How old is he? Takuji: Don't look... Don't look... Iinuma: Hahahaha! Seriously? He still doesn't have any even at this age! Shiroyama: There's nothing to burn... Numada: He's even nastier than I thought. Takuji: ... Nishimura: He's not a man. There's no way he's even human. Takuji: What are you saying... Shiroyama: Huh? Takuji: I've done everything you asked! Why are you doing this to me?! Takuji: Aghh! Auighh! Shiroyama got on top of me and started punching me. Numada: You really are stupid... Iinuma: Who cares. I'm bored. Let's get out of here. Kiyoshi: The next class is going to end in thirty minutes. We need to go get something to eat before that. Iinuma and Yokoyama wanted to leave. Please... Just do what they're saying and leave... I silently prayed. Shiroyama: Yeah, sure. I'll catch up with you in a minute. Kiyoshi: Well then, we're gonna go. Numada: Yeah, go ahead. Takuji: Eegh... Numada: I'm gonna give him a few more lumps. Iinuma Kenji and Yokoyama Kiyoshi headed off to the front gates. They wanted to leave before lunch, since if they waited, there would be a teacher at the gates to stop people. Numada: Huh? Nishimura, aren't you gonna go with them? Nishimura: I packed my lunch. Takuji: ... Numada: He's so nasty... He's not even a real man. Shiroyama: Just looking at him makes me angry. Numada: Oh... Numada looked at the uniform I had stolen. Numada: This is Takashima Zakuro's uniform, isn't it? Takuji: Eh? But that's what you told me... Nishimura: What's wrong with you? You stole a uniform from a girl who's already being bullied? Now you're the bully, Mamiya. Takuji: But you told me to! Takuji: Eagh! Shiroyama: Don't try to blame other people... Numada: Is that it? Do you have a crush on Takashima? Takuji: Eh? Takuji: N-No way. I don't even know her... Takuji: Eeahh, s-stop hitting me. Numada: Then don't make me say it twice, okay? You stole her uniform because you have a crush on her, right? Takuji: U-Umm... Shiroyama: Well? Takuji: Y-Yes... Nishimura: Good, then I'll give you the uniform. If you don't like her, then I don't know why you'd want to steal it. In that case, I'd have to keep hitting you. So which is it? Takuji: Y-Yes... I like her... Nishimura: Well then, you can have it. Wear it home. Takuji: Eh? Nishimura: Hahaha, you have such a big crush on her, right? Then you should wear her uniform and jack off. Jack off to her. Takuji: Eh... but... If I didn't answer yes, he would punch me again... And either way, I didn't have a uniform since mine had been cut to pieces. Even if a woman's uniform would be better than nothing... Takuji: Alright... Numada: Hehehehe, Nishimura-chan... You're such a bully. Nishimura: Hurry up and change already. He threw the uniform at me. I put on the underwear first. It was the first time I had ever touched a girl's underwear. Takuji: ... This... is always touching Takashima-san's most important parts... Which means... Of course, I've never had any experience with a woman, even now. I had never even seen the underwear of a girl my age up close. Takuji: This is... I felt the blood pooling in my lower body. Even I was surprised. Even though they were putting me through such shame, my body reacted when I saw Takashima's panties. Takuji: O-Oh no... The underwear will be too small for me to wear... Takuji: ... Numada: Seriously? Crossdressing? You're actually going to wear the underwear you stole? You really are a pervert. That's just what I expected them to say. They really are stupid, uncouth people... They react the same way every time, repeating the same jokes like clockwork. Nishimura: You really put her panties on? You even put the panties on? Takuji: Eh? Nishimura: Look at this pervert! Show us whether you actually put on the panties. Takuji: N-No... Shiroyama: What? Shiroyama's fist clenched again. I-It's fine... I managed to calm him down, so now it should be fine... Takuji: Alright... I slowly lifted my skirt. The breezy feeling I had felt became even more intense. Trunks or briefs wouldn't feel this thin. I was incredibly conscious of myself, being forced to wear women's clothing outside and then lift my skirt. Embarrassing... Takuji: ... Nishimura: He really did... He put them on. Numada: God damn, those are Takashima's panties! Shiroyama: Hahaha, but it's Takuji wearing them... Nishimura: You're right... There's a little bulge in the crotch... Numada: But his dick is so small you might think he's a woman. Shiroyama: Gross. Nishimura: He doesn't have any hair at all... He's childish in mind and body. Shiroyama: It's nasty how he looks just like a girl. Nishimura: But Takashima has some really sexy panties... Shiroyama: Yeah, since she's a slut, you know? Tools of the trade. Nishimura: She sells her body? Shiroyama: That's what Megu said. Nishimura: But she's just trying to bully her. That's gotta be a lie. Takuji: ... Selling her body... They mean schoolgirl prostitution, don't they? Which means... Takashima-san has been having sex... The reason her panties are so sexy is... because she wants to show them to someone. Takuji: Oo... C-Crap... I shouldn't have thought about that. Numada: It looks so soft and smooth... God damn, I wish that wasn't Mamiya's crotch. Shiroyama: Hold on, that's pretty gay. Nishimura: Yeah, even if the panties are sexy, you don't want to touch them. That's dick in there. If you get him excited, he'll just pop a boner. Numada: Ugh. Takuji: ... Their discussion had focused on Takashima-san's panties. When I imagined her engaging in schoolgirl prostitution... My privates started pushing up against the fabric. Takuji: No... Let me go already... Shiroyama: What is it? Takuji: I can't... Shiroyama: Can't what? Takuji: Eh? Um... I could feel the blood pulsing inside Takashima-san's panties. At this rate, it'll... Takuji: Let me go already... Shiroyama: What are you talking about? Numada: Huh... Numada: Isn't it bigger than before? I don't think it was this big earlier... Nishimura: He's growing? Takuji: No... Numada: Oh, wow... Nishimura: Are you serious? They could see it moving. Takashima-san's tiny panties were being pushed up from beneath. Takuji: No, no... Don't look... Nishimura: What a freak. He gets a boner from crossdressing out here, with all of us watching... I was too embarrassed to even comprehend the situation. I was so embarrassed that I just wanted to die. My body was flooded with the feeling of regret. Takuji: I'm sorry. I'm sorry... Don't look... Please don't look... I started crying, but the blood kept rushing to my crotch, as if a floodgate had been opened. Numada: ... Shiroyama: What's wrong with him... That's nasty. He really is a freak. Nishimura: He's getting turned on from wearing those panties and having us look at him. Numada: Then he really is some kind of pervert. He almost looks erotic... even though he's a guy. Shiroyama: That's pretty disgusting. Numada: Mamiya, aren't you embarrassed? You're getting a boner now, as you wear your beloved Takashima's panties, while your crotch is exposed to the world... Takuji: Of course I'm embarrassed! So don't look. Just let me go... Numada: Then why is your dick getting hard? Are you getting turned on by wearing Takashima-san's clothes? Takuji: N-No... I hardly even know Takashima-san. Nishimura: Then why are you popping a boner? Takuji: B-Because you guys said she was doing schoolgirl prostitution... Numada: Huh? So? Takuji: I-I imagined it... Takuji: Ah... Numada: ... Nishimura: Whoa... Shiroyama: Tch. A soft, sliding feeling... Takashima-san's panties were made of such smooth material that my penis slipped out. Numada: Freak... Why are you leaking cum already... Shiroyama: He's the worst... I can't believe he's showing us that thing. Takuji: N-No... I didn't mean to... Numada: It fell out because of your pre-cum. Nishimura: This guy's dick... What the hell's wrong with it? It's so pale. His foreskin is huge, but the tip is pink. Numada: Hahaha... Let's ditch him already. I can't stand to be around this freak. Takuji: No... It only came out because her panties are so smooth... Nishimura: No, it's the pre-cum... They're soaked... Numada: You got a boner from thinking of Takashima-san's pussy, didn't you? Takuji: No... Let me go... Please, forgive me... Shiroyama: For what? You're a pain... Say it already, or I'll cut your dick off! Numada: Wait, that's my knife... It's not made to cut something like that. Takuji: I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It's my fault. Please forgive me... Shiroyama: That's not what I asked you. Answer me. Takuji: I'm sorry. I'm sorry... I'll do anything, so just please forgive me. Shiroyama: He says he'll do anything... What a creepy fucker. Takuji: Ugha... Nishimura: Oh really? You'll do anything, will you? Takuji: U-Umm... Nishimura: You said you'd do anything, right? Didn't you?! Takuji: Eek... I cowered from his intimidation. I had no choice. They wouldn't give me a choice. Shiroyama: Open your mouth! Nishimura asked you a question! Takuji: Ah, yes, I'm sorry! Nishimura: Now answer the question... Takuji: I'll... do anything... Shiroyama: So then what are you gonna do? Personally, I wouldn't mind if you brought us 1,000,000 yen... Takuji: Eh? Nishimura: That'd be nice, but how the heck would he do it? Shiroyama: There are plenty of ways. He could steal the money from his parents' bank account. Numada: No, there aren't that many ways... And even if he did that, we'd get caught too. Shiroyama: Then what should we make him do? He could be our stress relief sandbag. Nishimura: Shiroyama-chan, you always resort to violence first... Numada: Why don't we try something a bit more peaceful? Shiroyama: Huh? Peaceful? I don't get you. Well whatever, what do you have in mind? Numada: What do I have in mind? Nishimura: Yeah... Nishimura: Well, first off, how about he jacks off in his beloved Takashima-san's uniform? Shiroyama: S-Seriously? Nishimura: We should make it clear why he stole it, don't you think? Nishimura: If he jacks off in it, it's not hard to guess why he stole it. Shiroyama: What do you mean... Numada: In other words, we'd have proof that we weren't involved... Nishimura: That's right. Nishimura: And you probably want to jack off so bad right now, don't you, Mamiya-kun? Takuji: Eh? Wh-Why would I... Shiroyama: That's why you stole the uniform... Takuji: B-But that's not― Takuji: Geh. Shiroyama: Don't you ever learn? Don't try to pin it on us... You're the criminal here. Takuji: B-But... Nishimura: Just do it... Stain those clothes with your lust! Takuji: B-But! Numada: Shut up... Maybe they wanted to make it look like I was the only one that had committed a crime... Or maybe they were just having fun... I'm not really sure. I was ordered to wear the uniform and masturbate... I'd heard that sometimes bullying took a sexual turn, but... I never thought it would happen to me. Nishimura: How nice... Little baby stole the uniform so he could do this with it. Takuji: ... You guys forced me to do all of this... That was what I really wanted to say, but I knew it was pointless. Words don't work with these people... They only understand brutality... Nishimura: Oh, if you pull on the skin, the tip pops out. Numada: He's not even human. They said lots of nasty things about me, but I tried to ignore them... The only one who would lose out if I reacted was me. Nishimura: Do it, all the way until you cum... It's what you want to do, after all... Takuji: ... All the way... How humiliating... Why would they make me do this... Takuji: ... Numada: His hand is moving faster and faster. Nishimura: I didn't think there was anyone fucked up enough to cum while crossdressing in front of a bunch of other guys. Shiroyama: Just nasty... Numada: I guess perverts like him really do get turned on when people watch them. Nishimura: Of course. Look, his pre-cum is dripping all over his hand. I just focused on making myself ejaculate. It didn't feel good at all... Ejaculation is no different than excreting waste... I closed my eyes and intently stroked my penis. Numada: He's not even listening to us anymore. Nishimura: Come on, yell out your lover's name for us. Takuji: Eh? Nishimura: It's your lover's uniform, right? You have to yell her name out while you're doing it, otherwise the mood isn't right. Takuji: ... Shiroyama: Come on, say it... You love her, right? Takuji: Takashima... san. Numada: Huh? What'd you say? You can't get off like that. Come on, yell it like there's no tomorrow! Nishimura: Come on, as sweetly as you can. You love her, right? Takuji: T-Takashima-san... Takashima-san... Takashima-san... Numada: Come on, get in the mood! You can do better than that! Takuji: Takashima-san! Takashima-san! Takashima-san! Takashima-san! Takashima-san! Takashima-san! Takashima-san! I was desperate... I yelled out her name just like they told me to. It didn't feel good at all... I was just miserable. I just had to cum, and then it would all be over. Then the reason why I stole the uniform would be clear... Takuji: Oo... agh... The only time I made a noise was the very moment of ejaculation. That's what masturbation is to a boy... There's no need to make any noise. It's just getting rid of bodily waste. Nishimura: Whoa, he really did it... Numada: Ah, it smells like a freakin' squid! Nishimura: He came so much. Man, did it feel that good? Numada: Hahaha, he's like a dog in heat! Nishimura: His hips are still shaking. He really is like a dumb dog! Shiroyama: He really is just a dog. I just looked at the ground. My ejaculate was pooling there. Now that it was over... I felt even more miserable. Why would they make me do this... Why would they do this to me... Nishimura: Well, what should we do now? Shiroyama: Huh? You still want to do more? Takuji: Eh? Nishimura: Of course. He only satisfied his own lust just now. Shiroyama: Just leave him. Let's go somewhere else... I'm honestly starting to feel sick. Nishimura: Really? I thought it was fun. Nishimura: So... Takuji: Wha―?! At the moment when I thought I would be released, I was thrown back into an inescapable darkness. At the same time that Numada put his knife back in his pocket, Nishimura laughed and unzipped his pants, exposing his crotch. Shiroyama: Eh? Wh-What are you doing? Numada: What are you gonna do to him? Nishimura's half-erect penis dangled in front of my eyes. I stared at it in disbelief. Even Shiroyama hadn't expected this. His face was frozen in astonishment as he looked back and forth between Nishimura's face and his dick. Nishimura: Well, you know... if you look at him from this angle * he really does look like a girl..."* Numada: No. I know you want to get rid of your virginity, but... that would be really bad. Shiroyama: Not just bad... Nishimura: Who cares? He looks like a girl. Numada: That's not the problem. Nishimura: It's fine. He's just a substitute for the real thing. Shiroyama: Wait, wait... You can use an onahole or something for that. You don't need to use him as a replacement. I mean, it is still Mamiya, you know? He wasn't concerned by their objections. He thrust his penis in front of my face. Nishimura: Don't knock it till you try it. Come on, you're crossdressing today, so you can just tell yourself you're a woman. Use that mouth of yours to make me cum. Takuji: Huh? E-Eeeeh? With my mouth? What's that mean... He... Does he mean...? Shiroyama: ...Come on, you're joking, right? Numada: You can't be serious, Nishimura-kun... Nishimura: Everyone's mouth is the same, isn't it? Numada: But still, it's a guy's mouth. Nishimura: It's fine. Just think of him like a toilet... No one gets fussy about which toilet they piss in, you know? Shiroyama: But a toilet doesn't suck your dick. If it did, they'd probably be a lot more fussy about it. Numada: Or just imagine he's a woman, not a toilet. The idea is just to use him as a way to get rid of all the stress you have saved up. Nishimura: Shut up. I wouldn't do it if I had a girlfriend like you, but I really want to do it. I don't care if it has to be with a toilet or what! Numada: So that's what it is... A virgin will do anything. Nishimura: It'll be fine. Numada: But he's a guy. It's Mamiya. He just came all over the ground. Nishimura: Then I just won't look at that. We have to think positively here. Numada: That's overly positive... And still... Nishimura: Whatever. I'm going to! I'm going to do it! Numada: You don't have to announce it. Nishimura: I'm not asking you guys to join in, though you could watch if you're interested. Shiroyama: Dumbass. No one wants to watch a guy sucking another guy's dick. Numada: Well, that's true. Shiroyama: I don't like that stuff, so I'll just go smoke a couple... Nishimura: Yeah, I'll come find you once I'm done. Shiroyama: Jeez... Your head's messed up. Nishimura: What are you gonna do? Numada: Who knows? I'm kind of curious, so I guess I'll watch. Nishimura: Hmm, so you're thinking of doing it too. Numada: No, not at all. I'm not that brave. Nishimura: Whatever, let's get going. How about you get to sucking? What? Why was this kind of... thing in front of me? It had a disgusting shape that I didn't want to see... Why would any man need to have something so filthy... As I hesitated, Nishimura said... Nishimura: Suck it... If you don't do it, I'll punch you. Takuji: ... I don't want to, I don't want to, I don't want to! I can't suck a guy's dick. I can't imagine... putting something filthy like this in my mouth. Nishimura: Hey, Numada-chan, could I borrow your knife for a second? Numada shrugged and passed the knife to Nishimura. The knife in his hand glinted in the light. It was so scary that even the light seemed like it was about to pierce my heart. Nishimura: You have pretty eyes. Takuji: ...Eh? Nishimura: I'd like to get a better look at them. Would you mind if I cut them out? Takuji: Eh? Eeh? Nishimura held the knife in front of my eyes and giggled as he drew circles in the air with the tip. Nishimura: I'd just like to use your mouth for a bit. Nishimura: Just close your eyes and bear with it, and then it'll all be over. Nishimura: Or what? Would you like to regret a single bad decision for the rest of your life? Takuji: Eh... Eh? Numada: You're getting hard from threatening him? Just how sadistic are you? I wasn't just imagining it. The dick before my eyes really was getting bigger. Its tip was already pointing toward the sky. His lips turned upward in a grin as he waved the knife in front of my face. Nishimura: Hehehe... You did say you would do anything, right? I couldn't defy them. They'd already made me dress up like a woman and masturbate, and now he was going to gouge out my eyes if I didn't do this... I had no choice in the matter. Nishimura: You said you would do anything! Open up!! Takuji: A-Alright! He suddenly raised his voice, and... I responded without thinking. Nishimura: Say it one more time, so you don't forget it. He wanted to humiliate me by making me say it again. But I had no choice. There was nothing else I could do. Takuji: ...I'll do anything... Nishimura: Then do it. That's right... I have no choice. No matter what I say, there's no way I can convince a lowlife like him. So for this one day... I just pretended like I had fallen into a ditch. I did my best to cut off all my senses. Not feel anything― Not think anything. I became nothing. So I felt nothing... Nishimura: Do it already. He pushed his dick toward me. Takuji: Ugh... I smelled powerful odor like I'd never smelled before... I hated the smell of other people in general, but this smell was... I couldn't erase myself... I couldn't... do it. Nishimura: Hey! I'll cut out your fucking eyes! Takuji: A-Augh... Don't look... Don't look, just do it... And try to breathe as little as possible... Then the smell won't bother you... My tongue stretched outward... I tried to move it as far away from the rest of my mouth as possible... Takuji: ... Something touched the tip of my tongue. I tried not to think about what it was. I couldn't let myself think. My tongue was touching the filthiest thing in the world... Close your eyes, try not to breathe... and forget that fact... Nishimura: What are you doing? Just touching it with the tip is no good. Hurry up and suck it. Takuji: S-Suck... No, don't think... Just do as he says. Just accept it, don't think... Right now, I am nothing. Don't think about what you're doing. I just moved my tongue because I was told to move it... I didn't think about what it was touching at all. Turn your heart to dust... Just disappear... That's right. Takuji: Amph... Pch, ah... It tasted... It tasted really bad... It tasted salty... That was probably his pre-cum... It was slimy, too. No... Don't think about that... Suppress your spirit... Takuji: Mmph, pff, mmhhha, mmph... The taste grew stronger... No matter what I did, the stickiness started dripping into my mouth. Nishimura: Mm, why are you just licking the tip? Do it better. Takuji: B-Better? Nishimura: Look, get the underside too. Takuji: Agh... I reflexively looked, and then I breathed. The odor... forced me to recognize just what I was doing. No, if you think, you lose... Just move your tongue, like a machine... That's all. Takuji: Mmph, pch... Ah... Phfmmm, mm... Nishimura: Hmm, you're not really putting any effort into it... Lick my balls, too, and rub my dick with your hands while you do it Takuji: Eh? He told me to do so many things... There was no way I could do it without thinking... Nishimura: Come on... Do it already. But... there was liquid coming out of the tip. There wasn't any coming out of his balls... It might be easier to endure that... Takuji: Ah... Nishimura pushed my face into his crotch. Takuji: ... I-It in't easier at all... It's sweatier than the shaft, and it smells so bad... I really think I might die. Nishimura: Hurry up and lick them. Takuji: O-Ohhay... I couldn't even speak properly due to the stench, but there was nothing else I could do. Takuji: Hm, schlpp, ah... At this point, I'd already started sucking it... It didn't really matter where exactly he wanted me to suck anymore. I just wanted to make him cum quickly... I didn't want to think. I just wanted to end it. I licked his balls, just like he said. I stroked his dick. I did everything he told me to. Nishimura: Mmm, it feels good... You know what feels good, since you're a guy too. Takuji: ... Don't say that out loud... It's gross... Takuji: Psh, psh, pchh... Nn, ah... Nishimura: Whoa... More, at the base... My balls, and the base of my dick... Frothing cum was building up in the base of the shaft from the motions of my hand. Nishimura: Hurry up! Takuji: Hmmm, mmm... Schllp, hwahmm, ooh, ahmm! I scooped up the frothy liquid with my tongue... At first I tried not to get any in my mouth, but... before I knew it, my mouth was full of it. Nothing but the taste of Nishimura's cum... Nishimura: Open your mouth wider... Takuji: Mm, ahhh... Just as he said... I didn't think of anything. There was no point in thinking... I opened my mouth wide. He pushed his entire dick in. Takuji: Mm? Uogh... Mm, ahh... This texture... It's so much worse than just licking it... But I can't think about what 'it' is. I can't think. 'It' tasted faintly salty as it violated the inside of my mouth. It was like it was trying to make me recognize its existence. For a moment, I felt like I was going to puke. But I did my best to hold it in and not tense up, so he wouldn't hurt me any more. I'm just a hole. I'm a hole, devoid of thought... If I think of nothing, then nothing of me remains. Takuji: Ahmm... Mmm, psh... Nishimura: Whoa~ This is like a whole new world~! His excited voice skimmed over my head. Nishimura: I don't know what to say. It's soft, warm, and wet. It's way better than my hand! Numada: ...But it's a guy's mouth, you know? Nishimura: It's way better than an onahole! Whoa, this is great! Takuji: Nmmm... Haa, hmm... Nishimura: This is great. This is really great! He yelled in pleasure, since it was probably his first time having his dick sucked. He grabbed my head and moved his hips back and forth. Takuji: Nnkh... Mmhh... I could hardly breathe as his dick violated the back of my throat. It was agonizing. I just wished that I could throw up. His dick flailed around inside my mouth, oblivious to my growing nausea. Takuji: Khaa, hmmaa... Mmm, mmhgh... Agonizing... No... It's so gross...! To endure this disgrace―I just need to close my eyes tightly, forget my own existence, and try to end it quickly. I don't want to think about it, but... it'll only end when he cums, so it would be best if he came as quickly as possible. Nishimura: Only way this could be better is if you really were a girl. Takuji: Mmm, haa... Mmm... Nishimura: Well, whatever. You look like a girl. Takuji: Hmmm, mm... Haa, mm... Nishimura: Come on, don't just let it sit in your mouth. Use your tongue or something. Takuji: Ahmm, mmm... Augh... But I... I can't do that..." I'm trying my hardest just to endure this! Nishimura: Come on, the customer is always right. Do it like I told you. Takuji: Ahh, Mmm... Ah! My foot... He stepped on my foot... I didn't have the right to choose. The only thing I could do was what he told me to. Even if this is what he told me to do... That's right... I mean, it's better than having my eyes carved out, right? It would be awful if I couldn't see... ...This isn't the time to be lamenting my fate. Anyway, I have to end this disaster and put the filth of this entire day out of mind. If I do that... I can be happy again. Takuji: Hmm... Haa, psch... Mmm... Nishimura: Whoa... Th-This is amazing... He took his weight off the leg that had been crushing my foot. When I looked up, I could tell from his expression that he was in ecstasy. Nishimura: Y-You're better than I thought. Whoa... This is amazing... I knew what felt good, since I'm a guy too. His breathing grew faster when I wrapped my tongue around his penis. Nishimura: Whoa... Th-This is really great... Numada: How is it? It looks... really good, actually. Nishimura: Yeah, he's really good at this... Whoa... Takuji: Ahmm, ngh... Mmm... Mmhaa... It's incredibly pathetic to admit, but I was glad to hear him compliment me. Because it meant that he was that much closer to finishing... Nishimura: Hmm? What? Do you want to try? Numada: Ah, well, maybe... Nishimura: It feels really good. Don't think too hard about it. Just try it. If it feels good, isn't that enough? Numada: Yeah... Well, maybe... Nishimura: Yeah, don't hold back. We're friends, you know. Takuji: Agh...! W-Wait a second... Wait. Just a second ago he wasn't interested... Give me a break already. I thought it was going to be over... and yet... Numada: I know, right? Long ago, a wise man once said you're not friends if you can't touch each other's junk. Nishimura: Who cares about that? Get in here, my lifelong friend! Numada: Well then, I'll take you up on that offer. Takuji: ―Mph?! Numada: Whoa! Can't say I expected this. Nishimura: Well yeah, since guys and girls' mouths are made the same. Takuji: Mmmghaa, mmgphh~~ Of course, I could hardly breathe while taking two of them at once. I was just getting the hang of it, too... Going from one to two changed the situation completely. I changed my technique, going back and forth between the swelling red stalks so that neither one would feel neglected. Nishimura: Look, he's getting a boner from sucking someone else's dick. Numada: He's a first-class pervert. I knew it when I first saw him. Ignore it... It's not like I'm getting excited. It's still erect from earlier, that's all... It's not that I wanted this to happen... Takuji: Psch... Hmm, pfsch, hmmm... The stickiness of the pre-cum in my mouth was unbearable. Don't think about it... Just think about ending it... I wasn't even human to them. Toy. Trash. Hole. Saliva. Mouth. Whatever they want... Whatever it is they desire... Numada: Oh, wow, we should do this again next time. Nishimura: Well, next time I'd like to make a real woman do it... Numada: Yeah, of course! Takuji: Mmph, pch, haa... Mmm, haa... Numada: Umm, this is kind of embarrassing, but I'm about to cum. Nishimura: Eh? Already? That's awfully fast. Numada: Well, it felt better than I expected, haha... Nishimura: Oh, I'm about to cum too. Numada: Then I'll cum with you. Clear your thoughts... Just clear your thoughts... There's no way I can look at... something so abnormal straight on... Right now I am just a hole... There's no need for me to think. It's good that the end is coming... If I finish my job, I'll be free. So, clear thoughts... Do just as they want... Takuji: Hmm, haa... Haa, psch, haa... Nishimura: Whoa, I'm cumming, I'm cumming! Takuji: Mmkh, mmm... Pfh, pfsch... Mmm, Mmm! Numada: Ah, I can't stand it! Takuji: Ngghmm... Mmm, ngghm?! Nishimura: Mmm, ooh... Numada: Ahhh, ahh... Takuji: Ahhmmghh! Mmghaa, mmmhhghh―! It spurted into my mouth, followed by an unpleasant, raw odor. Most people would describe it as 'bitter,' but in my confusion I couldn't tell what it was... Takuji: ...Haa, haa, haa, haa... Two men's worth of semen was too much to hold in my mouth. It spilled out in large drops. Nishimura: Don't just sit there. Swallow it. Numada: Whoa, you sound like you're in a porno. Nishimura: I just wanted to try saying it. It's a cliche, you know? Swallow it? Swallow this stuff? No... Don't think... They told you to, so just do it... Then it will end... I sucked their dicks for so long... There's no use complaining about a little semen at this point... Takuji: Gulp... The moment I swallowed it, I felt my stomach heaving. I forced it down. Nishimura: Ah, that feels so much better. Numada: You went limp as a wet noodle... Nishimura: ...It's because guys cool off right away after they cum. Numada: It's what they call meditation time. Nishimura: Yeah, that's exactly what I'm having right now. Nishimura: We really made a guy suck our dicks... That's kind of gross... Numada: It's a bit late to be saying that, but you're right, it is kind of nasty. They agitatedly zipped up their pants, and looked down at me as if I were filth. Takuji: Guaah! Nishimura suddenly kicked me in the leg as hard as he could. Nishimura: ...Tch. He clicked his tongue in disgust and went off with Numada to find Shiroyama. ...To tell him that it was all over... My mind... was still reeling... I wasn't even sure... what had happened... I... had my classmates, Nishimura and Numada, stick their dicks in my mouth... I stroked them with my tongue... and they came inside my mouth. I was forced to stimulate a man with my mouth... and drink the semen after he came... Even though I'm a boy myself... I took a man's... I can't believe it... There's no way that could... There's no way that could... happen to a human being... To a human being... I should disappear... This... can't happen... I... want to disappear... and die... Be a worm― Beneath notice― Crushed underfoot― I might as well disappear. I might as well disappear. Shiroyama: You really are a nasty fucker! Takuji: Oogh... Suddenly, Shiroyama was there, too. He really did hate me, huh... It was like he couldn't forgive the cockroach lying on the ground... so... Takuji: Uah... He crushed it... That unforgivable creature was crushed and stamped out of existence... Shiroyama: Disgusting! Numada: What's wrong with him? Did he pass out or something? Nishimura: Hahaha. Mamiya, the world of fighting is kill or be killed. Their voices are far away... My pain is receding too... They've hit me so many times... Am I going to die? Everything is so far away... Far away... Just awful... Something's wrong... They made me suck their dicks, and now they're beating me up... They're not letting me go at all... My consciousness is receding... I can't do it... anymore... Some strange sound... Like something breaking... My bones? Did one of my bones... shatter? Shiroyama: Aaah! ...Huh? Someone screaming... Tomosane: How disappointing... Whose voice? A voice I'd never heard... Numada: Y-You! Shiroyama: Gaaah, my arm, my arm! Numada: Ooogh! Numada: Eek! I opened my eyes... Right next to me, Shiroyama was on the ground with his eyes rolled back into their sockets. It looked like he was holding his arm and writhing in agony... before he fainted... Beside him, Numada was covered in blood, crying, and trying to apologize. Nishimura was just stunned as he watched it unfold. Tomosane: You thought I would let you off with just the arm? Then... That man was there... Tomosane: ...Ow... He muttered as if it had nothing to do with him. His fist was covered in blood. It wasn't just other people's blood. His fist was covered in multiple lacerations that were each more than ten centimeters long. Flesh was protruding from the gaping holes. How hard could he be hitting them... to injure his own fist that badly? Tomosane: I must have cut myself on their teeth. Tomosane: Well then, cleanup time... Numada: S-Stop! Nishimura: F-Forgive me! Nishimura: Gah! The man picked up some sticks lying around the area and stuck them in the other two's nostrils and mouths... Then... Numada: Aaggh, aah... He punched them like that. The sticks shattered into pieces inside Numada's nose and mouth, spraying blood into the air. Nishimura: Eeack! Nishimura: Gaah... Ooh... Nishimura got punched in the same way, with his mouth and nose full of sticks. Blood flew everywhere. There was too much blood to see how bad his face looked, but... he would probably need stitches in and around his mouth. Numada: Ahh... Nishimura: I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry... Tomosane: Hmm? That man looked at me. Tomosane: What's with... this guy... Takuji: U-Umm... Tomosane: ... Takuji: Agh! Tomosane: Are you... a boy? Tomosane: That's just sickening... Why are you wearing girls' clothes? Takuji: Auh... Tomosane: Don't grovel... That's disgusting... Takuji: Gnnghh! Tomosane: Come on! Tomosane: Do you get turned on when you wear those clothes?! That's fucking disgusting! Takuji: I-It's not like I wanted to... Ah! Tomosane: I can't let you go after I found you guys being faggots behind the school... Tomosane: I couldn't stand to have the school I transferred to be overrun by disgusting faggots... so I'll have to clean up. Tomosane: It really is disgusting. Takuji: Uagh! Tomosane: Take that off... It's nasty. Takuji: Huh? Tomosane: Don't question me. Tomosane: Take it off! Takuji: The underwear too? Tomosane: Of course! Take off all those girls' clothes! Takuji: Hhk! I first met Yuuki Tomosane through violence. Before I heard him speak... I saw him punching someone else... And then I felt the pain of being punched myself... That's how I first met him. He's not a decent human being at all... After that, his behavior didn't change. When he came across Shiroyama and the others, he hit them. When he came across me, he hit me and took my money. I became one of Yuuki's marks, so Shiroyama and his gang stopped bullying me (or rather, just stopped hitting me...) My situation became even worse than before. The number of times I was hit and the amount of money I was extorted for was on a different level. Takuji: I wish he hadn't come to this school... If he wasn't here... it wouldn't be so bad... That sexual assault was unbelievably agonizing, but... But they didn't punch me so often... and they didn't take nearly as much of my money... Takuji: Ah, th-the bell... While I was sitting here thinking about pointless stuff, the bell had rung to announce the end of class. Lunchtime... Everyone filed out into the hallway simultaneously. Takuji: Wh-What should I do for Takashima-san... The classroom instantly filled with noise. People started coming out of the other classrooms too. Takuji: Umm, I should s-say something to her... Because of Yuuki, I didn't know what to do or say... My head was spinning. I'm not the kind of person who can handle sudden situations like this. N-No... People flowed into the hallway& There's no way I can do anything with this many people around. Takuji: Haa... I just ran away... Before I knew it, I had come back to the usual place. The old pool where hardly anyone comes. Takuji: I really can't handle crowded places. Takuji: If she was in the same class, I might have been able to talk to her. Takuji: If I think about it, that was impossible from the beginning. I can't go into another class and just start talking to her. Takuji: I'm the kind of person who sweats just going into his own class... So talking to her... even just a greeting, is impossible for me. Takuji: Haa... I guess I should just head back to my base. I went back to the manhole and looked around.& It was lunchtime, so I was especially careful. Takuji: I'm more likely to be seen entering my secret base during lunch, since there are more people around. The back lawn, the building windows... The emergency stairs... and the roof... Takuji: The roof? Takuji: uh? That silhouette was... Takuji: Huh... That silhouette looked like Takashima-san... Why would she be on the roof... But... Takuji: If she's on the roof... If she's on the roof, where there aren't many people, I might be able to talk to her. I might be able to say a casual greeting. "What are you doing up here?" Something simple like that. Takuji: Alright! I ran up the nearest emergency stairwell and went to the roof. Takuji: Haa, haa, haa... Takuji: Where is she? I searched the rooftop. Huh? She's not here... Why?& I thought she was here just a second ago.& Or maybe... it was just my imagination? Takuji: Ah... The bell... That was the signal that lunch was over. The beginning of class. Takuji: Class is starting... I couldn't imagine Takashima-san skipping class, so... Takuji: I can assume she's not here anymore. Takuji: Haa... ...... Takuji: Huh? I heard someone talking... I think.& It was far off, but... there was definitely someone talking somewhere on the rooftop. Over here? I slowly walked over to that part of the roof. Takuji: Ah... As I squinted, I saw Shiroyama and the others over by the very edge of the roof. I couldn't see them very well from afar, since they had climbed over the fence. Takuji: Why are they... Huh? No way... Takashima-san isn't over there with them, is she? What if she is? Takuji: Hmm... I carefully moved closer. When I was about halfway there, I started crawling. Takuji: Huh? She's... I couldn't see or hear Takashima-san... The only people there were Shiroyama, Numada, and Nishimura. They were sitting on the edge of the roof. Takuji: Yeah, of course... There's no way she would be hanging out with them. It didn't look like Takashima-san was there. I was incredibly relieved. I thought she might have been friends with them.& She's not that kind of person. But still... Takuji: Are they stupid? Sitting on the edge of the roof like that... they might fall if they slip. Takuji: What are they doing... I moved in closer and listened, being careful not to let them see me. Shiroyama: This is amazing... I can't believe how much we got. Numada: It's crazy. My usual dealer at the college said he got a lot, so he sold it to me for cheap. Nishimura: But should we really keep it a secret from Yuuki-kun? Numada: If we tell him, he'll take it all. So far he's taken like 1,000,000 yen worth from us. Numada: He says he'll pay us back later, but he never has. Shiroyama: Would it really be 1,000,000 yen? Numada: Yeah, of course. Drugs are expensive, and you can't get insurance on something like that. Nishimura: Of course you can't get insurance... Shiroyama: Should we move to our main dish next, then? Numada: No, the ice is last, and that stuff is better if you have girls around. Nishimura: Really? Numada: Yeah, don't you know? Nishimura: Know what? Shiroyama: After you take ice, sex feels crazy good. Nishimura: Really? Shiroyama: Yeah, it's amazing. Yesterday was great, wasn't it? Nishimura: Oh, did you give her drugs? Shiroyama: Yeah. If we gave them ice, girls like Kitami and Satoko would probably let us do them. Nishimura: Maybe, but Tachibana wouldn't... She'd go postal on us. Numada: She hit me so hard... That hurt really bad. Shiroyama: I still bet we could do her if we gave her drugs. Shiroyama: It looks like she's skipping school because of her injuries from yesterday, but when she comes back we can try it. Nishimura: Tachibana? That's impossible. Numada: Nishimura-chan, you don't know squat about this. You don't know why women can't stop taking ice. Nishimura: If they stop, they start hallucinating, and it hurts like hell. Numada: No, the reason most of them can't stop is because of the sex. Nishimura: Really? Numada: Yeah, it feels so good doing it with the drug that they can't go back to normal sex. Nishimura: Have you done it before, Shiroyama-chan? Shiroyama: Actually, one time when Megu came over, I gave her ice, and Satoko was there too. Nishimura: Then what? Shiroyama: I had the first threesome of my life. Nishimura: Seriously?! Shiroyama: After it was over, Megu was pissed, but while we were doing it she was all for it. Shiroyama: It's amazing. It's like they don't feel any pain at all after you give them ice. You can stick it in their ass and they'll be moaning while their ass is bleeding... Numada: Looks like they don't feel pain. It's just pure pleasure. Nishimura: Are you saying you've done it too, Numada-chan? Numada: A few times, but never a threesome. Nishimura: Then how about the next time your girlfriend's over... Shiroyama: Are you stupid? Like I'm gonna let you fuck my girlfriend. Nishimura: What about Kitami then? Numada: I think Kitami is going out with someone from the college in Kanagawa... Nishimura: Then it's fine, right? Numada: Why? Nishimura: Kanagawa's pretty far away, you know? Shiroyama: No, it's pretty close. Numada: Do you really want to do it that badly? Nishimura: Yeah, I do. I'd join the Mafia if it meant I could have sex. Shiroyama: That's kinda... Nishimura: But yesterday I didn't even get to participate, and I did all that work! Numada: That's your own fault. Go complain to your parents, not us. Nishimura: They'd beat me if I did that. I got beaten up by my old man for yesterday. Shiroyama: That sucks. Numada: If you post on the web that you have ice, you can get as many girls as you like. Nishimura: Really * Then we have to do that!"* Shiroyama: No, that's just asking for the police to come arrest you. Nishimura: But girls would come and let us have sex with them, right? Shiroyama: Well, maybe... I don't really know. Nishimura: Then let's do that some time! Shiroyama: So then, what should we do now? Numada: Hehehe... How about paper? Shiroyama: Paper? Numada: Dr. Hoffman. Shiroyama: What's that? Numada: You really don't know... Look, it's this. Nishimura: What's this? What kind of paper is this? Shiroyama: It's L. Don't call it something stupid like paper... Nishimura: What's L? Numada: You don't know anything, do you, Nishimura-chan? It's LSD. It'll make you hallucinate. Nishimura: Hallucinate? Like shrooms? Numada: Better than shrooms. There are too many impurities in shrooms. Nishimura: What? Are you supposed to eat the paper? Numada: No, you don't want to do that. Take off one of the sheets like this and stick it on your tongue... Nishimura: Oh... Shiroyama: I want one. Give it to me. Numada: Alright, one sheet is 2,500 yen. Shiroyama: Th-That's expensive. Numada: It's not. You know, if you bought this from a dealer in the city, it would cost you 5,000 yen. It's half-price. Half-price! Shiroyama: There's no dealer for that stuff. Numada: There's a dealer in the city that comes out of nowhere and then disappears. Takuji: ... Takuji: They're doing drugs in a place like this... Though I guess that's why they came up here... You usually have to light them, so... I heard it makes a lot of smoke and smells bad. Takuji: But besides that... I don't want to know what they'll do if they see me... I have to run... Takuji: ... Takuji: Huh? Takuji: That's Takashima-san... I looked into the other building from the roof and saw Takashima-san in the classroom. Takuji: Oh... She just went back to class. Though...& I thought I just saw her on the rooftop... Was that just my imagination? ...... All this time... I was getting worked up over nothing... Takuji: Anyway... I should go back... I ran into Yuuki earlier... Nothing good can come of walking around during class. Maybe talking with girls at all is impossible for me... I wish she would come to my base again... Though I doubt something that convenient will actually happen... Takuji: Eh? Tsukasa: Ah * h-hello..."* This woman... Why is she here? Right now... classes should be in session. Why is an honors student like her standing here? Takuji: What are you doing here? Tsukasa: I-I'm sorry. Takuji: Why are you here? Tsukasa: U-Umm... Tsukasa: I thought... I wanted to see you, Takuji: Huh? Tsukasa: Ah, sorry... It was, huh... What's she saying? Tsukasa: U-Umm... For some reason, her words were broken into fragments... For some reason, she was far away. I couldn't grasp what she was saying. It kind of feels like... This feeling is... Takuji: Agh... Tsukasa: Wh-What's wrong? Are you alright? Takuji: Why did you come here?! Tsukasa: Ah! Takuji: Why would you come out here? And... And right now...! Kagami: What's wrong with right now? Takuji: Eh? Kagami: What were you saying about right now? What... is this? Kagami: What? She wasn't there before... It was just Tsukasa there before... It should have been just Tsukasa, but... Why is this woman here too? Kagami: Huh? What are you saying? You're so stupid. Kagami: You just couldn't see me behind Tsukasa, I guess. You tried to look away from Tsukasa, so you didn't see me coming, that's all. Takuji: ... She's doing it again... She's reading my mind... Kagami: You thought the same thing last time. I thought you understood by now... Takuji: I-I did think that before, but now... Kagami: Now? I was definitely looking straight at her. I was looking straight at that unpleasant woman. And yet this woman, Kagami, appeared out of nowhere before I knew it. Kagami: That's impossible... I can't just appear out of nowhere before you know it... What do you think I am, a maggot? Takuji: You read my mind again! Tsukasa: S-Sorry. I'm sorry. Kagami: You don't need to apologize! It's all this bastard's fault! Mamiya Takuji is the source of all evil! Bastard? Why is she suddenly insulting me like this? Takuji: What are you saying? What did I do? Why am I the villain?! Kagami: It's your fault! You're the one who caused it, and you're the one who erased it! Wh-What is she saying? Tsukasa: Onee-chan! I'm gonna get mad if you keep talking like that! Kagami: Ah... Kagami: ...Sorry. Kagami: But... But that's so cruel... That's so cruel to ... Kagami: I'm just ... I'm nothing but, so... Noise mixed in with the sound. Her voice was disrupted by noise. Something I can't see, something I mustn't see, was disrupted. Tsukasa: I'm sorry, Mamiya-kun... Tsukasa: I'm sorry... I was worried about you, so... Takuji: Huh? You got worried about me and skipped class yourself? Kagami: Skipped class? Takuji: Yes! Right now! Kagami: Right now? Takuji: Eh? Kagami: What about right now? Takuji: Ah... Uh... I think... class was in session until just now... But now it must have ended... Kagami: Don't use a weird excuse like that to try to talk to Tsukasa... Takuji: Eh? I-I tried to talk to her? N-No... She came and talked to me... Kagami: Aren't you embarrassed? You don't go to classes, and you just wander around the halls between class periods. What's going on... I thought class was in session until just a moment ago... But now it's definitely not... Kagami: Tsukasa, you shouldn't bother with him either. Let's go. Tsukasa: Ah... Tsukasa: W-Wait... Takuji: ... I just stared dumbfounded at Kagami's back as she walked away. I just stared dumbfounded at Tsukasa's back as she walked away. They're two people, but... it looked like they were overlapping. It looked like... I was looking at just one person's back. That back... Several hours later, I awoke on the sofa in my secret base. Takuji: Maybe I feel tired... But I haven't really done anything...& I suppose I'm actually tired from sleeping... Takuji: I've done nothing but sleep... It feels like my head is always hazy... When I think about it, the passing of time has been strange lately.& Time passes by before I even know it. Before I notice, morning turns to afternoon, afternoon to evening, evening to night, night to morning... Morning to afternoon, afternoon to evening, evening to night, night to morning, morning to afternoon, afternoon to evening, evening to night, night to morning, morning to afternoon, afternoon to evening, evening to night, night to morning, morning to afternoon, afternoon to evening, evening to night... Time is... Time advances in fragments...& It's like a summarized version of time. Takuji: No... I'm sleeping too much... When I sleep, time passes instantly.& Sleeping breaks time into fragments. Takuji: It would be better for me if I just slept once a day... But as I was thinking that, I felt sleepy again. My eyelids grew heavy... I lapsed into a shallow sleep, alone, beneath the school. Before I forget... Something important... Sleep. Just sleep... That's right...
My tongue stretched outward... I tried to move it as far away from the rest of my mouth as possible... Takuji: ... Something touched the tip of my tongue. I tried not to think about what it was. I couldn't let myself think. My tongue was touching the filthiest thing in the world... Close your eyes, try not to breathe... and forget that fact... Nishimura: What are you doing? Just touching it with the tip is no good. Hurry up and suck it. Takuji: S-Suck... No, don't think... Just do as he says. Just accept it, don't think... Right now, I am nothing. Don't think about what you're doing. I just moved my tongue because I was told to move it... I didn't think about what it was touching at all. Turn your heart to dust... Just disappear... That's right. Takuji: Amph... Pch, ah... It tasted... It tasted really bad... It tasted salty... That was probably his pre-cum... It was slimy, too. No... Don't think about that... Suppress your spirit... Takuji: Mmph, pff, mmhhha, mmph... The taste grew stronger... No matter what I did, the stickiness started dripping into my mouth. Nishimura: Mm, why are you just licking the tip? Do it better. Takuji: B-Better? Nishimura: Look, get the underside too. Takuji: Agh... I reflexively looked, and then I breathed. The odor... forced me to recognize just what I was doing. No, if you think, you lose... Just move your tongue, like a machine... That's all. Takuji: Mmph, pch... Ah... Phfmmm, mm... Nishimura: Hmm, you're not really putting any effort into it... Lick my balls, too, and rub my dick with your hands while you do it Takuji: Eh? He told me to do so many things... There was no way I could do it without thinking... Nishimura: Come on... Do it already. But... there was liquid coming out of the tip. There wasn't any coming out of his balls... It might be easier to endure that... Takuji: Ah... Nishimura pushed my face into his crotch. Takuji: ... I-It in't easier at all... It's sweatier than the shaft, and it smells so bad... I really think I might die. Nishimura: Hurry up and lick them. Takuji: O-Ohhay... I couldn't even speak properly due to the stench, but there was nothing else I could do. Takuji: Hm, schlpp, ah... At this point, I'd already started sucking it... It didn't really matter where exactly he wanted me to suck anymore. I just wanted to make him cum quickly... I didn't want to think. I just wanted to end it. I licked his balls, just like he said. I stroked his dick. I did everything he told me to. Nishimura: Mmm, it feels good... You know what feels good, since you're a guy too. Takuji: ... Don't say that out loud... It's gross... Takuji: Psh, psh, pchh... Nn, ah... Nishimura: Whoa... More, at the base... My balls, and the base of my dick... Frothing cum was building up in the base of the shaft from the motions of my hand. Nishimura: Hurry up! Takuji: Hmmm, mmm... Schllp, hwahmm, ooh, ahmm! I scooped up the frothy liquid with my tongue... At first I tried not to get any in my mouth, but... before I knew it, my mouth was full of it. Nothing but the taste of Nishimura's cum... Nishimura: Open your mouth wider... Takuji: Mm, ahhh... Just as he said... I didn't think of anything. There was no point in thinking... I opened my mouth wide. He pushed his entire dick in. Takuji: Mm? Uogh... Mm, ahh... This texture... It's so much worse than just licking it... But I can't think about what 'it' is. I can't think. 'It' tasted faintly salty as it violated the inside of my mouth. It was like it was trying to make me recognize its existence. For a moment, I felt like I was going to puke. But I did my best to hold it in and not tense up, so he wouldn't hurt me any more. I'm just a hole. I'm a hole, devoid of thought... If I think of nothing, then nothing of me remains. Takuji: Ahmm... Mmm, psh... Nishimura: Whoa~ This is like a whole new world~! His excited voice skimmed over my head. Nishimura: I don't know what to say. It's soft, warm, and wet. It's way better than my hand! Numada: ...But it's a guy's mouth, you know? Nishimura: It's way better than an onahole! Whoa, this is great! Takuji: Nmmm... Haa, hmm... Nishimura: This is great. This is really great! He yelled in pleasure, since it was probably his first time having his dick sucked. He grabbed my head and moved his hips back and forth. Takuji: Nnkh... Mmhh... I could hardly breathe as his dick violated the back of my throat. It was agonizing. I just wished that I could throw up. His dick flailed around inside my mouth, oblivious to my growing nausea. Takuji: Khaa, hmmaa... Mmm, mmhgh... Agonizing... No... It's so gross...! To endure this disgrace―I just need to close my eyes tightly, forget my own existence, and try to end it quickly. I don't want to think about it, but... it'll only end when he cums, so it would be best if he came as quickly as possible. Nishimura: Only way this could be better is if you really were a girl. Takuji: Mmm, haa... Mmm... Nishimura: Well, whatever. You look like a girl. Takuji: Hmmm, mm... Haa, mm... Nishimura: Come on, don't just let it sit in your mouth. Use your tongue or something. Takuji: Ahmm, mmm... Augh... But I... I can't do that..." I'm trying my hardest just to endure this! Nishimura: Come on, the customer is always right. Do it like I told you. Takuji: Ahh, Mmm... Ah! My foot... He stepped on my foot... I didn't have the right to choose. The only thing I could do was what he told me to. Even if this is what he told me to do... That's right... I mean, it's better than having my eyes carved out, right? It would be awful if I couldn't see... ...This isn't the time to be lamenting my fate. Anyway, I have to end this disaster and put the filth of this entire day out of mind. If I do that... I can be happy again. Takuji: Hmm... Haa, psch... Mmm... Nishimura: Whoa... Th-This is amazing... He took his weight off the leg that had been crushing my foot. When I looked up, I could tell from his expression that he was in ecstasy. Nishimura: Y-You're better than I thought. Whoa... This is amazing... I knew what felt good, since I'm a guy too. His breathing grew faster when I wrapped my tongue around his penis. Nishimura: Whoa... Th-This is really great... Numada: How is it? It looks... really good, actually. Nishimura: Yeah, he's really good at this... Whoa... Takuji: Ahmm, ngh... Mmm... Mmhaa... It's incredibly pathetic to admit, but I was glad to hear him compliment me. Because it meant that he was that much closer to finishing... Nishimura: Hmm? What? Do you want to try? Numada: Ah, well, maybe... Nishimura: It feels really good. Don't think too hard about it. Just try it. If it feels good, isn't that enough? Numada: Yeah... Well, maybe... Nishimura: Yeah, don't hold back. We're friends, you know. Takuji: Agh...! W-Wait a second... Wait. Just a second ago he wasn't interested... Give me a break already. I thought it was going to be over... and yet... Numada: I know, right? Long ago, a wise man once said you're not friends if you can't touch each other's junk. Nishimura: Who cares about that? Get in here, my lifelong friend! Numada: Well then, I'll take you up on that offer. Takuji: ―Mph?! Numada: Whoa! Can't say I expected this. Nishimura: Well yeah, since guys and girls' mouths are made the same. Takuji: Mmmghaa, mmgphh~~ Of course, I could hardly breathe while taking two of them at once. I was just getting the hang of it, too... Going from one to two changed the situation completely. I changed my technique, going back and forth between the swelling red stalks so that neither one would feel neglected. Nishimura: Look, he's getting a boner from sucking someone else's dick. Numada: He's a first-class pervert. I knew it when I first saw him. Ignore it... It's not like I'm getting excited. It's still erect from earlier, that's all... It's not that I wanted this to happen... Takuji: Psch... Hmm, pfsch, hmmm... The stickiness of the pre-cum in my mouth was unbearable. Don't think about it... Just think about ending it... I wasn't even human to them. Toy. Trash. Hole. Saliva. Mouth. Whatever they want... Whatever it is they desire... Numada: Oh, wow, we should do this again next time. Nishimura: Well, next time I'd like to make a real woman do it... Numada: Yeah, of course! Takuji: Mmph, pch, haa... Mmm, haa... Numada: Umm, this is kind of embarrassing, but I'm about to cum. Nishimura: Eh? Already? That's awfully fast. Numada: Well, it felt better than I expected, haha... Nishimura: Oh, I'm about to cum too. Numada: Then I'll cum with you. Clear your thoughts... Just clear your thoughts... There's no way I can look at... something so abnormal straight on... Right now I am just a hole... There's no need for me to think. It's good that the end is coming... If I finish my job, I'll be free. So, clear thoughts... Do just as they want... Takuji: Hmm, haa... Haa, psch, haa... Nishimura: Whoa, I'm cumming, I'm cumming! Takuji: Mmkh, mmm... Pfh, pfsch... Mmm, Mmm! Numada: Ah, I can't stand it! Takuji: Ngghmm... Mmm, ngghm?! Nishimura: Mmm, ooh... Numada: Ahhh, ahh... Takuji: Ahhmmghh! Mmghaa, mmmhhghh―! It spurted into my mouth, followed by an unpleasant, raw odor. Most people would describe it as 'bitter,' but in my confusion I couldn't tell what it was... Takuji: ...Haa, haa, haa, haa... Two men's worth of semen was too much to hold in my mouth. It spilled out in large drops. Nishimura: Don't just sit there. Swallow it. Numada: Whoa, you sound like you're in a porno. Nishimura: I just wanted to try saying it. It's a cliche, you know? Swallow it? Swallow this stuff? No... Don't think... They told you to, so just do it... Then it will end... I sucked their dicks for so long... There's no use complaining about a little semen at this point... Takuji: Gulp... The moment I swallowed it, I felt my stomach heaving. I forced it down.
Takuji: ... Numada: Seriously? Crossdressing? You're actually going to wear the underwear you stole? You really are a pervert. That's just what I expected them to say. They really are stupid, uncouth people... They react the same way every time, repeating the same jokes like clockwork. Nishimura: You really put her panties on? You even put the panties on? Takuji: Eh? Nishimura: Look at this pervert! Show us whether you actually put on the panties. Takuji: N-No... Shiroyama: What? Shiroyama's fist clenched again. I-It's fine... I managed to calm him down, so now it should be fine... Takuji: Alright... I slowly lifted my skirt. The breezy feeling I had felt became even more intense. Trunks or briefs wouldn't feel this thin. I was incredibly conscious of myself, being forced to wear women's clothing outside and then lift my skirt. Embarrassing... Takuji: ... Nishimura: He really did... He put them on. Numada: God damn, those are Takashima's panties! Shiroyama: Hahaha, but it's Takuji wearing them... Nishimura: You're right... There's a little bulge in the crotch... Numada: But his dick is so small you might think he's a woman. Shiroyama: Gross. Nishimura: He doesn't have any hair at all... He's childish in mind and body. Shiroyama: It's nasty how he looks just like a girl. Nishimura: But Takashima has some really sexy panties... Shiroyama: Yeah, since she's a slut, you know? Tools of the trade. Nishimura: She sells her body? Shiroyama: That's what Megu said. Nishimura: But she's just trying to bully her. That's gotta be a lie. Takuji: ... Selling her body... They mean schoolgirl prostitution, don't they? Which means... Takashima-san has been having sex... The reason her panties are so sexy is... because she wants to show them to someone. Takuji: Oo... C-Crap... I shouldn't have thought about that. Numada: It looks so soft and smooth... God damn, I wish that wasn't Mamiya's crotch. Shiroyama: Hold on, that's pretty gay. Nishimura: Yeah, even if the panties are sexy, you don't want to touch them. That's dick in there. If you get him excited, he'll just pop a boner. Numada: Ugh. Takuji: ... Their discussion had focused on Takashima-san's panties. When I imagined her engaging in schoolgirl prostitution... My privates started pushing up against the fabric. Takuji: No... Let me go already... Shiroyama: What is it? Takuji: I can't... Shiroyama: Can't what? Takuji: Eh? Um... I could feel the blood pulsing inside Takashima-san's panties. At this rate, it'll... Takuji: Let me go already... Shiroyama: What are you talking about? Numada: Huh... Numada: Isn't it bigger than before? I don't think it was this big earlier... Nishimura: He's growing? Takuji: No... Numada: Oh, wow... Nishimura: Are you serious? They could see it moving. Takashima-san's tiny panties were being pushed up from beneath. Takuji: No, no... Don't look... Nishimura: What a freak. He gets a boner from crossdressing out here, with all of us watching... I was too embarrassed to even comprehend the situation. I was so embarrassed that I just wanted to die. My body was flooded with the feeling of regret. Takuji: I'm sorry. I'm sorry... Don't look... Please don't look... I started crying, but the blood kept rushing to my crotch, as if a floodgate had been opened. Numada: ... Shiroyama: What's wrong with him... That's nasty. He really is a freak. Nishimura: He's getting turned on from wearing those panties and having us look at him. Numada: Then he really is some kind of pervert. He almost looks erotic... even though he's a guy. Shiroyama: That's pretty disgusting. Numada: Mamiya, aren't you embarrassed? You're getting a boner now, as you wear your beloved Takashima's panties, while your crotch is exposed to the world... Takuji: Of course I'm embarrassed! So don't look. Just let me go... Numada: Then why is your dick getting hard? Are you getting turned on by wearing Takashima-san's clothes? Takuji: N-No... I hardly even know Takashima-san. Nishimura: Then why are you popping a boner? Takuji: B-Because you guys said she was doing schoolgirl prostitution... Numada: Huh? So? Takuji: I-I imagined it... Takuji: Ah... Numada: ... Nishimura: Whoa... Shiroyama: Tch. A soft, sliding feeling... Takashima-san's panties were made of such smooth material that my penis slipped out. Numada: Freak... Why are you leaking cum already... Shiroyama: He's the worst... I can't believe he's showing us that thing. Takuji: N-No... I didn't mean to... Numada: It fell out because of your pre-cum. Nishimura: This guy's dick... What the hell's wrong with it? It's so pale. His foreskin is huge, but the tip is pink. Numada: Hahaha... Let's ditch him already. I can't stand to be around this freak. Takuji: No... It only came out because her panties are so smooth... Nishimura: No, it's the pre-cum... They're soaked... Numada: You got a boner from thinking of Takashima-san's pussy, didn't you? Takuji: No... Let me go... Please, forgive me... Shiroyama: For what? You're a pain... Say it already, or I'll cut your dick off! Numada: Wait, that's my knife... It's not made to cut something like that. Takuji: I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It's my fault. Please forgive me... Shiroyama: That's not what I asked you. Answer me. Takuji: I'm sorry. I'm sorry... I'll do anything, so just please forgive me. Shiroyama: He says he'll do anything... What a creepy fucker. Takuji: Ugha... Nishimura: Oh really? You'll do anything, will you? Takuji: U-Umm... Nishimura: You said you'd do anything, right? Didn't you?! Takuji: Eek... I cowered from his intimidation. I had no choice. They wouldn't give me a choice. Shiroyama: Open your mouth! Nishimura asked you a question! Takuji: Ah, yes, I'm sorry! Nishimura: Now answer the question... Takuji: I'll... do anything... Shiroyama: So then what are you gonna do? Personally, I wouldn't mind if you brought us 1,000,000 yen... Takuji: Eh? Nishimura: That'd be nice, but how the heck would he do it? Shiroyama: There are plenty of ways. He could steal the money from his parents' bank account. Numada: No, there aren't that many ways... And even if he did that, we'd get caught too. Shiroyama: Then what should we make him do? He could be our stress relief sandbag. Nishimura: Shiroyama-chan, you always resort to violence first... Numada: Why don't we try something a bit more peaceful? Shiroyama: Huh? Peaceful? I don't get you. Well whatever, what do you have in mind? Numada: What do I have in mind? Nishimura: Yeah... Nishimura: Well, first off, how about he jacks off in his beloved Takashima-san's uniform? Shiroyama: S-Seriously? Nishimura: We should make it clear why he stole it, don't you think? Nishimura: If he jacks off in it, it's not hard to guess why he stole it. Shiroyama: What do you mean... Numada: In other words, we'd have proof that we weren't involved... Nishimura: That's right. Nishimura: And you probably want to jack off so bad right now, don't you, Mamiya-kun? Takuji: Eh? Wh-Why would I... Shiroyama: That's why you stole the uniform... Takuji: B-But that's not― Takuji: Geh. Shiroyama: Don't you ever learn? Don't try to pin it on us... You're the criminal here. Takuji: B-But... Nishimura: Just do it... Stain those clothes with your lust! Takuji: B-But! Numada: Shut up... Maybe they wanted to make it look like I was the only one that had committed a crime... Or maybe they were just having fun... I'm not really sure. I was ordered to wear the uniform and masturbate... I'd heard that sometimes bullying took a sexual turn, but... I never thought it would happen to me. Nishimura: How nice... Little baby stole the uniform so he could do this with it. Takuji: ... You guys forced me to do all of this... That was what I really wanted to say, but I knew it was pointless. Words don't work with these people... They only understand brutality... Nishimura: Oh, if you pull on the skin, the tip pops out. Numada: He's not even human. They said lots of nasty things about me, but I tried to ignore them... The only one who would lose out if I reacted was me. Nishimura: Do it, all the way until you cum... It's what you want to do, after all... Takuji: ... All the way... How humiliating... Why would they make me do this... Takuji: ... Numada: His hand is moving faster and faster. Nishimura: I didn't think there was anyone fucked up enough to cum while crossdressing in front of a bunch of other guys. Shiroyama: Just nasty... Numada: I guess perverts like him really do get turned on when people watch them. Nishimura: Of course. Look, his pre-cum is dripping all over his hand. I just focused on making myself ejaculate. It didn't feel good at all... Ejaculation is no different than excreting waste... I closed my eyes and intently stroked my penis. Numada: He's not even listening to us anymore. Nishimura: Come on, yell out your lover's name for us. Takuji: Eh? Nishimura: It's your lover's uniform, right? You have to yell her name out while you're doing it, otherwise the mood isn't right. Takuji: ... Shiroyama: Come on, say it... You love her, right? Takuji: Takashima... san. Numada: Huh? What'd you say? You can't get off like that. Come on, yell it like there's no tomorrow! Nishimura: Come on, as sweetly as you can. You love her, right? Takuji: T-Takashima-san... Takashima-san... Takashima-san... Numada: Come on, get in the mood! You can do better than that! Takuji: Takashima-san! Takashima-san! Takashima-san! Takashima-san! Takashima-san! Takashima-san! Takashima-san! I was desperate... I yelled out her name just like they told me to. It didn't feel good at all... I was just miserable. I just had to cum, and then it would all be over. Then the reason why I stole the uniform would be clear... Takuji: Oo... agh... The only time I made a noise was the very moment of ejaculation. That's what masturbation is to a boy... There's no need to make any noise. It's just getting rid of bodily waste. Nishimura: Whoa, he really did it... Numada: Ah, it smells like a freakin' squid! Nishimura: He came so much. Man, did it feel that good? Numada: Hahaha, he's like a dog in heat! Nishimura: His hips are still shaking. He really is like a dumb dog! Shiroyama: He really is just a dog. I just looked at the ground. My ejaculate was pooling there. Now that it was over... I felt even more miserable. Why would they make me do this... Why would they do this to me...
Takuji: I'm glad it came out today... It's pretty common for stuff like this to get delayed... You can only buy CDs like this at huge CD stores or anime specialty shops. Of course, I could put in an order for it at the CD store by the station, but no one would buy anything there. That's obvious. No matter how much you buy, that shop doesn't give out telephone cards or other frequent shopper bonuses. By the way, I bought a few manga and a light novel too. This light novel is being made into an anime right now. It's a pretty big hit. It was even in the display rack at the bookstore. This light novel has tons of parodies that make people think, 'is that even legal?' It's super interesting, and it has good reviews online too. "That's a lie!" or "I have no interest in ordinary humans." You can't parody that stuff, I'm telling you (heh.) I walked along and thought about the blog entry I was going to write later. I bought a CD and two manga today. I don't have a job, so even just a few things is pretty expensive for me. I think voice actors' CDs are too expensive. That's what it is. The only one that benefits is the organization or whatever that has the copyright... It bugs me. I'm not sure, but I've heard CDs in other countries are cheap. I hear you can even buy one for like 1,000 yen. Why doesn't anyone care that CDs in Japan are 3,000 yen? Isn't that a rip-off? Takuji: Haa... Well, time to head home... There's nothing but scum walking around the shopping district on Sundays... I should leave as soon as I can. But... Takuji: I guess... I'm a bit tired. I was thinking of getting on the train and then walking back to my house from the station, but I started feeling drowsy on the way. Maybe I need something to drink... And then I might... want to sit down. Takuji: Though a cafe would be expensive, so... I'll just use the vending machine. I don't really need anything more than a bench and a vending machine. There's no reason to go all the way to a cafe. I don't drink coffee anyway, and I don't like tea because it's bitter. Takuji: Is there a department store with a roof around here? The roof of a department store in the afternoon. That's probably the first place I found to waste time. There aren't usually many people on the roof. It'll probably be deserted today, since it's the weekend. Especially in the places where most people don't go... For instance, behind the canopy where they put the games. I spend a lot of time in places like that. Takuji: Haa... I drank a can of Magic Potion alone in the corner. I probably don't need to explain, but... Magic Potion is just plain old juice. But its taste is almost like an energy drink, so it's probably got some ingredients that perk people up. I drink it a lot when I feel tired. It's silly, but... it does give me my energy back. Takuji: Ahh... I looked up from the book I was reading and gazed at the sky. There was nothing but the sky above me. No, I could also see the wire fence and... some kind of pole (maybe a lightning rod?) up there. It occurred to me... as long as I live in this city, I'll never see the pure sky, even here on top of the department store. There's no such thing as a 100% pure sky in this city. Something needless always comes into view. Takuji: The sky, huh... The sky is mysterious... I've thought it was mysterious ever since I was a child.& A blue sky looks fake, like an image projected on a screen. Irreverent, fake clouds drift across the fake blue screen. Clouds are especially mysterious. How does something so big and so seemingly heavy float... Of course, in my mind I know they're not heavy, and I can imagine that they would just look like mist up close. But looking at the clouds like this makes them appear too big and heavy to be real. A boulder... sometimes dragons, or people... I can't really see them as anything but oddly shaped flying rocks. I suppose flying rocks would be softer than other rocks... Or maybe they're alive―though I know that's impossible―since they change shape as they move across the sky. One might be a dragon at first, but then start to look like a cow instead after it moves a few centimeters across my field of vision. I think when that happens, it only looks like a dragon at first, and after a while I realize that it's closer to a cow. At night, I can't see the clouds. I can vaguely make out their shapes, but... for the most part I don't notice them. And even more interestingly, if I look at the night sky for a long time, I start to see the spherical shape of it, like a bowl or the roof of a planetarium. I wonder why. It makes me wonder if we might be sitting under a hemispherical dome. But the truth is that we aren't. The night sky extends into the infinity expanses of space. Apparently space has no end... It's not a big deal, but it really doesn't make sense to me for there to be no end. Just like if a two-dimensional man lived on the surface of a three-dimensional sphere. No matter how far he walked, there would be no end. But I still don't really get it... I don't get why the world is full of things I don't understand. It seems a bit insolent how everyone else lives life as if they understand all of that stuff. It's strange. Takuji: Maybe my grades are bad because there are so many things I don't understand... The world is full of things I don't understand... Takuji: Haa... Well, who cares... Takuji: Haa... I'm kind of... feeling sleepy. Kind of... Very... Takuji: Ah... Did I fall asleep? Huh? I thought I was just looking at the sky...& But... Takuji: I guess I fell asleep. Takuji: I fell asleep again... I wanted to stay awake the whole day, too... I fell asleep in the middle of the day again. Well, whatever... Takuji: Well then, time to head home... It didn't feel like much time had passed, but the sun was already setting. It was already time to go home... Takuji: Go home, huh... I looked disinterestedly out over the city from the rooftop.& The traffic on the evening highway was getting heavier. It was starting to clog up already. Takuji: Hahahaha... That's because you drove a car here. They're so annoying. Cars are just nuisances.& No other mode of transportation does as much damage to the environment. There's almost always just one or two people in a single car. And they put out so much exhaust.& A train doesn't put out any exhaust at all... Cars are just annoyances. The number of people smoking has been declining lately. I wish the same thing would start to happen with cars.& Car exhaust is just as bothersome as cigarette smoke. And what's even more annoying than that... Takuji: Girls like guys who can drive... Are you stupid?& Don't use a car. Just ride the train... Everyone talks about going green and how we should save the planet, so why do they drive cars? Well, I guess that's just how it is... They're just being manipulated by the media. Because the media has to answer to the big corporations. Yeah, it bugs me... Those fools should just die. Pretty much all the guys who are into cars are lowlifes... Well, either that or gearheads. And pretty much only idiots like cars. Takuji: Yeah, that's right... And girls pretty much only like idiots... Takuji: ... Takuji: Huh? While I was looking down at the station, lost in thought, something strange caught my eye. Takuji: That's... She wasn't wearing her uniform, so I wasn't a hundred percent sure, but... Takuji: That's Minakami Yuki, from my class... and that's Takashima Zakuro, from the next... I watched over the two from above. Takashima-san, huh... She knows about my secret place. But she still hasn't told anyone about it. This is something I noticed lately, but... that girl is different.& She's different from the other idiots who get swept away by life. That's why I like her, but...& I like her a lot, but... Takuji: In the end, I didn't get to talk to her a couple days ago, either. We haven't talked at all since that one time... I wish she would come to my base sometime... Takuji: Maybe I creeped her out? Maybe there is something that comes to mind... Takuji: Ah... While I was lost in thought, Takashima-san and Minakami-san said their goodbyes. Takuji: Who are those two... After Takashima-san separated from Minakami-san, she met up with two girls I had never seen before.& Then they turned and went into the alley. Takuji: That was... another school's uniform... I wonder what school's uniform that is... I've seen it a few times before... Takuji: Maybe I should go see... Takuji: They're gone... Did I miss them? I came running from the roof, but... Takashima-san was gone. Takuji: Maybe they went off somewhere... I was a bit disappointed...& I thought I might have been able to calm down and talk to them, since they went into the alley... Well, probably not... Takuji: I guess I really can't talk to people unless I'm in my base... Hahahaha... Takuji: Whatever... I should head home... Takuji: I wonder... where she went... It felt like the atmosphere was a little unusual...& A little unusual... I can't really put into words just how it felt... I just felt uneasy... Of course, I was watching from the roof, so I didn't exactly know what, but... something was different. Thinking back upon what I saw from the roof... it was her expression that seemed different. Takuji: She seemed more confident than usual. Something was strange. Could I actually see her expression from the roof?& I thought it was a little strange that I could. Maybe I just made up my own interpretation because I was worried about her. But... I stared at the evening sun outside the window. I had to squint because of the harsh red glare. How would her hair look, bathed in the evening sun? That's what I thought about... Just because... Takuji: What's wrong... I felt oddly apprehensive.& What is this feeling? I can't put a name to it, but... it's strange. I exited through the opened doors onto the platform.& And then I ran to get on the train going the opposite way... Takuji: What is this? Why am I so worried? I know this feeling... I know this feeling, this apprehension in my chest. That's why I came back. Takuji: ... A bad premonition... I had a very bad premonition.& The feeling that something terrible was about to happen. I'm never right when I expect something good to happen, but I don't think I've ever been wrong about something bad happening. Maybe that's because my life is full of nothing but bad things. I went back to the place where I'd seen Takashima-san. Takuji: Takashima-san... I'm pretty sure she went that way. Maybe she's not here anymore.& Nevertheless, I chased after her. I left the crowded street behind and arrived at more of a residential area. I don't think Takashima-san lives around here. "..." Takuji: Huh? What was that... I think I heard a scream... Suddenly, something fell on my head from above. I felt something like gravel in my hair when I reached up and touched it. Takuji: Gravel? From above? I looked up and saw something on the roof of the apartment complex. Takuji: Is that a person? Takuji: Th-That's...?! Why...& Why are there... Takuji: Why are there people fighting up there?! They were about to fall. They were on the wrong side of the fence, struggling and fighting on the precipice. Takuji: What the hell are they doing?! Takashima-san was one of the figures.& She was struggling with someone on the roof. Takuji: ... I ran inside the apartment building. I had no idea what they were doing, but I had to stop them. I smashed the button, but there was no sign of the elevator. Takuji: What's taking so long, jeez! Takuji: While I'm doing this... Before I could finish my sentence―& A sound that split the air in twain. The moment I looked back, that sound echoed throughout the area. I heard a sound as if something had just been crushed... It was louder than if a tornado had just ripped the roof off someone's house. Takuji: Ah... A moment ago, there was no one in the street... There were three girls on the asphalt. They weren't moving a muscle... Just lying there. Takuji: U-Umm... There wasn't that much blood. Looking at them like this, they just seemed to be lying on the ground. Takuji: A-Are you alright? Maybe it was an absurd question.& But... they weren't bleeding... They weren't bleeding...& Which meant they weren't injured... But... is a human's leg supposed to bend like that? Is that where a human arm is supposed to be attached? And what is this pink stuff scattered around on the asphalt... I'd never seen anything like it. They were pink pieces of something that... almost looked like tofu. Takuji: Ah... Then the ground around them was stained with a red liquid. It gushed out onto the asphalt. That sticky liquid... Is that blood? And more importantly... That was the spot... Where I had just been standing. If they had... fallen on me from above―& I could have died along with them... Takuji: D-Did they really... fall? They fell in an instant.& And then they just laid on the ground. Takuji: Um... I walked a little closer. Takuji: Ah... As I got closer, I stepped on something. Takuji: This... It was a cell phone. Takuji: This is... The case was split down the middle, but... when I opened it, the display still worked. Takuji: I-I should call someone... That's right.& I should call for an ambulance. I scrambled to call someone on the phone I picked up. Takuji: Umm... please, please send an ambulance! Takuji: Um, this is an apartment building near Suginomiya station... It's a tall building, the white one, uh... Takuji: Anyway, please, please send an ambulance. Takuji: Haa, haa... I called for the ambulance, but... I didn't know what else I could do. Takuji: First aid...? But they'll investigate the scene later, so maybe I shouldn't move them? Um, then... maybe I should take a picture?" Takuji: Um... Takuji: Now I can show them what it looked like, so... I can try to help them. I looked at the three girls on the ground. And all I could think of was―& Just what kind of first aid do they need? Takuji: Umm... Takuji: Um, Takashima-san... I called out to Takashima-san, who was lying limp on the ground and facing away from me.& She didn't move at all. Takuji: Um, Takashima-san... Takuji: Takashima-san! Takuji: Ah?! I saw her face for an instant. It simply wasn't the same face I knew.& It was like... "Ahh!" "Suicide?!" Takuji: Ah... Some other people finally came. I slowly backed away... And then I ran. I fled from that place. What? What just happened? I couldn't comprehend it. The same Takashima-san who I talked to days before suddenly fell from the sky... and hit the pavement, and had her bones broken... and she was now covered in blood... Lots of people came, and I ran... I could hardly breathe... Takuji: Haa, haa, haa, haa, haa... Takuji: Haa, haa, wh-why am I running... Of course I would run. From that... Of course I would run from that! I didn't go back to my house. I just went to my hideout at school. It's more comfortable than my house, but honestly, I just came because this is where I usually hang out. If I really think about it... this place...& Isn't this place kind of scary? ....& No, this is my hideout... There's nothing scary about it. There's...& Nothing scary... Takuji: Ugh! Takuji: Th-There's nothing scary... It was probably just something dripping. It just echoed in the silence. Takuji: I'm sure it's nothing, but... have I ever heard something dripping in here before? The sound was kind of... unsettling... Takuji: Ahahaha... I-I'm just imagining it. I've always stayed here, and... there's never been anything scary. Takuji: That's right... Takuji: Th-That's right. I should read a manga or something, yeah. Takuji: Uh... I pulled a manga from the bookshelf. It was one that had just been made into an anime, Mahou Shoujo Riruru. It's kind of a perverted manga... Takuji: Oh, right. I should watch the anime I downloaded. I turned on my computer and played the video. Takuji: Y-Yeah... This should be alright. The walls of this underground space absorbed the sound of the anime. And yet the sound of a single drop echoed throughout the entire space. Why would that happen? Maybe some sounds just echo more than others... Riruru: I won't let you go! Riruru-chan's voice at least pierced through the air. Takuji: Maybe higher pitches echo more... Riruru: I-It's not like I'm doing this for you! Good... There's nothing to be scared of if all I can hear is Riruru-chan's voice. Ahahaha... The voice actor has such a cute voice. It's so soothing... Riruru: "I heard about a ritual to return our powers from the previous world, but... what exactly is it?" Riruru: "Eh? A near-death experience?" Riruru: "That's scary..." Huh? Did her voice always sound like this? Takuji: Huh?! Takuji: What? What's this? Takuji: This doesn't look like Riruru-chan... Her hair definitely looks like Riruru-chan's, but... Riruru: "I can't see it... I can't see any great disaster!" Riruru: "Open your eyes!" Riruru: "Nooo, no!" Riruru: "Riruru!" Riruru: "Eek!" Riruru: "Riruru-chan, listen to me!" Riruru: "Fear is a shapeless monster! It clouds the mind and beckons the worst possible outcome!" Riruru: "If we falter here... the world will be destroyed!" Riruru: "Could you let that happen?" Riruru: "Riruru-chan!" Riruru: "I could!" Riruru: "What?" Riruru: "I don't care if the world is destroyed!" Riruru: "I don't want to die! Why don't you just die and leave us alone?!" Riruru: "Ah..." Riruru: "What's wrong with you two?!" What's this... These three... are all calling each other Riruru... These three... They have to be... Takuji: The three from earlier... Riruru: "To the sky!" Riruru: "Nooooooo!" Riruru: "Ah!!!!!!!!!!!!!" A sound that split the air in twain. Takuji: N-No... Th-This... "..." Takuji: Eh? Takuji: I-I just... "..." Takuji: Wh-What was that? ... Takuji: Is someone there? ... Takuji: N-No one's there? ... I guess it was just my imagination. But that anime... Riruru: I'm not doing it for you! Takuji: ... Huh... It's the same as always. It's the usual voice actor... It's the usual Riruru-chan. Riruru: I'm not doing it for you! Takuji: O-Oh, good... Riruru: I-I-I-I'm not doing for you!I-I-I-I'm not doing it for you! Takuji: Huh? Riruru: I-I-I-I'm not doing it for you!I-I-I-I'm not doing it for you!I-I-I-I'm not doing it for you!I-I-I-I'm not doing it for you! Takuji: Oh, crap... It's not playing right... I have to shut it off! Takuji: Haa... Takuji: Eh? What happened to the lights? Takuji: What... I couldn't hear the sound of the generator anymore... It stopped... Takuji: Th-Then... that's why the video was playing funny, because the generator was messing up and the power supply was unstable... A-Ahahaha... That's what it was... Takuji: I-I got a bit scared there... Takuji: H-How stupid... It's not a big deal at all... A-Ahahaha... "..." Takuji: Eek! Takuji: Is someone there?! ...... Takuji: Th-This is someone's prank, right?! ...... Takuji: Wh-Who the hell are you?! A prank? But no one else knows about this place. The only other person who knows about it is... Takuji: Th-The only other person who knows... Takuji: Wha―?! "I-It hurts... It hurts..." "M-My... body is... failing... It hurts..." Takuji: Wh-Why? Takuji: Eek! What's this? Why? I tried to run, but my body wouldn't move... But I still tried to force my body to move. My body moved slowly, as if I was submerged in a viscous liquid. Takuji: N-No way... This is... This can't actually be happening. A dead person... can't be here. I tried to run from Takashima Zakuro, but... I couldn't put any distance between us. This feeling... That's right, this feeling... A feeling ingrained in my body... My body grew heavy when I tried to run, as if I were moving in slow motion. This is a dream... This can't be anything... other than a dream... This can't... Something like this... I closed my eyes. That's right. This is a dream. I don't know how long I've been asleep, but... this is a dream. So it must have an end. It will all be over soon... This can't be reality. Takuji: Ugh!
Takuji: H-Huh? Takuji: This is... This isn't my secret base. It's my room, in my house. This is my bed... I slept here. Takuji: And... I'm wearing my pajamas. Takuji: This is... Takuji: Well, of course... Hahahaha... That's why I thought it wasn't real. And I thought I had witnessed Takashima-san's suicide. I even imagined her ghost chasing me when I ran away to the school. Takuji: Ahahaha... That's ridiculous... There are plenty of things that seem scary when they happen, but once some time passes, you calm down and realize just how ridiculous they were. This is one of those situations. Takuji: I-It really was... a dream... right? Takuji: Ahahahaha, o-of course. I had a strange dream, didn't I... Takuji: Ah! Takuji: ...Th-That... really was a scary dream... Takuji: A-Aha... Maybe I'm not getting enough sleep... Maybe I'm stressed out... That's right... There's no way that was real... Takuji: Come on, that's no good at all. I can't believe I was so tired that I couldn't even tell the difference between fact and fiction... Ahaha... A dream... It was awfully realistic for a dream, but... I still think it was a dream. After all... there's no way that could be real... Right. That was a dream... Dreams can't affect reality. Dreams can't permeate into reality. Something terrifying like that... That couldn't ever happen in reality. I looked at the clock. It was still too early to head to school. Takuji: Crap... I woke up early because of that dream... There's nothing good about getting up early. I crawled back into bed. I went to class. I was a few hours late. There were plenty of reasons why I didn't want to go, but I still needed to get enough credits to graduate. After getting to school, the first thing I did was take a nap in the usual place. Then I entered my classroom during the break period. I always feel like there's a weight on my shoulders when I'm in class. Especially on the day after a day off, like today, my pain is immeasurable. Takuji: Haa... My pulse was racing. Why do I feel so awful every time I come to class... I stood in the hall, in front of the classroom door...& It was noisy inside, since it was the break period... My palms were already covered in sweat. ... I went into the classroom.& I entered from the back so I wouldn't stand out. I felt my heart palpitating the instant I went into the classroom.& I was sweating, too. Takuji: Don't worry... Yeah, I'm fine... Don't worry about it. I had to give myself some encouragement to make it to my desk. I'm fine. I'm just going to sit through this pointless class in the same room with all these other pointless people... It's not like I'm going to talk to them. It's not like I need to get along with them. I just need to do my best to ignore them... No matter what they say... No matter what they do... None of it matters to me. That's right... It doesn't matter to me. Takuji: That's right... It doesn't matter to me... My quiet words were erased by the tumult of the classroom. The words travelled through my skull and reached my ears alone. It doesn't matter. It's fine. Don't worry... Yes... Don't worry about anything. ......... ...... ... Huh? What? Somehow... The tumult caught my attention... Somehow, the words they were saying got stuck in my ears. I wasn't supposed to be paying any attention to them, but... for some reason, pieces of their words remained. Th-They're always noisy during the break period... It's just the usual noise... That's right... ... But... But something's different. Pieces of the words stayed in my ears. Strange pieces. Suginomiya station... street... apartment building... I heard words like that here and there. Takuji: They're... Takuji: Ah... I met the gaze of several other people. There were also several people glancing at me. Why are they looking at me? I tried not to stand out when I came in. Normally, no one would give me a second look. And yet... Takuji: What is it... There, they did it again. For some reason, people were looking at me since I came in. Takuji: This is... Something happened... Did something happen? ...Did something happen again? Female Student: It seems really was... . Female Student: That's kind of, but it definitely was . Female Student: Rea y? It ally happened? Male Student: Who's th ? I don't kn . Male Student: You n't? you know... She was . Male Student: She black and weird loo . Male Student: t's n ue! Male Student: e seemed li a total ... Male Student: was in the clas we had a with . Long hair, and a ... Female Student: I don't really ow anything about ... Female Student: But it ... Female Student: But still... Right after -kun, you know? I couldn't hear what they were talking about. It's always like this... My ears stop working at the most important times. Shit... It sounded like there was some hot new rumor. My hands were soaked with sweat. I don't have any positive memories of this classroom... I can't remember anything good happening here. And when those memories come up, my whole body gets itchy. I get so angry that my hair stands on end. I get too nervous and on edge. I don't know why, but I get irritated, and... I can't even tell what's happening around me. Right... it's my old memories. My old memories... When I was a freshman... I was bullied by a wider range of people than now. It might be strange to say 'a wide range,' but that's the best way to describe the sheer number of people that would play pranks on me. They would all follow me around and pull pranks on me wherever I went. It happened in the classroom of course, in the hallway, between classes, in the street, and sometimes even on the train. They would trail me almost twenty-four hours a day and pull pranks on me no matter where I was. That's right. I wasn't always the kind of person who would skip classes... The worst prank was when someone put a rock on the train tracks and stopped the train I was riding. That was the first time I was late. And then I got into the habit of skipping classes... It was horrible back then... They would even hide in the closet at my house and watch me. Lately, that's stopped happening. All the bullying that used to be done by a group... is now done by just one person. Yuuki Tomosane. He's so brutal that the others started backing off, and then in the end left me entirely to him. Speaking of which... is Yuuki not here today? I couldn't see him when I looked around the classroom... Probably skipping class. Is that why? Since Yuuki isn't here... they want to do something awful to me, for old times' sake... Tch... These people... They're the lowest of the low. I carefully surveyed the classroom. To figure out what they're thinking... Takuji: Huh... What... Something is different... Something is strange... I snuck glances at their faces... I don't know what kind of pretext they would concoct if I looked straight at them. So I observed them without ever meeting their eyes. Female Student: "It really 's... Apparently." Female Student: "I heard was with * ther school."* Female Student: "Re ly? It ac ll hap 's 's 's 's?" Female Student: "Who's th 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's?" Female Student: "You don ? 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's ...had... really 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's" Female Student: "No 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's " Female Student: " 's?" Female Student: "s eemed li 's 's 's 's 's?" Female Student: " was had along long 's 's 's 's hair 's 's 's 's..." I couldn't understand what they were saying. It was like, They were saying something, but... All I heard was "'s..." Takuji: Shit... This time I looked directly at them. ... What's wrong with them? They were acting completely different from usual. Different, different from usual. What is it? Think... What could it be... Almost like they're laughing... Almost like they're crying... Or rather, like they're afraid... The classroom was filled with unsettling expressions. Their expressions were different from usual. No, they were expressions I'd never seen before. I can't understand these... eerie expressions. Why would they make these faces if they were going to pull a prank on me? What's with those faces... What the hell's happening here... These faces... This crowd of faces... I started to feel uncomfortable. I couldn't understand their expressions, but I felt hatred. I couldn't understand what they were thinking. Maybe that's why I felt uncomfortable...? Or maybe... These unpleasant expressions... laughing, crying... fear... And the people watching from afar. The way they all flock together... It feels like I've seen this in the past. That kind of discomfort... Takuji: Ah... What is this feeling... Their faces... I don't understand... I don't understand, I don't understand... My clenched fist grew hot... My hand was slimy with sweat. My face grew hot. My mouth hardened and my cheeks stung. My pores became incredibly itchy. An itch as if... something were leaking from my scalp. Ah... What is this feeling... Their faces... I don't understand... I don't understand, I don't understand... I don't understand... I don't understand... I don't understand... I don't understand. I don't understand! I don't understand. I don't understand, I don't understand, I don't understand. I don't understand, I don't understand. I don't... Takuji: Haa... Haa... No... If I think too hard... my heart... my heart starts throbbing... No... If I get too stressed out... my heart starts throbbing too hard and... then there's nothing to do... Maybe... I'm overthinking it... But... the atmosphere in the classroom... It's definitely not normal... There has to be something wrong. But what? No, stop, stop! You're thinking too hard again. Your heart's just going crazy. Huh? They're actually... not looking at me at all anymore. Was I just imagining it? Anyway, I sat in my seat. But still, this chatter... I wonder what's wrong. Male Student: " 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's?" Male Student: "You don 's? om that 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's." Male Student: "'s 's 's 's 's 's 's 's is 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's " Male Student: " 's?" Male Student: "'s 's 's ac 's 's 's 's d?" Male Student: " 's 's 's 's, 's 's 's 's, long hair 's 's..." Male Student: "'s 's 's 's 's 's death." Takuji: Huh?! Just now I heard... "death"... Male Student: " 's death." Male Student: " 's death." Male Student: " 's death." Male Student: " 's death." Male Student: " 's death." Male Student: " 's death." Male Student: " 's death." Male Student: " 's death." 's death? That's wrong... They said "someone's death". Whose death? What does that mean? Maybe they really are talking about me? Maybe they'd be glad if they could drive me to suicide... Is that it? Is their chatter really about me? That's it. That has to be it! That's why they're looking at me like that... Those bastards. They're the lowest of the low! Shit. Shit. Argh, my head is itchy. My pores hurt. Crap, why does it feel like this?! Them, it's their fault. Yeah, it's all their fault. Argh, it itches. I scratched at my head and arms. I couldn't help it. It was so painful and itchy. Damn it, those bastards... That's it! If I were the prime minister― If I were the prime minister! I would... Kill you all... That's right. I'd sentence you all to death. Takuji: The loser 's death." Takuji: The whore 's death." Takuji: The idiot 's death." Takuji: The slut 's death." Takuji: The student 's death." Takuji: Your * death."* Takuji: The ignorant 's death." Takuji: A happy * death."* The death sentence... That's right, the death sentence. I won't let you have a normal death. Something more degrading... and more painful. Right, right, even if you scream, I won't forgive you. First, I'll tie you up naked in public. No matter if you're a man or woman, of course. Then I'll take red hot pliers and cut into your calf, then your thigh, then your right arm... and finally, I'll gouge out your chest. For the women, I'll carve into your breasts until I see the bone under your flesh. And then I'll use a ladle to pour molten lead into all the holes I've carved into your flesh. In the calf... the thigh... the arm... and of course, the hole I've cut into your chest... And then the air will be filled with a smell almost like a barbecue. The lead will cook you all from the inside. Drip, * drip...* Huh? What is this? Rain? No, wait. It's tears. Your eyes are wet with tears. Ehehehehehe, In my life, I've cried far more tears than you. Pathetic. No one is going to sympathize with you. Just like how no one has ever sympathized with me... no one will sympathize with you. The death penalty will still continue. Next, I'll take the rope from a harness and wrap it around a horse... and your thighs, your legs, your arms, and all your limbs. I'll make it pull... But from what I've heard, even with a horse's strength, it's not easy to sever the joints. I'll make the horse pull over and over. And you will scream with indescribable pain every single time. If four horses aren't enough, I'll make it six. Even then I won't be able to sever them... For four and a half hours... the horses will try to rip you in two, but they won't be able to remove your limbs. It's not their fault. I'll order the executioner to cut into the flesh of your limbs with a knife. Those cuts will go all the way to the bone. They say a horse can't sever limbs unless I do that. Then the horses will pull with all their strength and... Everyone will hear the sound of your flesh ripping apart. Everyone will hear the sound of your bones being crushed. Finally, your limbs will be severed. But you know... Even when that happens, a human doesn't die. Even in that state, you will writhe in pain. Your jaw will move up and down, almost as if you were talking. As the Prime Minister, I would watch the spectacle, and then I would give the final command. Takuji: Throw him into the fire! Your severed limbs... and then finally, your torso. Even after being cut into pieces, you won't die. You'll be burned alive. Slowly. Slowly. That will be the last thing you experience on this earth. This was the method of execution for regicides under France's absolute monarchy. A man named Damiens actually experienced it in 1754. So all of you will end up the same way. Ehehehe, of course. Because you bullied me, the ruler of time. This is just the right kind of punishment... There was no more sweat on my palms. I'd punished them all. I'd disciplined them all. There's nothing to be afraid of. There's nothing to fear. These people aren't scary. They're as good as dead. You losers, you s, you sluts, you students, you bastards. You fools, you whores, you politicians, you s, you sluts, you idiots, you whores, you students, you bastards. You fools, you whores, you politicians, you losers, you sluts, you idiots, you whores, you students, you s. You fools, you whores, you s, you losers, you s, you idiots, you sluts, you students, you bastards. You fools, you whores, you politicians. Takuji: It's fine... It's fine... Takuji: Calm... Calm... Calm... Takuji: That's right... I'm too calm... I was too calm... Takuji: No problem... Takuji: That's right... There's no problem... Now then... These people shall meet their ignominious end soon enough, but... just what slander are they speaking of me? I'll listen so that I may use it as evidence in the trial I shall one day hold for them. Female Student: That's right. That's why I was so surprised... It's fine. If I calm down, I can hear. I can hear their voices. I can hear everything they're saying. What are they saying? Female Student: "I heard there was a suicide." S-Suicide? Wh-Who? Female Student: Yesterday, at an apartment building by the station... there really was a suicide... Male Student: A suicide? Are you serious? Takuji: ... They really are saying something... Female Student: It was a big mess, since there were so many police cars there. My mom said the street in front of the station was totally jammed up. Eh... What did they just say? In front of the station? An apartment building... Eh? That's... That's―! Male Student: Were they really from our school? Female Student: There was a girl named Takashima in the other class, right? Male Student: Yeah, she was kind of gloomy. Wait, you don't mean... Female Student: ...Takashima was the one that committed suicide. Takuji: ... Takashima... Takashima... Zakuro... Takuji: Wha―?! N-No way... That's not possible... That was a dream... That was a dream. It was just in my head... There's no way that was... real. There's no way... that was... If that was real... Takashima-san is... Takashima-san is... Takuji: Ough. Tomosane: ...Ar ou ig g m ? Takuji: Eh? Tomosane: I was ing to you. Takuji: Eh? Tomosane: me... That's pret . Takuji: This voice. Takuji: 's voice! Tomosane: ...Are you ignoring me? Takuji: Ah... Tomosane: I was talking to you. Takuji: Y-Yuuki... kun? Tomosane: Ignoring me, huh? That's pretty gutsy. Takuji: Wh-Why is Yuuki-kun here? He wasn't here earlier... Tomosane: What'd you say? Is there a problem with me being here? Takuji: N-Not at all... Tomosane: Takashima Zakuro... She committed suicide. Tomosane: Why don't you follow her example? Takuji: Huh? Wh-What? Tomosane: Why do you sound so surprised? Can't you just go die too? Tomosane: Is there anyone at all who wants you to keep on living? Takuji: ... Takuji: Eek! Tomosane: You sound like a girl. Pathetic. Tomosane: Well, whatever... Tomosane: Takashima Zakuro... She died, huh? Takuji: ... What's he doing... Why's he grinning? Tomosane: I didn't think she would die. Takuji: Huh? Yuuki grinned as he looked at me. Tomosane: Please don't die, got it? If you die, the police will come after me, you see. Takuji: Huh? You mean... Takuji: Agh! Tomosane: Want another one? Takuji: Eek! Tomosane: Here goes. Takuji: Ahh, f-forgive me. Forgive me... Tomosane: Hehehe... You won't die, right? I won't die... I won't die... Does he want me to die? Damn it... He looked at me and laughed. He looked at me... Just like... The way they looked at me... When I came into the classroom... Their eyes... looked just like Yuuki's now. What does that mean? It's not that hard to understand. It just means... they were wondering why I was still alive. Their eyes wanted to ask... She killed herself, so why don't you? That's how they looked at me... Takuji: Ah... The bell... Class started... The next class was physics. Physics... What kind... of physics... Physics... Um... I was confused. I was confused... I couldn't tell what was happening. The teacher stood at the podium. Then he opened the textbook. Um... Textbook... My textbooks were... They were all in my desk. So that textbook should be there too... Textbook? Um... What... Um... That's right, what I need right now is my textbook. The class is... Um... It's physics... Physics... Um... Teacher: Let's assume a large man who weighs 200kg that can pick up 200kg and a young man who weighs 50kg that can pick up 50kg are both trying to push the other over. He's already talking... So far away... Come to think of it... occasionally, time seems to skip ahead just for me. Sometimes, time skips ahead by... a few minutes, or even a few hours. That's fine... That doesn't matter. It's because I never pay attention... Um... What page in the textbook was it? Wait, where is my physics textbook... Oh, here... Is this my physics textbook? Teacher: Then what would happen? Yokoyama, do you know? Kiyoshi: The big guy would push him over, of course. It's always like this. I can't stand this classroom. But normally it's not nearly this bad... Weightless space... Absolute void... Or perhaps the pressure at the bottom of the ocean... Complete darkness... I don't know what that would be like, but... the classroom right now can't be much different from that. Something wet flowed out of all the pores on my body. Flowed out... From inside my body... Flowed out from inside my body? Oozed out... A red... viscous liquid... It pooled on the asphalt... Blood. Takashima-san. What about Takashima-san? They're excited about what happened to her? Everyone is spreading rumors about her? Why? Why Takashima-san? She was quiet... That's right! She's not the kind of lascivious girl that people would spread rumors about. She was kind... When she talked to me, she was modest and proper... And, and... Um... Teacher: That's right. The large man would push him over. Teacher: And at the time when the large man pushes the young man over, what is the ratio between the force being exerted on the large man's hands and the force being exerted on the young man's hands? Oh, this is physics class. Calm down... For now, just calm down. I was definitely shocked about Takashima-san, but... it's hard enough just going to class. If I get too confused... I don't know what will happen... What will happen? What will end up happening? Teacher: What will happen? Teacher: The large man is four times as heavy and four times as strong, so maybe you would multiple 4x4 to get 1:16? Or add 4+4 to get 1:8? What do you think, Yokoyama? Kiyoshi: Hmm, 1:16, I guess. Teacher: Why did you multiply? Kiyoshi: I don't know... It just seemed like that was right. Teacher: Don't make up equations just because they seem right, dumbass. Teacher: That's why you can't solve this problem. Teacher: The numbers don't matter, and it doesn't matter which one falls over. They both receive the same force. Come on, you learned that in middle school. Action and reaction. Teacher: So in this problem, a 50kg object fell from a height of 20kg... Oh... so this is physics... I figured he would teach a class like this. Yeah... That's right... But is it really? If you think about what he just said... the same force would be exerted upon a nose and the fist that punched it. Is that right? But my nose is the only one that hurts... It doesn't hurt his fist at all. That's right... That's all physics is... Who cares about actions and reactions? That law isn't useful for anything... That's right, not useful at all... There's no way that could be useful... "That's not true, Mamiya..." Eh? What? I didn't say that, so... why? He wasn't looking at me... Was he speaking directly inside my head? "It's not just your nose... The fist is destroyed too..." "I heard something like this... There was a certain girl who committed suicide, and when she hit the ground, she broke a manhole cover. Hehehehe, she broke it... Mamiya." "Of course, her body was destroyed." "But thankfully, so was the steel manhole cover..." "Destroyed..." That's right! Why didn't I realize it before? Everyone has been talking about Takashima-san! IN-OTHER-WORDS! Physics = What happened to Takashima-san. This has to be right! Oh, good... I was getting confused there for a second. It's fine. I'm calm. I'm calm, aren't I... That's right. That's right... Takashima-san, She jumped from that building... Takuji: Eh? Takuji: Takashima-san... A-Ahh... Takuji: Sh-She jumped... "That's right. She jumped." "Action and reaction." "Even a frail girl's body can break steel by using this law and jumping from a tall building... Hehehe." "She wasn't able to destroy anything, but..." "That's probably just because the building wasn't tall enough." "How many floors did that apartment building have, Mamiya?" His voiced echoed inside my head. Why would he do something ridiculous like that? Speaking directly inside someone's head has to be against the law. Talking inside my head like this has to be illegal. But maybe this is... Takuji: Radio stations operating on frequencies between 26 and 27.2 megahertz or broadcasting with a transmitter power output of below 0.5 watts shall be prescribed in Article 38 paragraph 1 of the Ordinances of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (in accordance with Article 38-31 paragraph 4), Article 38-26 (in accordance with Article 38-31 paragraph 6), and Article 38-35. Takuji: Or... Takuji: Broadcasts with a transmitter power output of below 0.01 watts shall be prescribed by the Ordinances of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, shall automatically broadcast their call code as specified in the following article, shall not cause interference with other equipment in compliance with the Ordinances of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and communications, and shall use equipment in compliance with standards. Takuji: So it might not be illegal for him to transmit words directly to my brain. Takuji: This might be a legal action... Takuji: No... He's a teacher, so... I wonder if it's actually illegal... Is there actually a law that says whether it's legal to transmit words directly to my brain? Takuji: Then I'm the one that's wrong? I'm the one that's misunderstanding? "Mamiya!" Takuji: Y-Yes! "You saw it, right? When she fell... her brain splattered all over the sidewalk." "That's the problem... You would have to fall down over thirty stories to break a manhole cover." "How about it, Yokoyama Kiyoshi? Would you like to try it out?" "You're useless." "There's no point in you living." "Would you like to jump off a building as an experiment?" "...I'll think about it." "That's right." "We'll save that for next time, Yokoyama..." "Today..." Teacher: Mamiya. Takuji: Yes? "Go die, right now." Takuji: Wh-Why? "Shut up. Just die already." Takuji: Th-That's... Tomosane: Go die... Takuji: Eh? Suddenly, Yuuki was whispering in my ear... Tomosane: Go off yourself... Just like Takashima... Takuji: I-I'm... Tomosane: Takashima died... Tomosane: She was bullied, just like you... and she couldn't take it. Tomosane: Why are you still alive when people make you do such disgraceful things every day? Tomosane: Look, over there... Their eyes... The way they looked at me... When I came into the classroom... Their eyes... looked just like Yuuki's now. What does that mean? It's not that hard to understand. It just means... they were wondering why I was still alive. Their eyes wanted to ask... She killed herself, so why don't you? That's how they looked at me... "Huh? Mamiya-kun, why are you still around?" ―Why?! Is there a problem with that?! "Would you hurry up and go to the same place where Takashima-san is?" ―Why?! "You don't want to keep Takashima-san waiting." ―I'm not going! "She's gonna get lonely, you know." ―What are you talking about?! "She's in the ground now." ―Her funeral hasn't even been held yet! "She's getting lonely waiting for you." ―She's not in the ground yet! "I hope you two get along." ―Why shouldn't I keep on living?! "In the afterlife..." Why don't you all go keep her company?! All of you! * die die die die die die die die die die die die* die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die d ie die die d ie die die d ie die die die die die die die die die die di e die die die d ie die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die * die die die die die die die die die die die die* die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die d ie die die d die ie die die d ie die die die die die die die die die die di e die die die d ie die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die "Mamiya, go die, right now." ―No. "Right now... Go jump off the school roof..." ―I can't do that. "Come on... Right now..." ―Why? "Come on... Answer me..." Teacher: Answer me! Takuji: Eh... Ahh... Teacher: Wh-Why are you talking to yourself...?! Teacher: Come on, answer the question! Takuji: Y-Yes! Takuji: I-I can't! Teacher: You can't? Takuji: Y-Yes Teacher: Oh, you can't? Teacher: Too bad, then. Teacher: It's the same as the problem I just explained. Teacher: You weren't listening, were you? Takuji: N-No. Teacher: ...Mamiya, are you feeling all right? Do you need to use the restroom? Takuji: Eh? Oh, no... Teacher: You're covered in sweat... You're not a kid anymore, so use the restroom before class next time. The class laughed at me... They weren't saying anything, but... they were making fun of me... They were laughing. The teacher just told me to die... Why are they laughing... Teacher: Let's assume a large man who weighs 200kg that can pick up 200kg and a young man who weighs 50kg that can pick up 50kg are both trying to push the other over. Teacher: Then what would happen? Yokoyama, do you know? Kiyoshi: The big guy would push him over, of course. Teacher: That's right. The large man would push him over. Teacher: And at the time when the large man pushes the young man over, what is the ratio between the force being exerted on the large man's hands and the force being exerted on the young man's hands? Teacher: The large man is four times as heavy and four times as strong, so maybe you would multiple 4x4 to get 1:16? Or add 4+4 to get 1:8? What do you think, Yokoyama? Kiyoshi: Hmm, 1:16, I guess. Teacher: Why did you multiply? Kiyoshi: I don't know... It just seemed like that was right. Teacher: Don't make up equations just because they seem right, dumbass. Teacher: That's why you can't solve this problem. Teacher: The numbers don't matter, and it doesn't matter which one falls over. They both receive the same force. Come on, you learned that in middle school. Action and reaction. Teacher: So in this problem, a 50kg object fell from a height of 20kg... That's a lie... That would mean... the same force would be exerted upon a nose and the fist that punched it... Is that right? But my nose is the only one that hurts... It doesn't hurt his fist at all. That's right... That's all physics is... Who cares about actions and reactions? That law isn't useful for anything... That's right, not useful at all... There's no way that could be useful... And to prove it, this is one thing my mother said. Free energy... in other words, perpetual motion, has already been created by an inventor from the power minority. But perpetual motion would make the oil companies go bankrupt, so the oil companies pressured politicians and government officials to silence the inventor. Also, the theory of relativity is wrong, but scholars are afraid to correct it, so they silence people who disagree... And the sun isn't really hot, and the Yorkshire Terrier evolved from pigeons, etc. etc... My mother often talked about things like that. She was a harsh person, but... she was kind when she talked about important things like that. That's right... My mother taught me. She taught me that everything is a conspiracy... That the masses are being lied to... Education is the same as brainwashing. Education is brainwashing. This class, and all the classes before... They were all just brainwashing. That's why they keep holding brainwashing classes like nothing happened, even though Takashima-san just committed suicide! And now they're trying to kill me with brainwashing. Takashima-san was killed... She was bullied... and killed... That's it! She was killed by the bullying. By these people... By the people in this classroom... By the teacher standing at the podium... By everything here... Just like... Just like me... Takashima-san was the same as me. That's why she came to my secret base. That was her final message. At the end, she begged me for salvation. She tried to become my friend so that she could escape all her enemies here in the classroom. That's what my base was made for. She knew that. Why? Probably because she was the same as me. We felt the same thing, so she probably picked up on my feelings. That's why she spoke to me. Now I understand that. She was my ally. Takuji: Th-That's it... Takuji: Th-That's it! Teacher: Wh-What is it, Mamiya? Takuji: Ah... Physics class ended. The strange time we call the 'break period' inevitably comes after physics. During this strange period, people move all around the room. It's a disgusting thing... Even in the confines of the classroom, they move around at random. They all move as they please. It's disturbing. Why are there so many people? Why do they move so much? It throws me off balance. Is it because I'm still in shock about Takashima-san? Of course... I can't believe that what I saw yesterday actually happened... Ah... There are people here... I get confused when there are lots of people around me. Why are there so many people? Why do they move so erratically? Ah... Calm down... Calm down a little... Relax a little bit... Relax? A way to relax... I know one. I know how to do that. I've had social anxiety for a long time, so it's always been like this when I go out in public. When I stand in a large group of people, I suddenly become confused for no reason. So my mother taught me. She taught me how to save myself from the confusion. When my heart won't calm down, I put my hand on my chest and say this. Takuji: Relax... Relax... Relax. Soon after doing that, I become relaxed. Everything becomes relaxed. That's right... My mother taught me that because she loved me. Relax... Takuji: Ah. Her again... Takuji: ... Tsukasa: ARE YOU OKAY? Takuji: You again? Tsukasa: UM, I... Takuji: What is it with you... Why do I feel so uncomfortable when she shows up... We don't know each other at all... We've hardly ever spoken before... So why does she... Why does she make me so... Kagami: Do we put you in a bad mood? Takuji: Eh? Kagami: It must be a pain. Takuji: Wh-What do you mean? Kagami: What do I mean? It must be a pain... pretending like you don't know anything. Takuji: Huh? Pretending? What do you mean? Tsukasa: Onee-chan... you can't do that... Kagami: Be quiet, . Tsukasa: Eek! Kagami: Mamiya Takuji. Takuji: Wh-What is it... Kagami: Can't you tell by looking at me? Takuji: Tell what? Kagami: I'm the one asking the question. I asked if you can tell by looking at me. Takuji: What? Takuji: Huh? No one's here... The Wakatsuki sisters... and the other people... They were all just here... Why aren't there people here? I walked around the school. I was trying to do something... Those stupid twins stopped me from doing it. Then the break period ended. They disappeared. That's why I'm standing in the hallway, alone. There's no mystery. There was no mystery, so... I relaxed and opened the neighboring classroom door. Relax, relax... This is... Takashima Zakuro-san's classroom... ...No one is here... I wonder why no one is here. Aren't classes still in session? Maybe all the people in the world disappeared? If so, then... The world must be filled with relief. Relax... Relax... I looked out the classroom window. My class and the neighboring class were outside in their gym uniforms. Oh, that's right... It's time for PE. That's why there's no one in this classroom. There's a flower because no one's here. A vase of flowers was placed here because no one's here. It's not strange. It makes perfect sense. Because her desk is here, Takashima-san isn't. Because these flowers are here, Takashima-san isn't. It's not strange. Relax. Too relaxed. This desk is here in place of her. Because she's not here, the desk is. Because the desk isn't here, she is. It's fine. I stayed rather calm as I figured it all out. I was worried I would get emotional and do something I didn't want to do, but... I'm totally relaxed. I'm completely calm. I'm so calm that my mind is working on pure logic. This isn't the time to get emotional. This is the time to think calmly and act. Calmly think through each problem and solve it logically. That's right. I've always done things I don't intend when I get emotional. So I failed a lot. I don't like failing. My mother gets sad when I fail, so... So I can't fail... So... Calm... Relaxed... Then I won't fail. I won't make my mother sad. Handle everything calmly. Calmly. Calmly take in the present situation. First. This is a desk. A desk is paired with a chair. You can use a desk for all sorts of things once you combine it with a chair. The person that used this desk and chair was Takashima Zakuro. Takashima Zakuro was a smart and kind girl who committed suicide yesterday. And she was the only person I could share my secrets with. Why was that? I told her my secrets because I knew she was smart. I told her about my secret base... And in response, she... She told me her secrets. She opened her heart to me because I made the right choices. It was all decided by the choices. The world diverges based on choices. I perceive those choices because I can calmly analyze the situation. That's why she opened her heart to me. She told me her most embarrassing secrets. I looked at the desk. I looked closely. After looking very closely... I made a calm decision. Takuji: This! This is the desk she used! Takuji: Ahh... I touched her desk's legs. It made me remember her soft thighs. Why is she on her hands and knees? Why is she on all fours? Her wrist is... so slender. Takuji: Ahh... Takashima-san... The feeling of her body came alive in my mind. The time we shared our secrets. In my mind, sights I had and hadn't seen replayed, replayed, replayed in my mind. Replay, replay, replayed, replay, replay, replayed, replay, replay, replayed. Replay, replay, re replay, replay, replayed, replay, replay, replayed, replay, replay, replayed. Replay, replay, replayed. Replay, replay, replayed, replay, replay, replay, replayed, replay, replay, replay, replayed. Replay, replay, replayed Replay, replay, replayed, replay, replay, replayed, replay, replay, replayed. Replay, replay, replayed Replay, replay, replayed, replay, replay, replayed, replay, replay, replayed. Replay, replay, replayed. An onslaught of memories I wasn't sure I had seen before set my heart ablaze. The fluttering of the heart is the forerunner of love. Takuji: Ahh... Ahh... Takuji: Aahh... You're so cute, Takashima-san... You're too cute, Takashima-san... Cute, cute, cute... I rubbed my cheek on her chair. This is the place where her butt always rested. Takashima-san's butt... was soft... Takuji: Aahh... I glanced to the side... The desk drawer... The part that forms a large hole... A hole? That desk, down on its hands and knees, looked like it had a lewd hole facing me. Takuji: If Takashima-san got down on her hands and knees... how would she look...? I saw letters on the desk. Letters that were different from before... "I love you, Mamiya Takuji... " Takuji: Yeah, I know. I know you loved me... Takuji: And it's not just you. Takashima-san, who used you everyday, loved me too. Takuji: Ahh... Takashima-san, Takashima-san... Takashima-san's desk confessed its love to me. But I couldn't accept. I had to erase the words 'I love you.' I erased them every time they came up. She said... I love you, I love you. I love you, I love you. I kept erasing them. I erased the words that came up. Unfortunately, my lover is Takashima-san, not her desk... Then the desk tried to tempt me not with words, but with flesh. She tempted me with her form, down on all fours. Even I was swayed by this. After all, it looked... Just like Takashima-san... Takuji: Ah, I can't... You're a desk, and I'm human... We can't be together. Zakuro: Make love to me... I can't believe it... Even her voice sounds like Takashima-san... This is bad... This is really bad... Zakuro: Make love to me... Make sweet love to me... I love you, so make love to me... Make love... Come on, Takuji-kun, I love you... Come on, Takuji-kun... Takuji: Aah... Ooaaaah...??? My head was spinning. Her soft, lovely voice swirled around my crotch. Ah, ah, ah... My true feelings burst from my dark heart like a fountain. I love you... I love you, too. But you're... Ooahhh... But... Zakuro: I'll give you... my virginity... She closed her eyes in embarrassment and laughed sweetly. Takuji: Ahh... You shouldn't say something as important as that so casually... Virginity... Virginity―Virgin. Virgin virgin virgin virgin virgin virgin virgin. The purity of a woman who hasn't been defiled by another man! Zakuro: After all, I've kept it all this time, just for you. No one has ever put their penis inside me before. Zakuro: It's true... Occasionally she put textbooks, papers, pencils, and things like that inside me, but... But still, you'll be my first and last! Ah, I can't do this... She was on all fours, exposing her drawer... A woman's most important place... Zakuro: Do you hate me? Takuji: No, not at all! That's not it!! No, that could never be true. All the other girls are self-centered, calculating, lying, thieving sluts. And they think it's natural for a man to spend all his money on a girl, and they look down on people with those thin, fake smiles. It's really disgusting. But Takashima-san, you're different... Even in this rotten world, you've lived a wholesome life so that you could give me your virginity. But... yesterday, you... So, that means... the you smiling at me now... Takuji: A-Ahh... That's right... Don't lose sight of it... I can't lose sight of it. Accept reality. Reality is what I can see right here, right now. Reality is what's happening in front of my eyes... Therefore, this desk has to be... This desk... Who is it? Just who it looks like? Takashima-san? Is that right? That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right― Congratulations! That's right! The announcer in my head announced that I was right. That's right... Reality is what I can see with my own two eyes. I can't allow myself to be deceived by my fantasies. Fantasy isn't reality. Zakuro: What's wrong? Takuji: Oh, no... It's nothing... Takuji: No, don't worry. You're the only woman suitable for me. Zakuro: Thank you, Takuji-kun. I always knew you would say that. Her lovely eyes, rapt with attention as she gazed upon me, seemed to be swimming in a sea of ecstasy. Surely, no other slovenly woman... could ever match her beauty and purity. Zakuro: I'm sorry about yesterday... Did I scare you? Takuji: Huh? Oh, yeah... Just a little bit... Zakuro: But now I'm just fine. Fine? She's already recovered? Zakuro: I love you from the bottom of my heart, so... I'm completely fine. Completely fine... because she loves me... Zakuro: Yes. I love you more than anyone else... I love you, and that's why... I won't die. She won't die... because she loves me... Zakuro: A girl can do anything for the man she loves... Takuji: Can do... anything... Zakuro: Yes! That's amazing... You're amazing, Takashima-san. Coming back to life through the power of love after your brain splattered all over the pavement, and your arms and legs broke into twenty pieces... You're a wonderful woman. Zakuro: Now take me... Make me yours... Zakuro: I want you to love me... I want to be your slave forever, from morning until dusk... Takuji: I w-want that too... She bent over in that sensual pose, and looked at me with such voluptuous eyes that I couldn't imagine her being any other girl in my class. Zakuro: It's embarrassing, but... look... She laughed and extended her hands toward her hips― Takuji: Gulp... I stared in awe as she spread open her drawer and showed me... Takuji: Gulp... It was the first time I had ever seen a woman's genitals in person. And she was a virgin, just as I had so long desired... Takuji: Y-You're amazing, Takashima-san... Zakuro: Takuji-kun... how does my most embarrassing spot look to you? Takuji: Ahhh, ahhh―Eek?! Zakuro: Heh... You can't get so excited just yet... But that's... that's impossible. I'm already so excited that I can't tell what's going on. Takuji: Aahhh, uh... You're beautiful, but... I can't really see in the dark... Zakuro: Then... why don't you try spreading it open with your fingers... Takuji: Eh? Really?! Zakuro: You're the only one I want to show... Zakuro: So... go ahead and spread it open... Takuji: Ahh, Takashima-san. You're such a pure maiden! I moved my nervous, shaking hand closer to her large, white butt so that I could fulfill her wish. Her butt was flat like a board... and cool to the touch... But more importantly, I looked lower... at her hole... Zakuro: Aaah... Aah... I can feel your gaze... Takuji: You're beautiful. You really are beautiful... It should be illegal to be so... Inside, she was neat and tidy... The only word to describe it is beautiful... I thought it would be messier... but she was beautiful... This is almost like... Takuji: It's almost like a work of art... Zakuro: No, that's embarrassing... Ha, haa... I'm getting turned on just listening to you... As I watched her, she got excited, and love juice started pouring out from inside her... Zakuro: Um... you can touch me more if you want... I started exploring with my finger. Zakuro: Aah... Having you touch my pussy... is like a dream. I'm so happy... Her seductive voice was wonderful. Every time I touched her, her juices covered my hands... Zakuro: Ahhh! Ah, try to be gentler there... Takuji: Ah, I'm sorry! My voice cracked in surprise after she suddenly jumped. My finger was soaked with her juices. I pressed it hard up against her screw-shaped clitoris. Zakuro: That's really sensitive... Please, don't press on it so hard... Takuji: A-Alright... Carefully, carefully... I got some more of her juices on my finger and started carefully rubbing around her swelling clitoris. This was the first time I had ever seen a clitoris, and it really was like a freshly made screw, captivating me as its wet surface reflected the light. Zakuro: Hm, hmmmm... It feels good... Haaa, it feels really good... She let out a sweet moan and waved her smooth board back and forth in the air. Aah... My lovely Takashima-san felt pleasure because of my caressing touches... It made me as happy as being loved myself. So I wanted to... love her, and make her show me her hidden side that she wouldn't show anyone else. Takuji: Um... should I rub this part like this? Of course, it was the first time I had touched a woman's genitals, since I was a virgin and all, so I didn't know what I was doing with my fingers. I didn't want to get carried away by my curiosity and accidentally make her cry, so I was careful as I continued... Zakuro: Ahh... Ah, ahhh... Hmm... It doesn't sound like it hurts, but... Takuji: ...That's it! Unfortunately, I had no experience, so I couldn't move my fingers in the same way she did when she was masturbating. So I just had to use something softer instead of my fingers! Perfect! Love can do anything. Takuji: Hey, can I lick it? Please, let me lick it. Zakuro: Haa, of course, it's fine... Do as you like, Takuji-kun... She kindly consented to my request without a moment's hesitation. Ahh, she's so cute and pure... She's always so selfless and proper, but in front of her confessed lover, she's so erotic and dirty... Takuji: Pch... Hspch... Zakuro: Ahhh! Ah, aaaahh, your tongue is so good... Aaah! Even the feeling of my cheeks rubbing up against the soft flesh of her buttocks felt good. Takuji: Pch... Aah, pssch. Zakuro: Aahhh... You're such a pervert, Takuji-kun... Takuji: Ahaha... You're too cute, Takashima-san... Zakuro: Ahh... There, right there... Put your dick in, right there... Takuji: This is my first time seeing it, but... this is the place, right... Zakuro: Ahhmm―Don't lick me there! I can't believe this... Amazing, amazing~~ I moved my face, soaked with juice, away as she shook her hips. Zakuro: I'm sorry I'm such a nasty girl... But... But I can't hold it back... I glanced over toward her cute face. Tears were forming in her eyes as she called out to me plaintively. Takuji: There's nothing to be embarrassed about. I thought it was about time too... As she started crying, I grabbed her forcefully from behind. I won't let you go... I want to be in you forever... Zakuro: Ah... Now I can be your first... I'm really happy... Her figure was perfect... She was cold and flat... And perfectly smooth... ―Pshhck... Zakuro: Hmmgh, ha, haaaa~~~ I've heard the moment of defloration is pretty painful. But Takashima-san's face distorted for just a moment, and she let out a cry of pain right before the entirety of my dick slid smoothly in. Takuji: Are you alright? Should we stop here? I calmed down a little after looking down at the red liquid that proved her virginity, and then I hesitantly asked. Zakuro: Yeah, I'm fine... I'm feeling more happiness than pain right now, so... I'm fine. She whispered that and then giggled. As I heard her words and felt the warmth from the place where we were connected, I relaxed and smiled. Zakuro: Please, move... It's time for us to feel good together... Takuji: Yeah. Here goes... Ahh... Just like she said, I moved my hips back. I let out a moan as I felt her tight pussy smoothly sliding around my dick. Takuji: Your vagina is incredibly hot... and it's so wet that I can slide in just like this... Zakuro: Haaa, oohh... Yes, Takuji-kun, I can... feel you moving... And the tightness I felt on my penis differed based on the depth, so every time I moved my hips I felt a new kind of pleasure shoot up my spine. It was beyond amazing―It was a wonderfully wonderful ecstasy. Zakuro: Haaa, hmmm... Ahhhh... Takuji: Does it hurt? Should I do it a little slower? Zakuro: No, I'm fine... Do as you like... Haa... A smile appeared on her flushed face. She would do whatever I wanted her to. Zakuro: Haa, aahh... I can feel it... It's so big, and hot... Her insides felt... very warm, and they constricted in rhythmical waves. Does a real vagina actually feel this good...? Zakuro: Haaa, ahh... Haaa, oohh... Aaaah~~ Takuji: Takashima-san... Let me touch your boobs... You don't mind, right? I couldn't stand it, so I started unbuttoning her blouse and then undid the hook of her bra. Zakuro: Ah, haaa... It's fine... Love me more... I undressed her almost violently, without even waiting for her permission, but she still didn't resist at all. Zakuro: Haaa... It's warm... Your hands are warm... I constantly moved my hips back and forth as I cupped her large breasts with my hands. Takuji: Ahaha... Your boobs are huge, but I can still feel your heart racing... Zakuro: You big bully... Of course my heart is racing... You're touching me, after all... Zakuro: Haaa... Ahhh... The thread on my screw is standing on end... Takuji: It's true! You're getting way tighter... Zakuro: Haaa... My breasts... are really sensitive... Please, be gentle... Zakuro: Haaa, ahh. It's so good... It's so good~~ Takuji: Whoa, Takashima-san... Your tight pussy is great, but your huge tits are the best... I could tell they were huge even when she had her clothes on... I lifted them and rubbed them with both hands. Zakuro: Haaa, ahh... From above and below... Aaah, nooo! I could feel the weight in my hands... And they were so soft that they seemed about to escape through the space in between my fingers... Zakuro: Oohhmmm... Aah, aah, aaah! The sound of a man and a woman's hips colliding echoed throughout the deserted classroom time and time again. Takuji: It's so tight... Ahh! I can't hold it... It's so good! Zakuro: Aaah, Taakuji-kuun―I love you, I love you! Takuji: Ahh, I love you too, Takashima-san! Zakuro: Aahh, aah, oooh, ooh... Takuji: Aah, I'm going to come... Do you care? I could feel the pressure building. Soon, I wouldn't be able to hold it. Zakuro: Yes... it's fine... Come inside me... I want you to come inside me. Please... Zakuro: Aaah, I'm going to come too~~ Takuji: Let's come together. Aaaah! Zakuro: Haaa, aah, aah, aaaah― Takuji: Mmgh... Mmm, aah, aaaah... I exploded within her writhing body. Within her... Inside the desk drawer. Semen gushed out of the tip of my hot penis and pounded relentlessly against her deepest walls. Zakuro: Nooo... All the books inside me are gonna be covered in semen... Aaah, aah... Takuji: Takashima-san, your desk―! As she sat there in ecstasy... I kept pumping her insides with semen. Zakuro: Haaa... Aah... Takkuun~~ The eruption gradually subsided, but I didn't let up. I kept moving my hips back and forth. Zakuro: Aahh... It was my first time, but... I came... Takuji: Haa, ha... Zakuro: Takuji-kun, you were amazing... Ehehe... As I tried to figure out whether I should be embarrassed or happy, I gently stroked Desk Takashima-san's top board. Zakuro: Hehehe... You came a lot... I'm all sticky inside... Takuji: I guess so... Haa, haa, haa... I didn't pull out my penis. I embraced her in that same position. The cool sensation of the board felt good... Takuji: Haa, ha, ha... I let it all go inside her body. The semen wasn't just inside her. It was all over her. Even the flower on top of the desk was covered in it. There was semen dripping from the flower arrangement. The flower drooped from the weight... Takuji: Crap... I realized what I was doing. I couldn't believe what... I had just done... I tried to be calm, but... Takashima-san was so beautiful that I lost control of myself... Once I calmed down, I realized how stupid what I had just been doing was... That's right... This isn't the time to be doing this... It's not the time to be having intercourse with Takashima-san... I need to talk to her. Takuji: Takashima-san... That's what we should do, right? Takashima-san's desk silently nodded. That's right... Now she wants to talk. Words. That's what's most important right now. Be calm. Be calm... use words, and think... Logically... put things in order and grasp the situation. Not the flesh, but the mind... That's the key. First, calm down and grasp the situation. This is... Takashima Zakuro-san's classroom... ...No one is here... I wonder why no one is here. Aren't classes still in session? Maybe all the people in the world disappeared? If so, then... The world must be filled with relief. Relax... Relax... I looked out the classroom window. My class and the neighboring class were outside in their gym uniforms. Oh, that's right... It's time for PE. That's why there's no one in this classroom. There's a flower because no one's here. A vase of flowers was placed here because no one's here. It's not strange. It makes perfect sense. Because Takashima-san's semen-covered flowers are here, Takashima-san isn't. Because Takashima-san's semen-covered desk and semen-covered flowers are here, Takashima-san isn't. It's not strange. Relax. Too relaxed. This semen-covered desk is here in place of her. It is covered in semen because she is not here. Because it is not covered in semen, she is here. It's fine. I stayed rather calm as I figured it all out. I felt rather stoic, since I had just ejaculated. I can do it! I remained stoic as I calmly thought through each problem and solved them. That's right. I've always done things I don't intend to when I get emotional. So... Calm... Relaxed... This is a desk. A desk covered in semen. I inserted my genitals into the desk drawer and ejaculated. It happened because she came on to me, so she has to take responsibility for it. By using the inside wall of the desk, I was able to simulate the feeling pretty well. As a result, I ejaculated inside the desk. And that's why I'm so stoic now. I decided to wipe the semen off the desk... I think this should be a pretty good method of contraception. Using contraception is just good manners for a man... I thought about what my responsibility was as the man in the relationship, since I had finished up. First, I wiped the semen off the desk. I wiped off the vase, but I couldn't get all of the semen sticking to the flower off... Well, that shouldn't be a problem. Then what's the next problem I need to solve? Takuji: That's right... I have to ask about how she died. "Ask who?" Takuji: The desk, of course... Why? Because! That's right... I'm... ... Riruru: "I can't see it... I can't see any great disaster!" Riruru: "Look at it!" Riruru: "Nooo, no!" Riruru: "Riruru!" Riruru: "Eek!" Riruru: "Riruru-chan, listen to me!" Riruru: "Fear is a shapeless monster! It clouds the mind and beckons the worst possible outcome!" Riruru: "If you falter here... the world will be destroyed!" Riruru: "Could you let that happen?" Riruru: "Riruru-chan!" Riruru: "I could!" Riruru: "What?" Riruru: "I don't care if the world is destroyed!" Riruru: "I don't want to die! Why don't you just die and leave us alone?!" Riruru: "Ah..." Riruru: "What's wrong with you two?!" Riruru: "To the sky!" Riruru: "Nooooooo!" Riruru: "Ah!!!!!!!!!!!!!" A sound that split the air in twain. That's right... I'd seen Takashima-san's final moments on my television. I'd seen her final moments in an anime. Last night, it was broadcast in an anime. But still, that was just a video on the Internet... But I did see her final moments in an anime. So I must already know it. She was a friend, a lover, in an anime, and she was in that video... She was a good person. Two-dimensional people are good people. She was also three-dimensional, but I saw her in the second dimension as well. In other words, she was a friend. So I asked the desk. I didn't know nearly enough about her life in the third dimension. But if I ask this desk in her place... That's right. This desk has been with her through thick and thin. That's what this desk and chair meant to her. So they should know anything. They should know everything about Takashima-san. Such deep analysis. Everything is relaxed. Takuji: Is there anything in the desk? There was nothing in Takashima-san's desk. Though, now that I think of it, I did check earlier, before I stuck my penis in... If anything was still there, it would be covered in semen at this point... Well, thinking calmly, there's no way that would happen... If anything was left, it would have been collected as the articles of the deceased... But she sure is shy. She was so talkative earlier, but... now she isn't talking at all. She won't tell me anything. I read in a book that... after sex, the man is supposed to be kind to the woman... Is that it? I have to put in the effort here. I'm used to this from my games. I know plenty of ways... to make a tsundere like this open up her heart. That's right. It's perfect. I know what to do. The desk will open its heart... and then it'll certainly tell me the truth about Takashima-san. Takuji: Now... tell me about it. The desk gradually opened its heart to me. I can tell by this feeling that she's... very kind... The texture of the desk is kind. She's a good girl. Various words appeared on the surface of the desk. Takuji: This is Takashima-san's heart... These scribblings... A bunch of stuff appeared... Her truth appeared. The words of truth made me hold my breath. Takuji: Spiral... Matai? Her desk was... covered in words that she probably carved into it herself. Takuji: Head... reverse... Har megiddo... Nebula cloud... Elhimuro. Takuji: What is this? They only gave me more questions. With one exception. The world will end... on July 20th, 2012. Noise. The noise that had suddenly appeared in the front of my head passed through my hippocampus and then tumbled down my spine. Calm down... You've been calm up until now. You were calm no matter what. But still. But still, what is this? Why is this here? Takuji: ... Takuji: Why... Why? Something like this... This is... It's that, isn't it... Mother― This... The world will end on July 20th... Why is this prediction... Mother: "July 20th, 2012..." Mother: "That is the day the world will return to the sky." Takuji: Just... one more week... Takuji: Until July 20th, 2012... The day the world will return to the sky. The day the world will become the sky. The day that everything will be dyed with the sky. My mother always talked about that day. So I remember it. I truly wanted to forget it. I always pretended that I had forgotten it. But still, I was afraid of that day approaching. That was one of the delusions born of my mother's sick mind. There's no such thing as a day when we'll return to the sky. I believed that. And I forgot those words. No. I had acted as if I had forgotten them. But as the day approached, my depression grew. The delusion invaded and tortured my mind as well. I always repeated, "it's just a delusion" in my head to try to convince myself that it was. I'd tried to convince myself with words. That day doesn't exist. Nothing like that exists. My mother was crazy. My mother was weak. My mother loved me, but she was crazy. She went crazy because she loved me too much. She went crazy for my sake. I loved my mother, but everything she said was delusional. Her mind was completely broken. So I can't believe what she says. She loved me, but I can't believe her. My older brother knew that well. So he resisted. Then... Then what is this? The prediction was written in front of my eyes. The prediction had been written by Takashima-san. So what is this? The day it will return to the sky. The world must return. That― I know... about the day all will return to the sky. Mother: "On the day that the world returns to the sky... everything will end..." The limit of the world. The edge of the world. The end of the world. ―She called it "the day the world will return to the sky"― Why would Takashima-san... know about that? Why is my mother's prediction written on Takashima-san's desk... I instinctively defaced the words. This can't be here. But... Takuji: Wh-Why is this here? Takuji: Hey! I shook the desk and asked. The desk that had opened its heart to me before now stood silent. Takuji: Why won't you tell me?! Takuji: You're Takashima-san's desk, aren't you?! Takuji: You've always been with her, right?! Takuji: You know everything about her, don't you?! Takuji: Hey! Takuji: Huh?! Takuji: Ah... The reason why the desk closed its heart. The reason why the desk stopped talking to me. I didn't know at first, but then I understood. Takuji: Ah! I heard voices in the hall. When I looked at the clock, class was ending. The students in this class would be coming back soon... Takuji: That's what it was... Desk: Please, run. Takuji: Oh, yeah... Desk: I'll take it from here. Takuji: Thanks. I heard the desk's voice. She forced herself to talk for my sake... I knew she would... That desk always supported Takashima-san... I said my thanks to the desk. Then I obeyed her words and ran out into the hall. The sound of the bell. The signal for people to flow out into the halls. I have to run. Quickly. Swiftly. As fast as my feet can carry me. Takuji: Haa, haa, what was that? Takuji: Why were my mother's words there? Those were... The words the desk told me... The words that Takashima-san had left for me. Those were words I knew very well. No, they were words I had already left behind. They were words that shouldn't have been there after all this time. July 20th, 2012. The day all will return to the sky. My mother's words. My mother's delusions. Something that only exists in my mother's head. The limit of my mother's world. Yes, that is something that is only happening in my mother's head. It's a reality that's only in my mother's head. Takuji: Why was that written on Takashima-san's desk? Did the inside of my mother's head start leaking into the world? Did her delusions start spreading to the world? Takuji: That's impossible! There's no way the inside of a person's head could leak into the world. There's no way the inside of a person's head could spread into the world. That's absolutely impossible! I ran with all my might. I ran without thinking. I was scared of the words that the desk had told me... Takuji: Haa, haa. ―You don't need to be scared... Takuji: Haa, haa. ―Even if the end of everything is approaching... Takuji: Haa, haa... ―Don't worry... ―I'll protect you... I'll return you to the sky― You― The world― I'll return it all― Takuji: The day the world will be destroyed... My mother said it would return to the sky. Takuji: The day the world will be destroyed... My mother said she would return it to the sky. Before the world is destroyed― Takuji: Why... is that prediction... Takuji: Haa, haa... Erased words. Delusions that had already disappeared. But still, the desk had spoken. Even while it was bent over upon hands and knees― That desk― Kindly― Honestly― Spoke of― ―The end of the world. July 20th, 2012. My mother died seven years ago. Her prediction should've disappeared along with her. But still. Why did Takashima-san's desk say that? Why had the erased words... Appeared again? Mother. My mother. My beloved mother. My cruel mother who tried to return the other one to the sky. I love her. I love her. But. She's gone. She's not here anymore. She returned to the sky alone. She alone is walking in the sky. God is in the sky. God exists, and he made the world. He created countless failed worlds. My mother is by his side. My mother is laughing at his side. She thinks of the day when all of creation will return to the sky. And she laughs. Because she is at God's side. Her flesh has perished... A higher spirit covers the world. Only my vulgar side remains. Only my vulgar side. I only try to live diligently at home. Otherwise, I am vulgarity itself. At home, I listen to classical music. In my base, I masturbate to erotic recordings. At home, I study. In my base, I masturbate to erotic manga. At home, I read literature. In my base, I masturbate to eroge. At home, I watch the stars. In my base, I browse the Internet and masturbate. I am vulgarity itself. I'm only a good child at home. An immaculate child. But otherwise it's just masturbation masturbation masturbation masturbation masturbation masturbation masturbation masturbation masturbation masturbation masturbation masturbation. My life is masturbation. Total masturbation. I revolve and accelerate, my hand in my pants the whole time. I'm a ballerina dancing through the world. It repeats. Over and over. I rub my dick. Repeating, over and over. An endless up and down exercise. Infinite ejaculation. My home is saintly and my base is filthy. I go back and forth time and time again. Around and around. Around and around. Around and around. That's why those words came back. Back to me. Those words came back... To remind me of the limit where I must return to the sky. It means that ejaculation is close at hand. It means that the end of this up and down motion is fast approaching. Time for some lotion! Let's try an onahole instead of my hand! Let's try something different! Avoid using the same old rotation! Add something new to the rotation! But the lotion dries up. Dries up. Even if I try to use saliva to make it last longer, it doesn't help. It slowly disappears. That symbolizes my slowly disappearing day-to-day life. The disappearing pleasure. The increasing pain. That's right. Ejaculation is near! The signal that the world must ejaculate! The spinning of the eternal masturbating ballerina will come to an end! It will end with ejaculation! THEREFORE! -Those words came back to me- Takuji: Ha, ha, ha... It had been... more than 10 years ago... Everyone was spreading rumors about an absurd prediction... A prediction from a long time ago... Nostradamus' great prediction... At that time, my mother was very kind... She believed in the end of the world... and became a person who always smiled... Takuji: Haa, ha, ha... The ice cream she used to buy me was delicious. July 20th, 2012... She fed me lots of good food to prepare me for that day. Takuji: Haa, haa, haa... Calm down... Calm down... Be calm. Be logical. That is what's important. There's no other solution. Takuji: ... Calm down and think... Let's think... It's a challenge! Takuji: Because... it's... so Takuji: What if ? wouldn't Takuji: 's 's Takuji: 's "...'s 's" "...Is 's... 's therefore " "What if ? It " " 's 's" " 's" "..." "Because it's... if... 's" "Wh if ? ld be 's 's" " 's 's" " 's" "..." "...Then 's 's 's 's 's... 's... then 's " "And if then ? That can't " " 's 's" " 's" Male Student: " 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's?" Male Student: "You don't 's 's? 's 's you know 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's" Male Student: "'s 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's was 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's 's" Male Student: " 's?" Male Student: "'s 's 's ac 's 's 's 's?" Male Student: " 's 's 's 's, 's 's 's 's, long hair 's 's..." Male Student: "'s 's 's 's 's 's death." Male Student: " 's death." Male Student: " 's death." Male Student: " 's death." Male Student: " 's death." Male Student: " 's death." Male Student: " 's death." Male Student: " 's death." Male Student: " 's death." Male Student: " 's death." Takuji: ...No, stop. Takuji: You're getting a bit confused. Takuji: Just a little bit... Takuji: No matter what I do, it doesn't line up. There are parts that don't make any sense. Takuji: ...I should cool down for a bit... Takuji: I'm getting too excited... Something to divert my attention... My attention... Takuji: Th-That's right... I should read some manga... Takuji: Uh... I pulled a manga from the bookshelf. It was one that had just been made into an anime, Mahou Shoujo Riruru. It's kind of a perverted manga... Takuji: Oh, right... I should watch the anime I downloaded... I turned on my computer and played the video. Takuji: Ah! ... This is... just like yesterday, isn't it... I did this yesterday... And then... Takuji: Ah! I ran out of my base in a hurry. I saw Takashima-san's ghost down there last night. Takuji: Ha, ha, ha... T-Takashima-san... She really committed suicide... Everything that happened yesterday was real... Then... Takashima-san's ghost... that I'd seen yesterday... Takuji: Th-That's impossible! Th-That's right... I only saw that because I was worked up after seeing her suicide... Maybe that's it. Just that one part was a dream... Takuji: But... from the time I saw her suicide... until that memory... feels connected. It doesn't feel like... only that one part was a dream... Takuji: That's why... I thought... ...That her suicide was a dream too... Seeing a ghost is itself impossible, so... But still, doesn't that make it impossible that I witnessed her suicide? Takuji: Wh-What... the hell is going on... What was a dream... and what wasn't... Takuji: No, calm down... Her suicide was real... And her ghost was just a dream... Takuji: And... And? Then why was that prediction written on her desk? That prediction... That prediction that my mother believed... Those words she had only told me. Why were they written on Takashima-san's desk? What was that? My mother's love for me... Her love was her verbal abuse and her predictions. Takashima-san also made those predictions and insulted me every day. She insulted me in various ways. She's yet another person who insulted me behind my back. That's because she loved me. All the people who love me insult me. The reason the cashier had a bad attitude. The reason the girls in my class were cold to me. It was all because of their love. They were all just flirting with me. Even now, Takashima-san's desk is telling me that. Telling me about the end of the world. Then Takashima-san... Takashima-san was... Takuji: Ow! Wh-What? A headache? Crap... I thought they were going away... Why is it... Takuji: Gah... It's like my head is going to split open... My head was cloudy... Yuki: Oh... if n't Mamiya -kun. Takuji: Ah... I can't see... The person in front of me is... Uh... Yuki: Oh... if it isn't Mamiya Takuji-kun. What's... this voice... Where is it coming from? From... inside my head again? Just like before... someone I don't know, inside my head... ... No... It's not... This... isn't a voice inside my head... This is... something else... This is... Takuji: Y-You're... that girl from my class... Yuki: I'm Minakami.. * I can't believe you don't even remember the people in your own class..."* Agh... I'm kind of dizzy... Why's that... Um... She's... The girl who has great grades even though she skips class... who's supposedly even stronger than the guys at our school... She's a match for Yuuki... and everyone loves her... and... and... Takuji: Minakami... Yuki-san? Yuki: That's right. But beside that, why are you in a place like this? Yuki: Actually, where did you crawl out of? You weren't here a moment ago. Where? Where did I appear from? The place where I came into the world. Well, that would be my mother's, of course. What a lewd woman! Don't ask me something like that! Does she want me to yell out, "I came out of my mother's "? What nerve. What a scary woman. Scary. This woman is scary. Takuji: Eh... Ah... Eh... Ah... Yuki: Why... do you act like that when you see me? Takuji: No, ah, eh... Yuki: And why would you come out of there? Out of there? You were born from your mother's, too, you know! How rude! Is she insulting my mother? A-Anyway, I should try to make something up to fool her. My mother would be upset if she heard I was talking to such a nasty woman! Takuji: Well, it was my wallet. Takuji: I dropped my wallet in the pool. Yuki: Your wallet? Takuji: Yeah, that's right. I dropped my wallet. Ah, I have to hurry. I'll be going, then. Yuki: Ah... I ran, and then... Takuji: Ha, ha. Takuji: That was close... She almost found out about my secret base. Takuji: But still... That woman... I haven't really talked to her, but... she really is nasty. Wandering around a place like that... She's nastier than I could have imagined... I thought... only Shiroyama, Numada, and Yuuki ever came around there... Takuji: Anyway... I guess I shouldn't just stand here... Takuji: I guess I'll head back to my base. Takuji: Huh? Takuji: Wh-What... Someone was there, in the darkness.& A black shadow slowly moved toward me, matching my steps as I walked down the hall. Takuji: Wh-Who the hell are you?! "You shouldn't talk to me like that..." Takuji: Eh? A girl's voice? Not a monster? Th-That's... Ayana: Hehehe... You are Mamiya Takuji-kun. This face... Her name is Otonashi Ayana, I think? Why is she here... This isn't actually part of my base, but... But still... why would she be in the reservoir tank... Ayana: What's wrong? You look scared. Takuji: Th-That's not important. Why are you here? Ayana: I might ask the same of you. Takuji: I-I guess so, but... don't answer a question with a question! Ayana: Why are you raising your voice? Takuji: Th-That's because... meeting someone in a place like this is... Ayana: Scary? Takuji: Eh? Ayana: Are you... scared of me? Takuji: N-No way! Th-There's no way I would be scared of a girl. Ayana: That's right. I'm not scary... You could say I'm as kind as the devil. Ayana: That's what everyone tells me. Takuji: Everyone? Everyone? I've never seen her talking to anyone else. Takuji: Who exactly is 'everyone'? Ayana: Who knows? Takuji: I've never heard of anyone named 'who knows?' Ayana: Heh... Then how about Minakami-san? Minakami...? She... and Minakami Yuki know each other? I didn't think she was friends with anyone... To think that she was talking to that nasty woman... That means... The girl in front of me is another nasty woman. Takuji: Who else? Ayana: Minakami-san. Takuji: No, someone else... Ayana: Minakami-san and Minakami-san and Minakami-san and Minakami-san and Minakami-san... Takuji: ... What's with her... I guess she doesn't know anyone except Minakami-san. Which means... she might be another lonely girl without any friends. Ayana: Heheh, Mamiya-kun... Takuji: Wh-What? Ayana: You really don't need to worry about whether I have any friends. Takuji: Wha―?! Sh-She just read my mind? Takuji: Wh-What do you mean?! Ayana: You're overreacting... It's not like I can read your mind. Takuji: Huh Ayana: You just so happen to be stupid and simple-minded. I said the first thing that came to mind... and it ended up being exactly what you were thinking. Takuji: O-Oh... What's up with her... She's really annoying... Ayana: I'm not annoying. Takuji: Eh? Ayana: You don't find me annoying. Actually, you rather like me... Heheh. What's going on? She really is reading my mind... Ayana: I'm the kind of girl you like. In fact, so is Minakami-san. Other than that... Takuji: I don't like people like you at all! Ayana: Really? Takuji: I-I'm not even interested in anyone who isn't two-dimensional! Ayana: Heheh... In that case, I should be fine, since I'm not limited by anything like that. Wh-What is she talking about... Takuji: A-Are you... trying to make a fool out of me? Ayana: Not at all. I'm not trying to make a fool out of you. After all, you're already... Ayana: A fool. Takuji: Wh-What did you say? Ayana: Heheh, that was a bit of humor... It's proof of our friendship, so to speak Takuji: People don't call unpleasant things humorous. Ayana: Oh? Was it unpleasant? Takuji: Of course it was. Ayana: I thought you liked girls like this... Takuji: What are you talking about... Ayana: Girls who are off-putting at first... and then try to be more than friends later. Takuji: S-Stop trying to make a fool out of me! Ayana: Heheh... I'm not... Ayana: The truth is, I absolutely can't make a fool out of you... Takuji: ...? Almost all of what she's saying... is gibberish. What's with her... I shouldn't associate with people like her. Ayana: Mamiya-kun, are you that scared of death? Takuji: ...What do you mean? Ayana: You're scared of Takashima-san's prediction. Takuji: Eh? Ayana: That prediction... is the same as the prediction that your mother believed in. Takuji: W-Why do you know that? Ayana: Do you remember... talking to your mother? Takuji: Wh-What? Ayana: Takuji... Are you scared of dying? Takuji: Huh? Ayana: I wonder if dying is something to be scared of... Ayana: Naturally... You say it's natural, but it's not natural to be scared of death. Th-These words... Ayana: No one can experience death. Ayana: To experience death is impossible. Ayana: People hold death close... and change it into something they can imagine. They change it into something they can experience. This conversation... It's exactly the same. Why? Ayana: Even if you could live forever... first, all the people you love would die... Then, the human race would go extinct... Ayana: All life would disappear. Everyone would disappear... and only you would be left alive. Ayana: Then a boundless time would pass. Space and entropy would become infinite... and you would witness the heat death of the universe. Ayana: In that empty space, you would live for millions, billions, and trillions of years. Ayana: And even then, you wouldn't die, but rather simply look on for eternity. Ayana: The continuity of you being you would continue for eternity, but... Ayana: Your mind would be destroyed. Ayana: Your mind would be destroyed, but your continuity would continue. Ayana: It's an unexpected infinite hell. Ayana: It does seem incredibly fun, but... Ayana: Is that truly what you desire? Takuji: I've heard that before... that living for all of physical time would be hell. Takuji: And I would say... I want my happy life to continue forever. Takuji: Looking at emptiness forever isn't happiness. Ayana: Hehe, that's right. That's not happiness... Ayana: Though it does sound like it would be fun to lose your mind and float through space for all eternity. Ayana: Then you'll live a fantastic life. Ayana: You'll have a wonderful girlfriend, great friends, and a fun life. Ayana: For hundreds of years. Ayana: For thousands of years. Ayana: For tens of thousands of years. Ayana: For hundreds of thousands of years. Ayana: For millions of years. Ayana: For tens of millions of years. Ayana: For hundreds of millions of years. Ayana: For billions of years. Ayana: For tens of billions of years. Ayana: For hundreds of billions of years. Ayana: For trillions of years. Ayana: For tens of trillions of years. Ayana: For hundreds of trillions of years. Ayana: For quadrillions of years. Ayana: And even after all that, it wouldn't end. Ayana: Because it's infinite, all of that would be a mere instant. Ayana: It wouldn't end, after thousands, millions, even billions of times as many years had passed. Ayana: The end would never come. Ayana: A wonderful girlfriend. Ayana: Great friends. Ayana: A fun life. Ayana: Would repeat for eternity... Ayana: After a few hundred years, you'll... Ayana: Begin to hate this happy lifestyle. Ayana: You'll kill your wonderful girlfriend. Ayana: You'll kill your great friends. Ayana: You'll try to end your fun life. Ayana: But on the morning of the next day, once again... Ayana: A wonderful girlfriend. Ayana: Great friends. Ayana: You'll be surrounded by them again. Ayana: Your fun life will begin. Ayana: Mamiya-kun, at first you'll get drunk on the pleasure of killing. Ayana: Every day, you'll kill your wonderful girlfriend and great friends over and over again. Ayana: But you'll soon grow tired of that too after a few hundred years. Ayana: Then you'll try to kill yourself. Ayana: You'll die. Ayana: But in the next instant. Ayana: A wonderful girlfriend. Ayana: Great friends. Ayana: You'll be surrounded by them again. Ayana: Your fun life will begin. Ayana: Then you'll go insane. Ayana: But your mind will be returned to its normal state... Ayana: To force you to be happy. Ayana: And then again. Ayana: A wonderful girlfriend. Ayana: Great friends. Ayana: A fun life. Ayana: It'll continue for eternity. Ayana: For eternity... Takuji: ... I've had this same conversation... in the past. Why does she know this... Ayana: No one can experience death. Ayana: To experience death is impossible. Ayana: People hold death close... and change it into something they can imagine. They change it into something they can experience. Ayana: But that is still... imagination. Ayana: Death isn't permitted to anyone. Ayana: No one can attain death. Ayana: Not a single person... can experience death. Ayana: Death never visits anyone. Death is not something that can be attained. Ayana: Those who can't imagine death live the specie aeterni. Ayana: Just like animals... Ayana: But humans imagine death. Ayana: They live beside death. Ayana: But... even with death at their side, they do not own death. Ayana: Making death one's own is blasphemy. Ayana: The only world permitted to humans is life... Life is next to death. Life is death itself. Life is something people should attain. Takuji: Wh-Why are you saying that... Takuji: W-Was... that written in a book? Is that some religious doctrine? Ayana: Who knows... Ayana: But you've heard all this before. Takuji: Y-You knew that, and that's why you said it, right?! Takuji: My mother used to talk about that. Ayana: Imagining death... is nothing more than imagining pain. Ayana: Other than that... the fear of death is as vulgar... as it is refined... Ayana: The fear of one's own disappearance is... a vulgar human fear... Ayana: But your mother said... Ayana: If you don't call currency vulgar, then neither can you call that vulgar. Ayana: The fear of one's own death is no different from the mystery inherent in the use of currency. Ayana: In the same way that currency is postponed value... death is postponed fear. Ayana: In the same way, even though the fear of death is nonsense... as long as humans live, it will follow them. Ayana: Just like an angel whispering in one's ear. Takuji: Who... are you... Takuji: You're just― Takuji: Eh? Why? She disappeared... Takuji: Wh-What... I-Is this a dream? No... It's not a dream... So this is reality? In reality, people don't disappear like that... So then, what is this? A hallucination? Was that a hallucination? Takuji: How much of that was a hallucination? "I won't let you go!" Takuji: Eh? Takuji: Wh-Why is the TV on? "I won't let you go!" I remember... I found this TV and put it in my base before bringing my computer here. But it couldn't get a signal. I haven't turned it on since... "I won't let you go!" Takuji: Why... is the TV... "I heard about a ritual to regain our powers from the previous world, but... what exactly is it?" "Eh? A near-death experience?" "That's scary..." This voice... again... This voice is... Takuji: This... isn't Riruru-chan's voice... Takuji: This is... Takashima-san's voice... Riruru: I can't see it... I can't see any great disaster! Riruru: Open your eyes! Riruru: Nooo, no! Riruru: Riruru! Riruru: Eek! Riruru: Riruru-chan, listen to me! Riruru: Fear is a shapeless monster! It clouds the mind and beckons the worst possible outcome! Riruru: If we falter here... the world will be destroyed! Riruru: Could you let that happen? Riruru: Riruru-chan! Riruru: I could! Riruru: What? Riruru: I don't care if the world is destroyed! Riruru: I don't want to die! Why don't you just die and leave us alone?! Riruru: Ah... Riruru: What's wrong with you two?! It's the same... as the video that played on my computer last night... This is... These three... They're all calling each other Riruru, but... These three... Riruru: To the sky! Riruru: Nooooooo! Riruru: Ah!!!!!!!!!!!!! A sound that split the air in twain... Takuji: Wh-What's happening... h-here... Takuji: ... Calm down... This is a dream... Is this a dream? What part of this is a dream? And just when... did I start dreaming? Takuji: C-Calm down... Th-Think... If this is a dream... then there's a point where I started dreaming... And eventually, I'll wake up... I'll wake up... from this nightmare... This dream... Takuji: Ah... Takuji: Wh-What... is this... It was a different pitch... Not the pitch of a human voice... That's how it felt... It was an incredibly, incredibly high pitch... " " Takuji: Ngh? "It's not a dream." Takuji: Eh? Takuji: J-Just now... I looked at the pillar. It was covered in scribbles. Takuji: The scribbles on the wall... Something I drew... I drew pictures of anime and manga... Sometimes even light novels... Just now... that picture... "It's not a dream." Takuji: Huh?! "Just like your mother... you can't escape your fate either..." Takuji: Wha― This is just a dream. This could never happen... This is just a dream... It doesn't matter when it started. This can't be reality! "That's wrong... This is reality." Takuji: Sh-Shut up! "Takuji-kun..." Takuji: S-Something ridiculous like this couldn't be real! This is ridiculous! Takuji: Ha, ha, ha, ha... Wh-What's going on... Wh-What the hell's happening? Takuji: Ha, ha... Why is this... Takuji: What is this... Just what is... What should I do... Takuji: Why was that prediction... Takuji: Why was that stupid prediction... Takuji: The end of the world? Takuji: That's impossible... Impossible... Takuji: But... why did Takashima-san... Takuji: Why did she know about that prediction?! Takuji: Why? Takuji: Why... Just like my mother... Takuji: Why... Takuji: Is this... reality? Takuji: Or did I end up in a dream at some point? Takuji: If this isn't reality, then when did I start dreaming? Takuji: Why is this happening... Why... Takuji: Agh! Takuji: Why did the scribbles... Why did they talk to me... Takuji: Is this... punishment? Takuji: Punishment... for what I've done. Takuji: Punishment... for what I couldn't do. Takuji: Or... Takuji: A curse... "What?" Some kind of sound? Like a voice... Takuji: Wh-What? Takuji: Huh... What's that...? Someone is... looking at me... "That's..." "What... is that?" "...Who is that?" Or rather... is that a person? A person or... "Ah!" "Wha―?" "It's not a... human." "What... is that..." "What are you?!" "Aaaaaaahhhhhh!" "Don't come near me!!" "Get away from me!!" "Aaahh, Aah!" ... ...The voice... Disappeared? ... I don't hear a voice... Did I wake up... from my dream? Because the nightmare... Is over? * "Eek!"* Anxiety: "..." Anxiety: "Te..." * "Te?"* Anxiety: "Tekeli-li" Anxiety: "Tekeli-li" Anxiety: "Tekeli-li" Anxiety: "Tekeli-li" Anxiety: "Tekeli-li" Anxiety: "Tekeli-li" li-li-li-li-li-li-li-Tekeli li-li-li-li li-li-li-liTekeli li-li-li li-li-li li-li-li-Tekeli li-li-li li-li- li-li li-li-li-Tekeli li li-li li-li li-Tekeli li-li-li li-li li-li li-li-li-Tekeli Tekeli-li li-li-li li-li-li-li-li li-li-li-li li-li-li-li-Tekeli li-li-li-li-li-li-li-li-li-li-Tekeli Takuji: AAAAAAaaaaaahhh! Takuji: What is this?! Takuji: L-Let me go!! Takuji: What is this?! Takuji: AAAAaaaaaaaahh! Takuji: Haa, haa... What was that... A monster? No... Something like that can't exist... Takuji: E-Either way... I should be safe here... Takuji: That's right. There are a lot of people here. Takuji: I can hide in the crowd. Takuji: I won't stand out from everyone else. Takuji: If I move like a normal member of the crowd. Takuji: If I walk like everyone else. Takuji: If I go with the flow and walk. Takuji: If I just match up with them. Takuji: Before, I just wasn't able to blend in... Takuji: Because I stood out... Takuji: I was bullied by everyone, but... Takuji: This time, I should be fine. Takuji: I won't make the same mistake twice. Takuji: I won't. Takuji: Alright. Takuji: This is good. Takuji: You're doing well. Takuji: I'm not standing out. Takuji: That's right. You can be relieved. Takuji: Relief. Takuji: Just walk like this. Takuji: Then you can be calm for eternity. Takuji: That's what my father always said... Takuji: Go along with this stream... Takuji: This stream continues on for eternity. Takuji: There's no end. Takuji: There's no... Takuji: So you have to do your best here. Takuji: Do your best. Takuji: If you don't. Takuji: If you don't. Takuji: The end will... Takuji: The end that... Takuji: My mother feared... Takuji: To me too... Takuji: Just like Takashima-san... Takuji: The end. Takuji: From the roof... Takuji: I'll end it... Takuji: What I can see from the roof is... Takuji: What I can see is... Takuji: The sky... Takuji: The sky? Takuji: Ah! Takuji: Why is it that color... Takuji: That's not the color of sunset... Takuji: That's just like... Takuji: That's just like―! Takuji: Eh? Takuji: Eek! Takuji: I'm being watched. Takuji: I'm being watched! Takuji: Even here! Takuji: Even here, I've been exposed! Takuji: The same mistake! Takuji: Aaaaahhhh! Takuji: They're watching me. Takuji: They're watching me watching me watching me watching me watching me watching me watching me watching me watching me watching me watching me watching me watching me watching me watching me watching meeeeeee! Takuji: They're watching meeeeeee! Takuji: AAAAAAAAAaaaaaaghhhh!! Takuji: Why?! Takuji: Why?! Takuji: Ha, ha, ha... Takuji: I'm. Takuji: Always. Takuji: Always... Takuji: But now I'm calm. Takuji: Haa, haa, haa... Takuji: Now that I've run this far... Takuji: This far... Takuji: Eh? Takuji: Wh-Why am I here? Takuji: This is... The place Takashima-san died... Why am I here... Takuji: J-Just now... "..." Takuji: Wh-What was that? ... Takuji: Who is it? ... Takuji: I-Is someone there? ... I just heard a voice... "..." Takuji: Huh?! Takuji: Wh-Who is it?! ... Takuji: S-Someone's playing a prank on me, right? ... Takuji: Wh-Who the hell is it?! A prank? All of the stuff I've been seeing? Even that huge monster? How? How would they make me see something like that? Takuji: Wh-Who is it?! Takuji: Wha―?! "Th-The world..." "The world... will end on... the... twentieth..." Takuji: T-Takashima-san? "I have to... save the world..." "Just like Mother said..." Takuji: Wh-What? Why is Takashima-san... Why does she know about that prediction... Why does she know about my mother... Takuji: Agh... I tried to run from that spot... and yet... My body wouldn't move... But I still tried to force my body to move. My body moved slowly, like I was submerged in a viscous liquid. Takuji: Wh-Why is this happening... This... This can't be reality... A dead person can't... come after me... I tried to run from Takashima Zakuro, but... I couldn't put any distance between us. This feeling... That's right, this feeling... A feeling ingrained in my body... My body grew heavy when I tried to run, as if I was moving in slow motion. This is a dream... This can't be anything... other than a dream... This can't... Something like this... Riruru: ...up. Takuji: ... Riruru: W... up. Takuji: ...... Riruru: Wake up... Takuji: Mm... This is... Takuji: Wha―?! Riruru: Hello. Takuji: Eh? Riruru: Hello, Takuji-kun. Takuji: Aaaaaaaaaaaaggghhh!! Takuji: The picture on the wall! Takuji: The picture on the wall is talkiiiing! Riruru: Don't be afraid. Takuji: Aaaaaaaaaaaaggghhh!! Riruru: Don't be afraid! Takuji: ... Riruru: Eheh, you made me yell. Takuji: ... Riruru: Takuji-kun. Takuji: Y-Yes... Riruru: ...I guess you've calmed down, huh? Takuji: Wh-What do you mean, calm... Um... Riruru: Takuji-kun... do you know who I am? Takuji: R-Riruru-chan? Riruru: Bingo, bingo. Riruru: Yes, I'm the Mahou Shoujo Riruru. Takuji: Huh? But Riruru-chan is... Riruru: Yes, I'm the Mahou Shoujo Riruru. Takuji: An anime... Riruru: Yes, I'm the Mahou Shoujo Riruru. Takuji: This is a picture I drew... Riruru: Yes, I'm the Mahou Shoujo Riruru. Takuji: It's just fiction... Riruru: Yes, I'm the Mahou Shoujo Riruru. Takuji: Fiction? Riruru: Yes, I'm the Mahou Shoujo Riruru. Takuji: fiction? Riruru: yes, i'm the mahou shoujo riruru. Takuji: FICTION? Riruru: YES, I'M THE MAHOU SHOUJO RIRURU. Takuji: FIC/TION/? Riruru: YES/I/'M/THE/MA/HO/U/SHO/U/JO/RI/RU/RU/. Takuji: ?/NOIT/CIF Riruru: ./RU/RU/RI/JO/U/SHO/U/HO/MA/THE/'M/I/YES Takuji: CIF/?/NOIT Riruru: RU/MA/U/RU/YES/'M/./RI/JO/SHO/U/I/THE Takuji: CIF/NOIT/? Riruru: Y//oo/RRS/RHJYI//SOO/UUU/HU/S/M/OAI/W/TAA/U Takuji: ╋k/s・・?/ Riruru: y┨o・rrs/rhjyi┨so・・╋hu/s/m/oai/w/taa/u Takuji: ― Riruru: Yes, I'm the Mahou Shoujo Riruru. Riruru: I'm gathering God's dreams that have been scattered throughout the world. Riruru: I actually haven't gathered them all yet, heheh. Riruru: Though on TV, I've collected them all and returned to the country of magic. Riruru: I'm a bit of a dunce, so I'm working overtime. Takuji: Ah... Riruru: Are you all right? Takuji: Ah... I-I'm fine... Yeah... Riruru: I can only appear here because you always talked to me. Takuji: Because I talked to you? Riruru: That's right. That's why I'm here. Takuji: You're... here? Takuji: Here... Riruru: Here is here... Takuji: P→P? Riruru: There is there... Takuji: Q→Q? Takuji: ¬P? Riruru: Then, over there? Takuji: ¬Q? Riruru: Then, right here? Takuji: P∨Q? Riruru: Really? Takuji: ¬(P∨Q)=¬P∧¬Q? Riruru: (not (P or Q)) == ((not P) and (not Q)) Takuji: ¬(P∧Q)=¬P∨¬Q? Riruru: (not (P and Q)) == ((not P) or (not Q)) Takuji: ¬∀x A(x)⇔∃x ¬A(x) Takuji: ¬∃x A(x)⇔∀x ¬A(x) Riruru: Hehehe... Riruru: x=∞ Takuji: Ah! Riruru: Yes, I'm the Mahou Shoujo Riruru. "But..." Riruru: yes, i'm the mahou shoujo riruru. "Where are you..." Riruru: YES, I'M THE MAHOU SHOUJO RIRURU. "Where am I..." Riruru: YES/I/'M/THE/MA/HO/U/SHO/U/JO/RI/RU/RU/. "Where are we..." Riruru: ./RU/RU/RI/JO/U/SHO/U/HO/MA/THE/'M/I/YES "We..." Riruru: RU/MA/U/RU/YES/'M/./RI/JO/SHO/U/I/THE "Where?" Riruru: Y//oo/RRS/RHJYI//SOO/UUU/HU/S/M/OAI/W/TAA/U Takuji: --? Riruru: y┨o・rrs/rhjyi┨so・・╋hu/s/m/oai/w/taa/u Takuji: ―? Riruru: ...What do you mean? Isn't that obvious? She looked at me, intrigued. Riruru: Here is here. Takuji: ...That's right. Riruru: By the way, there is there. Riruru-chan pointed toward the room next to us. Riruru: Its alias is The New School Building's Foundation * Ahahahahaha."* Riruru: So this is the foundation, too. Ehehe. Riruru: You're strange, Takuji-kun. Riruru: Why are you saying things I don't understand... It's not like I know what you're talking about when you suddenly use foreign words like that... Foreign words? Did I just say something to Riruru in a foreign language? Riruru: I can't understand hard stuff like that. Riruru: Just talk normally. Takuji: S-Sorry. That wasn't a foreign language... I feel like I might have just talked using some kind of symbols... Using strange symbols that both seemed and didn't seem to have some logic behind them... Symbols with some logic behind them...? Were those some kind of words? And... Before that, I spoke some language... I talked to her in some language for a few seconds after I met her. What kind of words were those... What kind of... Ah... That was Japanese. Then what are we speaking now...? It's Japanese. We're speaking Japanese now. There's no problem. Riruru-chan and I are speaking in Japanese! That's totally normal. I'm getting confused... There's nothing strange happening! The world is completely relaxed. That's right. The world is relaxed... There's nothing scary... There's nothing special... The world is just completely relaxed... Riruru: Are you all right? Takuji: Oh, sure... There's no problem... Riruru-chan looked at me with concern... Takuji: I-I'm sorry to make you worry... but I'm fine now. Riruru: Really? Takuji: Yeah, really. I'm fine. That's right... There's nothing strange... There's nothing suspicious... Relax... Relax... Relax. Riruru: Relax... Relax... Relax. Riruru: A charm of relaxation... Your mother taught you that. Takuji: Why do you know that? Riruru: Of course I do. I'm a specialist in magic, after all. I know about that charm. Takuji: That makes sense... Riruru: That's right. That's what it is. It's completely natural. It's nothing to be surprised about. Something normal... I guess so... When she says it like that... it sounds right... Takuji: Yeah, I was confused. Takuji: But now I'm fine. Riruru: I'm glad to hear that. Takuji: Yeah... Ahahaha... Riruru: Takuji-kun, you look down. Takuji: Eh? I'm not really feeling down, but... Riruru: You're confused? Takuji: Oh, well... Yeah. Riruru: Because your mother's prediction is taking shape? Takuji: Eh? Riruru: The end of the world and the arrival of the savior on July 20th, 2012. You heard that story over and over from your mother, right? Takuji: I did, but... that was just her delusion. Riruru: You don't believe your mother. Takuji: O-Of course not. There's no way her prediction will come true. If it did come true, then wouldn't have died. Riruru: Don't you just... want to believe it won't come true? Takuji: Wh-What do you mean? Riruru: Because you feel like you've been betrayed? Takuji: Th-That's not it... Riruru: That is it. You resent your mother. Takuji: ... Resent... Yes... I resent my mother. Who would be able to forgive that kind of mother. She abused me so much... and then abandoned me in the end. Maybe she didn't abandon me, but... ultimately, she did die of ... Riruru: But... try to remember. Takuji: Remember? Riruru: The reason you exist right now... The reason Mamiya Takuji is here. Takuji: The reason I exist... Riruru: Or rather, the cause of your existence. Takuji: The cause of my existence... Riruru: That's right. After all, you're... Takuji: I'm? Riruru: A . Riruru: You're already a . Riruru: And yet... you exist, right here. What is the reason for your existence as Mamiya Takuji? Takuji: The reason I exist? Riruru: It's because... you're the savior, isn't it? Takuji: The savior? Riruru: Have you forgotten... the reason your mother was so harsh? Takuji: The reason my mother was so harsh? Riruru: Yes... Why was your mother so tough on you? Riruru: Have you... forgotten that reason? Takuji: I-I haven't forgotten, but... But that's... Riruru: That's a delusion? Riruru: So then, why were you able to continue being Mamiya Takuji after that happened? Takuji: Th-That's... Riruru: For what reason were you born? Takuji: Th-That's... I'm... Riruru: The savior! Riruru: Weren't you born so that you could become the savior? Takuji: I-I don't care about any of that. My mother is dead! She's gone! She has nothing to do with me! Riruru: She has nothing to do with you? Even though you exist? Riruru: As long as you continue to exist, there is no contradiction in your mother's prediction. Riruru: The very reason for your existence... is to return the world to the sky, is it not? Takuji: ... Return the world to the sky... A savior born for that purpose. Those words... How many hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, tens of millions, tens of billions of times... did I hear those words? How many times... did I hear about the reason for my existence? Takuji: B-But... Riruru: Then what do you want to do? What do you have to look forward to in life? Takuji: Eh? Riruru: Do you think a meaningful life is waiting for you? Can you find meaning in your life? Takuji: Th-That's rude! E-Even I might have a meaningful life! Riruru: Alright.. * Then what would make your life meaningful?"* Takuji: Eh? Takuji: W-Well... I'll hit it big. I probably have some hidden talent. Riruru: So that's a meaningful life? Takuji: Yeah, then I would have a bunch of money, and I could do whatever I wanted... If you have money, you can do anything. Riruru: Can you buy love with money? Takuji: Of course! All women date men just for their money! Riruru: I wonder... So then, what about pimps? Takuji: Only good-looking men can do that! Riruru: So then, a meaningful life is about having money and looking good? Takuji: Th-That's right. If you're rich and beautiful, your life is meaningful. Riruru: If you're rich and beautiful for just one day, can you say that there was meaning to your life? Takuji: O-One day isn't enough. It should be for longer than that. Riruru: Why does it need to be for longer than that? Takuji: B-Because if those wonderful days ended after just one day, it wouldn't be worth anything. Those days should go on forever! Riruru: Forever? Takuji: ... Happiness that continues for eternity... That's... what Otonashi Ayana was talking about. Eternal happiness is no different from hell... because it lasts for eternity. No matter how meaningful one's life is... without a proper end, it's more like horror. So... living forever is no good. Takuji: N-No... It doesn't have to be forever. It would be fine if it was just a moderately long life. Riruru: How long? Takuji: Until you start getting tired of it. Riruru: How long is that? Takuji: You can't know until you're there. Riruru: Is that the meaning in your life? Meaning in life... That's kind of strange... Isn't living a happy life... meaning enough? Something else... That's it! Takuji: A meaningful life also means having offspring! Riruru: Offspring? Takuji: Yeah, passing on your genes. Riruru: Your genes, huh... Takuji: That's the meaning of life. Lifeforms have meaning because they can pass on their genes. Riruru: In other words... there's no meaning to your life if you're poor, ugly, and have no children? Takuji: Th-That's right! That kind of life is pointless! Takuji: There's no meaning in a life where you don't pass on your genes! Riruru: I see... Life has meaning because you can pass on your genes... Takuji: Yeah, that's right. That's obvious, isn't it? Riruru: ...Even though it will all disappear regardless? Takuji: Eh? Riruru: You said there was meaning to a lifeform if it passed on its genes. Is that true even if the end of the universe comes and everything disappears? Takuji: Eh? Riruru: Won't it? Once the end of the universe comes, it will all disappear... And even if there is no end to the universe, entropy will reach a maximum state, and the universe will meet its death. Takuji: Maximum entropy? Riruru: The entire universe will reach thermodynamic equilibrium... Either way, it's impossible for lifeforms to continue passing on their genes for eternity... Someday, there will be an end... Takuji: B-But if it's long enough... Isn't that good enough? Riruru: In the infinity of time, any number of years is just an instant because it is limited. Riruru: Since the descendants of humanity can't live on forever, they live on for just an instant. Riruru: From what you're saying... a meaningful existence just sounds like putting off the inevitable... Riruru: The meaning to human life. Riruru: The reason life exists. Riruru: It's like you're just stretching out your happiness for as long as possible and then proclaiming life to be meaningful... Riruru: The length of happiness... Is that the meaning to your life? Takuji: Th-That's... I don't know anything about infinity! I'm not talking about all that hard stuff! Takuji: There might not be any meaning to human life, but... But still, I want to live... I can't believe in the end of the world! Takuji: I can't stand the thought that I'll soon die. Takuji: I don't care about the reasoning, I just don't want to die... That's all. Takuji: To me, ten thousand years and an instant can't be the same... Takuji: S-So... I... I really am scared. Of course I'm scared of dying. That would mean losing everything. Takuji: B-But... Riruru: Still... when you were a child, you believed what your mother told you up until that moment, right? Riruru: Until that moment... Takuji: ... What was that image... I just saw something flash by... Riruru: The prediction written on Takashima-san's desk... Riruru: There were... lots of other strange things too, right? Takuji: Th-Then it's all true... My mother's prediction, and Takashima-san's prediction... The world will end... Riruru: Yeah, but don't worry. Takuji: O-Of course I'm going to worry! How could I not worry?! Riruru: Why? Riruru: You're the savior... Why would the world's savior be afraid of the end of the world? Takuji: B-But... Riruru-chan put her hand on my forehead... Riruru: Anyway, please take a journey of a hundred million years. Takuji: What do you mean, a hundred million years? Takuji: Eek? Takuji: ... Riruru: Hehehehe... Riruru: How was it... Takuji: ... Riruru: Oh, shoot... He might not have regained his memories as Takuji-kun... Riruru: I guess he forgot who he was after experiencing a hundred million years of evolution. Riruru: Well then... Riruru: Ei! Takuji: AAAAAAAAAAAaaAAAAAAAaAAaaAAAaaAAAAAAAAAAaaaaAAAAAAAaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH... Takuji: Agh... Oohghhaaa, haaa, oogh. Riruru: A-Are you all right? Takuji: Aaaghh. Riruru: Ahahahahaha, sooorrrry about that. Takuji: I just... I just? Riruru: Just? Takuji: No, not just now... Takuji: Until now, I was... Riruru: You just saw your genetic memory. Takuji: My genetic memory? Riruru: Yeah. This isn't one of my powers. Your body had that function, and I just hit the switch. Takuji: The switch? Riruru: That's right. Before humans are born, they see the memories of all life in their mother's womb, from the beginning to their own parents. They remember the shapes... from plankton to fish, from fish to reptiles, from reptiles to... And it keeps going like that. I've heard of this. I've read this somewhere... That's... Takuji: That's... the fetal dream? Riruru: Hmm, so that's what they call it. No, there isn't really a scientific term for it... That theory isn't accepted by science, after all... Riruru: Hehehe, how did it feel to experience a hundred million years? Takuji: Feel... It feels like it was an incredibly long time... But once it ended... Like reality, and yet like a dream... And like there was some meaning, and yet like there wasn't... Just, after my hundred million years ended, I felt some kind of presentiment... Presentiment...? Like another... omen... Omen...? Riruru: How was it? Takuji: O-Ohh, sorry. That's right. Takuji: Once it ended, there was no trace left of the hundred million years. Takuji: It wasn't just an instant, but looking at it now, it feels like you could say it was just an instant. Takuji: That's how it feels. Riruru: Hehehe, that's a great answer. Takuji: A great answer? Riruru: Neither a philosopher nor a religious man could say something like that. Takuji: But still... Takuji: I'm neither a philosopher nor a religious man. Riruru: That's right. They can't say it, but you can. Takuji: I guess so. Riruru: Yeah, you're a part of God. Takuji: A part of God? Takuji: I'm a... Takuji: Part of God? Riruru: Hmm * you're all of him!"* Takuji: All of him? Takuji: Not just a part? Takuji: Which is it? Riruru: Hmm * both!"* Takuji: I'm a part of and the entirety of God? Riruru: Yeah, you're one and all. Takuji: Hmm, I see. Riruru: Are you convinced? Takuji: I'm not convinced. I'm still human. Takuji: I can't follow that logic. It's like it has superseded normal reasoning. Takuji: If there's something I do have... Takuji: They're all... Takuji: Just omens... Riruru: Amazing! Takuji-kun, that's a perfect answer! Riruru: I can't believe you understand the omens already! Takuji: Actually, you're gathering God's dreams, aren't you... And you came to explain the end of the world to me. Takuji: Which means... The world really is going to... Riruru: Like I said... there are only six days until the end. Are you scared, Takuji-kun? Takuji: A single instant for me can become a hundred million years. Takuji: If I wanted, I could live for 51,008,400,000,000 years. Takuji: And... either way, the length of time doesn't matter. Takuji: Even if I were to die at this very moment... I wouldn't be afraid. Riruru: Why? Takuji: Because I'm already within the omen. Riruru: Hehehe, but you can't die. The beginning and end are inseparable, like the two faces of a coin. Riruru: Remember the words your mother said to you... Takuji: My mother's words? Takuji: The day the world will return to the sky... Riruru: Yeah, that's it. Riruru: You must return everything to the sky before the world is destroyed. Takuji: Return everything to the sky... I wonder if I can actually do that... Riruru: God won't save the world... Angels won't save the world... If God doesn't do it, humans will... Riruru: It won't be God that saves people... It will be the savior, human himself, who will save people. Takuji: In other words, that's... me. I knew that... My mother always told me that from the time I was an infant... Takuji: Why are you here, Riruru-chan? Riruru: To make your omen... Takuji: Omen? Riruru: To make it come to fruition. Takuji: Fruition? Riruru: Yeah. I can't explain it very well in human words. Riruru: If I were to put it in words... Riruru: It's a kind of infinity. Takuji: A kind of infinity? Riruru: Aleph ∞. Takuji: Wh-What's that? Riruru: Hmm, like I said, I can't explain it very well... Riruru: To put it another way... Riruru: The end. Takuji: The end? Riruru: No, The End. Takuji: The End? I know about that. Takuji: That's... Riruru: The End... Takuji: Sky! Riruru: Yes, that's what you will bring to fruition. Takuji: End Sky! Takuji: Fruition... Riruru: You must bring it to fruition, and then end it. Takuji: Bring it to fruition, and then end it? Takuji: But isn't that basically death for a human? Riruru: It's not death. Riruru: Maybe I should call it the ultimate goal of existence. Riruru: It's neither life nor death. Riruru: It's neither existence nor nonexistence. Riruru: That's... Takuji: That's? Riruru: That's... the time when the world will return to the sky. Riruru: End Sky. Takuji: ... Takuji: ...... Takuji: .........
Takuji: Yeah, I know. I know you loved me... Takuji: And it's not just you. Takashima-san, who used you everyday, loved me too. Takuji: Ahh... Takashima-san, Takashima-san... Takashima-san's desk confessed its love to me. But I couldn't accept. I had to erase the words 'I love you.' I erased them every time they came up. She said... I love you, I love you. I love you, I love you. I kept erasing them. I erased the words that came up. Unfortunately, my lover is Takashima-san, not her desk... Then the desk tried to tempt me not with words, but with flesh. She tempted me with her form, down on all fours. Even I was swayed by this. After all, it looked... Just like Takashima-san... Takuji: Ah, I can't... You're a desk, and I'm human... We can't be together. Zakuro: Make love to me... I can't believe it... Even her voice sounds like Takashima-san... This is bad... This is really bad... Zakuro: Make love to me... Make sweet love to me... I love you, so make love to me... Make love... Come on, Takuji-kun, I love you... Come on, Takuji-kun... Takuji: Aah... Ooaaaah...??? My head was spinning. Her soft, lovely voice swirled around my crotch. Ah, ah, ah... My true feelings burst from my dark heart like a fountain. I love you... I love you, too. But you're... Ooahhh... But... Zakuro: I'll give you... my virginity... She closed her eyes in embarrassment and laughed sweetly. Takuji: Ahh... You shouldn't say something as important as that so casually... Virginity... Virginity―Virgin. Virgin virgin virgin virgin virgin virgin virgin. The purity of a woman who hasn't been defiled by another man! Zakuro: After all, I've kept it all this time, just for you. No one has ever put their penis inside me before. Zakuro: It's true... Occasionally she put textbooks, papers, pencils, and things like that inside me, but... But still, you'll be my first and last! Ah, I can't do this... She was on all fours, exposing her drawer... A woman's most important place... Zakuro: Do you hate me? Takuji: No, not at all! That's not it!! No, that could never be true. All the other girls are self-centered, calculating, lying, thieving sluts. And they think it's natural for a man to spend all his money on a girl, and they look down on people with those thin, fake smiles. It's really disgusting. But Takashima-san, you're different... Even in this rotten world, you've lived a wholesome life so that you could give me your virginity. But... yesterday, you... So, that means... the you smiling at me now... Takuji: A-Ahh... That's right... Don't lose sight of it... I can't lose sight of it. Accept reality. Reality is what I can see right here, right now. Reality is what's happening in front of my eyes... Therefore, this desk has to be... This desk... Who is it? Just who it looks like? Takashima-san? Is that right? That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right. That's right― Congratulations! That's right! The announcer in my head announced that I was right. That's right... Reality is what I can see with my own two eyes. I can't allow myself to be deceived by my fantasies. Fantasy isn't reality. Zakuro: What's wrong? Takuji: Oh, no... It's nothing... Takuji: No, don't worry. You're the only woman suitable for me. Zakuro: Thank you, Takuji-kun. I always knew you would say that. Her lovely eyes, rapt with attention as she gazed upon me, seemed to be swimming in a sea of ecstasy. Surely, no other slovenly woman... could ever match her beauty and purity. Zakuro: I'm sorry about yesterday... Did I scare you? Takuji: Huh? Oh, yeah... Just a little bit... Zakuro: But now I'm just fine. Fine? She's already recovered? Zakuro: I love you from the bottom of my heart, so... I'm completely fine. Completely fine... because she loves me... Zakuro: Yes. I love you more than anyone else... I love you, and that's why... I won't die. She won't die... because she loves me... Zakuro: A girl can do anything for the man she loves... Takuji: Can do... anything... Zakuro: Yes! That's amazing... You're amazing, Takashima-san. Coming back to life through the power of love after your brain splattered all over the pavement, and your arms and legs broke into twenty pieces... You're a wonderful woman. Zakuro: Now take me... Make me yours... Zakuro: I want you to love me... I want to be your slave forever, from morning until dusk... Takuji: I w-want that too... She bent over in that sensual pose, and looked at me with such voluptuous eyes that I couldn't imagine her being any other girl in my class. Zakuro: It's embarrassing, but... look... She laughed and extended her hands toward her hips― Takuji: Gulp... I stared in awe as she spread open her drawer and showed me... Takuji: Gulp... It was the first time I had ever seen a woman's genitals in person. And she was a virgin, just as I had so long desired... Takuji: Y-You're amazing, Takashima-san... Zakuro: Takuji-kun... how does my most embarrassing spot look to you? Takuji: Ahhh, ahhh―Eek?! Zakuro: Heh... You can't get so excited just yet... But that's... that's impossible. I'm already so excited that I can't tell what's going on. Takuji: Aahhh, uh... You're beautiful, but... I can't really see in the dark... Zakuro: Then... why don't you try spreading it open with your fingers... Takuji: Eh? Really?! Zakuro: You're the only one I want to show... Zakuro: So... go ahead and spread it open... Takuji: Ahh, Takashima-san. You're such a pure maiden! I moved my nervous, shaking hand closer to her large, white butt so that I could fulfill her wish. Her butt was flat like a board... and cool to the touch... But more importantly, I looked lower... at her hole... Zakuro: Aaah... Aah... I can feel your gaze... Takuji: You're beautiful. You really are beautiful... It should be illegal to be so... Inside, she was neat and tidy... The only word to describe it is beautiful... I thought it would be messier... but she was beautiful... This is almost like... Takuji: It's almost like a work of art... Zakuro: No, that's embarrassing... Ha, haa... I'm getting turned on just listening to you... As I watched her, she got excited, and love juice started pouring out from inside her... Zakuro: Um... you can touch me more if you want... I started exploring with my finger. Zakuro: Aah... Having you touch my pussy... is like a dream. I'm so happy... Her seductive voice was wonderful. Every time I touched her, her juices covered my hands... Zakuro: Ahhh! Ah, try to be gentler there... Takuji: Ah, I'm sorry! My voice cracked in surprise after she suddenly jumped. My finger was soaked with her juices. I pressed it hard up against her screw-shaped clitoris. Zakuro: That's really sensitive... Please, don't press on it so hard... Takuji: A-Alright... Carefully, carefully... I got some more of her juices on my finger and started carefully rubbing around her swelling clitoris. This was the first time I had ever seen a clitoris, and it really was like a freshly made screw, captivating me as its wet surface reflected the light. Zakuro: Hm, hmmmm... It feels good... Haaa, it feels really good... She let out a sweet moan and waved her smooth board back and forth in the air. Aah... My lovely Takashima-san felt pleasure because of my caressing touches... It made me as happy as being loved myself. So I wanted to... love her, and make her show me her hidden side that she wouldn't show anyone else. Takuji: Um... should I rub this part like this? Of course, it was the first time I had touched a woman's genitals, since I was a virgin and all, so I didn't know what I was doing with my fingers. I didn't want to get carried away by my curiosity and accidentally make her cry, so I was careful as I continued... Zakuro: Ahh... Ah, ahhh... Hmm... It doesn't sound like it hurts, but... Takuji: ...That's it! Unfortunately, I had no experience, so I couldn't move my fingers in the same way she did when she was masturbating. So I just had to use something softer instead of my fingers! Perfect! Love can do anything. Takuji: Hey, can I lick it? Please, let me lick it. Zakuro: Haa, of course, it's fine... Do as you like, Takuji-kun... She kindly consented to my request without a moment's hesitation. Ahh, she's so cute and pure... She's always so selfless and proper, but in front of her confessed lover, she's so erotic and dirty... Takuji: Pch... Hspch... Zakuro: Ahhh! Ah, aaaahh, your tongue is so good... Aaah! Even the feeling of my cheeks rubbing up against the soft flesh of her buttocks felt good. Takuji: Pch... Aah, pssch. Zakuro: Aahhh... You're such a pervert, Takuji-kun... Takuji: Ahaha... You're too cute, Takashima-san... Zakuro: Ahh... There, right there... Put your dick in, right there... Takuji: This is my first time seeing it, but... this is the place, right... Zakuro: Ahhmm―Don't lick me there! I can't believe this... Amazing, amazing~~ I moved my face, soaked with juice, away as she shook her hips. Zakuro: I'm sorry I'm such a nasty girl... But... But I can't hold it back... I glanced over toward her cute face. Tears were forming in her eyes as she called out to me plaintively. Takuji: There's nothing to be embarrassed about. I thought it was about time too... As she started crying, I grabbed her forcefully from behind. I won't let you go... I want to be in you forever... Zakuro: Ah... Now I can be your first... I'm really happy... Her figure was perfect... She was cold and flat... And perfectly smooth... ―Pshhck... Zakuro: Hmmgh, ha, haaaa~~~ I've heard the moment of defloration is pretty painful. But Takashima-san's face distorted for just a moment, and she let out a cry of pain right before the entirety of my dick slid smoothly in. Takuji: Are you alright? Should we stop here? I calmed down a little after looking down at the red liquid that proved her virginity, and then I hesitantly asked. Zakuro: Yeah, I'm fine... I'm feeling more happiness than pain right now, so... I'm fine. She whispered that and then giggled. As I heard her words and felt the warmth from the place where we were connected, I relaxed and smiled. Zakuro: Please, move... It's time for us to feel good together... Takuji: Yeah. Here goes... Ahh... Just like she said, I moved my hips back. I let out a moan as I felt her tight pussy smoothly sliding around my dick. Takuji: Your vagina is incredibly hot... and it's so wet that I can slide in just like this... Zakuro: Haaa, oohh... Yes, Takuji-kun, I can... feel you moving... And the tightness I felt on my penis differed based on the depth, so every time I moved my hips I felt a new kind of pleasure shoot up my spine. It was beyond amazing―It was a wonderfully wonderful ecstasy. Zakuro: Haaa, hmmm... Ahhhh... Takuji: Does it hurt? Should I do it a little slower? Zakuro: No, I'm fine... Do as you like... Haa... A smile appeared on her flushed face. She would do whatever I wanted her to. Zakuro: Haa, aahh... I can feel it... It's so big, and hot... Her insides felt... very warm, and they constricted in rhythmical waves. Does a real vagina actually feel this good...? Zakuro: Haaa, ahh... Haaa, oohh... Aaaah~~ Takuji: Takashima-san... Let me touch your boobs... You don't mind, right? I couldn't stand it, so I started unbuttoning her blouse and then undid the hook of her bra. Zakuro: Ah, haaa... It's fine... Love me more... I undressed her almost violently, without even waiting for her permission, but she still didn't resist at all. Zakuro: Haaa... It's warm... Your hands are warm... I constantly moved my hips back and forth as I cupped her large breasts with my hands. Takuji: Ahaha... Your boobs are huge, but I can still feel your heart racing... Zakuro: You big bully... Of course my heart is racing... You're touching me, after all... Zakuro: Haaa... Ahhh... The thread on my screw is standing on end... Takuji: It's true! You're getting way tighter... Zakuro: Haaa... My breasts... are really sensitive... Please, be gentle... Zakuro: Haaa, ahh. It's so good... It's so good~~ Takuji: Whoa, Takashima-san... Your tight pussy is great, but your huge tits are the best... I could tell they were huge even when she had her clothes on... I lifted them and rubbed them with both hands. Zakuro: Haaa, ahh... From above and below... Aaah, nooo! I could feel the weight in my hands... And they were so soft that they seemed about to escape through the space in between my fingers... Zakuro: Oohhmmm... Aah, aah, aaah! The sound of a man and a woman's hips colliding echoed throughout the deserted classroom time and time again. Takuji: It's so tight... Ahh! I can't hold it... It's so good! Zakuro: Aaah, Taakuji-kuun―I love you, I love you! Takuji: Ahh, I love you too, Takashima-san! Zakuro: Aahh, aah, oooh, ooh... Takuji: Aah, I'm going to come... Do you care? I could feel the pressure building. Soon, I wouldn't be able to hold it. Zakuro: Yes... it's fine... Come inside me... I want you to come inside me. Please... Zakuro: Aaah, I'm going to come too~~ Takuji: Let's come together. Aaaah! Zakuro: Haaa, aah, aah, aaaah― Takuji: Mmgh... Mmm, aah, aaaah... I exploded within her writhing body. Within her... Inside the desk drawer. Semen gushed out of the tip of my hot penis and pounded relentlessly against her deepest walls. Zakuro: Nooo... All the books inside me are gonna be covered in semen... Aaah, aah... Takuji: Takashima-san, your desk―! As she sat there in ecstasy... I kept pumping her insides with semen. Zakuro: Haaa... Aah... Takkuun~~ The eruption gradually subsided, but I didn't let up. I kept moving my hips back and forth. Zakuro: Aahh... It was my first time, but... I came... Takuji: Haa, ha... Zakuro: Takuji-kun, you were amazing... Ehehe... As I tried to figure out whether I should be embarrassed or happy, I gently stroked Desk Takashima-san's top board. Zakuro: Hehehe... You came a lot... I'm all sticky inside... Takuji: I guess so... Haa, haa, haa... I didn't pull out my penis. I embraced her in that same position. The cool sensation of the board felt good... Takuji: Haa, ha, ha...
Takuji: ... Takuji: Mm. Takuji: ... Takuji: Ah! Takuji: ... Takuji: This is... Takuji: Why did I... Takuji: Why did I sleep in a place like this? Takuji: ... Takuji: Ah! Takuji: That's right. I saw that thing at the school gate. Takuji: Then I ran into town... Takuji: But he found me. Takuji: Then I ran here... Takuji: Oh, Riruru-chan! Takuji: ... Takuji: Riruru-chan! Takuji: ... Takuji: ... Riruru-chan was still just a picture... Was all that stuff yesterday... a dream? Takuji: ... Takuji: A dream... Takuji: Ow... I'd been sleeping on the concrete.& My whole body hurt... Takuji: Ow... Especially the harder parts of my body... The places where my bones stick out really hurt... Takuji: ...Huh? The most painful part of my body wasn't bony at all... It was around the base of my thigh... Takuji: What's this... There was a bulge in my pocket... Something was in there... Takuji: Huh? A broken cell phone...& It was pretty small, so I'd forgotten all about it. Which means... I accidentally took her cell phone... Takuji: Takashima... Zakuro's cell phone... Takuji: A dream... Takuji: That was all... a dream... not reality... Takuji: Hehehe... How many times had I thought that... I'd thought... 'This is a dream, not reality'... Takuji: Hehehehehe... Hahahahahahaha... I turned her cell phone on. Takuji: Hehehehe... A dream? Reality? Ridiculous. What meaning do those words hold after I had seen that overwhelming world? Takuji: Takashima Zakuro is dead. After falling from that height, the outer case was almost entirely cracked. I slowly opened it. The hinge made a small cracking sound as I opened it, but there wasn't anything stopping me from using it. Takuji: Dream and reality, huh... Takuji: At the very least, now that this has come out of my pocket... Takashima-san's suicide was reality... Takuji: But only if this is reality... right now... Takuji: ... I started using her phone. The outside was broken, but the inside was fine. It was probably in her pocket when she jumped. It must have fallen out when she hit the ground... That's why it's not completely broken. Takuji: There's no password on this phone. I don't know... Anything about her. No, I probably hadn't wanted to know. What was happening to her. Her feelings. Her despair. Her... Pain was... Continuing within me. It was connected to me... So I hadn't looked. I acted like I didn't see... Because I knew, I hadn't looked at her. I never... Tried to understand her. My relationship with her. We'd met in my secret base. Takashima Zakuro. The time after our first meeting. But... What I'd wanted was something normal. Not a bumpy relationship. What I wanted was... I didn't want to know her... I just wanted to have the relationship. Without any of the bumps... Just a flat, even relationship. That's right. That's what I wanted. That would be a world with no depth. No bumps, no limits, just... the shallowest of worlds, melding together. ...That's what it means for one human to get close to another. Holding hands... Kissing... Having sex... That's what I desired. I desired something completely natural. Starting as friends. Then becoming lovers. Then having a physical relationship... I wanted something completely natural, with no bumps... Until yesterday, I... I had never wanted to know her. I had never wanted to know what would happen to her. What would happen... Beyond the pain she held... Beyond the pain that fills the world... Takashima-san's limit. And my limit. And... The world's limit. But now I'm different. I understand what lies beyond her pain. I understand everything beyond it. Because... Now I am... the savior. Because that is my fate. Takuji: Right, Riruru-chan? I spoke to the scribble of her on the wall. There was no response. Takuji: ...And Mother. What she desired. Now her desires are waiting to be fulfilled. The date she always spoke of, July 20th, 2012, is right before my eyes. I took a deep breath, then looked at Takashima-san's e-mail. What's written of her in here? The email here is... a fragment of her. I started with her fragments. I started picking up the pieces of her... just as if they were pieces of flesh strewn across the sidewalk― ―To know her― And then I'll walk... to the place of her pain. That is how this journey must begin. What Takashima-san saw... And... what my mother saw... The first thing that appeared was an email from immediately before her suicide. It said... Takuji: Usami... I don't know her. She had been sending messages to this person... until right before her suicide. She'd frequently sent messages to her, the most recent being just one hour before her death. Starting from the morning of that day... ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/12 08:01 from: Usami subject: Good Morning ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― It's today. Spiral Matai! Let's do our best. The world's fate is resting upon our shoulders! ** I'll be waiting at the western ticket gate in Suginomiya station at 6:30. Takuji: Spiral... Matai... Takuji: She talks about it like it's nothing, but that must mean jumping off the building. The message almost makes it sound like they're going out to the movies or something. Takuji: But still, Spiral Matai is... One of the things scratched into her desk... ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/12 00:01 from: Usami subject: re: Thank you for everything today. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― That's cold. I'm your ally from the previous world! ** That aside, according to Ayumi's prediction, tomorrow's ritual must happen at 6:42, on the 14th floor of apartment building 35 in Suginomiya. So we should meet at the western ticket gate in Suginomiya station at 6:30. Please don't be late. The fate of the world is at stake. Takuji: Cold? Were they discussing something? Takashima-san was bullied, so... maybe they met when she tried to talk to someone about it. But more importantly... Takuji: An apartment building in Suginomiya... I don't know building 35 very well, but that's right around the station. Takuji: I suppose the last place I saw Takashima-san was that place... Takuji: Which means they really were talking about jumping off that building when they said Spiral Matai... Takuji: And Ayumi must be the other girl who committed suicide with them... There had been three corpses there. The simplest explanation was that the girls who were messaging her, Usami and Ayumi, were the girls who had committed suicide with her. Takuji: Hmm... I went further back in the messages... The day before they committed suicide, they'd agreed to meet up near Suginomiya station. I went further back and found the first message she'd received from Usami. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/03 22:01 from: Usami Subject: I've finally made contact with you. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― I'm not sure if I should say... Nice to meet you? ** "The battle at the stone tower." ** Please respond when you remember the significance of these words. ** Also, you will probably experience a large change. It will probably be a good thing. The first email from Usami. It had come at 10:00 at night, on the third day of this month. Which means they only met recently. Takashima-san's response to this message was curt. Or rather, she didn't reply at all for quite a while. Looking at this message, it's just someone called Usami trying to make contact with her out of the blue. Takashima-san had suddenly gotten a message from a crazy person who she didn't know. Something like that... Takuji: Anyone would be reluctant to answer a message like this. Takuji: And yet... For some reason, Takashima-san seemed to have some interest when she wrote her reply. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/08 23:10 to: Usami subject: re: I've finally made contact with you. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Nice to meet you. I'm the Cheshire Cat. I read your message, but I have never heard those words. ** I'm sorry. ** Though I am a bit curious... What is this large change that's going to happen to me? It looks like Cheshire Cat is Takashima-san's username... This name shows up a lot. I guess she was blogging or using a social networking site... Well, that's not important... But I wonder why Takashima-san didn't keep ignoring Usami's creepy message... Maybe that sentence, 'you will probably experience a large change,' caught her attention? Takuji: Girls really do have a weak spot for fortune telling, huh... This was Usami's response to Takashima-san's message. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/09 23:01 from: Usami subject: Thank you for your response. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Thank you for your response. Now that I've received your message, I can confirm it. You are certainly our ally. ** "The battle at the stone tower" ** You say you don't remember these words, but that's not a problem. ** And the large change we predicted would happen to you is a change to your cognizance. ** The 'good thing' is a person's death. ** Soon, one of your problems will disappear. An even creepier message. It's even clearer than in the last message that she's not normal. And yet, after receiving this message, Takashima-san started exchanging messages with her frequently. She didn't hold back. She started to get along with this creepy girl. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/10 12:52 from: Usami subject: PS ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― You've probably suffered for a long time. ** But the only reason you're suffering is because your existence is correct. You suffer because you're correct. ** But the incorrect person who is tormenting you will die. Soon, one of your problems will disappear. They took advantage of her weakness. If I had reacted more quickly back then... Takashima-san wouldn't have gotten involved with them. That made me regret my actions. Takuji: But still... who are these people? Takuji: Is it one of those fad suicide groups? There used to be a lot of people looking to make suicide pacts on the Internet. They would gather people like this and all die together. Why don't they just die alone? Why do they try to drag other people down with them? "But the incorrect person who is tormenting you will die." These hypocritical words made Takashima-san trust that crazy girl. After she got this message from that person called Usami, Takashima-san decided to meet her in person. It's not clear what they talked about, what Takashima-san thought about it, or why they decided to commit suicide... Either way, it's clear that she was driven into a corner before she did it. Takuji: The person who drove her into a corner... The reason for her suicide. Something immediately came to mind. I turned on the generator and sat in front of my computer. Takuji: Now then... the message board... The message board I administrate. The message board where all the school's secrets are written. 15: Megu and Satoko's friendship thread. 680: Satoko: 2012/07/10(F) 01:21:25 ID:satoko couldnt we get in trouble for that? it seemed like she was broken 681: Megu: 2012/07/10(F) 01:22:16 ID:megu i hope shes totally broken then she wont be able to tell anyone lol 682: Satoko: 2012/07/10(F) 01:25:25 ID:satoko we might have overdone it. if they find out, they wont just let us off with a suspension Anyone could figure out what they were talking about now. Takashima-san had died... She jumped off an apartment building... No, the truth is that she was murdered. Takuji: If I report them to the police... they'll probably be arrested... These two bullied and murdered Takashima Zakuro. They bullied her, tortured her, and murdered her. BULLIED HER TO DEATH. BULLIED HER TO DEATH. That's plenty of reason for the police to arrest them. I don't know what they would be charged with, though... Extortion, assault... Anything would work. This is all the evidence they would need. Takuji: But... I'm not interested in any of that. It's not like I want to be the hero and get revenge for Takashima-san... I indifferently looked into their relationship... Takashima Zakuro, Akasaka Megu, and Kitami Satoko. I looked at the past posts. 1: Satoko: 2011/08/15(F) 01:21:25 ID:satoko anyway, i made this thread 2: Megu: 2011/08/15(F) 22:24:05 ID:megu you sure did. are you sure no one else can see this board? 3: Satoko: 2011/08/15(F) 23:21:22 ID:satoko apparently. They started this thread about a year ago. They'd written these thoughtless sentences because they didn't feel human pain... They described their fun lifestyle here in this thread. They eased their pain by inflicting it on others... They bleached their days white with pain and turned them into something wonderful. The pain of others bleaches their own pain, turning it into something new. They knew that instinctively. Megu: The weather was nice today, so I went up to the roof... Megu: And then I noticed, there's actually a way to get up to the Building C rooftop. Satoko: That won't work. You can only get up there by going through the Fine Arts Club's tool room. Megu: Which means? Satoko: We can't get in there, of course. Megu: That's not what I'm getting at. It means that no one would come, right? Satoko: Well, of course not. Megu: Let's join the Fine Arts Club! Satoko: Huh? Satoko: What are you talking about? There is no Fine Arts Club anymore. That club got nixed, didn't it? Megu: That's the best part! Satoko: You mean... just to use the roof? Megu: Hehe. Satoko: Are you really going to join a club just to use the Building C rooftop? Megu: No, I'm actually super creative. I might not look like it, but I'm an artist. Satoko: You've only reached the second level in art class. Megu: The teachers just don't understand my art. Anyway, who cares about that * Let's remake the club!"* Satoko: Don't you just want to go up there with your boyfriend? Megu: Agh. Satoko: Bullseye, huh... Megu: Ahahahaha... That might be part of it. Satoko: You said you couldn't pay for a hotel, but... would you really do it up there? Megu: No, that's not what I mean. It could just b * a place for us to hang out."* Satoko: I doubt you'd just be hanging out. Megu: Who's the Fine Arts Club's advisor? Satoko: Wouldn't it be the art teacher? There's not really any advisor anymore, since the club is gone. Megu: I guess... Senagawa: I guess I have to... though I really don't want to. Megu: Come on, Mrs. Senagawa. Don't say that. Senagawa: Haa... Satoko: Mrs. Kobayashi, the art teacher, retired last year, so she can't be the advisor this year. You're the only one who can do it, Mrs. Senagawa. Senagawa: Yes, yes, I heard from Mrs. Kobayashi. Senagawa: She said she wanted me to be the advisor until next year. Satoko: Yeah, I'm sure we'll have a new art teacher next year. Senagawa: That's not the problem... Senagawa: But... Mrs. Kobayashi did ask me to do it. Satoko: Now that you mention it, Mrs. Kobayashi was your mentor, right? Senagawa: Yes... Though I have no talent for art at all. Megu: That's fine. I have no talent either. Senagawa: Haa... Even if I'm the advisor, I'm not going to do much for you. Actually, I'd rather have you guys do all the work yourself. I like to take a hands-off approach to teaching. Satoko: Of course! Megu: We'd prefer it that way! Megu: Agh! Satoko: You don't need to say that much... Dumbass. Megu: Ehehehe... Senagawa: Putting that aside, do you have the required four members? Megu: Oh, we'll find enough members soon. Senagawa: You haven't already gotten enough members? Satoko: I have an idea who I want to ask, so it should be fine. Senagawa: Haa... Well, okay * Try not to cause any trouble."* Satoko: Sure thing. We'll be fine. A Fine Arts Club formed just to use the rooftop. It existed only so they would have a place for themselves, where no one else would come. These two found that place. Kimika: But I'm already in the Track and Field Club and the Science Club... Satoko: That's fine. We just want to use your name. You don't have to come to any club activities. Kimika: ... Megu: What, Tachibana, are you gonna say no? Kimika: Um... how many members do you need? Satoko: Huh? Four people. Why? Kimika: Which means the last person would be... Zakuro... Megu: Exactly. Kimika: Hmm... And Zakuro can't refuse, can she? Kimika: If Zakuro joins, then so will I... Satoko: Huh? Do you think you have the right to refuse? Megu: That's right... You seem to be misunderstanding something lately, Tachibana... We've mostly been bullying Takashima-san, but that's your fault. Kimika: That's right... I'm glad Zakuro is here now... Satoko: You're fucked up... Kimika: I stopped getting bullied because Zakuro's here, right? What's wrong with recognizing that fact? Megu: Yeah, whatever. Anyway, once Takashima joins, you're joining too! Kimika: Yeah... If Zakuro refuses, I'm not joining. Satoko: If you do that, you're dead. Takashima-san really didn't want to join that hellish club. They only wanted to secure that space so they could bully people away from watchful eyes... How awful. But... She couldn't make any other choice. She had no free will. This was the point when the bullying grew most severe... There was no way she could refuse. Their hidden lair was atop Building C. Other students wouldn't come there, and even the teachers' attention wouldn't fall on that deserted island. Every day after school, Takashima-san was locked up there and tormented. Torment that they called 'a game.' The repeated whitewashing of their relationship. A ritual that they called 'playing.' 56: Satoko: 2011/09/15(Th) 19:22:13 ID:satoko that was awesome. takashima's face was great. 57: Megu: 2011/09/15(Th) 21:11:05 ID:megu yeah, her face was fucking great. i guess putting wasabi on someone's face really does hurt. 62: Satoko: 2011/09/23(W) 22:45:23 ID:satoko what was up with that doll she had? 63: Megu: 2011/09/23(W) 23:23:05 ID:megu yeah, she had some black doll, didn't she? 64: Megu: 2011/09/24(Th) 00:15:11 ID:megu i think kimika gave that to her. 65: Satoko: 2011/09/24(Th) 00:18:05 ID:satoko seriously? That endlessly repeating game. Neither killing her outright nor letting her live. Just like a child playing with a bug... But that ended. ...Completely out of the blue. Neither killing her outright nor letting her live. As that game continued, they stopped holding back. At first they were careful not to kill her. Carefully, carefully... They didn't want to kill her... But... they grew accustomed to their role as tormentors over time. As they grew accustomed to it, they started to make mistakes. In one moment, it all ended. A child's game. The game was ended by the death of their toy. It ended when they broke their toy. And thus their fun game came to an end. Megu: Hey, Takashima. Zakuro: A-Akasaka-san... Megu: Let's go up to the roof. Satoko: Shut up. We're just going to do some club activities. Megu: Oh, yeah. That's right. Let's go to our club. You too, Tachibana. Kimika: Eh? I have to go to Track Club today... Satoko: It'll be fine * Just come for today."* Kimika: Is Zakuro coming? Satoko: You always ask that. You really like Takashima, huh... Is it that fun to bully someone? Megu: Of course we're bringing Takashima. You and Takashima are the main cast today. Kimika: I see... Megu: Well then, what should our club do today? Satoko: Probably nothing to do with Fine Arts. Megu: Hehehe, it'll be fine. We'll have fun today. Let's go. Senagawa: Oh... Megu: Ah... Senagawa: Haa... Don't cause any problems. Satoko: Got it. Senagawa: Well, whatever... Kimika: Um... Senagawa: What? Kimika: U-Um... Ow! Senagawa: What is it? Kimika: ... Senagawa: Haa... Senagawa: Seriously, don't cause any problems. I'm just covering until we get a new art teacher, all right? Megu: Yes, ma'am. Satoko: Hey... Tachibana... Kimika: What? Kimika: Agh... Satoko: You just tried to say something to Senagawa, didn't you? Kimika: ... Satoko: Don't do anything suspicious like that... Next time you're dead. Kimika: ... Zakuro: U-Um, Kimika... Kimika: ... Takashima Zakuro tried to reach out to Kimika, but Kimika coldly slapped her hand away. Zakuro: Kimika... Kimika laughed. Kimika: You're so kind. Maybe you should worry about yourself before thinking of other people. Kimika: Honestly, having someone like you sympathize with me kind of pisses me off. Zakuro: Kimika... Megu: The weather's great. Satoko: It's getting nice and cool, since fall is coming. Kimika: Winter is too cold, so... we might not be able to play up here anymore. Megu: Huh? Well, maybe. I didn't really think of that. Megu: So we should have a whole lot of fun while we can. Kimika: Sure... Satoko: What kind of game do you want to play? Megu: ...Hey. Zakuro: Y-Yes? Megu pointed toward Takashima's skirt pocket. Megu: I've been kind of curious for a while. What's up with that doll? Zakuro: Eh? Kimika: Oh... that. A strangely shaped, black, stuffed doll was hanging out of Takashima's pocket. It looked like it was hanging from a cell phone strap. The doll was a bit too big to fit in her pocket. Megu: That stuff used to be popular years ago, didn't it? Satoko: What is it? I thought that was a panda. Megu: It's black because Tachibana painted it and cast a spell on it. What a bad girl. Kimika: Yeah, I painted it... Zakuro: Eh? Kimika: I did that. I was the one who did it... Right, Zakuro? Zakuro: Eh? U-Uh... That's... Satoko: But now that you mention it, Tachibana had one just like it. Kimika: ...Yeah. Satoko: I do remember that. You had one just like it. Megu: That was... back when everyone in the class used to ignore Tachibana. Satoko: Oh, that's right. I remember that. Megu: Back then, they used to have the exact same thing on their phones... Do you know what that means, Satoko? Satoko: What? Megu: Tachibana wanted to cheer up the stupid girl, so she bought her a matching panda doll. Kimika: We gave them to each other. Though I threw mine away right after that... Right, Zakuro? Zakuro: Eh? U-Uh.. * Why... would you say that..."* Megu: Tachibana threw hers away once she stopped getting bullied, but Takashima held onto hers forever and ever. Megu: What an idiot. Kimika: That's not true. She's not an idiot. She's just stupid and kind... Megu: That's the exact same thing. Your backtalk is starting to get on my nerves * Tachibana!"* Megu: Tachibana... you're clearly not understanding us... Kimika: That's right. I was always bullied until you started bullying Zakuro in my place, so... I don't understand you at all. Satoko: You're a pain in the ass, just like always... And why did you try to be friends with someone like Takashima anyway? Satoko: That doll is like a symbol of your betrayal, isn't it? Satoko: Why are you still carrying around that weird doll Tachibana painted for you? Zakuro: Ah, b-but... it looks cute this way. Kimika: It's cute because it's pure black like that... You're always super kind like that. Megu: Look, this is what I think. Megu: I don't really dislike Takashima all that much. She's a bit empty-headed, but she's nice enough. Megu: But why would you keep believing someone who stabbed you in the back? Isn't that just psychological dependence? Satoko: You sounded pretty smart there. Megu: Of course I did! Zakuro: That's not it. I just like this doll... Look, it's all black, and it's so cute. Megu: Haa... She's so pure. Kimika: She's pure, and kind. Yeah... Zakuro is kind. Megu: And then once Takashima is the one getting bullied, Tachibana is the first in line to bully her. Kimika: Maybe so... That's all I'm good for, right, Zakuro? Zakuro: Th-That's... That's not true, Kimika... Kimika, you've... Kimika: Am I different? That's just your imagination. I'm not your ally. I'm the worst person on the planet. I'm a traitor. Zakuro: B-But, Kimika! Megu: Let's play a game. Zakuro: Eh? Satoko: Huh? Kimika: A game? Megu: Yeah, the rules are simple. Zakuro: Eh * Ah, s-stop!"* Akasaka Megu forcefully yanked the protruding doll out of Takashima's pocket. It was old and worn, so it broke off from the phone easily. Zakuro: G-Give it back! Megu: Hey Satoko, catch! Satoko: Whoa, I don't want this nasty doll * Here!"* Kimika: Ah... Zakuro: Kimika, give it back! Kimika: Catch... Megu: Hurry up, hurry up. Never know what could happen to this doll if you don't hurry up. Here! Satoko: Here it goes! Kimika: Here it goes. Zakuro: N-No, give it back! Megu: Hahahaha. Why? Why is this doll so important? Satoko: You know, Tachibana threw hers away! Zakuro: But Kimika bought this for me! Kimika: Huh?! Kimika: Why would you say that?! Zakuro: K-Kimika... Megu: Ah... Satoko: Ah... Kimika: Ah! When Tachibana chucked the doll, it flew over the fence. Even Tachibana Kimika herself was too surprised to move... Zakuro: Ah! Megu: Wha―?! Satoko: D-Dumbass! The two of them grew pale as well. Takashima tried to go after it. She climbed the fence and then... A sound cut through the air. Immediately after... The sound of impact. Megu: T-Takashima! Satoko: D-Dumbass... Kimika: ...Zakuro. Takashima-san fell from a four story building, but luckily she only hit the eaves of the third story before landing on the roof of the neighboring gymnasium. It wasn't a very long fall, so she didn't suffer any major injuries. Though maybe it's not accurate to say she was lucky... This is what I can gather from what they posted in their thread... It seems reliable, since it was written by people who were there, the bullies themselves. The details were probably exaggerated, but most of it was probably accurate. Takuji: I see. So that's what happened... Takuji: I heard that there was an accident, but... It seems like... The school tried to cover up the incident. It was the school that said it was just an accident. They were actually talking about it in the other threads on the message board. Several students who were playing on the Building C rooftop fell and hurt themselves. The fence is especially low, so they closed the rooftop after that. There were actually places where the Building C rooftop had no fence at all (though that changed after the incident). But was that the reason? Akasaka and Kitami claimed it was just an accident that happened while they were playing up there. Takashima Zakuro herself didn't deny it. At that time, lots of teachers decided that it must have been an accident. Especially after the Fine Arts Club advisor's testimony... Takuji: Even though Senagawa had almost nothing to do with the club and wasn't there when it happened... Since they couldn't use the rooftop after that, the Fine Arts Club was disbanded. The bullying directed toward Takashima-san was reduced. Naturally, no one wanted to be seen bullying her in public after that happened. But still, Senagawa's attitude... She probably knew about the bullying when they tried to make the Fine Arts Club. Apparently she told them repeatedly, "Don't cause any problems," and "I'm a hands-off teacher." The cause of Takashima-san's death wasn't just Akasaka Megu, Kitami Satoko, and Tachibana Kimika. Senagawa was responsible as well. An accident during club activities... The four people who caused it weren't blamed at all. Takashima-san got out of the hospital after a few days, and that was the end of it... But apparently Takashima-san had kept looking for her lost doll. A panda doll, painted black. She'd kept searching for it. Takuji: Hmm... Takuji: So she was looking for a black doll. I looked away from my computer and checked her cell phone. It would've been attached to the phone in place of a strap, so it couldn't've been all that big... Now the phone only has a few thin straps attached to it... Takuji: ...Wh-What's this? I'd thought the black strings were just a frayed cell phone strap, but... Takuji: This has to be... I didn't notice it before, but the phone kind of smelled. It smelled like a butchery... Or rather, a slaughterhouse. Takuji: Th-This is... I pulled on the strap... and... And... It changed into something completely unlike a cell phone strap. I pulled it out and... It was a lock of hair... No. It wasn't... just a lock of hair. AA lock of hair... growing out of a fragment of her skull slowly... came out... Takuji: Th-Th-This, is the reason it smells. A piece of a human's dead body. It should be scary enough to make a person jump in fear when they... see it. And, and, and and yet... Takuji: Th-This is what h-happened to her... I'm c-c-completely calm. Completely ca calm. Completely calm. Takuji: P-Poor thing... Did it h-hurt? L-Look how calm I am... My voice isn't shaking at all... I'm not getting emotional at all... Just analytical words... Just like an onlooker... Takuji: Don't worry... I'm here for you... I I calmly spoke to that piece of Takashima-san. Normal people would be so scared and emotional that they couldn't even t-t-talk... And yet... Completely calm, very calm, totally calm, absolutely calm, diving calm, ridiculously calm, rather calm, kind of calm, frightened calm, clearly calm, kind of calm, rather calm, happy and calm, just calm, very calm, precisely calm, peachy calm, quite calm, suicide calm, lonely calm, Buddha calm, analog calm, Nianfo calm, Antarctic calm, * raw calm, calm, samurai calm, super calm, calm as ever, calm all day, always calm, running calm, sitting calm, as calm as can be, everything's calm, calm all my life, getting calmer, already calm, calmer than I thought,* * calmer than I thought possible, even calmer, calm at heart, utterly calm, Superman calm, calm at last, suddenly calm, almost as if I'm calm, almost as if I'm calm, almost as if I'm calm, am I not calm?* After all. I am a piece of God. Because my existence is beyond human. Because I've surpassed humanity... Yes, thanks to the archangel Riruru, I've begun to climb the stairway that leads beyond humanity. I am the person who ascends the stairs to God. I am the person within the omen. I am the person who ascends to divinity. I am the person walking toward that omen. I am the person walking toward July 20th. I am the person who will return it to the sky. Yes, my mother said that. Yes, Riruru said that. I will return the people and the world to the place where Takashima-san and the place where my mother have already returned. To the End Sky. Yes, that is... The End Sky. That will come to fruition, and bring it all to an end. That is not death. Neither is it life. It is neither heaven nor hell. It will just come to fruition, and then bring it all to an end. Takuji: That's how it is... Takuji: That's how it is... Takuji: I am not human... My existence has surpassed humanity. Takuji: Just like my mother did... Takuji: I too have surpassed humanity... Takuji: Humans call me the savior. Takuji: They call me the person who will save the world. Takuji: That's why... I wasn't swayed when I saw a fragment of Takashima-san's skull. Rather, I felt pity. Takuji: Takashima-san... it must have been painful. The day before, Takashima-san's ghost had come to visit me. She kept saying 'it hurts, it hurts' over and over. It must have been painful... It must have been extremely painful. That's why she came to me... And yet... I was still immature, so I ran from her. I ran from her, even when she came to me looking for relief from her pain. Takuji: I'm sorry... Please come visit me again soon. Takuji: Next time, I'll embrace you, like I should have from the start. No matter how she looks, I'll embrace her. Because she is my lover. We shared our secrets. And we were fated to be married. Even our entry into the same school was decided so that we could be together in the future. It was all decided ahead of time. She loved me. I don't really remember it, but... I'm sure she always loved me. Now I can understand that... So it's fine. I can meet her any time. Just look... If I just play the video on my computer... She will appear before me. Her two-dimensional form. She is so cute. Riruru: I can't see it... I can't see any great disaster! Riruru: Open your eyes! Riruru: Nooo, no! Riruru: Riruru! Riruru: Eek! Riruru: Riruru-chan, listen to me! Riruru: Fear is a shapeless monster! It clouds the mind and beckons the worst possible outcome! Riruru: If we falter here... the world will be destroyed! Riruru: Could you let that happen? Riruru: Riruru-chan! Riruru: I could! Riruru: What? Riruru: I don't care if the world is destroyed! Riruru: I don't want to die! Why don't you just die and leave us alone?! Riruru: Ah... Riruru: What's wrong with you two?! Riruru: To the sky! Riruru: Nooooooo! Riruru: Ah!!!!!!!!!!!!! Look... I can see her any time I want... On my computer... I can see her any time I want. Takuji: It's a rather convenient age we live in... Takuji: Since we can use computers to talk to the dead. Well, it's not like just anyone could do that... Takuji: Well, whatever... More importantly... After I removed the piece of flesh from the cell phone, I started investigating the information on it. Takuji: Um... I wasn't used to this phone, but as the savior, I could easily make use of any device. While looking through the past threads on the message board, I opened up Takashima-san's sent messages. Takuji: I wonder what she was talking about, and who she was talking to... I looked at her sent items. Takuji: ...What's this? Suspicious... It was definitely suspicious. Because that message was... ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/12 22:44 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― through death i have been reborn as a warrior or so they said but it hurts i have no body but it still hurts it hurts because i've been broken therefore everyone must die you will die in 8 days all of you will die Takuji: Hmm... Takuji: What is this... I stayed calm and soon realized what was suspicious. Takuji: What? This was sent at... This is strange... Takashima-san committed suicide on the evening of July 12th... This message was sent at 10:44 p.m. This message... was definitely sent after her death. Takuji: What does that mean? I stayed calm and quickly figured it out. That means Takashima-san has been sending these messages after her death. Takuji: I see... So that's why Takashima-san came to me last night. An analytical mind. A normal human would never notice this. Takuji: So she came to me in order to send this message. Takuji: Because I accidentally stole her phone... Sorry about that. Takuji: Huh? I was a little shocked when I saw who she was sending it to. Takuji: Why are there so many recipients? The recipients were still in the history. It was simultaneously sent to 158 people. What is this? This number is... Takuji: Hahaha... You're awfully mischievous, Takashima-san. The number of people she sent the message to was the exact same as the number of people registered on the underground message board. Which means Takashima-san looked at the register on my computer and used that to send a message to all these people. Takuji: Hahahaha, oh wow... You know this is a violation of their privacy? Though she is a ghost. I guess she doesn't care about anyone's privacy. Takuji: But I'm no longer a normal human, so you can't do stuff like that anymore. I'm the savior. Even if she is a ghost, I can't let her do something like that to me. Takuji: Next time we meet, I'll have to scold her. She can come talk to me if there's something she wants to do... Takuji: Anyway, maybe I should send this message again. I sent the same message to all the same addresses simultaneously. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/14 15:33 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― through death i have been reborn as a warrior or so they said but it hurts i have no body but it still hurts it hurts because i've been broken therefore everyone must die you will die in 6 days all of you will die I changed it to say six days instead of eight. It's important for the savior to pay attention to detail. Takuji: Um, and then... Akasaka, Kitami, and Tachibana... Tachibana, huh... In a way, Tachibana is the guiltiest of them all, but... you could also say she's a victim. Only those who have been bullied themselves can understand, but it can get bad enough to make someone sell out their own friends in order to escape. Takuji: I wonder if I should drive her into a corner too... I guess I can ask Takashima-san. More importantly... The one who definitely can't be forgiven... Takuji: Senagawa... As a teacher, she had the responsibility to help Takashima-san. I have to give these three a different punishment from the rest. A punishment called fear. That's what I will give them. Luckily, I have all of their email addresses. They're all registered on the underground message board. Takuji: Now then... what message shall I send to them... Takuji: I probably shouldn't overthink it. Something simple will be scarier. Takuji: That's right... I gave it a few minutes thought. Probably just a few minutes. I don't know how long I spent thinking of it, but anyway, this is what I sent to those three... ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/14 18:01 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts That's what I sent them. But just sending it would be boring. I set up my computer to automatically send them the same message every hour. My computer would use Takashima-san's email address to send them that scary message once an hour. Takuji: Hehehehe... It would be pretty scary seeing this in your inbox every hour... Hehehe... This is the first game. The game those dumb bitches played with Takashima-san. It's the same game, but better. Takuji: Hope you guys have fun. Takuji: Now it's your turn to be played with. After that, I looked at the message board. I guess her death and the ensuing messages from her had quite the impact, since the message board was full of posts about it. Now that I think of it... Takuji: Shiroyama died, too... And he even fell from the roof... I hadn't noticed at all. The date was... July 10th. Takuji: Oh, that's right. He was doing drugs on the roof... They were talking about whether they were gonna do LSD or some hallucinogen like that. Takuji: Did he jump while he was high on that stuff? Well, I guess it doesn't really matter all that much now. Takuji: But... It's probably just a coincidence, but Shiroyama and Takashima-san both died. To the ignorant masses, it must have looked like the deaths were related. Coupled with the messages from Takashima, it seemed even more ominous to the people on the message board. Takuji: Hahahaha... As I read more... I realized something. Takuji: Huh? Takuji: Actually, I forgot... Takashima-san was registered on this message board too. After registering, she never posted until just before her death. I guess that's hardly surprising considering her personality. And yet... 74: Bick Hazard is coming. 1: Takashima Zakuro: 2012/07/11(Sat) 22:02:13 ID:zakuro The sealed nevus uses a Specialized Physics Bug (i.e. an Outer Magic Dark Summons Bug) to plant negative thoughts in the human race. That is the true nature of the battle between the dictators and tyrants of the world (Hitler, Genghis Khan, Marie Antoinette, etc.) and us (the peasants, the revolutionaries, the proletariat). Shiroyama Tsubasa was infected by the Specialized Physics Bug. The nevus used him to degrade me (the phenomenon of inducing a low energy state with a negative energy blast). And the reason is because the nevus will soon awaken. Bick Hazard is coming. A great disaster will occur! She'd suddenly started a thread on July 11th... The date was... the day before she committed suicide. After that, she'd posted several more times... That thread was full of trolls up until the day of her suicide. Was it all a coincidence? Shiroyama's death. Takashima-san's thread. Takashima-san's suicide. And then the messages from Takashima-san. They're all pointing in the same direction. That direction is toward...& : ul July 20th. My mother believed. Takashima-san believed. The world's last day. Takuji: Though, there was... There was a reason my mother started to believe that prediction. At the time, my mother had joined a new wave religion. The religion's founder said that the world would be destroyed on July 20th, 2012. Apparently there are lots of people in Mexico, India, and other places in the world that believe that. Mexico's prophecy in the Piedra del Sol. The prophecy of India's high priest. The year we will supposedly crash into the photon belt. By the way, the photon belt is just what it sounds like. It's a field of energy made up of photons that's thought to be in our galaxy. Our solar system rotates around Alcyone, the largest star in the Pleiades star cluster, once every 26,000 years. Supposedly, every 11,000 years, there is a 2,000 year period where the Earth passes through the photon belt. Because of the strong magnetic fields in the photon belt, many great disasters happen on Earth, and the genes of many organisms undergo a large change. During these 2,000 years, the entire world changes. The changes would mean the extinction of the human race and the appearance of a new form of humanity. The beginning of that 2,000 year period is supposed to be July 20th, 2012. That's not the only prophecy for 2012. There's a more important prediction... or rather, a calculation. That is... The Web Bot Project. My mother believed in it. When I was a child, she told me over and over that the collective human unconscious could show us the world's ultimate fate. She often described it as the sky being full of anxious words. Takuji: My mother believed in the Web Bot Project, and she believed in that prediction... The Web Bot Project is a program that reads the unconscious thoughts of the people on the Internet. Why would people's unconscious thoughts be important? There's a famous concept underlying this program. Carl Gustav Jung pioneered analytical psychology. He saw a strange commonality between the mental images all his patients held. It also matched up with the legends and myths from all different parts of the world. The conclusion he came to was... There exists a collective unconscious that unites all of humanity. Humanity shares the same unconscious. His theory led to several other supernatural theories. For instance, synchronicity. The coincidence of multiple related events occurring simultaneously in the world. Normally, someone would assume that the events occurring simultaneously are just a coincidence. But are they? To give an example. For instance, How do we know that causality is a result of the external forces that we can see and not something beyond explanation hidden within the objects? If humanity has a collective unconscious, it must be shared in some form. What if all of humanity is actually acting as one organism? Humanity is a group of individuals and one whole. One whole and yet a group of individuals. Both part and whole. Whole and part. Just like the individual living cells of a human being create a larger organism. Just like a single pawn obeys the rules of the entire game of chess, and the entire game of chess obeys the rules of a single pawn. An individual is the entirety, and the entirety is an individual. On an unconscious level, humanity is a single organism. Therefore, if one could understand the collective unconscious of the people on the Internet, they would be able to understand the will of humanity as a whole. No, they would know the will of God himself. Some people believed that. That is the Web Bot Project. The Web Bot Project predicted that the world would be destroyed on July 20th, 2012. The 'Bick Hazard' that Takashima-san spoke of. The Web Bot Project also made one other important prediction. In 2012, the savior will appear. It actually wasn't just the Web Bot Project that made this prediction. One of the Indian farseers predicted the same thing. But they say he will appear from the sky... Who is the savior? There are still arguments about it. My mother knew it long before my birth, since she was a prophet. She knew that her son would save the world. That's why she always punished me so severely. Not as a mother. But as the person who had given birth to the savior. Those memories are full of nothing but pain. That's why I used to hate my mother. But now I understand. Now I can say it with confidence. My mother truly loved me. She probably wanted to love me as a human mother. She probably wanted to embrace me. And yet... Actually... The day the world will return to the sky. She was kind when she was telling me about that day. Any other time, she put me through hell. My earliest memories, from the moment I was born, are of pain. The bullying I received at school was actually one of the trials my mother set before me. She programmed my life so that others would torment me even after her death. The reason she could do that was because she was a prophet. She knew everything. That's the only explanation. My analytical mind has revealed her plans. I have to solve this grand, inscrutable puzzle in order to save the world. I put the pieces together one by one. The will of the world. I understood my mother's will. I am the savior. I've attained unfathomable knowledge and wisdom. My mother could see the past and the future of this world. She created this program that stretches from the past into the future. Now I can see the whole picture. That's not all... I can feel the pain she must have gone through, being forced to live as a prophet rather than a mother. It must have been difficult. It must have been sad. She must have wanted to live a normal life with me. But she chose. She chose to be a prophet. She chose to save the world. Rather than be a mother... Maybe it was my mother's will that killed my lover as well. Maybe Takashima-san was killed by my mother's program. She was powerful enough to make it happen. Now I understand. Now that I've gained my powers as the savior. I understand that my mother was almost omnipotent. I was born to save the world. I was born from that almighty existence. What does that mean? That's right... She was obsessed with the Web Bot Project. She knew the importance of the collective unconscious. Jung called the harmonization of conscious thoughts and actions 'individuation.' That's not a metaphor. It means that humanity's unconscious is a single organism. Then what is that single organism? That is what the savior's mother was. Humanity needed a savior. Therefore, humanity gave birth to a savior. On this Earth... So just... What is that single unconscious that humanity has? What is the collective unconscious? That was none other than my mother. She was able to give birth to me because she was the embodiment of the human unconscious itself. She gave birth to the savior, who would save humanity. Takuji: I guess that's why... At first, the Web Bot Project didn't work properly. It wasn't just defective. It wouldn't start at all. Then, one day, it started working all on its own... And it was perfectly accurate. Since the time the Web Bot Project started working... I've never forgotten to check it. Every time a major event has happened, I've checked the predictions, and... it's always there. I overlooked most predictions because there were so many, but every time I checked after a major event, it was always on the list. Why did the Web Bot Project start working after my mother's death... At first, I didn't understand it. But now I do. My mother died... To prepare for the world's death. Because my mother was... The will of the world itself. I cried when I realized it. My mother's love... Humanity's wonder... I couldn't stop my overflowing tears. Takuji: There are six days until the world will be destroyed... Until the world will return to the sky... Takuji: I'll save it... I cried as I declared that. God made the world in six days... and then he rested of the final day. What can the savior do in six days? Takuji: I'll return as many people to the sky as I can... before the world is destroyed. Takuji: That is the will of the world. Takuji: That is my mother's will. Takuji: That's just how it is... The day that the world will return to the sky is not the day that the world will be destroyed. Someone must return the world to the sky before it is destroyed. That is the day when the world will return to the sky. Takuji: The world's destruction will occur on July 20th... which means the world must return to the sky on the day before. Takuji: How many will I be able to return to the sky? Takuji: That is... my mission as the savior. But is that possible? A single person returning the world to the sky... The answer is... Takuji: It's possible. Takuji: The savior is the person who knows the truth. Takuji: The person who holds all knowledge of life on this planet, not just human history. Takuji: With Riruru-chan's guidance, I've experienced the unconscious of life itself... That was a journey of millions, even billions of years... Takuji: All knowledge and wisdom, all skill and experience. The person who has obtained all is the savior. Takuji: I have grasped the truth! Takuji: Now that I know the truth, a week is the same as millions, billions, trillions, or even quadrillions of years to me. Takuji: With the truth I've grasped, the impossible becomes possible! Takuji: That truth is...! Takuji: Huh?! Takuji: ... ... My clear, analytical thoughts were suddenly interrupted. My clarity suddenly disappeared. Takuji: Agh... What is it... I should have all knowledge. I should have all wisdom. I should have all experience. And yet... Takuji: What's happening... I can't remember the millions of years I experienced last night. Takuji: Why... Takuji: Damn it... I calmly analyzed it. The human brain only has a capacity of 1350 to 1500 cc. They say that a human brain can have up to a trillion neurons. That number doesn't change very much until old age... I can assume that, as the savior, my brain should have several hundred times as many neurons. But still... it's not enough to remember all of the memories and experiences from several billion years of life. Takuji: So then I can conclude that, even though I'm the savior, I still have certain physical limitations. Takuji: Then why was I able to see it last night? Takuji: Why was I able to see the unconscious of all life? Takuji: It was just a few seconds... In those seconds, I was able to absorb all the memories and experiences of life throughout the past several billion years. Takuji: Why? A normal person could never understand the logic and genius of my thoughts. My genius pursued an as of yet hidden truth. Takuji: That means... Takuji: I need an external processor... Takuji: An external information processor... Not a mathematical processor, but rather something closer to a neural network. No, it should be a brain itself, I suppose. Takuji: Ah! That's what it was! Takuji: That's it... She was acting as a receiver... Takuji: She connected me, the savior, to all of humanity. No, to all of life. Takuji: At that time, I had power rivaling that of God. Takuji: Hehehehe... I see... I've started to understand what it means to be the savior... The savior isn't God. I'm still closer to being human. No, my body's structure actually is nothing more than human. So I can't escape the basic limitations of humanity. But the savior isn't human. Why is that? Yes. Through the angels, he becomes a god. It is with the aid of an angel that the savior is able to become a god. So, when I'm with Riruru-chan, I become a living god. She is the connection between me and God. Takuji: That's the answer... Takuji: That's the answer... Hehehehe... Takuji: Hehehehe. I've solved all the riddles. I've found all the answers. What the savior must do. What the child of God must do. What the savior can do. What the savior can't do. What God can do. What God can't do. It has all been revealed. Takuji: That which God cannot do is that which I must do... Takuji: The things I can do that God can't... The things I can do because I am human. Takuji: First, I must descend upon the world of the commoners. Takuji: I must enter the world of the commoners. Takuji: And I must be polluted by the human world. Takuji: God can't allow himself to be polluted by the human world. Therefore, he can never interact with humans. Takuji: The person who can be polluted is able to enter the world of humans. Takuji: A perfectly holy existence isn't able to delve into the human world. Takuji: The Sun can't come to Earth for the same reason. Takuji: His holiness would incinerate the polluted humans. Takuji: That's why I must do this. Takuji: I can act as the savior because I can allow myself to be polluted. Takuji: So I must go to the humans and be polluted! Takuji: I must be polluted by the filthy humans! Takuji: To the world of the commoners! Takuji: I must accomplish those great works that God may not. Female Student: So that's... isn't it? Female Student: But that's just a rumor, isn't it? All that stuff is. They're just rumors. Female Student: Yeah, they've been saying that for ages, you know? Female Student: A prediction? Something like that, right? Female Student: My dad said they used to be really popular. Something about Nostradamus' prophecies. Female Student: Like I said, they're not prophecies. Female Student: If they're not prophecies, then how do they tell the future? Female Student: I don't know the details. Female Student: But they say it's scientific. Female Student: They call it the web bot. Male Student: You mean the Web Bot Project? Female Student: Yeah, that. You know about it? Female Student: What is it? Male Student: It's software that gathers all the conversations on the Internet. It can apparently predict the future. Takuji: Oh, look... The commoners have already started to pick up on the Web Bot Project... People are mysterious. Each individual one is so stupid, but sometimes they show a spark of brilliance in groups. Is that the effect of synchronicity? Takuji: Hehehehe... Then that synchronicity should lead them to the other predictions. It should make them realize that a prophet is among them. The time of the world's destruction. It should make them recognize the person who must return the world to the sky before its destruction. Female Student: "Hey..." Female Student: "That idiot Takuji is looking at us..." Female Student: "Eww... You're right." Female Student: "Nasty." They're slandering me in their hearts, even if they aren't saying it out loud. I can see into people's minds. Even if they try to look away, it's too late. Takuji: Hehehe... These peasants can go ahead and laugh at me... Takuji: All those who don't accept my salvation will fall into the depths of hell. Takuji: Hehehehehehe... Female Student: "Now he's laughing..." Female Student: "No way! That's creepy!" Female Student: "Let's go." Female Student: "Yeah." The foolish women disappeared. Hehehe, they must have been scared of me. That's the reason why they avoid me. They would try to deny it, of course. But that is the truth. My existence is far too holy for them to behold. My existence is too brilliant for their mortal eyes. Just like humans can't look directly at the sun. They can't look directly at me. Tomosane: Takuji: ...You're... Tomosane: You look like you're about to, -kun. Takuji: Oh... it's you... He's nothing more than another person programmed to test me. He's been sent to train my mind by inflicting pain upon me. I suppose I should be grateful to him. Takuji: Yuuki Tomosane-kun... Tomosane: ... Tomosane: Takuji, you're kind of... Iida: Huh? What's wrong, Yuuki-kun? Tomosane: ...Takuji. Nishimura: Yuuki-kun? Tomosane: Hey, you dumb piece of shit, what's up with that goofy grin? Takuji: My grin? Hahaha... Am I grinning, now? Tomosane: Are you talking back to me? Takuji: I'll apologize if I offended you... Sorry. Tomosane: Apologize? What the fuck are you talking about? Didn't I teach you a better way to apologize to me, you little shit? Takuji: A better way? Tomosane: Show me you're sorry with money. Bring me 200,000 yen. That includes what you were short last time. Takuji: Money, huh... So, when do you want it by? Tomosane: What, you don't care about the deadline? Takuji: Not really. Either way... I don't really care, I guess? Tomosane: What? Do you have a way of getting the money? Takuji: Maybe I do. So why do you want 200,000 yen? Tomosane: What'd you say? Takuji: While I'm at it, why don't I give 200,000 yen to Numada and Nishimura too? Tomosane: What? Iida: Huh? Seriously? You're gonna give us money? Nishimura: Did you win the lottery? Takuji: Hehehehe, maybe I did. Iida: Really? Seriously? You don't mind? Tomosane: Shut up! Iida: Huh? Tomosane: Forget about it. Iida: Huh? But he just... Tomosane: That's not what we're talking about. Nishimura: But he won the lottery... Tomosane: Either way, you bastards need to disappear. He's my property. Iida: Huh? Tomosane: Don't make me say it again. Disappear. All of his money is mine. Nishimura: Eek! Yuuki glared at them fiercely. Their faces instantly turned pure white. Takuji: Impressive. Tomosane: Huh? Takuji: It really is impressive how you can make people submit to you out of fear. Tomosane: You little... It seemed like he was about to jump on me at that very instant. I quietly said... Takuji: Do you want to talk? Should we go somewhere else? Tomosane: What'd you say? Takuji: Let's go to the roof. Tomosane: ... A blue vein popped out on his forehead, emphasizing the anger on his pale face. It looked like he was about to attack me here and now rather than wait until later. But other people would get in the way here... And besides... Tomosane: ALRIGHT, Mamiya-kun! You know, Takuji, what you said today REALLY hurt my feelings! Takuji: ... Tomosane: You were so well trained, and now you've gotten REBELLIOUS. Takuji: ... Tomosane: This is the rooftop. Tomosane: And... Tomosane: Class just started. Tomosane: No one will come here. Tomosane: No-one-will-come-to-save-you. Tomosane: Even if you die, no-one-will-notice. He talked as if he was just playing around, but I could see the blood rushing to his head. He must have been preparing himself for the "catharsis" he thought he was about to go through... What a roundabout man... Tomosane: Takuji-kun? Is there something you want to say to me? Tomosane: You must've gotten the wrong idea after watching some dumb anime. Are you starting to understand the situation you're in right now? Yuuki punched me in the face. He was just as quick as I had expected. Blood flew from my nostrils. Takuji: Ugh! Tomosane: Has that pain reminded you of anything? Tomosane: In the end, that's all you are. That's all you're good for. Tomosane: You'll live your life being bullied by people who are stronger than you. Tomosane: There's nowhere for you to run. Tomosane: The only place you can run to is the grave. Tomosane: Go on, cry. Tomosane: Just like you always do. Tomosane: Cry... Takuji: ... Takuji: Hehehehehe... Tomosane: The hell?! Takuji: Hehehe, it hurts... Tomosane: ...Takuji. Takuji: It hurts... You gave me another nosebleed. Takuji: Ever since you broke my nose, I've started getting nosebleeds all the time. Tomosane: ... Takuji: Do you want to end up like Shiroyama? Takuji: I'll make your death gruesome enough to repay you for every punch. Tomosane: ... Tomosane: Hmph... I wondered what you were gonna say. Tomosane: What are you on about? Did you cast some curse you read about in some occult magazine on Shiroyama? Tomosane: Hehehehe... What's with that crap? You really are stupid, huh? Tomosane: You really think I'm scared of that shit? Takuji: A curse? Takuji: It wasn't a curse. It was inevitable. Tomosane: Huh? What are you talking about? Takuji: He died, Takashima-san died, and now you're tormenting me. Takuji: It was all set up by my mother. Tomosane: H-Huh? What * What the hell are you going on about now?"* The rage written large on his face changed into a smile. Is something funny? Tomosane: Your mommy? Your mommy killed Shiroyama and Takashima? And you think she asked me to bully you? Takuji: Hehehe... You wouldn't understand, even were I to explain it. But I shall tell you this much. Tomosane: What? Takuji: Your role has ended. Tomosane: My role has ended? Takuji: That's right... It's over. Yuuki froze for a moment when he heard those words. Not just his movement, but his face, and probably his mind too. Tomosane: Wh-What do you mean? Takuji: You existed only to discipline my mind. Today, your role has ended. Tomosane: Huh? What are you talking about? Tomosane: Discipline your mind * Hahahahaha! You're such a dumbass."* Tomosane: Do you still have a brain left in that head of yours? Tomosane: I've always thought you had a screw loose, but I didn't know you'd gone off the deep end already. Tomosane: I was wondering what you were gonna say. Tomosane: Well then... Guess I'll just have to beat you harder than ever before. Tomosane: After I've given you the normal beatdown, I'll stick pencils in your ear and punch them. It'll be beyond painful. Tomosane: I'm gonna hurt you so bad you'll wish you could kill yourself. Tomosane: Here goes... Tomosane: Wha―?! At first, even Yuuki himself probably didn't know what happened. He put all his weight into the punch... But I was waiting for it. Tomosane: Agh! I wondered if he had actually been trained in martial arts. I threw him to the ground in such a way that he shouldn't have been able to catch himself, but he twisted and avoided the worst of the impact. Well, I wouldn't say 'avoided.' Instead of hitting his head, he dislocated his shoulder. Tomosane: Ugh... Takuji: Oh, look... Impressive... Even after taking that hit, he used the momentum to get right back on his feet. So that he could prepare himself for the next blow. Tomosane: Y-You... Takuji: Hehehehe... You're rather impressive. He probably hadn't noticed. He hadn't realized that the person he was facing was stronger than any other person in the world. I've attained the knowledge and experience of all of humanity, and all of life. All knowledge, wisdom, experience, and skill. Of course, that includes the kind of hand to hand fighting that he specialized in. All of humanity. From the weakest human to the greatest martial artists. All of their experience and skill has been distilled in my body. A single person like Yuuki Tomosane could never hope to match me. Or so I thought, but... Takuji: I thought the battle would be over in an instant, but you really are strong. Tomosane: Wh-What'd you say?! Takuji: After all, I am the strongest person in the world. Tomosane: ...What are you on about? Takuji: Right now, I'm stronger than any person in human history. That's all. Tomosane: Y-You're crazy... Did you really lose your marbles? Yuuki glared at me. I didn't feel the same pressure as before. Takuji: Now it's my turn. Takuji: Huh? Takuji: ... Wh-What's this... I punched him, but for some reason it was my leg that hurt. Takuji: Chkh... I managed to catch myself before I crashed into the ground. But still, he must have hit me pretty hard, since my vision was blurry. Tomosane: Ridiculous. You act like you're a black belt just because you learned a few tricks. Tomosane: You're gonna need another million years of training to match me. Takuji: This is... Apparently, he turned his entire body to dodge my attack and then hit me with a backfist. I can't believe he would stand before the strongest man in the world and, rather than flinch, attack. Tomosane: Come on... I'll show you just how strong you really are. Takuji: Ugh! Pain... or rather, fatigue. The fatigue is greater than the pain. I'm just tired... Takuji: I can't believe he could do that. Takuji: Even after I was reborn... Last night, I had obtained all knowledge and skill. There's no doubt about that. I had none of the knowledge I do now. Including the martial arts I just used. Until yesterday, I couldn't have beaten Yuuki even if I ganged up on him with several other people. I even got beat up by Numada, Shiroyama, Nishimura, and Iinuma. I couldn't stop them from bullying me. I was useless and powerless. And then I was reborn as the savior. That's when I obtained everything. Including these martial arts... And yet... Tomosane: You haven't beaten me... until you've broken every bone in my body... Takuji: Ah! I kicked the fallen Yuuki in the face as he laid on the ground. My shoes were stained with blood. Tomosane: ...Psh! His expression didn't change as he spit out a bloody tooth. This man... Tomosane: Like hell you're the strongest. Knock it off with your delusions... You're gonna need to kick harder than that if you want to kill me. Takuji: ... He had fallen, slumped against the fence. He wasn't fazed at all, even after being subjected to this level of violence. What the hell is he... Tomosane: Mamiya... remember this... Tomosane: If you don't kill me now... I'll end you next time... Tomosane: That's what it means to fight me... Tomosane: Mamiya Takuji! Yuuki shouted. Blood flew from his lips. He roared. Why is he still... Takuji: ...Yuuki. This is definitely... strange. This man was prepared by my mother so that I could be reborn as the savior. My mother set it up so he would drive me to the depths of despair. So then... He should have no value anymore. And yet he neither bows to my glory, nor runs in fear. Now that I've become the savior, those should be the only two options left for him. And yet, even after he's been reduced to this, he still resists me. Why? Tomosane: I'm done playing along with your delusions. Takuji: My delusions? Tomosane: That's right... Your delusional world... No, your world itself will end. Takuji: My world itself? Tomosane: That's right... This bastard... He knows that the world is about to be destroyed? Is that why he still defies me? Why does he know that? My breathing slowed and calmed. The pain was clouding my thoughts, but... As the fatigue faded away, my thoughts started to organize themselves. That's it. I have my calm, my wisdom, and my knowledge. Think. About the man in front of me. Shiroyama's death. Takashima-san's death. And then Yuuki Tomosane. It's all connected. Through my mother's will. It's all part of her design. So then, what about him? I have obtained the greatest power in this world, so why is he as strong as me? Why has he been given this much power? Repeat. So then, what about him? I have obtained the greatest power in this world, so why is he as strong as me? Why has he been given this much power? So then, what about him? I have obtained the greatest power in this world, so why is he as strong as me? Why has he been given this much power? So then, what about him? I have obtained the greatest power in this world, so why is he as strong as me? Why has he been given this much power? So then, what about him? I have obtained the greatest power in this world, so why is he as strong as me? Why has he been given this much power? So then, what about him? I have obtained the greatest power in this world, so why is he as strong as me? Why has he been given this much power? So then, what about him? I have obtained the greatest power in this world, so why is he as strong as me? Why has he been given this much power? So then, what about him? I have obtained the greatest power in this world, so why is he as strong as me? Why has he been given this much power? So then, what about him? I have obtained the greatest power in this world, so why is he as strong as me? Why has he been given this much power? So then, what about him? I have obtained the greatest power in this world, so why is he as strong as me? Why has he been given this much power? So then, what about him? I have obtained the greatest power in this world, so why is he as strong as me? Why has he been given this much power? So then, what about him? I have obtained the greatest power in this world, so why is he as strong as me? Why has he been given this much power? So then, what about him? I have obtained the greatest power in this world, so why is he as strong as me? Why has he been given this much power? Takuji: I see... Takuji: I understand now. Tomosane: ... Takuji: I see... I understand now. Tomosane: Understand what? Takuji: My preparation to become the savior is still not complete. Tomosane: You're still going on about that? Takuji: That's the reason you're so strong. Tomosane: Huh? What the hell does that mean? Takuji: You can come challenge me any time you like. Takuji: I'll make you bow to me every time. Takuji: Eventually, I'll make you bow down in spirit too. Takuji: I'll make you bow down before my glory. Tomosane: Y-You crazy bastard... Takuji: Hehehehehe... Keep on barking. You can challenge me any time you like. Takuji: Your existence is nothing more than a challenge for me to overcome on my path. Takuji: My battle with you is just training. Takuji: That's the reason my mother gave you such exceptional power. Tomosane: Your mother? Just how crazy are you? Takuji: Hehehehe... Well, go rest for today. You can't challenge me to a rematch with those wounds. Takuji: Hahahahahaha... Female Student: I saw it earlier, but now everyone's talking about it. Female Student: They were linking to it on other sites. Female Student: Yeah, the posts were all about the Web Bot Project. Male Student: It's just like I said. Female Student: I wonder if it's real. Male Student: What? Female Student: The Web Bot Project says the world will be destroyed on the 20th. Male Student: You saw the link, right? It said that's what the data actually means. Female Student: Yeah, but... that's scary... I instantly healed my wounds with the power of the savior. In the classroom, there were even more people talking about the world's destruction. July 20th, 2012. Takashima Zakuro's prediction. Shiroyama's death. All the prophecies from all the corners of the world match up. The words of those prophecies echoed throughout the world, as if the world's destruction were upon this very day. But still... this is just the beginning. The vulgar peasantry are far from comprehending what it truly means. Far. " know..." Male Student: Huh? Male Student: Oh, it's . Yuki: And you're . That's... That woman is... That's... That woman is... That woman... She's... Minakami Yuki... A girl from the same class as me... But still... ―What is she doing... Is she looking for something? It looks like she's asking about something. She's talking to... Yokoyama Kiyoshi. He's... Well, who cares about him. Average looks. Average grades. Not anyone I care about. But still. That Minakami Yuki... For some reason, she grabs my attention. Minakami Yuki. They say she's so strong that even Yuuki avoids her... She's also a genius who placed near the top in the country on the trial examination, though I heard her grades have been awful lately. Before, she was so different from me that I would never even approach her, but... now I've been reborn as the savior. Now I'm surprisingly similar to her. We're similar. As elevated existences, we have much in common. Yuki, at the apex of human achievement, is very close to me, since I still haven't completed my transformation into the savior. Now I can understand that. Minakami Yuki... There's something else about her... I can't shake that thought. Kiyoshi: It's awfully rare for you to talk to me. Yuki: I actually don't want to talk to you at all, but... I have something I need to ask you, so whatever. Kiyoshi: Something you want to ask me? Wow, I'm honored. Yuki: That Web Bot Project you were talking about. Is there really a site like that, where they predict the future? Kiyoshi: Of course there is! Yuki: That's one of those Web Bots that automatically goes around the Internet and collects information to store in a searchable database, right? Kiyoshi: Umm... Yuki: Then it's simply a bot that generates HTTP requests, retrieves some HTML documents, searches for keywords within it, and saves them in the database. Then it can analyze the document's anchor tags and use the first file's links to retrieve additional HTML files. Kiyoshi: I don't get it... Yuki: To put it simply, the Web Bot is a search engine with spiders and web crawlers. Kiyoshi: Umm... Yuki: What's this Web Bot Project that's supposedly making those predictions, though? What's the website? Kiyoshi: Um, I don't really know myself. It's just a topic on the message board. Yuki: The underground message board... Kiyoshi: You know about it, then? Yuki: No, not really, but I've heard rumors. Actually, have you ever been to the site? Kiyoshi: Yeah, of course I have. Yuki: Then could you give me the URL? Kiyoshi: Sure, but you have to register to get past the front page, and you can't even register without a referral. Yuki: Registration? I thought it was anonymous? Kiyoshi: Yeah, but what would be the point if it were open to the public? Yuki: So that's how it works. Kiyoshi: Yeah. Yuki: Well that's fine. Anyway, send me the URL, and then give me a referral. Kiyoshi: What's your phone's email address? I can send it right now. Yuki: I don't have one. Kiyoshi: Huh? You don't have a cell phone? Yuki: It ticks me off that you think everyone has one. Don't go around assuming everyone has a phone. Kiyoshi: R-Really? Umm... you don't, huh... Yuki: What's your problem? I don't have one. It doesn't exist. Kiyoshi: But still * everyone browses that site with their cell phones. I don't think I've ever seen anyone go there from a computer."* Yuki: Just send it to my computer. I always get on the Internet from a desktop computer. Kiyoshi: Sure... Tell me your email address, then. Yuki: Here. She wrote down her email address and passed it to him. Kiyoshi: ... Kiyoshi: This is a free mail account... Yuki: That's right. Is there a problem with that? Kiyoshi: No, but don't you have a real email address Yuki: I do, but I'm not giving it to you. Kiyoshi: Oh... Kiyoshi: Um, I have a favor to ask. Yuki: What? Kiyoshi: If I become your referrer, that means we're friends, right? Kiyoshi: Ow... Yuki: You shouldn't say such nasty things with a grin on your face.. * So then, what are you trying to say?"* Kiyoshi: There's this party pretty soon... If you'd like to come, I could get you in. Kiyoshi: Oogh. Yuki: You remember what happened the last time you guys tried hitting on me, don't you? Yuki: I hate men. If you start talking like that again, I'll do to you what I did to them, but otherwise I don't mind. Kiyoshi: Um, we actually might need you to do something like that. We need someone strong. There are gonna be some people around who don't like us all that much. Yuki: I don't really know what you mean, but I don't mind participating. Kiyoshi: Hell yeah * They've been dissing us ever since Shiroyama went and died..."* She really is investigating the incident. Or rather, something hidden behind the incident. She's investigating... my mother's great plan for this world. I don't know what reason she has. Anyway, that woman is trying to investigate the underground message board. What is she investigating? And how is she planning to do it... That's something worth paying attention to... Maybe I should keep an eye on her... Takuji: Hmm? She stopped... It looks like she's talking to someone, but... That's... Those two creepy flickering shadows... Only one thing comes to mind when I see shadows like that. The Wakatsuki sisters... Actually, Minakami Yuki is friends with the Wakatsuki sisters. Apparently they're childhood friends, and they walk to school together sometimes. The Wakatsuki sisters... They're definitely not good people... And... those two have read my mind a couple times before. As the savior, I can't allow them to do that anymore. Still, it's strange that they even have that power at all. Normal humans can't do anything like that. Why are there so many people with special powers in this school... Yuuki Tomosane, who has as much strength as me. Minakami Yuki, who has as much knowledge as me. The Wakatsuki sisters, who can read minds. Takashima Zakuro, who predicted the world's destruction before her death. And me, the person who will save the world from destruction. This can't be a coincidence. All of it must be part of a greater design. Takuji: Did my mother send... the Wakatsuki sisters too? ... No... That doesn't sound right... Something different is responsible for them... Something evil... I don't know why, but they're somehow unpleasant to be around. It's not just their ability to read minds. I feel something evil within them... Takuji: They might be different. I don't have any proof, but that's how it feels. Even Yuuki, who bullied me for so long, isn't nearly as unpleasant as they are. And of course, neither is Takashima-san. It bothers me... Why would something evil try to get close to Minakami Yuki, the girl who has so much knowledge... The Wakatsuki sisters... I have to find out what you two really are... Hehehehe... After that, Minakami Yuki made small talk with an underclassman. That was Yokoyama Kiyoshi's little sister. I think her name was Yasuko... Well, she's not important. After that, she went to Takashima Zakuro's empty classroom and investigated her seat. She's a day late, but that's still a good idea. Yesterday, I too investigated that desk. She must be pretty interested in finding out the truth behind the incident. But still... She has a detective kit... That makes me feel a little nostalgic. When I was little, my mother bought me a detective kit like that. Occasionally my mother would be kind to me and buy me things like that. But I was too young, so I didn't know what I was supposed to do with it. She must have wanted me to grow into a smart child like Minakami Yuki. All right... I know what she's capable of. All she's doing is playing detective... She looked promising, but I guess I expected too much of her. Takuji: Hmm... I probably don't need to follow her anymore... I guess I can just leave her alone now, but... But... Takuji: It might be interesting to see her reaction... I've come into contact with Yuuki quite a few times, but I've hardly ever talked to her. She's probably not a threat to me, but... she might be another part of my mother's program. If she is, she might have some special power that even I can't overcome. That's right... It wouldn't be a bad decision to talk to her directly. Let's try it. I waited for her by the old pool. This is the entrance to my base. She should notice me here if she really does have any special powers. Yesterday, she was loitering around here. Maybe she's already realized my base is here. Though it's not the kind of thing someone could easily find. After all, it was the savior who created this base. A mere human like her couldn't find a base constructed by the son of God so easily... Yuki: ...Taku ... I saw her come into view. I spoke to her. Takuji: What's wrong, Minakami-san? Takuji: Were you looking for me? Yuki: Yeah, I have something to ask you... Takuji: You don't look so good. Yuki: D-Don't worry about me... Takuji: I'm feeling great, though. She's clearly suspicious of me. I can read her expression and see into her mind. Before, I wasn't able to read people's minds. But now I can. As the savior, it's no more difficult to read a person's mind than it is to look at the contents of a clear glass bottle. Just by squinting a little, I can see everything they're thinking about. I can hear the words in her heart. Just as if she were speaking them... Yuki: What? He's changed so much... He's not usually like this... Yuki: Why does he look so divine? Yuki: It's like his personality completely changed... Yuki: A change in personality? Yuki: There's no way that could happen so quickly... So then what else could it be? Yuki: Maybe drugs? Yuki: Every time I meet him, I start to feel sick... and his personality has completely changed. Hehehehe... She's slower than I thought. I will compliment her on noticing my divinity, but I hate how she assumes it's caused by drugs. She doesn't know what's really going on. She doesn't understand. She looks suspicious. She must be thinking that I use a vaporizer, since I don't smell like drugs. Her conclusion is completely incorrect, though. Poor thing... She's not that smart at all... Takuji: Smoking with a vaporizer, you say? Nope. Yuki: Huh?! She's surprised... Hehehe, she's definitely shocked at having her mind read. I should tease her some more... I'll show her just how easy it is to read her mind... Takuji: Wouldn't that have to be something tasteless and odorless? That would be crazy expensive. Yuki: What are you talking about? Takuji: What's wrong? You look shocked, as if someone just read your mind. Yuki: ... Takuji: Didn't you have a question for me? That's why you came. Yuki: ... Yuki: Wh-What are you so cheerful for? You're a creepy guy. She really did come looking for me. Well, since she came all the way out here to the old pool, that was obvious. For what reason? Hmm... I see... I did my best to erase those letters, but vitally, my name was still there on the desk. And so she realized that Takashima-san and I had a relationship... Your powers of reasoning are quite impressive, Minakami-san. Perhaps I should apologize for insulting her intelligence earlier. Takuji: I see. My name was on Takashima-san's desk, huh? You did a good job finding that. Yuki: Wha―! Hehehehehehe! Her face is great! I love seeing her shocked expression. It's too funny... Yuki: M-Mamiya, you! Oww... She put her hand on her head. Now that I think of it, before she came here, I had a light headache that made it feel like my ears were full of white noise. I see. So she really is connected to me in some way. Takuji: A headache again? Maybe you can't bear to look at someone who's grasped the truth? Yuki: What? That's ridiculous. Takuji: Quite. I thought maybe you would understand. I can't write you off as a complete stranger. Yuki: That's gross. We are complete strangers. The only thing we have in common is our class. Takuji: Of course. That's the relation between you and I. Takuji: That's why you deserve no greeting from me. Yuki: Huh? Takuji: Because I have to confirm whether or not the person in front of me is a superior human being. Yuki: What are you... Ouch... Takuji: I'll say it again. Takuji: That's why you deserve no greeting from me! Yuki: ... I presented her with a metaphysical riddle. It must be too complicated for her to comprehend, like a Zen dialogue. But... I'm talking to her about the dream of life I saw last night... The dream of higher dimensions. Takuji: That's right. To put it in words, you're still confined to the second dimension. Yuki: The second dimension? Takuji: Yes! That's right. Here, right now, is the two-dimensional world. Your existence is like that of an ant. Yuki: What are you talking about? Takuji: How would a two-dimensional ant comprehend the third dimension? Yuki: I don't know what you're saying at all! You're not making any sense. Takuji: ne way is for the ant to observe a three-dimensional object passing through the plane of the second dimension. It would observe the object as a square flickering in place. Takuji: The only part of the third dimension the ant's imagination can conjure is its shadow. Takuji: The only thing those living in two dimensions are permitted to watch is the shadow changing from moment to moment. Takuji: Then how would we three-dimensional humans comprehend the fourth dimension? How would we comprehend the fifth? The sixth? How would we comprehend the dimensions beyond that? Takuji: hat's right. In the same way a two-dimensional being can only imagine us as square shadows, we must imagine the higher dimensions as shadows. She was confused by the complicated explanation. I watched her closely. Her expression, the way her body moved, what she thought... all of it. Her head must still hurt. She frowned and brought her hand to her head again. That's to be expected, since she's standing before a divine existence like myself and listening to my words of truth... It's amazing that she hasn't fainted. Oh? She's thinking of something different. She's so confused that she's going to resort to the most vulgar and primitive form of communication. The most vulgar and primitive form of communication... What we usually call 'violence.' I'm so divine that she wants to use violence to subdue me. I see. What a banal choice. Just like the Roman Empire used violence when it crucified Jesus Christ, she wants to use violence to force me to submit. She's no better than Yuuki... I'm disappointed. Yuki: Mamiya, come a bit closer... Takuji: I'll be going now! Yuki: Hey, I'm talking to you! Takuji: I'm not too fond of getting punched. Yuki: Huh?! She's convinced now. She knows that I can see directly into her mind. Now she's truly shocked. Takuji: Can I really read your mind? Takuji: Heheh. I'll let you chase that particular answer yourself. Takuji: But if you can't catch it, you'll never know. Yuki: Mamiya Takuji! Takuji: Well then, I'll be taking my leave. Takuji: ... Takuji: Again... Ayana: Mamiya-kun. Takuji: Hello... Otonashi-san. Takuji: ... Ayana: Have you found the truth? Takuji: ... I'd forgotten about her. She has a different aura than the rest. Different than Yuuki or Minakami. A little different from the Wakatsuki sisters... Of course, completely different from Takashima-san. When I see her... I'm assaulted by a different feeling that's not quite the same kind of unpleasantness. What is it? What is this feeling? Am I afraid? N-No way. What am I thinking... Calm down. Just calm down. Why would I fear her? There's no reason for me to fear her! I'm the savior... I'm not a normal human. There's no reason for me to be afraid of her. That's right. I have gathered all the world's knowledge and wisdom. Of all the beings on earth, I am the one closest to truth itself. Takuji: N-No, the road to truth is steep. Ayana: I see. Ayana: Is truth to be found in the school? Takuji: It's not just in the school. It's everywhere. Takuji: A person who can see the truth will be able to see it within everything his gaze rests on. Ayana: I see. Ayana: Isn't that... Takuji: Isn't it what? Ayana: Isn't that scary? Takuji: ... What's with her? Her words were sharp like a blade, and cold... But I... Takuji: Hehehehe... Scary? Why would I be? You say that as if I were cowering in the corner. I'm the savior... I'm not scared of someone like this. Calm down. Ayana: Am I wrong? Takuji: Of course you are. There's nothing I'm afraid of. Rather, shouldn't you be the one afraid of me? Ayana: ...Afraid of you? Why do you think that? Takuji: Because we're completely alone in this underground container. No one will come to rescue you, no matter what happens. Ayana: Rescue? Ayana: Do you need someone to rescue you, Mamiya-kun? Takuji: You really don't understand what I'm saying, do you? They would be coming to rescue you. Ayana: Hehehe, I see. Takuji: ... Ayana: That's a relief. Takuji: What are you talking about?! What should I be afraid of?! There's nothing I'm afraid of! Takuji: Y-You're the one who doesn't know anything! Takuji: Right now, you and I are alone in a closed room, where no one will come! You're the one in danger! Ayana: Hehehe... Maybe you should bite instead of just barking, then. Especially since we're all alone in a closed room. Takuji: What did you say?! She still thinks I'm as powerless as I was before. She doesn't know I'm the strongest person in recorded history. That's why she isn't afraid of me. Then I should... Ayana: Do you want to try raping me? Takuji: What? Ayana: Or... would you rather murder me? Takuji: ... I really should. ... No... It's a meaningless challenge. There's no need to do that. Ayana: It should be easy for the strongest person in recorded history, right? Takuji: Wha―! Calm down. Don't let her affect you. Anyway, I shouldn't rise to her challenge. Takuji: Haa... Could you stop it with the pointless challenges? Ayana: Really? I was having fun. Takuji: More importantly, would you answer one of my questions? Ayana: What you're afraid of? Hehehe... Ayana: I could tell you that. Takuji: Th-There's nothing to tell. I'm not afraid of anything. I know everything, and I see everything. I'm the person who will save the world. Ayana: Hmm... You're going to save the world? Ayana: Save the world... This person... her eyes... I felt like I was being sucked into a bottomless pit when I stared into them. No, this feeling... I'd never felt this sensation before. Even Tomosane Yuuki... Even Minakami Yuki... didn't make me feel like this. Just what is this feeling? Takuji: Otonashi... Ayana... Ayana: Yes? Takuji: Just what are you? Ayana: Sweat. Takuji: ... Ayana: You're sweating. Takuji: That's just because it's summer. No, that's a lie. That was definitely just a bluff. I understand that. I've started to fear her. It's definitely cold sweat running down my cheek right now. The problem is, why? Why am I afraid of this woman? Ayana: What you're afraid of... Ayana: Your mother? Takuji: ... Ayana: Death. Takuji: ... Ayana: But that's nothing more than an excuse. Ayana: Mamiya-kun, do you want to see the truth? Takuji: H-Huh? Wh-What... I don't care what a human like you thinks the truth is. I-I'm... Ayana: The person who knows the truth. Takuji: Th-That's right! Ayana: It must be blissful. Takuji: What? Ayana: Hehehe... It's the best way to avoid looking at that which has been hidden. Takuji: Wh-What do you mean? What are you trying to say?! Ayana: What do I mean? Hehehe... You're the one who knows that best. Takuji: Wh-What do you... Ayana: You were the one who hid it, after all. Takuji: I hid it? Ayana: Yes. You hid it from everyone. Takuji: Everyone? "Yes... From your ... and ." Takuji: Wh-What did you say?! Ayana: Look... you hide it just like that. Takuji: Wh-What? I'm not hiding anything! Ayana: Your mother... always goes to visit your mother. Takuji: Ah! Takuji: Y-You're the one hiding the words! Ayana: Hehehe... You really are amusing. Too amusing, in fact. Humans are quite amusing. Ayana: Why do humans try to hide things? Ayana: Even though they know something, they act as if they don't, and then one day they truly do forget. Ayana: They still want to know it, even after they've forgotten it. Takuji: What are you? Ayana: People have hidden death... The world has hidden death. Takuji: Hidden death? Ayana: Yes... People have banished death from the world. Ayana: And then they try to dig it up after they've gone through all the trouble of hiding it. Ayana: Why are people captivated by death once they've finally managed to hide it out of sight? Ayana: They put so much effort into hiding it, and yet they dig it up again. Ayana: Mamiya-kun, you too are trying to unearth something which you've hidden. Takuji: Wh-What are you... A quiet voice... Lucid eyes... She seemed to know, seemed to see everything. She... ...gave me goosebumps. But... Ayana: The next world. Takuji: The next world? Ayana: You won't be the one to reach it. Takuji: Wh-What? Ayana: This is the boundary. Not the, but the boundary line. Takuji: Boundary line? Ayana: So it's okay if you pretend like you don't know. Ayana: You can just act like you haven't noticed. Ayana: But then, why are you trying to uncover that which you've hidden? Ayana: Why don't you just pretend like you don't know? Takuji: You think I hid it? You think I'm just pretending like I don't know? Takuji: What are you saying?! What have I hidden?! Ayana: Look... Takuji: Look? Ayana: Look at the sky. Takuji: The sky? This is an underground reservoir tank― Takuji: Wha―?! Takuji: Wh-Why is the sky there? Takuji: Th-This is the reservoir tank, and... and... Ayana: That is the truth you were looking for. Takuji: What is that? Ayana: End Sky. Takuji: Wh-What? Ayana: Humans are amusing. Ayana: I can see humans when I stand on the boundary line. That's why I can't stop playing this game. Takuji: Y-You're... not a normal human? Ayana: Hehehe... What do I look like to you? Takuji: Y-You're... Ayana: After all, I... "I'm the Mahou Shoujo Riruru." Takuji: Wha―?! Takuji: AAAAAAAAaaAaaaAAaaAaAaaAAAAAaAaAaaaAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaAAAAAAaaAaaaaaAAAaaaaAaaaaaAAAaaaaAaaaaaAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAaaAAAAAaaaaaaaAaaAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAaaAAAAAAAaaAAaaaaaaAAAAAAaaaaaAAAAaAAAaaAaaAaaaAAAAAAAaaAAaAAAaaAaaAAAAAaaAAaAAAaaAaaAaaaAAAaAAAaaAaaAaaaAAAaAAAaaAaaAaaaAAAaAAAaaAaaAaaaAaAAAAAGGGGGGhhhHHhhhGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH! Riruru: ...up. Takuji: ... Riruru: W... up. Takuji: ...... Riruru: Wake up... Takuji: Mm... This is... Takuji: Huh?! Riruru: Are you awake, Takuji-kun? Takuji: Riruru-chan... Riruru: The Holy Surge has been perfectly tuned. Takuji: Holy Surge? Riruru: Yeah, the hotline that connects the two of us. Riruru: Any time you think you want to talk to me, I'll be summoned. Takuji: I see. So... Riruru: Was there something you wanted to talk to me about? Takuji: ... Riruru: Hmm? Riruru: What's wrong Takuji: Oh, n-nothing. It was kind of hard to talk to Riruru-chan about Otonashi-san. Or rather, I didn't want to talk about her. Takuji: Oh, right. Today... I saw the End Sky. Riruru: I know that. After all, I'm― Riruru: The Mahou Shoujo Riruru. Takuji: ...I guess so. Takuji: You know everything, huh? Riruru: Yeah. Riruru: How many millions of years of knowledge did you gather today? Takuji: W-Well, I haven't reached the peak of existence yet. Takuji: But the day hasn't ended. Riruru: That's right. I wonder why she doesn't say anything about Otonashi-san. She should know I talked to her. Why... Takuji: Um, Riruru-chan. Riruru: Oh, understood. Understood, understood. I'll explain it for you! Takuji: Eh, what? Riruru: About Otonashi Ayana. Takuji: Oh, yeah. I kind of want to hear... and don't want to hear at the same time. Why am I afraid of her? Why am I afraid? Riruru: Is she scary? Takuji: ...Yeah. Riruru: That's because... Takuji: Because? Riruru: Because she's not human. Takuji: Not human... Then what is she? Riruru: Hmm, how should I put it... She's... Riruru: My dregs. Takuji: Dregs? Riruru: Kind of like sediment. Takuji: Sediment? Riruru: It's like when stuff builds up in your sink drain. Riruru: You can think of her as something like that. Riruru: She's nothing, so― Riruru: Don't worry― Riruru: She's harmless― Riruru: Really―? Riruru: Yeah― Riruru: She's not scary― Riruru: I-I see― Riruru: That's right, of course she's not― Riruru: Maybe so, but... she makes me feel a little anxious― Riruru: Like I said, believe in me― Riruru: Yeah, that's right. If you say so, I'll believe you― Riruru: Thank you, Takuji-kun. I love you― Riruru: Oh, ehehe... That's kind of embarrassing― Riruru: Why's that? You're mean― Riruru: No, that's not what I mean. Thank you, Riruru-chan― Riruru: Yeah. From now on, you should believe what I say― Riruru: Of course― Riruru: If you believe what I say, you won't have to worry about anything― Riruru: Yeah! Riruru: Ehe! Right, Takuji-kun? Takuji: ... Takuji: Eh? Riruru: Come on, no worries, no worries. Takuji: Oh, uh, yeah. No worries... ... I really was convinced of it, just now. It almost felt like I was forcibly convinced, actually. What's going on? Riruru: She's just not human. Since you're human, you instinctively fear her. Riruru: But she won't do anything. She can't do anything, so don't worry. Takuji: A-All right. Takuji: Thank you. Riruru: You understand, right? Takuji: Oh, yeah. Of course I do. If that's what Riruru-chan says... "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." "Yeah, thank you." I understood perfectly. After that... I spotted Minakami-san outside my house. I lectured her on the dialectical staircase and the possibility of higher consciousness. * held a doll as watched us.* * just watched me.* The in her hands in rut all year long. What a pain. * hates me because I don't give sexual satisfaction.* * are that kind of animal.* * is probably the same as Otonashi Ayana.* In other words, my enemy. Maybe I should rape and kill both of them. That's what the Riruru-chan that aired today told me. Anime is what's right. Anime is a good thing.
I decided to check the SAWAYAKA message board from the computer at my house. Until now, I always felt like doing this went against my mother's will. So I never did anything like this in my house. But now it's different. This doesn't go against my mother's will... It was all planned by my mother before she died. Everything is pre-established harmony. All events appear to be independent and mutually unrelated to each other. And they truly are. My mother's will is materialized in this world as both the force and the effect. It is an infinitely small, simple, indivisible substance, and... an infinite number of them make up the world. The effect of my mother's will is representation, and there is both a dark side and a light side to that representation. Those things that are represented by the dark side of my mother's will are physical. The light side of the representation of my mother's will is mental or spiritual. The transition between the light and dark sides of my mother's will is continuous. That's the important part. Each piece of my mother's will is a windowless monad that doesn't interact with any of the others, but the clarity of each one illuminates the universe. Just like two synchronized clocks... It's pre-established harmony, established by my mother at the time of the world's creation. The world advances in accordance with my mother's program. Therefore, my mother knows everything in the world. My mother knew everything. Of course, she also knew everything about me. That I only pretended to be diligent while I was at the house. That I was disgusting when I wasn't at home. Even though she knew, she acted as if she didn't. I was a diligent child at home. That's how I acted. I didn't think she noticed. I never brought anything vulgar into the house. I didn't bring anything perverted into the house. I didn't masturbate in the house. But when I wasn't at home, I was vulgarity itself. I did nothing but masturbate in my secret base. Sleeping or masturbating. In my newest base, I even had Internet. I would browse the Internet, masturbate, get tired, sleep, browse the Internet, masturbate, get tired, sleep, eat, browse the Internet, masturbate, get tired, and sleep. That's all I would ever do in a day. My mother knew. She knew everything. That every time I was on the Internet I was downloading pornographic movies or pictures. I used P2P software to illegally download pornography, then I masturbated over and over, every single day. I was filth. It was all predetermined. While I masturbated, I loved to imagine myself dressed as a girl and raping beautiful women, or sometimes myself dressed as a girl being raped by a futanari (though I would never want to do it with a guy). That I had a notebook where I drew pictures like that myself. My mother knew everything. That too was predetermined. In a way, it was even my mother's will that I masturbated all day long. Now I understand. That wasn't even my will. So then... What was it all for? The reason why I masturbated so much... The reason I can't stop masturbating... There should be a reason for that. Takuji: ... Takuji: There are still many things I don't understand. There are still many riddles to solve. Takuji: It looks like it will take a little longer for me to comprehend my mother's will, to completely comprehend God's will. I checked my computer. Whether it was sending the curse mail to those three every hour. Whether the countdown messages were being sent to all the others. And what they were talking about on the underground message board. Takuji: Hmm? There was a new registration awaiting approval in the SAWAYAKA message board secretariat's email. Takuji: ...What is this name? The registration had a rather ridiculous name. Takuji: The name is Shibata Katsuie. The login ID is... 'YA!KI!U!CHI!,' and the password is 'SI!ZU!GA!TA!KE!Suicide!'... Takuji: Haa... What a vulgar woman. The only one who would do something so ridiculous is... Minakami Yuki. She doesn't have any fear at all. Earlier, she seemed really interested when she was asking Yokoyama Kiyoshi about this site. Takuji: Hehehe... Go ahead, then. But registering on this site means... Takuji: You too will receive Takashima-san's curse mail... Hehehe, can you endure it? Takuji: Hehehehehe... Look, the rest of the board is already panicking. Takuji: They're all shaking in fear. 1: Anonymous Kita High Student: 2012/07/13(M) 18:52:25 ID:MARUKOME This is a thread for everyone to discuss the mail they're getting from Takashima Zakuro. Previous thread I got something weird (\|\|\|\|▽ ̄)」 scary http:::15515743.net/~5425596548565645657676 The thread kept on getting longer. There were still a lot of people trolling, but the truth is, even they were starting to get scared. Hehehe... You can't fool me. I can see your fear as clear as day. I know much better than any of you what fear is. After all, I've lived my life in fear. I know better than anyone that they're just making jokes to hide their fear. Takuji: Even though the events are all separate... they look as if they're connected. Takuji: Hehehehe... Fear overtakes them. Takuji: These two look especially delicious. Akasaka Megu and Kitami Satoko. They were using their real names even though it's an anonymous site, and they both insisted that the messages were being sent from Takashima-san's phone. They insisted that the messages were Takashima Zakuro's curse. Don't tell me you're losing your heads already. And Tachibana Kimika... She's doing great. She wasn't posting with her real name, but she had been fanning the flames ever since the incident. She insisted that this was Takashima's curse... That all humans will die from Takashima's curse. Takuji: Though... When I investigated, I realized that she really was the one doing almost all the work scaring people. She started the thread too. She could post as much as she wanted for all I cared, since it's all anonymous, but... Takuji: Why's that? I felt a bit uneasy about Tachibana Kimika. Why is she riling people up? Is it because of her own fear? That was the most logical explanation. But something seemed amiss. Takuji: Well, whatever. I might as well leave her alone, since she's helping me. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. Hehehehe... They're just like pigs. They'll run down a steep place into the sea and be choked by the water. Just like that... They grow fearful as they head toward destruction. Takuji: But still... Maybe I should've expected this, since she's a teacher, but Senagawa doesn't seem upset so far, and she hasn't posted on the message board at all. Or maybe it has nothing to do with her being a teacher and she's just that strong-willed. Admitting her fear would be the same as admitting her crime. So she tells herself... "That was just an accident." "It's not like I had a hand in Takashima Zakuro's bullying." She must be silently enduring her fear, since she wants to believe herself innocent. Takuji: Hehehehe... I hate her attitude. Takuji: You can't mature as a human being unless you admit your faults. Takuji: I should punish this woman. Maybe I should make her a sacrifice... In my first ritual to become the savior. Takuji: Soon, the world will require a savior. Takuji: A sacrifice is necessary for the birth of the savior. Takuji: No, I suppose I should call it an accident. Takuji: Or perhaps proof that I am the son of God. Takuji: And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country... Takuji: And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid... Takuji: And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine... That's right. Christ became their savior by showing the people several miracles. In order for me to become the true savior, I too must show the people several miracles. For that, a sacrifice is necessary. A sacrifice in order to cause a miracle. Just like the pigs jumping into the ocean... A sacrifice is necessary. Takuji: Hehehehe... Another day begins for the savior. It begins... Hahahahaha. I composed a new message on Takashima-san's cell phone. It was a prophecy from Takashima-san. No, for them, it would surely be a curse. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― ** blood will pour from the head blood will pour from another head blood will flow blood will flow again today their head will be covered in blood A prophecy from Takashima-san. For them, a curse. But to me, it was something different. It was the first step in securing Senagawa as a sacrifice. I have to do it myself. That woman will bleed. She will bleed as... a symbol, so that they will know she was a sacrifice. That will be the moment of the savior's birth. Takuji: Now then, I should go to school. I entered the classroom. Not silently through the back door, but boldly... Huh...? Numada and Nishimura were looking at me. Huh? Hehehe... They both looked away when we met eyes. Are they afraid of me? Am I that scary now? ... I looked for Yuuki. Takuji: That bastard Yuuki... I guess he didn't come to school today. Well, I can't blame him after yesterday. That's probably the reason those two are afraid of me too. I can understand why they would be afraid of me after I beat up Yuuki that badly. But... For some reason, there are other people who look like they're afraid of me. Why? Do the rest of them know what happened to Yuuki too? Well... Who cares? I sat at my desk. It was in the back row. From here, I could see everyone else in the class. Takuji: Oh, that's right. Why didn't I notice before? There's no one behind me. I'm hardly ever in the classroom, and I'm always sweating in fear when I am, so I never noticed before. Takuji: But still... Unlike yesterday, no one was talking about Takashima-san or the end of the world. It sounded like they were just casually chatting. Of course, it only looked like that on the outside. When I looked more closely, a lot of the people in the classroom were acting differently. Strange conversations, strange smiles... Most of them were the people registered on the underground message board. The people who aren't registered thought of that as old news. They were talking about celebrities, stuff on TV... Pointless stuff like that. But Takashima-san was the only thing on the minds of people registered on the message board. The curse mail came from Takashima-san every morning. The countdown until the end of the world. Just look, he's as pale as a ghost. A girl hid her phone under her desk as she pounded away at the buttons. Normally, she would be smiling and sending messages to her friends or maybe her boyfriend. But look at her expression. Her face is drained of color, and she's intently focused on her phone. What a tragedy. Why would someone be looking at their phone so intently with such a pale face? Hehehehe... It's not hard to figure any of them out. As I watched them, they kept checking their phones, one after the other. Takuji: Oh, right, it should arrive pretty soon. The time is set to... just before class starts. Silence reigned throughout the classroom. The sound of vibrating phones echoed in the room. The sound increased as more and more phones started vibrating. The owner's face grew pale every time. Female Student: Oh, sorry... I-I got a message. Female Student: Oh, me too... Uh... Female Student: Eh? Why? Are you guys on a mailing list or something? Female Student: No, that's not it... Sorry. Hehehehe... There are quite a few registered people in this class. It was sent from my computer via Takashima-san's phone to all of them simultaneously. The color drained from the faces of all the people who knew what that sound meant, and all the rest were just confused. What a contrast. Female Student: Oh, no... Th-That's... But I already got one this morning. Female Student: Eh? What is it? Why are you all getting messages at the same time? Female Student: Oh, it's nothing. No way, this is... Female Student: No! I can't take it! Female Student: Wh-What's wrong?! Female Student: Shut up! It has nothing to do with you! Female Student: Eh? Female Student: Oh, uh... Well... Sorry... Female Student: No, it's fine, but... How pitiful. You're overreacting, surely. Nothing has happened just yet. Female Student: What does this mean... Male Student: What is this? This is different from the ones before. Female Student: I hate this. I had nothing to do with her... I had nothing to do with her... Male Student: Th-This is just a prank, right? It has to be... Male Student: Who would do that? Female Student: This has to be one of Takashima-san's pictures. And one of the girls from the other class said that this was Takashima-san's email address. Female Student: The girls in the other class... Are you talking about Akasaka Megu and Kitami Satoko? Female Student: I can't stand this. Why am I getting these messages? Why would she send this message to me? Male Student: I heard that they stop if you change your email address. Male Student: No, I heard they start coming again after a few days. Changing their email, huh... It's true. If they changed that, the messages would stop. It was that easy to stop the curse mail. But if they changed their email address on their registration, it would be completely pointless. Some idiot changed his registration after getting a new email address. They took the time to tell the SAWAYAKA message board secretariat about the change. And of course, once they did that, their new email address started getting the curse mail too. That idiot posted about it on the underground message board. "Even if you change your email address, the curse mail will follow you." Of course, there were people who stayed calm and denied it, but there were so many more people in a panic that the reasonable opinions were ignored. Now they're saying, "Apparently, once you get the curse mail, it will follow you forever." As the person sending the messages, it was kind of pathetic how they prefaced that statement with "apparently"... The rumors seemed to change every day. I couldn't even keep track of all the rumors anymore. Soon they were saying that the curse mail would follow you even if you change your email address, and if you throw your phone away, she'll leave the messages on your home phone's answering machine instead. That's impossible... Takuji: Hehehehe... They've been blinded by their fear. Takuji: This feeling... This sound again... Echoing in my brain... I had a bad feeling. From the hallway... Takuji: Huh?! Takuji: What's this? When I went out into the hallway... no one was there. Class hadn't started, and yet... no one was there... Takuji: Ah! Takuji: What was that? What just happened? It was like I crossed a barrier into a... closed space? Has this area been altered by someone? The only person with that kind of power would be... I returned to the classroom. Takuji: I knew it. Kagami: Knew what? Takuji: Are you the one who just did that? Kagami: Of course I was. You were planning on doing something awful to Tsukasa, weren't you? Takuji: Tsukasa? Oh, your sister, huh? Kagami: That's right. You've got it in your head that she's evil too. Takuji: The way you say that makes it sound like you're admitting you're evil. Kagami: That's right. If the creator is evil, then the creation must be evil too. Takuji: The person who created you? Takuji: Hehehehe... Was that a human? Kagami: Who knows? They might be lower than human. Takuji: What are you? Kagami: ... Kagami: Why don't you just put your hand on your chest? Takuji: What did you... Kagami: You don't know anything. Takuji: What? Kagami: You don't know anything, but you act like you know it all. You're just running away! Takuji: I don't know anything? Huh? Do you think you can say that to me? Takuji: Ah! Takuji: A-Aagh... Ayana: Hehehe... It's the best way to avoid looking at that which has been hidden. Takuji: Wh-What do you mean? What are you trying to say?! Ayana: What do I mean? Hehehe... You're the one who knows that best. Takuji: Wh-What did you... Ayana: You were the one who hid it, after all. Takuji: I hid it? Ayana: Yes. You hid it from everyone. Kagami: You're hiding everything! Takuji: Be quiet! Kagami: No, I won't be quiet! Takuji: What did you say, you monster?! Kagami: Monster? You're the monster. No, the monster is what you've created! Ayana: That's wrong. Kagami: Eh? Takuji: Y-You... Ayana: Wakatsuki Kagami-san... Kagami: W-Wait, you're... Kagami: Ayana: Hehe, is there any point to giving me a name? Kagami: ... For some reason, Wakatsuki Kagami was silent after Otonashi said that. It's almost like she's... afraid of Otonashi. Ayana: Anything can be explained. Ayana: Even a sheer coincidence has a reason. Ayana: We can clearly explain anything which we can speak of. Ayana: But Wakatsuki... Kagami-san. Ayana: Your existence is the best proof that there's no meaning to it. Kagami: That's... Ayana: Once the answer has been found, once it has all been made clear, you won't exist anymore. Ayana: Then what is the Wakatsuki Kagami standing here right now? Ayana: The sun upon the back of a frog in a field of grass still exists regardless of whether I gaze upon it or not... Ayana: Could I say the same of you? Kagami: Ah...! Takuji: Wh-What are you talking about? You're going on like you're the only one who knows anything! You're acting like you understand! Th-Then explain it to me! Ayana: Hehehe... Really? You're the savior. You don't need to ask me, since you know everything, right? That's quite a strange question... Heheh. Takuji: Wha―?! Ayana: We can clearly explain anything which we can speak of. Ayana: It's a boring answer once you remove all the mysteries. Ayana: A boring life. Ayana: But that is not everything. Ayana: There are places whereof we must be silent. Ayana: The boundary line is one of those places. Ayana: There, words become worlds, and worlds become words. Ayana: Not only that... Things other than words become words, and things other than worlds become worlds. Kagami: ... Ayana: It's that kind of place. Ayana: If you reach the end, you might be able to see it too, Wakatsuki Kagami-san. Kagami: I can't see it. Kagami: There's no way I could see it... Kagami: What could an existence before existence hope to see? Kagami: What could I hope to feel before existence? Ayana: Hehehe... Ayana: The destination is the day when the world will return to the sky... End Sky. Takuji: Wh-Why are you talking about that?! Kagami: You're not the only one who knows. Kagami: You're not the only person who knows about this point... Takuji: What did you say?! Ayana: Either... the infinite landscape that all souls in existence have seen. Ayana: Or... the one landscape that only my soul has seen. Ayana: It is neither. Ayana: Is it both. Takuji: O-Otonashi! You keep talking as if you know something! Takuji: The truth is you don't know anything! You're just trying to obfuscate my vision with your misleading words! Takuji: Why can't I understand your words with all my knowledge and wisdom?! That's impossible! Takuji: The reason is because you're speaking nonsense! Takuji: That's right! You've always been like that! You use a bunch of confusing words, but you never say anything! Takuji: You're one of them! You're nothing, but you know how to talk big! You just string the words together as they come to mind! Takuji: You don't know anything! You don't understand anything! You're just acting like you're smart! Ayana: That's enough. Ayana: If that is what you want to tell yourself... Takuji: Wha―! Iida: Everyone sit down! Class is starting. Iida: Mamiya, why are you still standing? Takuji: ... Iida: What's wrong? Quit spacing out and sit down. Takuji: Do I look like I'm spacing out? Iida: Come on, Mamiya, your grades have fallen far enough. Would you quit asking stupid questions and sit down already? Takuji: Hehehe. A stupid question, is it? If you say so. Iida: kay, class is starting. Turn to page 67. Today, we're covering the Roman Emp― Takuji: Mr. Iida! Iida: Something wrong? Or would you like to let me start class already? Takuji: ... Iida: What's wrong, Mamiya? Do you need to go to the bathroom? Takuji: ... Takuji: You really are one of the vulgar people. That's why you can't see the big picture. I froze the classroom with my words of truth. Sometimes, the truth is taboo. People hate to hear the truth. The teacher isn't smiling anymore. Iida: Did you say something, Mamiya? Takuji: You don't even know that it is all about to end. Iida: It's all about to end? What are you going on about now? Takuji: For instance, if we were on a sinking ship, would you be standing at the bow reciting facts about the Roman Empire? Iida: Mamiya, what are you saying? Takuji: It's a question. A question. Would you be talking about some trivia from thousands of years ago while the ship sank around you? Iida: History isn't just trivia. And this isn't a boat. It's a classroom, and it's not sinking. Takuji: I see. It's not a boat, it's not sinking, and your description of long-dead emperors isn't just trivia. Iida: That's right. Well, Mamiya? Have any more complaints? Takuji: I have no complaints. It's rather obvious that a vulgar peasant such as yourself wouldn't be able to see the truth. Takuji: After all, no one complains that cats and dogs can't do arithmetic, do they? Iida: Mamiya, are you feeling all right? Takuji: Feeling all right? Whatever do you mean? Maybe you should ask that of yourself, the one doing something so meaningless at a time like this. Iida: What do you mean, meaningless? Takuji: Please, consider this. The world may have been created by a demon just ten seconds ago, and everything we call history was planted in our heads by that demon. Iida: That's impossible. There's plenty of historical evidence that contradicts that idea. Takuji: Then maybe the demon made that too. Maybe it planted the historical evidence. Iida: Mamiya, are you sure you're feeling all right? What's wrong? Takuji: Even if it wasn't a demon, this textbook may simply be a collection of humanity's convenient rationalizations. Takuji: The truth may be that there are much greater things in this world, and someone wrote this book in order to conceal them. Iida: Who's the class representative? Female Student: M-Me, sir. Iida: Please go to the staff room and ask them to send Ms. Kiyokawa. Female Student: Y-Yes. Understood. The moment the class representative passed by me... Female Student: Aah! As I tried to stop her... my hand happened to touch her. She was so shocked that she fell to the ground. Poor girl. Iida: Mamiya, you―! "Y-You little...!" Someone stood defiantly in front of me. To stand in the face of my holy presence... There aren't very many humans who can do that. Look, the rest of them are so scared that they've forgotten to breathe. The person who so bravely stood before me must be... Yuki: What's wrong with you?! How dare you hit a girl?! Takuji: It doesn't matter whether she's a boy or a girl. Takuji: That you're doing this at all, sitting here and playing along with this farce, when everything is about to end... It's absurd! Takuji: Every single person here has turned their back on the truth! Iida: Cut it out, Mamiya! Are you okay? Female Student: I-I'm fine. I just fell because he surprised me. Takuji: Hmph... Iida: Mamiya, apologize! Takuji: Why would I do that? Iida: Mamiya, do you understand what you're saying? Iida: What do you mean, the world is ending? I heard a lot of the students have been scared of something lately. Are you the one spreading those rumors? Takuji: It means the world is ending, that's all. Takuji: The end of everything. Takuji: You could call it the final destination. Takuji: It's no rumor. It is merely the truth. Takuji: You are a weak human being, a small human being, and therefore you cannot even lay eyes on me. Iida: Mamiya, come over here! Takuji: Haha, so you intend to use violence because you can't win with logic? Iida: Ah... No one could understand what had just happened. Just that a loud sound echoed through the classroom, and then the teacher fell down, covered in blood. They were too confused to understand that I had just struck the teacher with a flower vase. Because... Female Student: Th-That's... Female Student: I-It's just like the email said. Yuki: Email? It was different than I had planned. I was intending on making Senagawa bleed. I intended to make her the sacrifice. I just went with the flow. But now Takashima Zakuro's curse mail had claimed another victim. The prediction was... blood will pour from the head blood will pour from another head blood will flow blood will flow again today their head will be covered in blood This too was predetermined. Female Student: Aaaaahh! Someone screamed, sending the rest of the class into a panic. Male Student: Wh-What just... Male Student: Is... Is he dead? They made a lot of noise over the collapsed teacher, but no one did anything to me except sneak glances from the corners of their eyes. They're too afraid to look at the classroom's new ruler. Hehehehe... It's diverged quite a lot from my plan. Oh well. I took the opportunity. Now it is time for the savior's sermon. The savior's first sermon begins now! It begins! Takuji: What's wrong? You seem awfully scared of something. Yuki: Mamiya Takuji! You son of a... Takuji: Oh, if it isn't Minakami-san. Takuji: It would appear you're no better than the rest of the poor little lambs here. Takuji: Your heart is thick with fear. Takuji: You should just stand back and watch in fear, like you've been doing. Takuji: And then you shall feel the flames of hell licking at your flesh. Yuki: Mamiya... Takuji: What, are you going to hit me? Takuji: You're going to bully me, just like Yuuki Tomosane and the rest of humanity have?! Yuki: Huh? Takuji: Mark my words, all ye who quiver in fear. Takuji: All life shall end on the 20th! That is the absolute truth! Takuji: Both Shiroyama and Takashima died for this truth! Takuji: Death, that is the message of prophecy! Takuji: Death, that is the absolute truth! Takuji: Why is death the message that leads to prophecy? Takuji: Because the foolish attempt to conceal death! Takuji: So we must speak of that which is concealed! Takuji: That which conceals death! The first is education! The second is the media! Takuji: In countries such as this, mandatory education has become commonplace. In our society, the media has swelled and transformed into the highest authority in the world! Takuji: We have a host of taboos implanted into our minds by public education and through the mass media. Takuji: The greatest taboo of all is to think upon death! Takuji: We have put aside any thought of death! We are obliged to act as if our daily lives will continue for eternity! Takuji: And the reason is because everything is powerless, everything is meaningless before the unreasoning specter of death! Takuji: That's why education and the media try to disguise the true meaning of death! Takuji: The death they intimate to us is but a phantasm on the far shores, something with which we have no relation. It has been reduced to a mere toy, something you can enjoy without worrying that it may ever strike you. Takuji: But the reality that everyone knows is that every single day, death creeps ever closer to all the people on the planet. Death is reality itself. Iida: M-Mamiya... You... Female Student: Mr. Iida! Female Student: H-He's okay... Iida: You're wrong... Takuji: What have I said that's wrong? Iida: That religious nonsense... You... Takuji: Did you hear that? Takuji: Just now, this man called my thoughts 'religious nonsense.' Takuji: As if to say I was a 'madman'. Iida: Th-That's wrong... Takuji: Am I wrong? To ponder upon death... Has religion not advanced thought on mortality for the past several thousand years? Has metaphysics not? Takuji: In other words, that which reeks of religion, the action of contemplating death, seems to him the action of a madman. Am I wrong? Iida: You're wrong... You sound like a cultist... Takuji: Oh, really? What a strange thing you've just said. What part of what I'm saying seems crazy to you? Iida: I don't know, but... Takuji: If you ask me, it seems like you have unfounded conviction for that dogma which you call common sense. Iida: What are you talking about? Takuji: You can't resist attaching the label 'crazy' to that which you cannot understand. You declare anything which would overthrow your common sense to be the words of a madman. Iida: Y-You're twisting my words... Mamiya, you... Iida: Please. Someone call the homeroom teacher! Someone! He desperately appealed to the students, but not a single one moved... Every person in that room was dominated by the atmosphere. Takuji: Modern society has reduced death to an abstraction. It is a society that views death as a taboo! Takuji: The only ones who could speak of that as correct are slaves who have not even the capacity to think! Takuji: In previous generations, death was the most important subject of philosophical thought, was it not?! Takuji: Was death not the matter of utmost concern?! Takuji: And despite that, modern governments and societies have treated it as if it were irrelevant to our lives. Yuki: Shut up! Takuji: ... Yuki: No one cares about that cryptic bullshit! Takuji: ryptic bullshit? Yuki: Yeah, that's right. I don't know what you're talking about, and I don't think I want to, but I will say this. Yuki: You're labeling their deaths with your own selfish reasoning. Takuji: Selfish, you say? Yuki: It's sophistry. It's complete nonsense! Yuki: I've heard that theory about society covering up death before. Let's say you're right about that one. Even then, what you're saying about those two deaths signifying something is nothing but fabrication. Yuki: All you're doing is appealing to cognitive bias. Takuji: Bias? Yuki: We just overestimate the frequency of events that affect us emotionally. Yuki: It's true, it is strange for two people to fall to their deaths in a row, but their deaths aren't related to anything else. Yuki: You're just trying to find meaning where there is none. Takuji: I expect no less from the person who has been gifted with knowledge and wisdom to match my own. Yuki: I don't need your compliments. Takuji: I suppose this is what you're trying to say. You want me to show you proof that the meaning I've claimed for their death is veracious. Yuki: Proof? Are you stupid? There's nothing you could show us that would prove that. After all, no matter how you look at it, you're just spouting nonsense! Takuji: Hmm... Do you know how we differentiate between science and charlatanry? Yuki: Science and charlatanry? That's... Takuji: Yes. How would one differentiate science from pseudoscience? Yuki: ... She was silent. Of course. The problem of differentiating between science and pseudoscience still hasn't been completely solved. It's still a fuzzy line, even to the experts. Since she knows that, she has no choice but to be silent. She's in a dilemma because she has as much knowledge and wisdom as I do. It's annoying how idiots tend to make flippant remarks in situations like this. Takuji: The difference between science and pseudoscience lies in whether or not the theory makes novel predictions. Yuki: Novel predictions... I didn't think an idiot like you would know that phrase. Takuji: It's a principle proposed by Imre Lakatos. It can be used to determine whether a theory is scientific or pseudoscientific. Yuki: Kuhn's paradigm theory and Popper's Falsificationism. Lakatos built upon those to create his methodology of research, and then he derived his principle of novel predictions from that. Takuji: The word prediction sounds almost religious, doesn't it? To put it simply, a novel prediction is a truthful prediction that may appear strange to the layman, but can be derived from the theory. Takuji: In other words, if the predictions I make based on my theory, if those predictions come true, then my theory is correct. Takuji: The theory of relativity predicted many phenomena that were later demonstrated through experimentation. Therefore, the theory of relativity is correct. Yuki: I see. So then, you're going to make some predictions? Takuji: Yes. Takuji: I shall now make several novel predictions. Takuji: And as they bear fruit, one by one, you will all quiver with fear. Takuji: My verity... Yuki: Th-That's ridiculous... She spit those words at me and then looked away. Utter defeat. This is the difference between the savior and a perfect human. Minakami Yuki and Tomosane Yuuki could never match me. Both of them are just hurdles created by my mother. Even if they think themselves perfect, they can't hope to match me. And the reason is because... I am the savior. Takuji: God sacrificed these two so that I could be reborn! Takuji: The first was Shiroyama Tsubasa, and the second was Takashima Zakuro. God sacrificed them so that I could be reborn! Takuji: I have been reborn! Takuji: As what? Takuji: The savior. Takuji: Yes, as the savior! Takuji: The world will end in five days. Takuji: But that is an omen of greater things. Takuji: An omen that the world will be reborn. Takuji: Those not saved, along with the old world, will fall into the depths of hell to suffer for eternity. Takuji: An eternity of torment! Takuji: Everyone knows... Takuji: That the world is pervaded by lies! That the truth is hidden! Takuji: The foolish speak of equality! Takuji: But everyone knows that the world is not equal! Takuji: The foolish speak of freedom! Takuji: But everyone knows that there is no freedom in the world! Takuji: The foolish speak of love! Takuji: But everyone knows that love is traitorous! Takuji: The foolish say that you must not kill! Takuji: But everyone knows that the world is brimming with murderers! Takuji: The foolish say that you must not lie! Takuji: But everyone knows that the foolish themselves are lying! Takuji: Those who swallow the lies of the foolish make fools of themselves! Takuji: Yes, their lies! Takuji: They were all lies! Takuji: That the world has always existed... Takuji: And that the world will continue to exist forevermore! Takuji: They are all lies! Takuji: The path we walk leads to... Takuji: The abyss! Takuji: The world will end! Takuji: It will surely end! Takuji: This is the truth! Takuji: As proof, I shall make three predictions. Takuji: Firstly! The thickness of death in the air will be affirmed with yet another death! Takuji: Secondly! A large number of people will witness the death! Takuji: Thirdly! The deceased will speak of... Takuji: The ultimate demise! I dashed from the room. Takuji: Ha, ha, ha... Hehehe, their faces. What wonderful faces. Numada's face, Nishimura's face... The teacher's face... The rest of the people in the class... And Minakami Yuki's face... Takuji: Hahahahaha... Are those the faces of those who I once feared? Hehehehehe, they're worthless. They're truly worthless! Takuji: Ahahahahahahahaha! Takuji: Huh?! Takuji: That's... Takuji: Otonashi Ayana! Ayana: Yes. Takuji: I'll wipe that cool expression off your face soon enough! Ayana: It's summer. It's not cool at all. Takuji: I can see through your bluff! Takuji: Otonashi Ayana! You are nothing but Riruru-chan's dregs! Takuji: You're just a shadow! Takuji: I'm not afraid of you! Ayana: Like I said, I'm not scary. Actually, I'm super nice. I'm even famous for being nice to everyone. Takuji: Don't make fun of me! Takuji: I am within the omen! Takuji: And after the omen... I will reach fruition! Ayana: That so? Keep at it, then. Takuji: Shut up! Don't make fun of me! Ayana: I'm not making fun of you. Ayana: Mamiya-kun... Goodbye. Takuji: Wha―?! Ayana: You're going to return the world to the sky, right? Takuji: Ugh! Takuji: Aaaaagh... Takuji: Ha, ha, ha... Takuji: I am the omen. Takuji: Ha, ha, ha... Takuji: I am the presentiment. Takuji: Ha, ha, ha... Takuji: I am the apex of life... I am the apex... Takuji: Ha, ha, ha... Takuji: I... I am... the End Sky! Takuji: Ha, ha, ha... Takuji: Open sesame. Takuji: Who is it?! Kimika: ... Takuji: What are you doing? She was looking at me weird. Her name is... Tachibana Kimika, I think? The person who betrayed Takashima Zakuro. Why is she here? Takuji: Are you looking for me, Tachibana Kimika-san? Kimika: So you... know my name... I didn't really know her well. Her face was in one of Takashima-san's pictures. That's all. Takuji: Yeah, you're the one who betrayed Takashima-san, right? Kimika: ... I thought she would flinch when I said that, but her expression didn't change at all. Kimika: Yeah, that's right. I betrayed Takashima Zakuro. I chased her to her death. Takuji: ... What is she holding? She was hiding something in her right hand. Takuji: Why are you here? Kimika: Well, you're the savior, right? Takuji: Yeah, and? Kimika: I'm in the class next door, so I heard you shouting. Takuji: I see. And you couldn't help listening when you heard Takashima Zakuro's name? Kimika: Something like that. I ran into the hall and listened. You're awfully popular. I wasn't the only one in the hall listening either. There were even a few teachers out there hanging on your every word. Takuji: What? Teachers? Kimika: Yeah... So the teacher next door heard me hit Iida with a vase... Why didn't he come stop me? Takuji: And? What were they doing? Kimika: They were quivering. I could hear their teeth chattering. Takuji: They were quivering? Oh, I see. So that teacher was... Takuji: That teacher must have been Senagawa. Kimika: Ah! From her surprised expression, I must have been right. Kimika: Hmm... Takuji: What is it? Kimika: For all your confidence, you do still make mistakes. Takuji: What? Kimika: It was Kiyokawa... Kiyokawa Asumi. She's your homeroom teacher, isn't she? Takuji: It was Kiyokawa? Why would she be so scared? She's our homeroom teacher. I would've expected her to come stop me. No, wait. There was someone who registered with a referral from Senagawa. I thought it was likely that the registration was from a teacher. If that was Kiyokawa, then it all makes sense. Kiyokawa has been receiving the curse mail too. She was so scared that she didn't stop me. Takuji: Kiyokawa Asumi, huh? Did she do anything else? Kimika: I couldn't hear her very well, but she was muttering something like, 'Y-Yui, is that true?' Takuji: Oh really? And Yui is Senagawa's first name. Those two are close enough to call each other by their first names. Well, there aren't very many teachers around their age at this school. Most of the others are closing in on retirement. Kimika: Ah... Kimika: B-But why did you think it was Senagawa? ... Just now... Her voice cracked for a second. She's upset. There's no mistake... She's bluffing. She's been acting confident this whole time, but she's quivering on the inside. She definitely reacted when I said Senagawa's name. Well, of course... She's the one who was posting so much about Takashima on the underground message board. She was clearly distraught about the curse. "It really is a curse." "At this rate, we're all going to die." "These messages are really bizarre." And so on... She sounded awfully upset in those posts... Hehehe... She doesn't know I read all those posts she made. What a stupid girl. Her bluffing is truly impertinent. Takuji: Do you want to know why I thought it was Senagawa? Kimika: Yes... Why Mrs. Senagawa? Her speech grew a little more polite. I could see straight through her. She must have been expecting me to say it was because Senagawa was in hot water for being the advisor to the Fine Arts Club where Takashima-san used to get bullied. Almost everyone had heard that rumor. She must have been expecting me to say something simple like that. Hehehe... My next words... I'll make you quiver in fear... I'll expose your bluff, Tachibana Kimika. Kimika: Wh-Why are you acting so high and mighty? Takuji: High and mighty? Oh, I'm just worried you might be shocked to hear it. Kimika: Sh-Shocked...? What a face. Where did all your confidence go, Tachibana? Takuji: eah... I was just wondering how you'd react when you heard Senagawa was going to die. Kimika: ... For some reason... her expression went blank for an instant. Why? Why isn't she surprised? Then, in the next instant... Kimika: ...Eh? Her expression froze for a second, then changed into a forced smile. They say that when faced with true fear, a human's expression almost looks like they're laughing. This unnatural laugh must mean that she's more scared than she's ever been in her life. Kimika: Wh-Wh-Why will she die? When will she die? Takuji: When? Pretty soon, I suppose. Kimika: D-D-Do you mean, like... today or tomorrow? Hold on... How scared are you? Where did your courage go? Takuji: Yeah, something like that. Kimika: Wh-Why Mrs. Senagawa? Why is she going to die... Takuji: The reason? There's only one reason, isn't there? Kimika: Eh? D-Do you mean... Takashima Zakuro's curse? Takuji: Yeah, that's it. Kimika: Th-Then is anyone else going to die? Takuji: At this rate, yeah... Kimika: Oh, I-I see. Others are going to die... Others are going to be killed. Hehehehe... She's so scared. I can hear her voice shaking. Kimika: U-Um, I have another question... Why is Mrs. Senagawa going to die first? Takuji: Because she was especially hated. Kimika: Ah! Her face distorted in a way I'd never seen before. This was almost a death sentence for her. The four people most deserving of Takashima-san's hate would be Akasaka Megu, Kitami Satoko, Senagawa Yui... and Tachibana Kimika herself. Kimika: A-Ahaha... Mrs. Senagawa was especially hated. What a smile. The fear is practically written on her face. Is it that scary? Hehehehe... Takuji: Yeah, and some others, like Akasaka Megu and Kitami Satoko. Kimika: Th-That's... Takuji: Yeah... The people who were involved in her bullying. Kimika: Th-Then I― Takuji: Who knows... But you're not getting them, are you? Kimika: Not getting them... You mean... Takuji: There are two kinds of curse mail. One is the kind that is sent to everyone once a day to pronounce their deaths. Takuji: And the other is... messages full of hate that come every hour. Kimika: I haven't gotten any of those. Takuji: Well, I guess not. Kimika: What does that mean? Takuji: I don't know whether any of you are getting the messages or not, but I can see the curse. Kimika: Y-You can see the curse? Takuji: Yeah, I can see the hate swirling around people's bodies... Kimika: Th-Then... what about me? Takuji: I wish I could say there's nothing, but your curse is as strong as Kitami and Satoko's. Kimika: Th-Then why am I not getting the other kind of curse mail? Takuji: Maybe she sympathizes with you. Kimika: S-Sympathizes? Takuji: You were bullied for a long time, just like her... Kimika: ... For some reason, her expression went blank again. She doesn't react like most people. Kimika: So... will Akasaka and Kitami die too? Takuji: At this rate... Kimika: What do you mean? Can you stop the curse? Takuji: Who knows... I'm not sure. Kimika: Can you stop it? ... Her tone changed again. She doesn't react normally at all. Takuji: Yeah, of course. Kimika: Then you can stop Mrs. Senagawa's curse too. Takuji: I could, but... Kimika: But? Takuji: I won't. Kimika: ... Kimika: Why would that be? Takuji: That's what the world has determined. It's been determined that Senagawa Yui will die. Kimika: Oh, really. She's fated to die? Then what about Akasaka Megu and Kitami Satoko? Kimika: And... what about me? Takuji: Hehehe... Who knows? I can't tell you that. Kimika: ... Kimika: Hmm... Oh really? Now that you mention it, I do remember you saying that you would only save those who came to pray at your feet. Takuji: That's right. I don't have any obligation to save everyone, and I would be going against God's plan if I did. Kimika: Hmm, I see. But to put it another way, anyone who bowed to you could be saved? Takuji: That's right. Kimika: Will you save me? Just a moment. For some reason, her face changed back into its original expression for just a moment. Rather than fear, it looked more like... Intent to kill? Takuji: ... Kimika: ... Kimika: Hehehehe... my savior. Takuji: Wh-What? Kimika: Would you take me as your humble servant? Takuji: You mean you want to join me? Kimika: Yes. I'm scared that I might be killed by Takashima-san's curse... I don't want to die. Takuji: Hmm. Oh, is that it... I mistook it for intent to kill, but it was the expression of a hunter that's found its prey. She was hunting for a way to save herself, and she found it. I guess she's just an animal looking to save itself. She acted like she knew something important, but she was just motivated by self-preservation. She's the embodiment of a simple, predictable woman. Kimika: I-I'll do anything to be saved. Please save me! Her attitude changed completely. Now she's begging me for salvation... How pathetic. Takuji: Do you want to be saved that badly? Kimika: Y-Yes. Please save me, my savior! Y-You're the only one who can stop Takashima Zakuro's curse. Takuji: Yeah, of course. Kimika: Please, allow me to be your servant. I'll do anything. I'll do anything, so please... Takuji: Did you just come here to escape the curse? Kimika: U-Uh... I... I'll do anything. My faith may still be lacking, but I'll listen to whatever you say! Takuji: Alright. You're welcome at my side. Kimika: Eh? R-Really? Takuji: Yeah... It's pre-established harmony. It's because of the fate my mother has determined for me that you are here. Kimika: Pre-established harmony? Kimika: Wh-What's that? Takuji: Everything is inevitable. Takashima didn't kill you because she needed you to do something. Kimika: She needed me to do something? Takuji: That's right. She needs you to spread her predictions to more people. Kimika: Predictions? The prediction that the world will end on the 20th? Takuji: Exactly... The 20th is the world's last day. Kimika: Wh-Why me? Takuji: Love and hate are two sides of the same coin. Takashima resented you, but she also loved you. She wanted you to save everyone. Kimika: Wanted me to save... Kimika: Zakuro wanted me to... Takuji: She was that kind of person. She was honest, kind, and pure. Takuji: She died in your place! Kimika: In my place? Takuji: Yes... She died so that she could warn everyone of the world's destruction on the 20th. Takuji: And why? Takuji: Why did Takashima Zakuro die?! Kimika: Wh...y? Takuji: BECAUSE IT WAS NECESSARY! Kimika: Necessary? Takuji: That's right. She needed to become a ghost in order to save you. Takuji: She needed to become a spirit so she could know the future. Takuji: And the reason you are still alive is so you can tell the people! You need to tell the people what Takashima knew! Kimika: I need to... tell the people what Zakuro knew... Takuji: That's right. Takashima Zakuro entrusted it to you. Kimika: Entrusted... it? Takuji: Yes, she trusted that you would come to me and save the world. Kimika: That I would... Takuji: One must know pain themselves before they can understand the pain of others. Kimika: The pain of others... Takuji: That's why people who haven't known pain themselves can so easily hurt the people around them. Kimika: Th-That's... Takuji: Akasaka Megu and Kitami Satoko are perfect examples of that, but you're different. You know pain. Takuji: Right now, you're the person who understands Takashima Zakuro's pain more than any other! Kimika: Ah... I-I'm... Takuji: Is there anyone who understands Takashima Zakuro's pain better than you do? Is there anyone who understands Takashima Zakuro's feelings better than you do? Kimika: No... There's no one. I was her friend, and she saved me. Then, despite my love for her, I betrayed her... and, and... Takuji: I understand. I understand what you're saying. Kimika: Aah... Takuji: Don't say anything more. Takashima understands... Kimika: Mamiya... sama... Takuji: Until now, you thought you were worth less than the worms underfoot. Takuji: You thought your existence had no value. Takuji: You associated with the bitches, the whores, and the worms, and you were scorned. Takuji: You thought you had no value. Takuji: And after you betrayed the friend who saved you, what value did your existence have? Takuji: But you were wrong! Takuji: You have value! You have a reason to exist! That's why Takashima died in your place! Kimika: Ah, my savior... Takuji: There is a reason for your existence. Takuji: Be relieved, Tachibana Kimika. You were right to come to me. This too was a result of Takashima-san's guidance. Kimika: Zakuro's? Takuji: Before her death, she was my servant. She was of great use to me. Kimika: Zakuro was? Takuji: Well, I wasn't yet the savior at the time, so I guess you could say we were dating. Though I guess it was just her unrequited love for me... I never really realized the truth at the time. Takuji: She died so that I could be awakened as the savior. Takuji: The truth is, she died for me. Takuji: She knew everything. That's why she kept it a secret from me, her lover, that she was going to die. Takuji: So that I could awaken as the savior... Kimika: My savior, you were dating Zakuro? Takuji: Yeah, it seems she loved me... though I wasn't able to respond to her feelings very well. Kimika: The person Zakuro loved. You're... Zakuro's savior. Takuji: Yes. I was a savior to Takashima Zakuro as well. Kimika: I-I, um... Takuji: Senagawa Yui... You know who she is. Kimika: Yes! Takuji: Takashima Zakuro resents Senagawa Yui more than Akasaka Megu or Kitami Satoko. Kimika: Yes... Takuji: Oh, right... Takashima Zakuro might make peace with those two. I could help them. Kimika: Help them? Takuji: I intend to help them attain Takashima-san's forgiveness. Kimika: ... Kimika: C-Can you really do that? Takuji: Of course I can. Who do you think I am? Kimika: Oh, s-sorry. Takuji: Anyway, they may make peace with Takashima. Takuji: But Senagawa is different. Kimika: Mrs. Senagawa is... different? Takuji: Yes. Takashima resents the fact that a teacher allowed the bullying to happen. Kimika: I guess she did. Kimika: She knew, but she didn't want to bother with it. Takuji: That's right. Takuji: Watch her movements. Kimika: Movements? Takuji: She will die tomorrow. Kimika: Eh? Takuji: She will die from Takashima Zakuro's curse. Kimika: Mrs. Senagawa will die from Zakuro's curse. Kimika: Die from... Zakuro's curse... Kimika: Die... Kimika: Hehehehe... Die, die, die. Senagawa is going to die! Kimika: Killed by Zakuro... Kimika: Killed... Maybe I scared her too much... Her emotions are a wreck. Her face looks like she's lost in ecstasy. I have to be careful. If I scare humans too much, they might break. Takuji: Tachibana... Are you all right? Kimika: Eh * Yes."* Takuji: She will die tomorrow. Kimika: Tomorrow. Got it. Takuji: Yes, and I need you to watch her movements until then. Kimika: Surveillance until she dies? Takuji: No, you can stop at the end. It would be hard on you to watch a person die. Kimika: Not at all... I'm fine. Takuji: ... She was so emotional before, but then she accepted that someone was going to die without even blinking. Does this girl have a screw loose? Or... Kimika: I'll do anything... if it helps you, my savior. I see. So that's why... The reason she accepts it so easily. She's like a well trained soldier, or a cultist. Tachibana Kimika... She could be useful. Takuji: All right, then. I'll entrust you with this mission. Kimika: Understood. I won't let you down. Takuji: From now on, message me and tell me about all her movements. No matter how irrelevant it may seem, report everything you notice to me. Kimika: Understood! Takuji: Hehehe... I'm putting my trust in you. Takuji: My... servant. Kimika: I will perform my duty! She could be a useful tool. Suddenly obtaining a loyal servant like this must have been predetermined. Hehehe... This is great. My mother was so kind. I didn't expect her to arrange this. Jesus Christ's meeting with the apostles could only be called fate. It could be called a necessary coincidence for the savior. The first disciple... Tachibana Kimika. The woman who betrayed Takashima Zakuro. Though I thought she was hiding something in her right hand at first... I guess it was just my imagination. Hehehe... I was too suspicious of her. Something like this... I convinced myself as I sat in front of my computer. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― you definitely saw it but you didn't do anything you knew but you pretended like you didn't This would be the first message. One hour later, this would be sent. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― ** you knew they were always bullying me on the roof of building c they borrowed the key from you after all Hehehe... Isn't this a masterpiece? This one doesn't just say 'it hurts, it hurts'. This one is only being sent to Senagawa. I won't send this one to Akasaka Megu or Kitami Satoko. It's curse mail just for that teacher. Hehehehe... She'll know fear like she's never known before. I've already written all the curse mail I'll need to make her into a sacrifice. But I'll need to do some fine tuning to corner her. I have a person reporting her every move. In that way, Tachibana Kimika became my loyal servant at the perfect time. I made her watch Senagawa and report her every move... I'll use every message from her to fine tune the contents of the curse mail. I'll lead her to her demise. A sacrifice so that I may become the savior. Takuji: Now then... Next is the question of what to do with Akasaka Megu and Kitami Satoko. I'll give them the opposite of what I gave Senagawa. For Senagawa, death. For those two, salvation. That should be an appropriate miracle for me to show the masses. Takuji: And for that... First, I have to fish them out. If I don't cast my line, I won't be able to catch any fish. I would've never done this before. I started a thread on the SAWAYAKA message board with my own name. 1: Who shall be saved and who shall not 1: Mamiya Takuji: 2012/07/15(W) 11:23:12 ID:mamiya Many of you have confirmed it. Many of you have seen it. Takashima's message predicted my awakening. I am standing here now. As the savior. Now it is time to determine who will be saved and who will not. People started replying right after I posted the thread. Of course... Their hearts are thick with fear. Takuji: Hehehe... They're mocking me. Are you all that scared? The thread grew incredibly quickly. Now I just had to wait for the most fearful person of all to post. They'll definitely fall into this thread's trap. They're the ones who most desire to be saved from this situation. Takuji: Hehehehe... Let the game begin. Takuji: You can only dance in the palm of my hand. I don't feel the passage of time when I'm in my underground base. Like the concept of time doesn't even exist. Here, only my phone and my computer clock remember the time. Takuji: Just before nine o'clock, huh? Quite a lot of time has passed since sunset. I haven't talked to Riruru-chan today. Takuji: Because there's no need. If it's all been predetermined, there's a reason why my angel hasn't come to talk to me. Some reason... Takuji: A reason, huh? I gazed at the icon drawn on the wall. It was a sacred image of an angel drawn by the savior. So that picture had power beyond comprehension. Takuji: Riruru... chan... I held her in mind... And sent her a Holy Surge. Yes, this is the line of communication that connects the savior to the angels... Takuji: ... Riruru: ... Takuji: Huh? Takuji: R-Riruru-chan? Riruru: ... Takuji: What did you say? Riruru: ... Takuji: ... Takuji: What... It feels like... What is this? Riruru-chan feels different somehow... This feeling is... Unease? No... This is... Fear. Why? Why would I fear Riruru-chan? That's strange. This is definitely strange. Takuji: But still... This feeling reminds me of something. This feeling reminds me of... That's it! Takuji: Otonashi Ayana! That' it. It reminds me of the feeling when I'm talking to Otonashi. It's close to that feeling. Even after becoming the savior, I still loathe it. But... This is Riruru-chan... I'm not sure, but... This isn't Otonashi. Why? Why do I feel like this? And... Something feels different. Takuji: What? Riruru: ... Takuji: Save you? Takuji: Save you from what? Takuji: Eh? The roof... Takuji: Go to the roof? Riruru: ... Takuji: Something outside? Takuji: What's outside? Takuji: The world? Takuji: What about the world? Takuji: Eh? Riruru: ......... Takuji: What is this... There was no doubt. Something about her was different from normal. Riruru-chan felt different somehow. No, I could still feel the old Riruru-chan. Takuji: An impurity? A foreign substance... like white and black were mixing. Like the white and black were trying to devour each other. Takuji: What's happening? Takuji: Haa... I guess it's futile trying to figure it out. It's all been predetermined. There's always some important meaning behind my actions. Takuji: Go to the roof... There must be something important there. That's what God whispered to me. So I headed to the roof. Takuji: ... What's that? Something was looking at me from the bottom of the pool. Takuji: Why are you looking at me A pool without water. I should have been able to see the bottom of the pool, but it had transformed into an abyss. Something was sticking its long neck out of the abyss and looking at me. Looking at the world from within the abyss. Takuji: What is it, people of the abyss? Is it that rare to see a human savior? "..." Takuji: Oh, you can't talk? "......" Takuji: Hehehehe... The people with long necks opened their mouths. Within their mouths, there was neither tongue nor tooth. There was just another abyss. A long neck that stretched into the endless abyss. Takuji: Why are you looking at me? Because the end of the world is fast approaching. No, there's something else. I looked up at the school roof. The air above the school was distorted. Takuji: This is the feeling of... a shadow? Takuji: The shadow when something passes through. Just like when a three dimensional object passes through a two dimensional plane... Something from a higher dimension is passing above the school. It was revolving and changing shape like a polychoron... Like a four dimensional cube. Takuji: Something is coming. Something was coming to the rooftop. It was... a strange shadow. It looked like a warped statue. Some unknown existence was pointing at the school building. Takuji: I know what this is. It was indicating a route to the rooftop. Like a road sign. But I knew the way even without it. The way I must go. Takuji: Oh, look at this. Takuji: Thank you for your attention. Takuji: ... Takuji: What? Takuji: Ahahahahaha, of course not. Takuji: ... Takuji: A corpse? Takuji: Whose? Takuji: Oh, Shiroyama's. Takuji: What about it? Takuji: Hmm? Takuji: Give you his corpse? Takuji: What are you going to do with it? Takuji: Huh? Takuji: Ahahahaha, what's up with that? Takuji: For the record, you're one of those, right? Takuji: Eh? Takuji: Hahahaha, yeah, but you guys really are low dimensionals. Takuji: You're no better than any of the people who go to this school. Takuji: Eh? Takuji: What? Takuji: His corpse is? Takuji: Oh, really... I see. Takuji: But still, even if he's dead, I don't know if he'll listen to me. Takuji: Well, I'll tell him if I see him. Takuji: That you guys wanted him. Takuji: ... Takuji: No, no, you don't need to thank me. Takuji: Ahahaha, you can't have my body. Takuji: Besides, the savior's body is too big for you. It's so big you would just get lost inside it. Takuji: Yeah, that's right. For all eternity... Takuji: Hehehe... You're pretty funny. I like you. Takuji: Ahahahaha, well then, I'll see you later. Takuji: Oh, someone's there. Takuji: Not a human, huh... Takuji: They're coming toward me. Takuji: Oh, look, if it isn't Shiroyama-kun... Takuji: The guys I met earlier said you were walking around, but I didn't believe them. Takuji: I thought you were already cremated and in the ground. Takuji: Where did you wander in from? Takuji: Or did no one clean up your body? Takuji: The janitor is awfully lazy, then... Takuji: Well, the school lets bullying happen, so I shouldn't be surprised they would forget to clean up a corpse. If they would let a person be bullied to death, it's not surprising that they'd leave a dead body laying around. Takuji: But doesn't a walking corpse pose a hygiene problem? Takuji: Hehehehe... You smell awful. Takuji: I hated you when you were alive, but you're even worse when you're dead. Takuji: They say even death can't cure an idiot, but in your case I guess it would be that death can't cure an asshole. "..." Takuji: Hmm? "..." Takuji: Yeah, it is. Takuji: Look, it's about time. Takuji: They were looking for you. Takuji: Look, over there. "..." Takuji: What? Takuji: Yeah, you'll be eaten. "..." Takuji: I don't know. I don't hang out with them. "..." Takuji: No way... I can't do that... Takuji: Well then, I'll be going... Takuji: Have fun. The people from the abyss were looking for you. You're a popular guy. "..." Takuji: Hehehehe... Are you scared? Takuji: Your head jiggles when you're scared? That's a funny way of expressing yourself. I went up the stairs. The stairs to the roof. The road to the sky. I ascended. Takuji: ... Takuji: This is the roof... Takuji: Directly beneath the sky... The sky was lit up for a moment. Light shone out from in between the thick, dark clouds. Takuji: Lightning... Takuji: Thunder... The dark sky was bathed in a blue light. The pitch black world was dyed blue for an instant. The lightning was coming closer. The time between the lightning and the thunder was shorter that time. Takuji: Oh, it's going to rain. Takuji: Huh?! Takuji: ...What was that? I saw countless shapes in the sky illuminated by the lightning, but I couldn't tell what they were. They were like... Takuji: A flock of birds at a time like this? Takuji: That's... This time, the lightning illuminated far more flying shadows than before. They looked just like... Takuji: ...A massive swarm of locusts. I'd seen them on TV before. The sky was covered with flying shadows. More shadow than sky... It was a picture of a massive swarm of locusts that had mutated from solitary to gregarious locusts, forming a terrifying mass of insects. Takuji: Ah... This is bad. This is bad. That thought instantly filled my mind. Because I realized that the next peal of thunder would be the seventh. The seventh peal of thunder is the signal. The signal for the final battle in the Book of Revelation... The seven bowls are poured out and disaster flows into the world. Takuji: This is― The flying shadows covered the sky. With their great wings, they looked like a massive swarm of locusts. No, a massive army of... Takuji: Riruru-chan... Takuji: What's happening? Takuji: What is this? This is bad... Takuji: This is... far beyond the comprehension of humans. Takuji: This is... the final battle of the gods. Takuji: Ah! Takuji: Aagh! Riruru: ......... Riruru: ...... Riruru: ... Takuji: What is this... Takuji: ... Riruru: ・ Riruru: ・ Riruru: ・ A sound like locusts flapping their wings. No, is this the sound of their voices? Riruru-chan's howling voice? Tekeli-li-li... That strange sound echoed through the sky. A mental counter-current. Inversion of information. The shadow of a higher dimension. Shadow, shadow, shadow. The light of a higher dimension. Light, light, light. Mother. Mother train. My mother's bundle. My mother pitching a second game. Takuji: What... What is this? Takuji: What... What's happening? My head... I was terribly confused. The final battle of the gods was happening right above my head. It was a battle between mirrored existences. Opposite aspects that can never mix. Those aspects were angels and demons. Or the light and the darkness. Purity and filth. Good and evil. An instant and all eternity. Anode and cathode. Benign and harmful. Heaven and hell. Benevolence and malevolence. Abasement and hypocrisy. Intelligence and feeblemindedness. Expansion and contraction. The living and the dead. Obligation and resent. Order and chaos. Humility and pride. The previous world and the next. Silence and clatter. Improvement and deterioration. As well as fiction and reality. Real and fake. Dream and nightmare. Order and chaos. Concrete and abstract. Organized and disorganized. A confrontation of all things. The end of all things. All that is true and all that is fake. Words. Words. Proposition. Thousands, millions, billions... An innumerable number of black wings and white wings. The sky was covered with their beating wings. White and black in stillness. An ordered pattern of white and black. Then the silence turned into a great tumult. It changed into a chaotic mix of white and black. Apocalypse. The battle between the light and darkness that divide the world finally began. Two giant snakes entangled within each other. They wrestled in the sky. The entrails of angels. Feathers flying. Crushed wings. Falling angels. The ground, covered in angels. White angels. Black angels. My mother's words. God's menstruation. The voice of heaven. Impregnation. Semen. Riruru: Save me, Takuji-kun! Takuji: Eh? A white Riruru begged me for help. I didn't know what to do. Riruru: No! Don't let yourself be taken in! A white Riruru rebuked me. I didn't know what to do. The world was drenched with the angels' voices. The sky was full of wings. The angels fell like rain. Limbs. Entrails. Eyes. A white Riruru dragged out a black Riruru's entrails. Riruru: Aaaaaaaaah! It hurts!! The black Riruru cried it out in pain. Then the white Riruru pulled out her entrails. She begged me for help. IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS SAVE ME. I didn't know what to do. A black Riruru used her sword to cut another white Riruru's intestines out. Riruru: It hurts so bad... Then the sword was pulled out, pulling the white Riruru's intestines along with it. Riruru: Ha, haaaaa... Aaaaah... She groaned in despair as she looked at her own guts strewn out before her. Two angels lost their ability to fly. The girl with white wings and the girl with black wings... They grappled with each other as they fell to the earth. Their hands were clasped, and their intestines entwined as they fell to the earth. They looked as if they were dancing with each other. A beautiful pair of angels. Hands clasped, kissing, with entrails entwined as they fell, fell, fell out of the sky. They held each other's hands, and then crashed into the ground. Clumps of flesh rained down. Almost like hail... Crashed into the ground. Blood rained down. Almost like rain... They drenched the earth. The swarm of Rirurus blotted out the sky... Thousands, millions, billions of dead angels. The corpses came down like rain. Their bodies burst upon impact with the earth... Riruru: Why won't you save us?! You're supposed to save the world! Riruru: No! Accept reality! Don't run away! Don't run away! Riruru: You're the savior, aren't you?! Why won't you lend us your power?! Riruru: Leave! You should have never come here! I stood in the midst of their innumerable voices and did nothing. I stood in the rain of corpses and did nothing. The swarm of Rirurus filled the sky. No, the universe. The sun danced on the tip of White Riruru's tongue. The moon kicked in Black Riruru's womb. In Scorpius, Antares shined red with blood. At a white Riruru's urging... Antares shone dark red and instantly disintegrated millions of black Rirurus. Thunder and lightning. The awakening of an angel. The flapping of a demon's wings. The despair of the stars. What I must do... I hesitated. I was frozen in that spot. I froze before the battle of the gods. I froze. What could a human like me do in the final battle? Before I realized it, the battle of the angels had ended. The final battle of the angels ended in an instant. There were puddles of blood on the school rooftop where the angels fell. Like a puddle bathed in the red of the setting sun. The puddles reflected the sky in shades of red. The battle of the angels ended. The opposing swarms of white and black angels. There was no resolution... It ended with mutual destruction. Even after billions of them died, nothing changed. Nothing was accomplished. The white angels and the black angels. They all just ate away at each other, destroyed each other, and disappeared. Takuji: Riruru-chan... There was no answer. Of the billions of Riruru-chans that blotted out the sky, not one survived. Takuji: Ah... That's right. That's right... I have to think... Takuji: I... have to do what I can... The battle of the gods occurred in the heavens. A battle that divided the universe. As a mere human, there was nothing I could do. So now I have to do what I can. I should do what I can. I gathered up the pieces of Riruru-chan that were strewn around the rooftop. I picked up the chunks of flesh that went flying when she collided with the ground. I should make her anew. I picked up the pieces of her laying around so that I could restore her to normal. I have to pick up her pieces. The first thing I found was a right hand. Now that I think of it, I think she actually was looking for her right hand... But I can't do anything with just a hand. I found her right arm and right shoulder. I put her right hand in place... She can use her right hand to grasp what she wants. Though she probably isn't in the right state of mind to want much of anything right now. That's it. I need to find her brain so she can think again. I walked around the rooftop, gathering pieces of Riruru-chan. I don't know the details about all the different pieces of her guts though. For instance, I have no idea where to put the pancreas. I don't know the exact details. Nevertheless, I clumsily put her back together. It was like putting together a puzzle. If there's a place where it fits, a piece has value. But if there's nowhere it fits, the piece is worthless... Those are just chunks of flesh. I gathered pieces of her that fit. I gathered the ones that fit. There were a lot of pieces that I didn't need. Pieces that didn't go anywhere. Pieces that didn't fit. There were lots of them. Takuji: This is hard... It made me appreciate the work God did when he first made humans. It's really hard to make life... and I already had all the pieces. ...That's what I thought about while I gathered the pieces of Riruru-chan. I looked for an eyeball. No, I already have a right eye. A left eyeball... They look the same, but there's a difference between the left and right eyeballs. An asymmetrical body. I tried to adjust it until it looked right... Takuji: It looks really grotesque. I created a single Riruru-chan from the pieces of several others. The parts should have been the same, but I couldn't quite make it look right. The lump of flesh started to look stranger and stranger as I put her together. Why... It hardly looked like my cute Riruru-chan at all. I knew what it should look like in my head, but I couldn't seem to put it together right. How did it turn into such a strange, warped thing? I had the perfect image of a beautiful girl in my head, but what my hands actually made didn't look like her at all. It looked like a creepy statue. Takuji: This is wrong... Wrong... This isn't how it's supposed to look. Riruru-chan was more like... this. Aah, that's wrong, wrong, wrong! Every time I touched her, she got uglier. She diverged more and more from the picture in my head. Aagh... It's all wrong... She almost looked like... The scribble on the wall... The kind of childish picture some teenager would post on the Internet. No one would think... this lump of flesh is cute. Takuji: I have to try harder. I did what I could. What I can do... What I need to do right now. Takuji: Wha―?! Takuji: Oh, this is bad... It's getting late. I looked at the clock... It was past 11. I had to hurry up. The day was about to end. Takuji: I have to... I have to do what I can. I descended the stairs... holding the grotesquely completed Riruru-chan. Her warped body seemed to be moving ever so slightly, but I ignored it. There were lots of things I had to do. I quickly went to my base... There are a lot of things I still have to do on Earth. The roof is the domain of the gods. That's not a place for humans. So I descended to the earth... I went to the world of humans... I slipped into the human world. Words. Human words. I slipped into the sea of words. The world is everything that is the case. The world is the totality of facts, not of things. That which is the case... That which is not the case... The world is determined by the facts, and by these being all the facts. I descended into that world. I returned to my room in my secret base. I turned on my computer and dived into the sea of human words. Human words, words, words... I entered that sea. Takuji: Ah... Oh right... I had to check the SAWAYAKA message board. That was the first thing I had to do. Since I'm the administrator of this site, I had to check that group of words first. I had to administrate that group of words where everyone wears the same expression. Anxiety. And... Anxiety anxiety anxiety anxiety anxiety anxiety anxiety anxiety anxiety anxiety anxiety anxiety anxiety. There is no such thing as creative anxiety. Anxiety always looks the same. No originality. Anxiety wears a banal guise. Takuji: You're all just repeating the same words... You disappoint me. I watched this group of words that did nothing but copy each other and thought of what I could do. What can I do to this group of words? I can't participate in a battle that divides the universe. I can't call the thunder or the lightning. I can't devour the sun, and I can't plead with the star Antares. I can't do anything to a swarm of angels. But here... The words here are a group of people. There's something I must do to this group of people. There's something I must do. Because I am the savior. Takuji: Something I can do as the savior... Takuji: I'll tell you all a fairy tale. What I can do is lead this poor flock of sheep. Out of the dangerous forest... into the safe plains. That's what I can do. Takuji: I'll heal your wounds. Takuji: What I can do... is save you all. I am the human's savior. I was born into this world so that I could save people. 1: Who shall be saved and who shall not 356: Satoko: 2012/07/15(W) 23:13:12 ID:satokon Can you prove you're the savior? If you're the savior, then you should be able to stop Takashima's curse. 357: Akasaka Megu: 2012/07/15(W) 23:15:40 ID:megu It's not hard to say all these things. Stop Takashima's messages. Takuji: Hook, line, and sinker... The trap I set a few hours before had caught something. But I couldn't relax just yet. Game that has been caught in a trap may be weaker, but its mind is as alert as it can be. If I'm not careful when I open the trap, I might be the one that gets eaten. Calm down... Chase your desperate prey... Accurately, perfectly, logically, analytically. 430: Mamiya Takuji: 2012/07/16(Th) 01:33:32 ID:mamiya Stop Takashima's curse? What do you mean? I think her future messages will prove useful, don't you? 432: Akasaka Megu: 2012/07/16(Th) 01:36:20 ID:megu The ones that are just coming to me and Satoko. Those messages are nothing but scary. Stop those. We're getting those messages every hour. How selfish... Though I don't care to say that anymore. Why would I be annoyed that the lowest of lifeforms is the lowest of lifeforms? People hate cockroaches, but no one is surprised that a cockroach is detestable. I pulled out the piece of Takashima-san's skull that had been in her phone. For an exorcism... this piece of skull would be the perfect way to summon a ghost. Takuji: And the location of the exorcism... would of course be that place. The building where Takashima-san jumped to her death. 444: Mamiya Takuji: 2012/07/16(Th) 01:37:32 ID:mamiya Do exactly what I'm about to say. First, go to Newtown Street in Suginomiya, and walk five meters to the left of the entrance to the apartment building. 447: Akasaka Megu: 2012/07/16(Th) 01:40:40 ID:megu Don't screw with me. There's no way I can go there. 448: Satoko: 2012/07/16(Th) 01:41:12 ID:satokon I'm too scared to go to the place where Takashima died. Her curse will kill me. 453: Mamiya Takuji: 2012/07/16(Th) 01:43:32 ID:mamiya In the end, you are the ones who will have to decide if you want to go. If you're right about being killed, won't the same thing eventually happen if you don't go? There is a lock of hair at the place where she died. Pick it up and bring it home. Takuji: Hehehehe... I'll show you a miracle. I can stop her curse. I got ready to go to Suginomiya. I should be able to get there in a few minutes with my bicycle. I have to place this before Akasaka or Kitami get there. Then a miracle will occur. Takuji: That's right. I'll do what I can... I'll heal their wounds... I'll lead the sheep out of the forest... That's the job given to the savior of humans. It's what I can do.
I heard a drop in the distance. Somewhere far away... Where am I? That's what I always think when I wake up. I heard a bell in the distance. In some far off city. No, that wasn't the sound of a bell. It was the sound of an insect flapping its wings. The sound of a winged insect... Hundreds, thousands, millions, billions... of winged insects. At school, the only sound I hear is the sound of the bell... Not the sound of winged insects. Or maybe that too is just an auditory hallucination. An illusion that doesn't really exist. I couldn't hear that sound anymore. A faint landscape. This is... my room. When did I come home? I don't remember that at all. But it's always like that when I wake up. I can never remember what I was doing before I went to sleep, or where I was, or even what time I went to sleep. My heart is just relaxed... and everything feels distant. Everything feels nice and even. Takuji: Now then... First, I turned on my computer. I organized my thoughts as I watched my computer start up. Takuji: Oh, right. Last night, I rode my bicycle from the school to Suginomiya and put Takashima-san's hair in that spot... Then I came home... I connected to the Internet, looked at the posts since last night, and posted on the message board as the savior. Takuji: Phone... I got a message on my cell phone. It was from Tachibana Kimika. She was watching Senagawa Yui's movements for me. I checked the message she had sent me. Takuji: Hmm... Senagawa went to the school at six in the morning, huh... Though I guess I did write in one of the automated messages that Takashima-san would be going to her house at about this time. She wanted to run away somewhere and she chose the school, huh... What a dull choice. I looked at Takashima-san's phone. The inbox was full of messages from Senagawa Yui. Takuji: Hehehe... She's actually responding to a ghost. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 06:06 to: Takashima Zakuro subject: Re: ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Don't come to my room. Please. Please don't come. I'll go find your doll. Takuji: So she went to the school to look for that doll? There's no way she's going to be able to find it after this long, though. Senagawa doesn't even know what kind of doll it is. How is she going to look for something she won't recognize? Takuji: Well, whatever... Takuji: But still, that was easier than I expected. Senagawa was nicknamed the steel lady by the students, so I thought it would take a bit longer than that to peel away her psychological defenses. Even if she acts tough, she's still a woman. They're born in a position favored by society. Now I just have to decide how I'm going to lead her to suicide. Takuji: It might be better to stop the automated messages and send them by hand. Takuji: By hand... There we go. Takuji: Something like this... i came to your room but * why aren't you here?* * when i touched the cute dolls in your room* * all their heads came off* Takuji: The time right now is... I still had to wait about twenty minutes until I could send the message. From here on, I would have to send the curse mail to Senagawa by hand. I had to make sure I didn't forget the time. Takuji: Uh... I set a timer so that my cell phone would vibrate once an hour. I set it to remind me five minutes before every hour. Though, since I'm sending it manually, there will still be some discrepancy in the time. No one would notice something like that, though. Takuji: I'll chase her into a corner, once every hour... And then... I'll kill her. I won't dirty my own hands. I'll kill her with my miracle. A perfect crime that only the savior could commit. I'd already thought of several ways I could ultimately kill her. I prepared for every possible scenario. Different methods of killing filled my brain. There are four possible choices in one turn... and the route diverges in thirty-two places before the end. Even with just four possible choices at each divergence, thirty-two points of divergence means there are over eighteen quintillion possibilities. Of those, 18,446,744,073,709,551,798 are bad ends... In other words, failure. Most of the 202 remaining endings couldn't be called success, though in all of them I would at least succeed in killing Senagawa. There are only twelve endings where everything goes according to plan. But I want the best possible route. I want one of two endings. The first of the two optimal endings would be Senagawa committing suicide by jumping off the apartment building. Of course, I'm talking about the same apartment building where Takashima Zakuro committed suicide. This would be the most impressive death, and the most revelatory... If she committed suicide there, a great number of people would witness it. It would be the most beautiful miracle. It's definitely a favorable outcome. But there are several problems with this route. The first problem is that since Takashima-san just committed suicide there a few days ago, the rooftop is off limits except for authorized personnel. When I checked, all the entrances to the roof were locked, including the elevator and the fire escape. The problem is how to get the key. If I could get the key, it would be simple, but I haven't found any way to get the key so far. I did consider the possibility of associating myself with one of the employees, but... I probably already missed the flag to get on this route... I should assume it's impossible to start this route now. The most realistic option is the second of the optimal outcomes, in which Senagawa would commit suicide by jumping off the top of Building C. The Building C rooftop is locked, just like the apartment building rooftop in the first route. So there's no way a normal student would be able to go up there. It's off limits except for authorized personnel. It's the same problem as in the first route. But one variable is completely different in the second route. Senagawa is authorized personnel. Senagawa used to be the advisor of the Fine Arts Club, which has access to the Building C rooftop. It wouldn't be hard for her to get the key and go up there. After that, I just need to figure out how to drive her to suicide. Either way... Takuji: It would be easiest to aim for the second route and make Senagawa commit suicide on Building C. There are still plenty of difficulties with this plan, but it should be easy for the savior. If I use the information from Tachibana to keep leading her on... I should hit the flag naturally. Takuji: Hehehe... I won't let the true ending hide from me. School should've been starting soon, but... There were hardly any other students. Takuji: Hehehehe... What's happening here? Yesterday, the school was perfectly normal... This change happened overnight. It almost looked like school was cancelled. I didn't go into the school building. I walked toward my secret base instead. I don't have very much time until the day when I must return the world to the sky. I still have a great many things I must accomplish. Takuji: ...What's this? For some reason, there were a bunch of students gathered by the entrance to my secret base. What are they all doing so close to my secret base? Kimika: I'm sorry, my savior... Takuji: What's going on, Tachibana? You were supposed to be watching Senagawa. Kimika: Oh, don't worry about that. I'm watching her.. * Could you spare some of your time?"* Takuji: Time? Haa... I suppose... Megu: U-Um... Takuji: You're... Megu: I-I'm Akasaka Megu. You dispelled Takashima's curse for me. Takuji: Oh, which means you're... Satoko: Y-Yes, I'm Kitami Satoko. Takuji: Hmm... And? What about the others? Kimika: Right... They wanted to meet the savior... Takuji: And? Why are they here? Kimika: Excuse me... I didn't mean to trouble you. Takuji: Yes, this is the site of my base. Don't allow anyone but my followers to come here. Kimika: In that case, there should be no problem. All of them want to follow you. Takuji: Oh, really... Megu: Um, you said Mrs. Senagawa's name earlier, but is she really going to die today? Takuji: Why? Megu: There's a rumor about it... Takuji: Oh, really... Aren't there plenty of other people who could die? Megu: Ah! Satoko: Y-You mean... Kimika: That's right... If Senagawa dies, there's a good chance that I would be next. Though it might be someone else, too. Megu: Eh? Satoko: Um, you mean... Takuji: The two of you, Senagawa, and Tachibana... Do you understand me? Female Student: Wh-What do you mean? Did Akasaka, Kitami, Tachibana, and Mrs. Senagawa do something? Takuji: Yeah, they did... They definitely did. Female Student: I-I knew it. It's Akasaka and Kitami's fault! Female Student: And Tachibana! You too! Kimika: Yes, it's my fault. Female Student: Th-Then we'll be saved, right? Those four are the ones who were cursed, right? Takuji: Haa... Why didn't you explain this before you brought them along, Tachibana? Kimika: I'm sorry.. * I thought it would be more persuasive if they heard it from you."* Takuji: Hmm... So she's pushing the work onto me? Takuji: The end of the world on July 20th isn't related to Takashima Zakuro's curse. I shouldn't need to say this, but one vengeful spirit doesn't have enough power to destroy the world. Female Student: Th-Then what are those messages? Those creepy messages from Takashima-san? Takuji: Those are her messages of love to all of you. She wants to save you all. Female Student: S-Save us? Takuji: Yes... Allow me to ask a question. Why is she telling you the world is going to end over and over? Megu: B-Because she resents us... Female Student: Shut up! She only resents you four! Takuji: Would you please not yell? Female Student: Ah, s-sorry... Takuji: Well, it is hard to imagine that Takashima Zakuro hated people she had hardly even knew. Of course not. Though she must have hated all the people who saw her being bullied and did nothing. Takuji: If it's not resent, then what is her purpose in sending those messages after her death? Takuji: Why would she keep telling you the world is about to end? Satoko: The purpose of the messages... Kimika: Because there is a way to save oneself? Takuji: Correct. Megu: Eh? Really? We can be saved? Female Student: But she hated you, so there's no way you'll be saved! Takuji: You... How many times do I have to say it? Female Student: Ah, s-sorry... I'm sorry! Takuji: Akasaka Megu, Kitami Satoko, and Tachibana Kimika... These three won't be killed by the curse. Female Student: Eh? Why? Aren't they cursed? Takuji: I already dispelled the curse. Female Student: D-Dispelled? Takuji: Yes, therefore Takashima's vengeful spirit won't come for them. Female Student: Do you mean... Mrs. Senagawa is going to be the one to die? Takuji: Exactly... I haven't dispelled her curse. Takashima still loathes her. Megu: W-Will Takashima's curse kill her? Satoko: Th-Then... if you hadn't dispelled our curse... Kimika: Of course. All three of us might have died today. Female Student: Th-Then you won't save Mrs. Senagawa? Takuji: Hehehe... Why would I do something she didn't ask me to? Female Student: B-But... you could at least tell her she's going to be killed by the curse. Takuji: The curse I dispelled from those two has been transferred to Senagawa. Takuji: Do you know what would happen if I dispelled it from her? Female Student: Eh? Takuji: The vengeful spirit wouldn't have a victim anymore. She might take anyone, even you... If you're okay with that, I suppose I could dispel her curse. Female Student: Ah, no, forget what I said. I'm sorry. Female Student: Um... Takuji: What is it? Female Student: Um, I heard from someone that you said the prophecy wouldn't come true. Takuji: Hmm? Takuji: What are you talking about? Female Student: Yokoyama Yasuko is in my class, and... she told me that you said the prophecy could never come true. Takuji: What? What the hell? What does that mean... I don't remember saying that. Takuji: When was that? Female Student: Eh? Uh, I heard it the day after Takashima-san committed suicide. Takuji: ... Bizarre... That's impossible. I don't remember talking to her at all that day. What is this? Female Student: Um, does that mean you changed your mind? Takuji: Hehehehehe... Takuji: No, not at all... Not at all. Takuji: I would never change my mind... Is that not true? Female Student: Eh? Oh, of course... Kimika: That's right. the savior would never change his mind. Takuji: It's nonsense to say that the prophecy isn't true. The prophecy is already happening. Megu: You mean on the 20th... Takuji: Yeah, that's right. Female Student: Wait, you mean everyone's going to die? Takuji: Maybe so... Kimika: That's right. Everyone will die. Everyone... Female Student: Th-That can't happen. I can't die yet. I still have so much I have to do before I die... And if I die, my mom will be so sad. Takuji: That shouldn't be a problem... Your mother will be dead too. Female Student: Of course that's a problem! Takuji: ...You. Megu: Dumbass! Female Student: Ouch... What are you doing, Akasaka! Megu: Who do you think you are? You need to be a bit more respectful toward the savior! Female Student: Th-The savior? Megu: Just now, Mamiya-kun... No, Mamiya-sama said 'maybe so,' didn't he? Takuji: Yeah... Megu: And he said there was a way we could be saved. Takuji: Yeah, there is. Female Student: Really? Is there a way to be saved?! Answer me! The female student grabbed my lapels. Oh jeez... Female Student: Agh! Female Student: Wait, ah, agh, ow, w-wait! Takuji: ... I was surprised... After Akasaka knocked her over with a punch, Kitami jumped on top of her and started hitting her. What a team... For girls, they're awfully accustomed to using violence. I was shocked by their skill. Kimika: Ahahaha... You two are as amazing as always. So that's the true nature of the two girls who terrified Tachibana and Takashima-san. Anyone would want to commit suicide if they were getting bullied by these two. Female Student: ... She groaned quietly... and stopped moving. All the girls huddled there frozen in fear. Megu: The world is going to end! It wouldn't make sense if it didn't! My boyfriend is already dead! Satoko: The world is going to end! But there is a way to be saved! Oh, wow... Your boyfriend dying has nothing to do with the end of the world. You don't understand at all. Kimika: A way to be saved... Everyone wants to hear what you have to say, Mamiya-sama. Please, tell us. Takuji: Haa... You guys are a pain. Megu: I'll do anything I need to be saved! I can get you whatever you need! Satoko: I-I'll do anything too. Anything! Just how desperate are these two? Was it that hellish getting the curse mail the past few days? One of the basics of brainwashing is to completely destroy a person's individual personality, but destroying someone's personality through fear normally takes quite a bit of work. After finally being freed from Takashima's curse, and then immediately being faced with the end of the world, most people would try to follow someone else. Takuji: This is a story from ancient times... Takuji: God in heaven looked out upon the people on Earth... and he despaired at the wickedness of man. Takuji: He resolved to send a great flood to blot out man from the face of land. Then he told a great prophet of his resolve. Takuji: The great prophet understood God's will, and he and his family constructed a monolithic ark. Takuji: During that time, the prophet tried to warn the people that the world would be flooded, but not a single one of the foolish people lent their ears to his words. Kimika: I know that story... It's Noah's Ark, from the Book of Genesis. Takuji: When Noah completed the ark, his wife, his three sons, and the three wives of his sons entered the ark... as well as two of every animal on the earth. Takuji: The world was covered in torrential rains for forty days and forty nights... And God destroyed all flesh in which is the breath of life under heaven. Takuji: Even after the rain stopped and the sky grew clear, the water did not abate for 150 days. Megu: So we have to build an ark... Takuji: Hehehe... This is just an old story. Besides, God made a promise to the people. Takuji: That he will never again bring about a great flood to destroy all living things... Satoko: Eh? It won't happen again? Then the world will be fine? Takuji: Listen to what I said. He only promised he wouldn't cause another flood. Kimika: In other words... Takuji: Constructing an ark won't save us from the world's destruction. Takuji: It would be like using an umbrella in a burning building. An utterly fruitless effort. Megu: Th-Then... Takuji: Hmm... I'll tell you when the time comes. Takuji: But I'm not softhearted enough to save all of humanity. Megu: U-Um... Takuji: Don't worry... I'll save you. Megu: Eh? R-Really? Satoko: U-Um, what about me? Takuji: Don't worry. Takuji: Yeah, there's no problem. No problem. More importantly... Takuji: If you have any friends that wish to be saved, you may bring them to me. Takuji: But only people who believe in my prophecy. Takuji: If you bring a nonbeliever here, I... Takuji: ...won't save any of you. The group dissolved. They could act freely. But if they bring a single nonbeliever to me, I won't save any of them. If one person betrays me, they will all die. I made sure that fact was clear. Takuji: Now then... ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/16 09:20 from: Takashima Zakuro subject: no subject ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― another one will die from the roof into the courtyard they will keep dying and you can't stop it soon it will all end Anyway, I sent out the prediction in one of Takashima-san's messages. I did tell the prediction to some of them directly, but this is still the most effective way. Now then... Takuji: ... What... What is this feeling? Takuji: ... Takuji: Wh-What... is this? " " Takuji: This is... Our frequencies don't match? This feeling... It was the same as the first time. Why? Takuji: Riruru-chan. Takuji: Why don't our frequencies match? The Holy Surge was already tuned, but this feeling... Takuji: This is because of last night! Last night, White Riruru-chan and Black Riruru-chan fought the final battle that stretched across the universe. Every single Riruru-chan was turned into chunks of meat. But since someone was trying to reach me with the Holy Surge, that meant... Takuji: Riruru-chan came back to life after I put her back together! What a miracle. Of course, I only did it because there was a possibility of success, but I actually succeeded in reviving an angel! Fear the savior, Mamiya Takuji! Takuji: Riruru-chan! The first time, she called out to me, but this time was different. I had to call out to her. I carefully started tuning... After taking that much damage, she must be desperately sending the Holy Surge out to me. Takuji: I'm the savior. I can handle a little bit of tuning... I used my power as the savior. I used my fearsome powers of concentration to search for Riruru-chan's Holy Surge within the infinite sea of frequencies. Takuji: Imagine how she looks! Create her body! And then give it shape! I slowly adjusted the superdimensional vibrations to match her frequency. My Holy Surge rises above dimensions! The road illuminated by the M-theory! I break through the film of the second dimension! I break through the films of... ...The third, fourth, and fifth dimensional frequencies! The sixth, the seventh... The eighth, the ninth... The frequencies of the tenth and eleventh dimensions! The M in M-theory... Stands for Magic! For Mystery! For Membrane (hymen)! It is the most important prerequisite to be a goddess! Takuji: Aaaagh! The circuit in my mind felt like it was on fire. My quantum mind connected with all dimensional spaces. The mind of the savior is the quantum mind! It traverses the infinite multiverse and accomplishes this great feat! Takuji: Agh! Takuji: ... Takuji: The light... The packets of light... "Take shape." Takuji: ... Riruru: ... Riruru: Takuji: What... is this... Riruru: Takuji: I just have to reach a little further. Riruru: Takudjii-kuuun... Takuji: ... Takuji: A little further. Riruru: Ii amn Riruru. Riruru: I'm Riruru! Takuji: D-Did I mess up? Even using the power of the savior, that was my limit. I only managed to restore her voice... Her body still looked like a bad scribble. Takuji: Wh-Why do you look like that? Riruru: Look? Hmm? Riruru: Wait, what? * What happened?!"* Takuji: Why did you end up looking like that? Riruru: Well, because... that's how you made me. Takuji: I-It's my fault? Riruru: Yeah... This body is probably just like that drawing. Takuji: Eh? Riruru-chan pointed toward the picture I had drawn on the wall. Riruru: Last time, I materialized myself with my own power, but this time it was with your power. Oh, so... that's why she ended up looking like a scribbled drawing. I was the one who drew that awful scribble that she ended up looking like. Takuji: I'm sorry. Even as the savior, I didn't have enough power. Riruru: No, it's all right. Riruru: Next time you call me, you should look at a proper icon while you tune the Holy Surge. Takuji: A proper icon? Riruru: Yeah, if you make an icon that you want, it should turn out perfect. Takuji: A proper icon, huh... Riruru: If you draw the icon right, you can call whatever kind of Riruru you want. Takuji: R-Really? Riruru: Of course! I'm the Mahou Shoujo Riruru. Riruru: But more importantly, the battle yesterday... Takuji: Oh, yeah. You were fighting with some kind of black Riruru-chan. Riruru: Yeah... She always gets in my way. Takuji: Gets in your way? Riruru: Yeah, she's a bad person. The color black is a symbol of evil, you know? Takuji: Yeah. Riruru: So she's a demon. Takuji: What does she do that gets in your way? Riruru: Isn't there something that comes to mind, Takuji? A really nasty feeling. Takuji: Them! Riruru: Yeah. The people who put out those weird, nasty frequencies are all demons. Takuji: Weird frequencies? Riruru: Yeah, we call that frequency the Black Surge. Takuji: Black Surge? Riruru: Yeah, my frequency is the Holy Surge... and that pitch black surge that those people put out... That's the Black Surge. Takuji: The pitch black surge... Riruru: Yeah. Be careful about the Black Surge. Although you're the savior, so you shouldn't be able to get infected. Takuji: Infected? Do you mean the Black Surge can infect something? Riruru: Not just something... It can infect anything. The Black Surge turns everything in existence pitch black. Takuji: Everything? Riruru: Yes, everything. Riruru: The people on the Black Surge are trying to destroy the world. That's why they're trying to stop us from returning the world to the sky. Riruru: Originally, they were just like a shadow... They were my dregs, but they keep growing stronger. Takuji: Why is that happening? Riruru: Black Riruru multiplies by devouring human anxiety, and the anxiety in the world has suddenly increased in the past few days. Takuji: The anxiety in the world? Riruru: That's right. Humanity is connected by their unconscious. It's not just the people around you that are growing anxious. Riruru: The entire world is full of anxiety. Riruru: The sky is full of anxious words... Takuji: Isn't that really bad? Riruru: Yeah, that's why my father is going to descend upon this world today. Takuji: Eh? Your father... You mean... Riruru: Yes, the omniscient and omnipotent god Yog-Sothoth. Takuji: Yog-Sothoth... That's God's name. And he's going to descend upon the earth today. Riruru: Yeah, he wants to meet the savior. Takuji: I-I'm kind of nervous. Riruru: You'll be fine. You'll just have to match his channel, like you did with me. Takuji: Why? Riruru: An omniscient and omnipotent God is the world itself. To look at the world itself, you would have to elevate yourself to his level, right? Riruru: For instance, if a two dimensional human wanted to look at the entire two dimensional world... Takuji: He would have to look at it from the third dimension! Riruru: Yeah, so you'll have to tune yourself to a higher dimension. But it'll be fine. You're doing it right now! Takuji: Yeah... Meeting with God. To think I've come that far... The savior will meet with God. The Father Himself... Riruru: Also, I was wondering, Takuji-kun, have you noticed the fake Takuji? Takuji: Fake Takuji? Riruru: Yeah. Just like I'm here for you, Takuji-kun... It seems like Black Riruru has a fake Takuji-kun. Takuji: A fake... Takuji: Ah! Now that I think of it... Female Student: Um, I heard from someone that you said the prophecy wouldn't come true. Female Student: Yokoyama Yasuko is in my class, and she told me that you said the prophecy could never come true. Female Student: Eh? Uh, I heard it the day after Takashima-san committed suicide. Takuji: In other words, I have a doppelganger. Riruru: I knew you must have noticed something. Takuji: I did... I see. So Black Riruru created an imposter to deny my prophecy. Riruru: Yeah. So here, Takuji-kun. Take this! Takuji: What is this? Riruru: Moe moe item! Takuji: Huh? Takuji: Wh-What is it? Riruru: It's a white coat. Takuji: I know, but I don't understand. Why a white coat? Riruru: I was kidding about the moe part. Seriously speaking, this is made of the same white matter as my clothes. Takuji: White matter? Riruru: Yeah, the matter in it is white. To put it simply, this coat is made of the very concept of whiteness instead of any simple white material. Takuji: Made of the very concept of whiteness? Riruru: Yeah. You could say it actually is White Riruru. Takuji: You mean this is... Riruru: God's cloth. This is God's cloth... Riruru: These holy robes were made just for you, Takuji-kun. I see. Now that I think of it, saints always have holy robes. As the savior, my holy robes are the concept of whiteness itself. These robes suit my position. Riruru: Eh? What is this sound? When I looked up... Riruru-chan was gone. I was alone in the darkness of my base. Takuji: Light... There's a light on... Was it on before? Well, that's not important. Takuji: My phone is ringing! A message from Tachibana? What is it? The message only said, "Something big just happened." Something big? Takuji: Ah?! C-Crap! I checked the clock... it was already 6:00. Takuji: I forgot to send the curse mail to Senagawa! Takuji: Now the prediction isn't going to... What a failure. I totally forgot about the curse mail. Takuji: To think that the savior would... In the darkness, I nearly fell over. And my head was hurting... Takuji: This isn't good. Anyway, I should go up to the surface. Takuji: Crap... It's already evening. It was already starting to get dark. Takuji: How did so much time pass? I don't know where the time went. I'm completely untethered from the progression of time. Takuji: Huh?! I heard voices from behind the school. The voices were coming toward me. Takuji: ...This is bad. A crowd of people surrounded me before I could escape into my secret base. They must have been waiting for me to appear. Damn it... Did they come to ask me why the prediction didn't come true? Kimika: U-Um, Mamiya-sama... Takuji: ... Tachibana's voice is shaking. She's scared... This is bad... Even the strongest person in recorded history would have trouble fending off this many people. My only choice is to run... But can I? When should I dash? Crap... Don't rush it. Stay calm and make a logical decision. I'm the savior. Kimika: I-I saw it... Takuji: N-No... Th-This is... A-Anyway, I have to say something... I have to come up with an excuse. Kimika: Mrs. Senagawa really died! I was so moved! Your power did it, my savior! Takuji: U-Um... Takuji: ... What... did she just say? Kimika: I was waiting in the courtyard, just like you ordered me to... and Mrs. Senagawa really fell. She splattered all over the ground. Takuji: Wh-What? Kimika: It was the rooftop above the fourth floor, so she fell from five stories up. I didn't think that was high enough to kill someone outright, but she just went splat. Just like I ordered you to? Kimika: Yes. You specified the time and location, didn't you? I even specified the time and location? Takuji: R-Really? Takuji: Ah... Takuji: That's right. I remember... Every time my phone vibrated, I sent a message to Senagawa. And... I managed to drive her to suicide. Why did I forget that? Takuji: ... Takuji: This is it. The Black Surge is the cause... That's why my memory gets fuzzy sometimes. Kimika: U-Um, my savior, are you all right? Takuji: ...I'm fine. Crap... This has happened before too. When time jumps ahead... When I'm missing parts of my memory... It's all because of Black Riruru's Black Surge! Yasuko: S-So this is the savior, Mamiya-sama... Kimika: Yes... From now on, the Mamiya-sama who is the savior will always be wearing his holy robes. Takuji: Why do you say that? Kimika: Eh? You messaged me... and said to beware of your imposter. Yasuko: I saw the fake Mamiya-sama! Takuji: Saw my imposter... Yasuko: Yes, his voice and face are just like yours, but he acts completely different. Kind of, like... Takuji: A nasty feeling. Yasuko: Yes, exactly. Takuji: Be careful... That's the Black Surge. Yasuko: The Black Surge? Takuji: Yeah. The frequency of the demons. Normal humans would just perceive it as a feeling of unease, but if you're exposed to it for a long period of time, you'll be infected. Yasuko: Infected? Takuji: Yeah, with the demon's ideas. Yasuko: The demon's... ideas? Takuji: That's right. Beware the Black Surge. No, I'm the one who really has to be wary of it. The Black Surge is incredibly dangerous because it can interfere with the savior's brain. My memory loss earlier... and my headaches... Those must have been irregularities in my Savior Brain caused by the Black Surge's attacks. I don't know when the Black Surge will attack again. Is there nothing I can do to stop it? No... Think. I've obtained all knowledge and wisdom. There's no world that my Savior Brain can't solve. Think. Think and choose! Find the correct choice within the infinite possibilities! Carefully pick just one choice from within the infinite sea. I used my infinite wisdom as the savior to pick the correct choice from the vast ocean of possibilities. That's it. I just need to suppress the source of the Black Surge. Takuji: Yokoyama Yasuko... Yasuko: Yes! Yasuko: You truly are the real one! Takuji: ...What do you mean? Yasuko: Oh, nothing. The fake Mamiya-sama couldn't remember my name. Takuji: Hmph, don't compare me to that imposter, you fool. Yasuko: Oh, I-I'm so sorry! Takuji: You know the Wakatsuki sisters, don't you? Yasuko: The Wakatsuki sisters? Eh? Uh, you mean... Takuji: You're in the same club as them. Wakatsuki Kagami and Tsukasa. Yasuko: Eh... Um... Takuji: What is it?! Yasuko: Um... I... don't know them... "..." "I don't... * know them..."* Takuji: Wh-What? Yasuko: Eh? Um, well... What does Mr. Wakatsuki look like? Takuji: The Wakatsuki sisters! The twins, Kagami and Tsukasa. Yasuko: Eh? They're... twins? Takuji: Yeah. They're twins. The older one is named Kagami... and the younger one is Tsukasa. Yasuko: The older one is Kagami-san... and the younger one is Tsukasa-san... right? That's ridiculous. She was in the same club as the Wakatsuki sisters. And yet she says... she doesn't know them? Think. Understand the situation. Put it into words. Extract meaning. Case 1. Yokoyama Yasuko is lying. Her relationship with the Wakatsuki sisters is inconvenient for her, so she's trying to hide the truth. Takuji: Tachibana! Kimika: Yes? Takuji: You're in the next class. Your class joins up with ours for physical education. You know them, right? Kimika: Uh... Unfortunately, no I don't. Takuji: Wha―! Akasaka, Kitami... All the other people from Tachibana's class had the same expression. They were reacting as if the Wakatsuki sisters had never existed to begin with. What's going on? Are they all lying? No, that's impossible. I can read their minds. It's especially easy to read the wavering heart of a liar, but the wavering I feel here is different. The wavering here makes it feel like they don't even understand what I'm saying. Then what other possibilities are there? Takuji: Ah! Classic memory loss. Gaps in my memory. I know these symptoms... I... I've experienced these symptoms many times before. Takuji: Black Surge... Yasuko: Black Surge? These symptoms... I'm sure of it. Changing memories... Changing actions... The Black Surge is trying to dye everything black. I see... Those Black Surge bastards. They've erased all their memories relating to the Wakatsuki sisters. Considering my memory loss earlier, it wouldn't be hard for them to completely erase a normal human's memory. The Black Surge is a far greater foe than I originally thought. Takuji: Agh... Which means the information about the other Black Surge transmitter, Otonashi Ayana, must have been erased too. They've undermined my plan to suppress the source of the Black Surge. Takuji: Tch... Yasuko: Um, my savior. This is bad... They're getting anxious. My expression is making them anxious. For some reason, Tachibana is smiling, but the rest are growing anxious. No, the savior can't allow this to happen! Black Riruru loves anxiety. She multiplies by eating it. She devours anxiety then dyes the world with the Black Surge. No, I can't make them anxious. I can't allow them to be fearful! Calm down. Yes... calm. Calm... Calm... Calm... I chanted it three times. And then... Kimika: There's no problem, right? Takuji: Eh? Takuji: Oh, yeah... No problem. I did my best to answer with a smile. Takuji: Okay then, there's no problem. That's enough. In that moment, all their faces relaxed. They were relieved by the savior's smile. But still... I see. This is the highest level... This is the highest level of warfare. The Black Surge emitted by Black Riruru can erase people's memories... No, maybe it can even overwrite them. I don't know what memories are real. In this battle, I have to doubt even my own memories. And I can't make the people anxious. I have to eliminate the anxiety. The more anxiety there is in the world, the stronger the Black Surge grows. I have to eliminate humanity's anxiety. Eliminate the anxiety... ... That's it. My savior brain came up with a new idea. Takuji: First, Akasaka... I have orders for you. Megu: All right. Takuji: Your dead boyfriend was into drugs, right? Megu: Eh? Um... Takuji: You can't lie to me. Megu: I-I'm sorry! Takuji: Drugs debilitate humans... You must purge the world of them. Megu: B-But there's no way I could do that by the 20th. Takuji: Yeah, but you could cleanse this city. Megu: Eh? Takuji: Steal the drugs from all the drug dealers in this city. Megu: S-Steal... But they're... Takuji: There should be no problem. They're all going to die in four days. It doesn't matter who they are, even if they're soldiers or yakuza. Megu: B-But... we're just... Takuji: There should be no problem if everyone here helps. There's strength in numbers. Even a yakuza member couldn't do anything against this many people. Takuji: And... use Nishimura, Numada, and Iinuma. They should know where the drugs are being sold. Megu: Nishimura and Numada? B-But how? Takuji: You said you would do anything, didn't you? Megu: O-Of course! Takuji: Then offer Nishimura your body. Megu: Nishimura? Wh-Why? Takuji: Apparently, Nishimura wants to have sex. He doesn't care if he dies so long as he can have sex. Megu: B-But offering him my body is... Takuji: Do you have a complaint? Megu: Ah, no. It's nothing. I'll do it. Takuji: And Kitami... you do it with him too. Satoko: Eh? Wh-Why me? Takuji: When you guys were taking stimulants, you had a threesome with Shiroyama, didn't you? Satoko: Eh? Megu: H-How do you know that? Takuji: You should stop treating the savior like a normal human. Megu: I-I'm sorry! Takuji: And, Yokoyama Yasuko. Yasuko: Y-Yes? Her face was stiff with fear. Well, unlike the other two, she's young, and I don't think she's had much experience with men, so... Takuji: Go to the anime shop in Suginomiya and buy a Mahou Shoujo Riruru poster. Yasuko: Huh? Takuji: Don't make that stupid face at me. I won't say it again. I need a Mahou Shoujo Riruru poster in order to save you. Go buy it! Yasuko: U-Um, what does that... Kimika: The character drawn by animation director Horinoguchi Yuuko! We absolutely can't do without that. Takuji: You're pretty quick on the uptake. Kimika: Yes. I am your servant, after all. Yasuko: Um, excuse me, I don't really understand. Takuji: Argh... She's useless. She doesn't even know that much? I didn't think ignorance was such a terrible plight. I gave up. I wrote it down and passed it to her. Takuji: Now then, all of you, carry out your orders! Takuji: If you fail, nothing but death awaits you! They all ran off in fear. They ran desperately... like hares from a hunter. Run, run... That's it, run for your lives. Death is at your heels. You must all run to escape it! The name on my phone's display was Yokoyama Yasuko. Takuji: Yokoyama, huh... That was fast. An hour hadn't even passed. She must have ridden her bike to Suginomiya and back already. That would be pretty fast even if she already knew where to look. Yasuko: Ha, ha, ha, my savior! Takuji: Yokoyama, huh... Yasuko: I bought them! Takuji: Good. Yasuko: A-And... Takuji: Hmm? What is it? Yasuko: Um, there's someone who says she wants to meet with you. Takuji: Again? Go ahead and bring her along, then. I don't mind. Yasuko: U-Um, there are police at the school right now, so the school grounds are closed off. Takuji: Closed off? Yasuko: Yes, because of Mrs. Senagawa's suicide. They weren't here when we left the school, but... Takuji: I see... After you left, the police and ambulance came, and the school grounds were closed off. Well, I should've expected that. Yasuko: Several of my friends were taken in as suspects... Thankfully, all of the people who were gathered by the pool left the school immediately to carry out your orders, so none of them were caught. Takuji: So you can't get onto the school grounds... Yasuko: What should I do? Takuji: Hehehe... That's not a problem. I'll tell you a place where we can rendezvous. Wait for me there. Yasuko: Understood! Takuji: There's an irrigation canal behind the school, near the old pool. Yasuko: An irrigation canal... Oh, right. Takuji: There's a place where the fence is broken. You can enter the sewers from there. Yasuko: The sewers? Takuji: Yes. Go down to the canal entrance and wait for me there. Yasuko: U-Understood! Of course, the shortest route here is through the manhole by the pool, but that's not the only way to get here. Actually, it would be possible to enter the reservoir tank from any manhole, since it's connected to the sewers. The entrance to the sewers from the irrigation canal behind the school is especially useful, since the drop isn't that far and an adult can easily fit through. The fence is also broken, and there's no manhole cover to remove like there is here. Takuji: ...Yokoyama. Yasuko: Y-Yes. Takuji: Hmm... Just as ordered. Kimika: We bought the poster you asked for, too. Look at Horinoguchi's shading... It looks so soft, doesn't it, my savior? Takuji: You mean you went along with her? Yasuko: Ah, I-I'm sorry. I didn't know where the anime shop was... Kimika: I'm the savior's servant, so I know all about anime. Takuji: That has nothing to do with being a servant. Anyway, you said on the phone... Kimika: Yes. Um, the person I brought along was none other than... Takuji: ...Kiyokawa? Takuji: You actually brought a teacher to me? Tachibana, what is this? Kimika: Hahahaha, you don't trust me, huh * It's true, she is a teacher, but she believes in your prediction."* Takuji: She does? Asumi: U-Um... Asumi: Um, I... Takuji: Hmm, your only friend in the school... You changed your mind because she died from Takashima's curse? Asumi: Huh?! Takuji: You didn't think the students knew. It's written all over your face. Kimika: Mamiya-sama is the savior. You shouldn't try to keep secrets from him. Asumi: Ah, all right. Takuji: You two were the same age, and you were friends outside of the workplace. That's why she came to you for advice about the curse mail. Asumi: Ah... I was right. I felt more than just surprise in her... I felt her fear. She became as pale as a ghost. Asumi: A-At first... she thought it was just a prank. Asumi: So... she insisted she was going to find the culprit and have them arrested. She said there was no such thing as a curse. Takuji: Oh, really... And? Asumi: But... she looked strange yesterday. She was always looking over her shoulder, like she was afraid of something. Takuji: Of something? Asumi: She said she felt like someone was watching her. She looked worse every time I saw her... Takuji: And eventually... she jumped off the roof. Asumi: Y-Yes. Building C was... Takuji: That's right. That's where Takashima's accident happened. Asumi: That accident always bothered her. Takuji: Bothered her? That's ridiculous. She covered up her crime and ran away from the punishment. Asumi: C-Covered it up? Takuji: That accident was a result of excessive bullying. Takuji: Akasaka Megu, Kitami Satoko, and Tachibana Kimika were involved in her bullying. Do you know what they had in common? Asumi: Th-The Fine Arts Club... Takuji: Exactly. The Fine Arts Club that only existed for half a year... That club's advisor was none other than Senagawa Yui. Asumi: B-But Yui was... Takuji: There's no way she wouldn't have known! At the very least, that's what Takashima Zakuro thought! Asumi: Ah! Takuji: Senagawa knew about the bullying, but she ignored it. She should have been Takashima's ally as a teacher, but she betrayed her. It's only natural Senagawa would be hated the most. Takuji: After Takashima's death, her hate followed Senagawa as a curse. Asumi: I... was shown the articles of the deceased after she committed suicide. Takuji: Articles of the deceased? Asumi: She was getting curse mail from Takashima up until the moment of her death. Takuji: You saw Senagawa's cell phone? Kimika: I picked it up! Asumi: And... In those messages I saw how Takashima-san's vengeful spirit chased Yui to her death. Takuji: I see. You saw the curse mail from her vengeful spirit. Asumi: Yes. B-Before I saw that, I never thought anything so terrible existed in this world. So then, I... Takuji: Then? Asumi: Um, I heard a rumor about you, Mamiya-ku... No, Mamiya-sama. Asumi: Originally, that curse was supposed to haunt the other people who bullied Takashima-san: Akasaka-san, Kitami-san, and Tachibana-san, too. Asumi: But there's a person who can dispel the curse. That's why those three didn't die. Asumi: That person also predicted the time and place of Yui's death... Takuji: I see. So you came to speak to the prophet? Asumi: No, you're not a prophet... You're something greater. You're going to save people from the great disaster that's going to happen soon. You're the savior. Takuji: I see. Did you come here to be saved? Asumi: Yes! Takuji: Who do you expect to believe that story? Asumi: Eh? Takuji: Could I ask you to leave this place? Asumi: Ah, eh? Asumi: I got so scared watching Yui... Watching her go crazy... Asumi: She was so scared... So scared of something... When I looked at her cell phone, I understood the fear she felt. Then I, I... Takuji: Haa... Takuji: It's no use. Asumi: Wh-Why not? Please save me too! Takuji: You've deceived many people in your life. Asumi: Deceived? Takuji: Yes. So did Senagawa. That's why I didn't save her. Because she was a teacher. Asumi: Because she was a teacher... Takuji: That's right. For years, you've lied to people in the name of education. Asumi: Lied... to people... Takuji: That's right. You teachers have hidden the truth from the people! Asumi: B-But I― Takuji: No, you have hidden many truths from the people! Asumi: Th-That's wrong. That's not true... Takuji: No, it's not wrong! You've willfully spread the lies! You've covered up the truth! Asumi: That's not it... That's not... Takuji: You were listening to my speech from the hallway, weren't you? Asumi: Eh? Takuji: Did you think I didn't notice you listening? Asumi: Ah... Takuji: At that time, you were quivering with fear... You quivered as you heard the truth. Asumi: Yes! It's true. I'm sorry. I'm sorry! Takuji: You were fearful of the fact that you had willfully taught lies! Asumi: N-No, that's not it. Asumi: I-I... I didn't willfully teach lies. That's not true. Forgive me. Please forgive me. Takuji: It wasn't of your own will? Then why did you become a teacher? Why did you choose that profession? Asumi: I-It's just... Both my parents were teachers, and my grandmother and grandfather too, so I became a teacher like them without even thinking about it. Takuji: But it's something you chose. You chose it yourself! It's not your parents' fault! Asumi: Y-Yes! I understand. I understand, but I'm a human before I'm a teacher. I, I... You're the savior, aren't you? Takuji: Yeah, I'm the savior. I'm the person who will save humanity. Asumi: Th-Then... Please. Please save me too. Please, save me! This woman... How pathetic. Even if her friend was killed by the curse, she's still an adult. Why is she so scared? Hehehe... So this is the person they revere as a pastor? Takuji: Hehehehe... Is it really that scary? Asumi: Y-Yes! Takuji: Do you want to be saved even if it means throwing away your life as a teacher? Asumi: Yes! Takuji: So you're prepared to do even that. Asumi: Yes, of course! If you'll save me, I'll throw it away! I'll throw it away! Takuji: So you say, but talk is cheap. Asumi: I'm not just saying it. Please believe me. Please save me. I beg of you! Takuji: Oh, really... So you're prepared to do as I say? Asumi: Yes! I am! Takuji: Then I'll have you show me your devotion. Asumi: Y-Yes... I'll show you my devotion. Takuji: Are you prepared to throw everything away? Asumi: I... am... Takuji: First, your life as a teacher. Asumi: I'll throw it away! Takuji: Do you have any family? Asumi: My family? I have a mother and a father. Takuji: So you're an only child? Asumi: Yes. Takuji: Right now. Go fuck your father. Asumi: Eh? Takuji: I won't say it again. Go have sex with your father. Asumi: Um, you mean... Takuji: Take a picture and send it to me. If you send me that picture, I'll think about it. Asumi: Um... Takuji: First, throw away your life as a teacher, then the reason you became a teacher... Throw away your parents. Asumi: M-My parents? Takuji: Throw away your parents... and throw away your humanity. Asumi: M-My humanity? Takuji: Would you call a person human after they've had sex with their own father? Takuji: If you're prepared to throw away everything, then I'll think about it. I'll only save you if you make yourself into a subhuman existence. Asumi: A s-subhuman existence... Takuji: You don't have much time. Disappear for me, now... Hurry up and go fuck your father! Kimika: Wait a second! Are you going to let her leave after you've told her so much? We can't trust her. We should at least have someone watch her... Takuji: That won't be necessary. Takuji: Remember this. All of you... Takuji: Being able to stop Takashima's curse also means I can do the reverse. Asumi: The reverse...? Takuji: I can curse anyone with the same curse that killed Senagawa... Takuji: Kiyokawa, if you think for even a second about betraying me... In that very instant. Asumi: I-In that instant... Takuji: I'll kill you just like I did Senagawa. Asumi: Ah! Takuji: And the same goes for you, Tachibana... And you too, Yokoyama. Yasuko: I-I absolutely wouldn't betray you, my savior. Kimika: Hahahaha, you don't need to tell me that. If anyone tried to stop you, I would kill them myself. Takuji: Hehehehe... Well, it's your choice whether you want to believe me or not. And you, Kiyokawa. Asumi: Ah... Takuji: Kiyokawa, throw away everything. Being a teacher, being a daughter, and being human. Takuji: Once you've freed yourself from your chains... you may join me. Hehehe... Fear. Fear is the tightest binding. Fear is the greatest submission. People try to run from their fears. From absolute fear. And that gives birth to religion. People fleeing their fears give birth to religion. I'll let her swim... and give her freedom. Freedom wasn't given to her. Freedom was given to the fear lurking within her. Freedom and fear have the greatest synergy. By making her free, I will convert her fear into devotion to me. Completely... Yasuko: W-Wow... I didn't know this place existed. Takuji: Yeah... This is the ark. Yasuko: The ark? Kimika: That's a wonderful name, my savior. Takuji: Only the people gathered here will be able to go beyond the world's final day. Yasuko: Go beyond the world's final day... Takuji: That's right. This is a place to gather the people who will live on after the world's destruction. Yasuko: This is... the ark? Takuji: Yeah. This is the ark I constructed. It's larger and more durable than Noah's. Yasuko: A place constructed by the savior... Takuji: Gather the believers here until the final day. Only allow those who are pure of heart within the ark. Yasuko: U-Understood. Kimika: Hehehehe... Leave it to me, my savior. I'll gather a ton of people. Kimika: Ah, it's my phone. It's from Megu. Takuji: I don't mind. Answer her. Kimika: Hello... Eh? What? Kimika: W-Wait, stabbed? Takuji: ... Stabbed... So one of the people I ordered to attack the drug dealers got injured. Kimika: Eh? Oh, o-one second. My savior, there's an emergency. It looks like Nishimura-kun was stabbed by one of the yakuza. Takuji: Tell them to meet up with us at the entrance I told you about earlier... and tell them to bring the injured person. Kimika: Megu said he's covered in blood, so they need to bring him to a hospital right away. Takuji: Are you stupid?! Don't you understand? All the medicine in the world is worthless compared to my miraculous power as the savior! Kimika: Oh! my savior, are you saying you'll heal his wounds? Takuji: Of course. Christ miraculously healed the lepers in an instant. With my powers, I can even give life to a human that has been chopped into pieces. Kimika: Ohh, that's amazing. I was right to join you, my savior. Takuji: A prophet could take my place if all I had to do was make prophecies. I am the savior because I can perform miracles like no other. Takuji: Don't forget that. Kimika: Understood. Kimika: Let's go, Yasuko-chan. We have to go, double time. Takuji: Yeah... Bring them to me as soon as possible. Kimika: We've brought them, my savior. Megu: Um, this... Satoko: The drug dealer suddenly stabbed Nishimura. Nishimura: It really hurts! It hurts so bad! Nishimura was being held up by Akasaka and Kitami. He really was covered in blood. Takuji: You're bleeding pretty badly. Megu: Y-You have to hurry. Nishimura: H-Help... T-Take me to the hospital... Takuji: Hehehehe... Nishimura-kun, you can't die until you have sex, right? Takuji: You even said you didn't care if you died after having sex. Nishimura: B-But... the hospital... Takuji: Don't worry... I'll make you healthy enough to have sex. Megu: Mamiya-sama, is it true that you can heal his wounds? Takuji: Yeah, it's true. You still haven't let him fuck you, have you? Megu: Eh? Um, you mean sex? Takuji: Yeah, that's what's important. Have you fucked him? Megu: I told him... I would let him once we stole their drugs. Takuji: And that's all it took? Megu: Ah, no... I said we could have a threesome. Nishimura: It fucking huuurts! Takuji: Hehehe... Then once he's healed, let him fuck you as much as he wants. Megu: Eh? Oh, all right... But can you really heal him? Takuji: That's obvious. More importantly, did you manage to steal them? Megu: Oh, that's not a problem. We got the drugs! Takuji: Oh, really... There were a lot of different kinds in the bag... There were six comparatively large packages. They were big enough to hold about a hundred grams each. Takuji: You found quite a lot. Megu: I got all my savings out of the bank. I held out all 1,680,000 yen in front of him and told him to sell me as much as he could. Megu: Most of those drug dealers don't have very much on them. Takuji: I see. So you showed them the money... and they brought you to their stashes. That's a pretty good idea. Megu: Thank you! We attacked whatever dealers we found just like that, but we messed up with the very last guy... Takuji: And he got stabbed. Well, of course he did. They have to be desperate to sell this stuff. I think half a gram of stimulants go for close to 10,000 yen. This much of it would probably worth sell for over a hundred million. People get killed over that kind of money. Satoko: And this... We got this bottle along with the drugs. Takuji: A two liter bottle... A third of the two liter bottle was filled with liquid. It was colorless and transparent... This must be some kind of drug too. I can figure out what this is later. Takuji: Carry Nishimura into the back. Megu: The back? Takuji: Yeah, behind that wall. Nishimura: Oww... It hurts so bad... It looked like he was still alert. His face was pale, but that was probably just anemia. Takuji: A miracle... Christ was said to be able to turn stones into bread. Of course... I should be able to do the same thing. Stone to bread... Takuji: ...Nngh... Holy Surge radiated from my right hand. The Holy Surge can make anything holy. Even the evil drugs that Akasaka and the others stole... I can turn them into holy drugs. I changed the arrangement of his molecules to match the picture in my mind. Modern science still hasn't discovered this arrangement of molecules. It's been called the ultimate material... The ultimate material that was said to have been created in medieval Europe by the alchemist Paracelsus. He called it elixir. If you drink this all-purpose miracle potion, you can be cured of any disease. My Holy Surge can change any drug into elixir. Takuji: Aaaah! I felt a moment of vertigo... That was the sign that I had succeeded in rearranging the drugs' molecules. Takuji: Haa... Now these drugs have been transformed into elixir. I spread it on Nishimura's wound. Nishimura: Ow! Just a little should suffice... There wouldn't be any adverse effects if I used a lot, but it's effective even with just a little bit. His face warped in pain for a moment. I immediately took medical glue out of my toolbox and carefully closed his wound. I also sent Holy Surge directly into him, which worked as a second all-purpose miracle drug. After a few seconds, I pressed up on his wound, and... Takuji: Hmm... Success. The wound was completely healed. I watched him for a few minutes. Color came back into his face as I watched. Takuji: Hehehe... His face is changing color by the second. Turning white, the holy color. Takuji: Proof that he's been purified. Nishimura: Agh... Takuji: How is it? Nishimura: ...Huh? Nishimura: It doesn't hurt... Nishimura: Huh? It doesn't hurt at all! Takuji: Hahahaha... It doesn't, does it? Nishimura: Why? Why? It really doesn't hurt! I washed his wound and lent him a change of clothes. No more blood flowed from the healed wound. The miracle was complete. Chatter... Naturally, the people began to stir when they saw Nishimura had been revived. Because I completely healed a person who was on the verge of death in the span of a few minutes. Not even the newest medicine and finest hospitals could do what I just did. Nishimura: It doesn't hurt! It doesn't hurt anymore! Megu: S-Seriously? Nishimura: Seriously! It doesn't hurt at all! Not at all! Chatter... Chatter... Chatter... Chatter... Chatter... Chatter, chatter... Chatter, chatter, chatter... Chatter, chatter, chatter, chatter... The rustling changed into a commotion. And then they... Female Student: It's a miracle! Male Student: It's a miracle! Female Student: He's the savior! "He's the savior! He's the savior! He's the savior! He's the savior! He's the savior! He's the savior! * He's our savior! He's our savior! He's our savior! He's our savior! He's our savior!"* There were a lot of people. It was dark... The people in the back probably couldn't see me very well. I couldn't tell how many people were gathered there. They weren't all wearing school uniforms... There were even some that look too old to be in school. Takuji: ...... I opened my mouth. But those quiet words were drowned out in the commotion. The crowd... didn't know I was trying to speak. But... Takuji: This is a pretty good atmosphere. Takuji: Now then... Kimika: Ah! When Tachibana noticed that I was trying to say something, she shouted... Kimika: Be qui― Takuji: ... I quietly stopped her from yelling and silencing everyone. Takuji: It'll be fine just like this. Takuji: Just like this... I started talking in whispers. The people in the front row who could see me stopped yelling. They were eager to hear what I was saying. They stopped yelling. I revealed the truth in whispers. I slowly, slowly revealed its outline. Takuji: The world is incomplete. Takuji: That is certain fact. Takuji: The world is filled with lies because it is incomplete. Takuji: Everyone calmly speaks of equality. Takuji: But everyone knows that the world is not equal. Takuji: Everyone calmly speaks of freedom. Takuji: But everyone knows that there is no freedom in the world. Takuji: Everyone calmly speaks of love. Takuji: But everyone knows that love is traitorous. Takuji: Everyone calmly says that you must not kill. Takuji: But everyone knows that the world is brimming with murderers. Takuji: Everyone calmly says that you must not lie. Takuji: But everyone knows that the speaker himself is * liar."* Takuji: Did anyone speak to us of this fact? Takuji: No, no one did. Takuji: No one told us that fact. Takuji: And why? Takuji: Why did no one tell us that fact? Takuji: It's a simple fact. Takuji: Because all their mouths are filthy with lies! Takuji: A filthy mouth can speak nothing but lies! Almost all of them were silent. They just watched me. Listened to me. Listening to my every word... Watching my every movement... My voice gradually grew louder. Its pitch grew more forceful. Almost like anger. Almost like grief. Almost like joy. Almost like anticipation. My words included all those emotions. In other words, truth. The words of truth are a blade. The words of truth are a bolt of lightning. The words of truth split the sky. Split the sky that is full of lies. Takuji: Why? Why?! Why are the mouths of the people filthy with lies?! Takuji: Why are there words filthy with lies?! Takuji: Is it malice? Takuji: Is it the filth of malice? Takuji: Because they hate you all? Takuji: Because they hate the world? Takuji: Is that why the world is filthy with lies? Takuji: No! Takuji: The answer is certainly no! Takuji: Malice doesn't lie. Takuji: Malice isn't filthy. Takuji: Malice has no need for filth. Takuji: How could one dye that which is so black that it need not be dyed? Takuji: Malice can't be dirtied. Takuji: Malice is so black that it can't be dirtied. Takuji: That which should be dirtied is that which can be dyed. Takuji: Yes, it is a pure heart. Takuji: A true heart. Takuji: Yes, people call that good intentions. Takuji: It was with good intentions that people dirtied the world with lies. Takuji: It was with good intentions that people dirtied it with words. Takuji: It's true! Takuji: Good intentions! This most repulsive of emotions gives birth to words of filth! Takuji: The road to hell is paved with good intentions! Takuji: It is with good intentions that people walk the road to damnation! Takuji: Good intentions conceal it! Takuji: Our meaninglessness! Takuji: Our ignorance! Takuji: Our genesis and extinction will happen without us knowing or understanding anything. My voice reached a fever pitch... Now, no one was talking. Everyone intently listened to my words. This is a technique that was frequently used by my old friend, Adolf Hitler. Takuji: Good intentions conceal all things. Takuji: Good intentions conceal all fear. Takuji: Why do they try to conceal it? Takuji: It's simple! Takuji: There is no meaning in the world! Takuji: There is no meaning to any of your lives! Takuji: What would happen if a person who was born into a meaningless life was suddenly sentenced to death? Takuji: Because that person wouldn't recognize that all of human history was meaningless! Takuji: What if a newborn infant was strangled, and his life ended after a mere ten minutes? Takuji: Was there meaning in that infant's life? Takuji: Is there meaning in a life of just ten minutes? Takuji: But it's the same! Takuji: If there's no meaning in that infant's life, the entire history of humanity is meaningless. Takuji: The oldest humans, Australopithecus, lived 5,400,00 years ago. Takuji: The genesis of the first life on Earth was 3.8 billion years ago. Takuji: It feels like an incredibly long, meaningful span of time. Takuji: But that's nothing more than an illusion. Takuji: Within the infinity of time, it's no different from a single instant. Takuji: Within infinity, 3.8 billions years or 5,400,000 years is just as much an instant as a life of ten minutes. Takuji: Time isn't what's important! Takuji: Meaning is what's important! Takuji: If there is no meaning in our lives, then they're no different than a life of ten minutes! Takuji: But if there is meaning in a life, even a life of just ten minutes, then that life is significant. Takuji: So I ask! Takuji: What is the meaning in your lives? Takuji: What is humanity's meaning? Takuji: What is the meaning to this world... this universe? Takuji: What is the meaning to our existence? Takuji: Who can answer that? Takuji: Someone, try to answer it! "..." : ul "......" : ul "........" Silence. Complete silence. No one answered... They couldn't answer. Takuji: An idiot would say this! Takuji: Because of God. Takuji: They would say we have meaning because we were created by God. Takuji: Then I would ask that idiot! Takuji: Why does God exist? Takuji: What is the meaning to God's existence? Takuji: Even God is not free of this question. Takuji: Everything is meaningless! Takuji: There is no meaning in this world. Takuji: We are that newborn infant! Takuji: Humanity is that newborn infant! Takuji: God is that newborn infant! Takuji: That newborn infant is everything that exists in this world! Takuji: We live a short life of ten minutes. Takuji: They don't recognize that. Takuji: No one recognizes that. Takuji: They don't recognize our end, the world's end, the absolute end! Takuji: But they have nothing but weak hearts. Takuji: We must accept the absurd and the irrational... We must understand it. Takuji: We must accept humanity's meaningless existence! Everyone looked at me anxiously. I couldn't blame them... I had just revealed humanity's meaninglessness to them. It was the same as a death sentence. Takuji: But once you recognize it. Takuji: Once you accept your meaningless life. Takuji: If we can't deny your existence. Takuji: As if Takuji: a sunken ship Takuji: in your heart, Takuji: if Takuji: that ship left... Takuji: a ripple Takuji: on the water Takuji: where it sunk, Takuji: like a flicker in the dark. Takuji: If there's a presentiment in your heart. Takuji: If there's a flicker or a ripple. Takuji: That... Takuji: That is... Takuji: The forepath toward the omen. Takuji: You are the forerunners of the omen. Takuji: All ye who hear my words! Takuji: Recognize all that is irrational. Takuji: Accept all that is absurd. Takuji: And then. Takuji: Then search your heart. Takuji: That is where Takuji: The forepath... Takuji: Toward the omen lies. Takuji: Can you feel the forepath? Takuji: Well? Takuji: Can you feel it? Takuji: ... Takuji: I will lend you the power to feel it! Takuji: I will lend you the power of purification! Takuji: Meditate! Takuji: There's no need to think! Takuji: Just meditate so that you may feel it. Takuji: Don't think! Feel! I sprinkled the water I purified earlier on them. The mysterious liquid that Akasaka had brought me... I purified it with the Holy Surge. I turned it into holy water! The people were bewildered. They simply gathered here so that they could be saved. The truth is too heavy for the weak. They were simply bewildered. But the words of the savior sink into people with their sound, not their meaning. Meditating people... People just praying... The Holy Surge sank into the weak people. The holy sound that entered their ears made their eardrums vibrate, transmitting the surge to their brain. The Holy Surge. They woke with the surge. To the truth... The meditation continued. The praying continued. Until they felt it. Until they discovered it... Female Student: Ah... Aah... Female Student: Ah, ahh, aaah... Male Student: Ooohh. Male Student: I can s-s-see s-something... Female Student: M-Me too. I c-can feel something... Nishimura: I feel it. I can feel it! It's coursing through my veins. Male Student: Me too! I can feel something! Kimika: Hehehe... It's coming. This is the power of Cat's Eye tablets... Also known as Philopon. Megu: Ah, aaah, aaaah... Satoko: This is it! Yasuko: The forepath. Male Student: There's something there... Something... there. Female Student: It's... Male Student: It's theeeere! Female Student: Eeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh! Takuji: We are the forerunners of the omen! Takuji: The world will soon be covered in flames! Takuji: It will be immolated by an incandescent inferno! Takuji: You all must see it too! The world bathed in flames! Female Student: Noooo, I can see it! I can see it! Everyone is burning! Male Student: No, it's so hot, hot! I'm going to die! Female Student: Eeeeaaaaaaaahhhh! Takuji: Can you see it? Can you see everything on earth aflame? Kimika: I can see it! I can see it! I can see it! He can run really fast! That must be cold! That's a nice car you have! Takuji: We must return to the sky before the earth is covered in flames! Megu: Return... to the sky... Takuji: Yes! Return to the sky! We will return to the sky! Satoko: Return to the sky... We're going to return to the sky. Takuji: Yes! The edge of the world... The edge of the sky will come! Takuji: The day before the world is bathed in flames... the edge of the world will come. Takuji: The limit of the world will come. Yasuko: The limit of the world? Takuji: Yes, the sky where everything ceases will come. Takuji: The sky is neither the beginning nor the end. Takuji: The sky's critical point... Takuji: The boundary between the finite and the infinite... Takuji: The place where all duality ends... Takuji: The place where all duality ceases. Takuji: End Sky! "I can see it, I can see it!" : ul "Ooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahh!" : ul "Is this the world's limit?" : ul "Aaaahh!" : ul "Burning! Burning! Everything is burning!" : ul "Everything can burn! It can all just burn!" : ul "Oh no, oh no!" : ul "What? What is it? What is it?" : ul "Our savior! Our savior!" : ul "I understand! I understand it!" They unceasingly screamed... The truth was revealed. People crying out. People rejoicing. People embracing. Blissful people. Takuji: Yes, the honest truth is that the world that's going to end is incomplete. There's nothing to be sad about. There's nothing to grieve for... Takuji: It's inevitable... Therefore it must end. Takuji: And after that... Takuji: A complete world will appear in its place. Takuji: The new world will be created by the people who returned to the sky. Takuji: It will be the world of truth. Takuji: ... Takuji: Enter... Takuji: Repent before me! Takuji: Kiyokawa Asumi! Nishimura: Whoa, Ms. Kiyokawa is totally naked! Takuji: You all remember this woman! Takuji: This is one of the people who spread lies throughout the world with good intentions. Takuji: But she has recognized her sins. Takuji: She has come to me. Takuji: She has come! Takuji: But her sin is too serious. Takuji: Kiyokawa. Asumi: Yes... Takuji: Tell us your story... Asumi: Y-Yes... I'll tell you everything. Please allow me to tell you. Asumi: I-I... was a teacher. I was a teacher until today. Asumi: Th-That's why the savior said he couldn't save me. Asumi: He said I was a sinner... so I couldn't be saved. Asumi: So he told me to throw away my life as a teacher... He told me to throw away my humanity. Asumi: Both my mother and father were teachers, so I too became a teacher without ever thinking about it. Asumi: The savior told me that throwing away my life as a teacher... meant throwing away my mother and father. Asumi: He told me to throw away being a teacher, throw away my parents, and throw away my common sense as a human being. Asumi: When I was told that... I returned to my house, where my retired mother and father live. Asumi: They both had very good intentions. They're the people the savior would call filthy. Asumi: But I wanted to save them both, so I talked to my father. Asumi: I talked to him, all alone. I locked the door to the room... ...... ... This world will end, and a new revolution will overtake it. That's the immutable truth. I have been dirtied, but I still want to live. I'll confess... I, Kiyokawa Asumi, feel like I am going to be crushed by my fear of death. ...... You all must feel it too. Always behind me... ...Takashima-san is watching me with her melancholy eyes. She must have come to take me, a teacher, because she's lonely. Any time I close my eyes, I feel like she might reach out and take me. I'm too scared to even sleep. Even in the shower, I'm terrified beyond all reason. I'm such a mess. I can't take it any longer. And I want to do something to save my loving parents. It's the least I can do for them, since they raised me, their only daughter. It's all right... I can do this... My parents are intelligent people. If I talk to them seriously, I'm sure they'll understand. Asumi: I'm home. ...... Asumi's Dad: Welcome home, Asumi. Another hard day at work? Oh, what an affectionate smile he had. My father has always poured all his love into me without a second's hesitation, even putting aside his own desires. I couldn't just stand by and let him die. Since the moment I was born, my beloved father has always been there for me... Asumi's Dad: I got so caught up in my book, I didn't even realize it was so late. Asumi's Dad: Huh? It's not that late... You came home really early today, didn't you? My father, lying on the sofa and reading a book, took one look at the clock and then looked at me in puzzlement. Asumi: Y-Yes... Now that he's retired, he spends all day reading historical fiction. It must have been a shock when I suddenly pulled him back into the present day. Asumi's Dad: You don't look so good either... What's wrong? If you're feeling sick, I can-- Asumi: No, that's not it. I interrupted him by grabbing his arm, looking him right in the eyes as I suppressed the burning fear in my chest. Asumi's Dad: If you're worried about something, you can tell me all about it. I'll do whatever I can to help. Asumi's Dad: But don't ask me if yakitori is better with salt or tare! I like it either way, hahaha! Asumi: ...! Yes, Daddy... I knew you would try to tell me a silly joke to calm me down. I'm sure Mamiya-sama would scold me, but I truly love my father from the bottom of my heart. He was always the perfect dad to me, so I always tried to be the perfect daughter for him. That's why I want to save him. Asumi: Thank you, Dad. I have something important to talk to you about today. Asumi's Dad: I guess you're serious about this... All right, tell me everything. He must have caught a whiff of the fear in my voice, because he stopped playing around and instead motioned kindly for me to sit beside him. Asumi: Thank you... I gave him a big smile in response to his warm response, and at the same time I quietly locked the door behind my back. ...... Asumi's Dad: So what's this important thing you wanted to talk to me about? Asumi: ...Um, well... I needed to tell him, but I was too nervous. My mouth wouldn't say the words I knew I needed to say. I took a few deep breaths to calm myself down. Asumi's Dad: Is it really that upsetting...? He sympathized with my plight and looked at me with serious eyes softened by an easygoing smile. Asumi: Yes, I have something very important to tell you... You and Mom absolutely have to understand. Asumi's Dad: Well, if there's anything I can do for you... At his encouragement, I steeled myself, looked into his eyes, and began to speak. Asumi: I know you're an honest person, so I'll be frank... Asumi: The world will end soon, on the twentieth day of this month. Asumi's Dad: ...Huh? Asumi: This is the inmutable truth. At that moment, my heart was clear, and my words came out with a clarity I never would have expected. Asumi's Dad: ...Huh? My father's mouth was agape with shock. I wasn't surprised. I knew it would be hard for him to accept such a sudden revelation. It was the reaction I expected. I was happy that my father's gentle nature hadn't changed. Asumi's Dad: Wow, I was sure you were gonna say you had found someone to marry, or something like that... Asumi's Dad: Hehe, what's up with that? The world is going to end? I definitely didn't see that one coming, hahahaha... I was as serious as could be, but he laughed as if I had told a joke. But... I wasn't angry. I already knew that a layperson would react like this. Asumi: Father, I understand that this is too much for you to accept all at once... Asumi: But this is the immutable truth. You can't run from it. I wouldn't come to you with this news if I wasn't entirely serious. I locked eyes with him once again and, cutting through the frustration that had begun to build in my heart, continued to talk in a polite voice. Asumi's Dad: I like horror stories too. I have lots of murder mysteries saved up, you know... Asumi's Dad: I don't know if I'm the reason why, but I know you've always liked scary stories like that too... Ahaha, that's a good one! He laughed jovially and patted me on the shoulder, thinking I was still telling a joke. Asumi's Dad: Oh right, it was in 1999... July of that year, I think? There was a prophecy about the world ending. Asumi's Dad: You were still a child, so you took it seriously. I remember you were so scared you said we had to start digging a cellar to take shelter in! Asumi: Yes, I remember... Asumi's Dad: So what happened in July 1999? Hmm? Asumi's Dad: The world didn't end, did it? Thinking back on it now, the only thing we really remember about it is that the summer was really hot. He said that jokingly and put the book back on the table. Asumi's Dad: Ever since the beginning of recorded history, not a single one of those prophecies has come true. He started slowly scolding me. Asumi's Dad: You're an adult now, you can't be playing pranks like that on me anymore! Asumi's Dad: But I still think it's cute. Asumi: Haa... My father was occasionally strict, but he was a very gentle person at heart. It's ironic that his gentle heart would ultimately result in him trying to lead me away from the truth. That's why I had to free him from all the delusions that had accumulated in his brain from the long years he had spent in this filthy world. Asumi: ...You're running from the truth. Asumi: You can't run... You can't be saved until you accept the truth. Asumi's Dad: ...? At first, my voice trembled. Asumi: You can't turn your eyes from the truth and continue believing in those lies. Asumi: You've become complacent in your vocation as a teacher, and now you instinctively shy away from the truth! You know that I'm right! Asumi's Dad: ...What? As my voice grew harsher, my father's expression changed too. Asumi: I finally understand... No, I can finally look at the truth no one wants to admit. Asumi: You know, Dad, all a teacher truly does is fill our students with ideas that are convenient for society in order to enslave them and make them obedient, didn't you know? Asumi: So we don't teach the parts we don't like, we deprive the students of their individuality, and we prevent anyone from questioning the society they've been born into, don't you agree? Asumi's Dad: That's going too far! When his daughter, who always looked up to him, finally confronted him with the truth, he threw away the mask and growled his retort. Asumi: Calm down and listen! I'm not saying this to upset you! Asumi's Dad: But... You're... Asumi: There was a cute girl called Takashima Zakuro in the school where I teach... Asumi's Dad: ...Is that the girl who committed suicide? Asumi: Yes, that's right. But once I brought up a concrete example, my father's expression changed from one of anger to one of sadness. Asumi's Dad: She could've done so much more with her life... It's such a pity. Asumi: That's right... She had a future... And yet she was forced to throw that future away with her own hands. Asumi: She was a gentle, smart, and kind girl. The very picture of a lovely young woman. Asumi's Dad: Hmm... And? Asumi: She wasn't in my class, so I didn't speak to her often, but... Asumi: But she was a good girl, the kind I would've liked to read a book with or share a pot of tea with... If possible, I would've taken her for my own sister. Asumi's Dad: Yeah, you always wanted a little sister. I can understand that. He sympathized with me and nodded, giving me his full attention. Asumi: Before she died, she told us that the world would end on July 20th. Asumi's Dad: But that's... Asumi: Please, just listen to me for a moment! I slapped his hand away when he tried to interrupt me, spitting passionate words one by one even as my voice shook. Asumi: You don't know, do you? After that, Yui, Senagawa Yui jumped off the school building. Asumi's Dad: ...What? Asumi's Dad: Senagawa-san? You mean the woman who came over here a few times before? Asumi: Yes, that's right. She was Takashima-san's teacher... Asumi: Yui jumped from the top of the building. Her body didn't even look human. Asumi's Dad: ... Asumi: Takashima-san was always a good girl, but... all the other students were jealous of her, and that resentment turned into bullying. Asumi: I... I kind of realized what was happening, but I thought it would put Yui in a bad position if I interfered with one of her students. Asumi's Dad: There's no bullying here... That's what the administration always said, right? He already knew how the school worked. His brow creased as he said those words. Asumi: Yes, you've been a teacher for a long time, so I knew you would understand. Asumi's Dad: So Takashima-san committed suicide because of the bullying...? Asumi: Yes, that's right! Asumi: But she was a compassionate young girl, so she threw her life away in order to save those of us who were left behind in this crumbling world! Asumi: But it didn't go well. The evil tortured her until the end... I should have done something. Asumi: You understand, don't you? The world rejected her, even though she was such a pure girl... There's no way such a horrible world could continue to exist. Asumi: And now she's trying to destroy her tormentors along with this crumbling world. Asumi: Oh, I have sinned. I know that I won't be left alive. Asumi: I know this may sound cruel, but it was only natural that Yui would die, since she never did anything to stop the bullying. Asumi: And I too simply stood and watched. I didn't save her just because she was in a different class. Asumi: Hehe... Ehehehe... Asumi: But don't worry, there is still a road to salvation. Asumi: If you come to the savior, the one who sees beyond this world, even those of us who have sinned can be saved. We can walk together into the new world. That's our only choice now. Asumi: Do you understand... Daddy? Asumi's Dad: Yeah, I understand perfectly. You've suffered a great shock, and now you're very tired. You just need a bit of rest. Asumi: No! Are you still trying to restrain me with this world's logic? I brought him the truth, and he just smiled. I truly hated him in that moment. Asumi: You don't understand the terror of Takashima-san's vengeful spirit, and you still refuse to acknowledge the truth before your eyes! Asumi's Dad: Maybe that's true... Anyway, starting tomorrow, you're taking some time off. Asumi: What are you saying? We don't have much time left. Asumi's Dad: That's right, it's just like you said. Asumi: Daddy... Those eyes... Those disgusting, pity-filled eyes. Those are the kind of eyes that only teachers have, especially veteran teachers. Eyes that might tell an astute observer that he's not listening to a word you say and only pretending to listen sympathetically. Daddy... You never laid eyes on Takashima-san, never saw the sad looks she gave me. Asumi's Dad: Yeah, yeah, if you say so, I'm sure you're right. Asumi: Ah... Ah... I thought he understood what I was saying, but in the end he betrayed me. Asumi's Dad: One of my long time friends has a doctor who specializes in this field. We can get you an appointment right away. Asumi's Dad: Then you can talk to him about all your problems... I'm sure that'll make you feel better. Asumi: ...Wait, Dad? Asumi's Dad: I don't know if I've told you this before, but I was a teacher for a long time and I've seen a lot of students and other teachers who had problems like this. Asumi's Dad: Teachers are constantly under psychological stress, so you don't need to be embarrassed about this. Asumi: ...Eh? Asumi's Dad: All right, Asumi? You're just tired... Asumi's Dad: So don't worry, I'll take care of it... I'll make sure nothing happens to my lovely daughter. He smiled at me again, and I wanted to cry when I realized that the man I had looked up to for so long had rejected me and ignored the truth. But it wasn't his fault... I just rushed the explanation, so he didn't understand the important parts of what I was saying. He's been an excellent teacher since before I was born. There's no way a young woman like me could convince him. Asumi's Dad: Wait a second, I'll go to the doctor with you. He slowly got out of his seat and turned his back on me to get his car keys out of the drawer. That moment-- I steeled my heart and made my decision. I'm sure you can all understand. I had to do it in order to save him. Asumi: That's right, Daddy... I must be really tired. Asumi's Dad: That's right, so-- Asumi's Dad: Gha?! Uh, ugh... While he rifled through the desk, I grabbed the flower vase and then smashed him in the jaw as he turned around. He crumpled on the spot. Asumi: Haa, haa... Thank goodness he's not bleeding. I remember I used to watch wrestling and martial arts matches on TV with my dad. I tried to recreate one of the moves I saw when I was little to knock him out. Asumi: You'll have to endure this. I'm doing this for your sake too. As I looked down on my fallen father, I was conflicted, torn between feelings of regret from hitting the man that raised me and satisfaction because I did it to save his life. Asumi: I need something to tie him down... Oh, this will work. I tied his hands and legs to the sofa with the strong, thin cord he used to bind books before shipping them. A bystander might think I was evil for hitting him and tying him up. But as you all know, this world is fundamentally flawed... That's why the world must come to an end. It's the height of foolishness for me, one who has awakened to the truth of this world, to ask my father, who believes in the 'common sense' of this world, why he refuses to understand. Asumi: I love you, Daddy... I'll definitely save you. I just needed to take away his freedom for a moment so that I could correct him with my own hands. Asumi: This is the only way... I was ready for it, shedding my blouse without a moment's hesitation. Then I threw away the vile skirt restricting my legs. My hands quickly wrapped around behind my back and undid the hook on my bra. Then, in admonishment of my own body, I pulled my panties off and started fulfilling the savior's command. ... Asumi: This is for our family's sake... I reached my hand out to my father, still unconscious, and pulled his fly down, exposing his wilted penis. It was still soft and small. I hadn't seen it directly since... since I was young enough to take baths with my father. ...It's really moving to think that ten months before I was born, my father's penis ejaculated inside my mother, and I'm the result of that. Asumi: The savior told me to have sex with my father... He said I wouldn't be saved if I didn't... According to the common sense of this world, it's completely out of the question for a daughter to have sexual relations with her father. But that's precisely why I had to do this in order to live in the new world. I can now understand the weight of the savior's words. Asumi: You're the only one I can give my body to, my beloved father. Asumi: My gentle father is the only one fit to be my first. He's the one who always deserved to receive it. So I, completely naked, looked down on my father and smiled. Asumi: But first I have to wake up this little guy... I used the knowledge I remembered reading in a magazine I got from (ironically enough) Yui to stimulate my father's penis with my mouth and give him an erection. From the rumors I heard... it feels way better when you use your mouth than your hand. Asumi: Ahmm... Mm, ah... A daughter with her own father's penis in her mouth... I'll be honest, I was more than a little turned on from the sense of breaking a taboo. It's a taboo for a father and daughter to do that, but it's perfectly natural for a man and woman. Asumi: Mmgh... Mm, mm... The tip of my tongue played along his soft, warm penis, reveling in the slight taste of salt from his sweat. Asumi: Mm, mm... Asumi: Ahm, mm... Haa~ I had to let up for a second when it got hard to breathe. Asumi: Geez, why won't it stand up? I did everything it said... I was sad. After using all the knowledge I had to caress it, it didn't get bigger at all. It was completely different from the erect penises I saw in dirty manga and pornographic magazines that I confiscated from my male students. Asumi: Oh no, it has to stand up like a mushroom first. I hated my previous disinterest in sex and felt a pang of guilt that I couldn't save my still unconscious father. Asumi: But men still get erections when they're asleep, so there should be some other way. I tried using my saliva as lubricant and rubbing it with both hands, but... Asumi: No... It's not reacting at all. The penis that planted me in my mother's belly still didn't respond, and I started to get frustrated. At this rate, I wouldn't be able to have sex with my father. Asumi: What should I do? I didn't expect this... If I didn't put his penis inside me and make him cum, the savior wouldn't grant me salvation... I couldn't worry about the small things at this point. I intently surveyed my father's room. Asumi: I guess I'll have to use this... I took my father's favorite fountain pen off his desk and attached it to his penis as a support. Then I carefully wrapped rubber bands around the two of them to hold it in place, being sure that it wasn't too tight. Asumi: If my mouth won't work, I'll have to force it to stand up... Anyway, my father's penis was finally erect. Now I had to give it an even stronger stimulus than my mouth... I had to use my vagina for its original purpose and lead my father to orgasm. Asumi: I can use this too... I found the transparent wrap that he must have used to wrap his sandwich in and wrapped it around his penis instead to better hold it and the fountain pen together. Asumi: Ah, those edges look like they could hurt... I took the moisturizing cream out of my handbag and put a whole bunch on to lube his penis. The corners and edges on the wrap were surprisingly hard and pointy. Without the lube, those sharp corners would have made me give up out of pain before my father climaxed. Asumi: ...This should work. It was an unnatural construction, but the preparations were complete. Asumi: If I put it inside and start moving, it should naturally get bigger... I spread my legs and slowly straddled my father. I grabbed his makeshift erection and put the tip up against my pussy as I tried to calm the fluttering in my heart. Asumi: I'll give you my virginity, Daddy... As a mature woman, I wasn't embarrassed or hesitant. Rather, I was proud of myself. I let the tension out of my body and took a deep breath... Asumi: Mmm! Ahh... I put my body weight into my hips and closed my eyes in pain as my father tore through my hymen. Asumi: Mm, ahh... It hurts... Yui told me that it would hurt, but I never thought it would be this bad. Asumi: Ahh... There's blood too... When I touched the place where we were connected with my finger, it came away red with my blood. I took my father's manhood inside me. Asumi: Ahh, haa... I'm not a virgin anymore. Asumi: Haa, ha, ha... The next part is the important part... I couldn't just wallow in pain and self-pity like a normal girl. I could have just taken a picture at this point, but the savior wouldn't be satisfied with that. He wanted to see the 'vile teacher' fuck his own daughter and cum inside her, showing his animal lust. Asumi: Haaa, mmm... So I endured the pain, clinging to my father and moving my hips up and down. Asumi: Mm, ahh... Ahh... I was definitely right to put the moisturizer on before I started. It went in and out of me smoothly. Asumi: Aggh... Mmm, ahh, haa... It's a pity that he wasn't erect, but the male warmth I felt through the wrap still eased my pain a little bit. Asumi: Ahh... Daddy, thank you for everything... I love you. He loved me and raised me. I did it all for his sake. I'd become a woman now. Asumi's Mom: Hey you two, dinner's ready. Asumi: Ah?! When the pleasure of being made a woman finally began to seep into me, someone knocked on the door, and a chill ran up my spine. Asumi's Mom: Asumi, you're in there, aren't you? Could you help me set the table? She still didn't know what was happening in the room, so her voice was bright and full of affection. Yes... My mother was a bit more strict than my father, but she was still an excellent parent. Asumi: Oh, yes... Wait a second, please... Haa, Ahh... I tried to chase her away with my quavering voice even as I pistoned my hips up and down to make my father cum. Asumi's Mom: ...Your voice is a little strange... Is something wrong? Asumi: No! There's... nothing wrong... nothing at all... Her female instinct must have told her that her husband was being taken from her. She must have faintly realized what was happening. Asumi's Mom: You came home awfully early today... What's the matter-- Huh? --Rattle, rattle. Asumi: Hiaa... Ah, ahh... Asumi's Mom: Hey, why is the door locked? Open the door, Asumi! Asumi: N-No... Haa, mm... Just a second! --Rattle, rattle. My mother noticed something was wrong even through the door. I heard her violently turning the doorknob and making a clatter of metal on metal. Asumi: Ahh... Mm, ahh, haa... The pressure to finish spurred me on, causing me to get even wetter and more turned on. Asumi: Ahh, mm... Ahh... As the rod wrapped in plastic moved inside my pussy, I felt the juices dripping out from inside me. Asumi: Uhh... Ahh... --Rattle, rattle! Asumi's Mom: Come on, what are you doing in there?! Asumi: Haa, ha... Mom, just wait a little longer... --Rattle, rattle! Asumi's Mom: Asumi! Asumi! Asumi's Dad: ...Mm... My breath grew more and more ragged, and then my father finally opened his eyes. Asumi's Dad: Ah... What's happen-- Hey?! Asumi: Ahhmm... Daddy, Daddy! Asumi's Dad: Wh-Wh-What are you doing, Asumi! Stop it right now! When he opened his eyes and took in the situation, my father struggled trying to get me off him, but he couldn't move because I had tied him down. Asumi: Ahaaa... Daddy, I love you... Asumi's Dad: Do you understand what you're doing?! Asumi: Of course I do... I love you, Daddy. That's why I gave you my virginity. Asumi's Dad: Wha-?! Ah... What have you done... No, no, you can't... His red, enraged face paled before my eyes, so out of pity I rotated my hips and moved faster to soothe him. No, I shouldn't say I 'gave' him my virginity. Rather, I awoke to the pleasure of getting my pussy fucked, and I wanted to taste it more intensely. Not as his obedient, level-headed daughter, but as a woman with a normal sex drive. Asumi's Dad: No, Asumi... This is unforgivable. Asumi: Why? If a man and a woman love each other, isn't it a good thing if they come together? Asumi's Dad: We're father and daughter! You can't do this, so stop right now! Asumi: We're father and daughter, but you're a man, aren't you... Hmm, ahaaa... Asumi's Dad: Stop quibbling and get off m-- Uahh! Asumi: I can tell it feels good for you too. You're moaning already, ehehe. Asumi's Dad: ...Ah! Asumi: You look so cute when you're trying not to moan. I'll make it feel even better for you... Mm, ah. My father's face was so lovely when it was distorted with distress. I kissed his cheeks over and over as I gyrated my hips. Asumi's Dad: Ah, ah... Asumii... Asumi: You and Mom made love like this before I was born, right? Asumi: It's wonderful... This is life's mystery... Ahaaamm... Asumi's Dad: Ah... How could this happen... My daughter's virginity... Ah... --Bang! Bang!! Asumi: Mom must be getting desperate... Afu... Ha, aah... When she stopped turning the doorknob, she must have gone into the kitchen and found a kitchen board or some other blunt instrument to break the lock from the outside. The door was wooden, so even a woman like my mother could break the lock if she hit it enough times. Asumi: Ahh, ah, mm, uhmm... I put aside my own pleasure in fear of my mother and instead passionately ground my hips dutifully to make my father cum. Asumi: Haaa... Your dick is getting so hard... Asumi's Dad: ...No, no...! --Bang! Bang!! He frowned and shook his head in denial, but I could feel his penis swelling inside me and pushing the fountain pen aside. The feeling inside my pussy dulled as the fountain pen was dislodged, but he was still so hard that I could feel every ridge of his dick in the shallow part of my pussy. --Bang! Bang!! Asumi: Look, Daddy... I'm such an adult... My poor father's hands were tied of course, so instead, I pushed my breasts against him and rubbed them against his chest. That way, I could teach him how soft my well-grown breasts were. Asumi: Ehehe... you're a man too, Daddy... I know how you can't help but look at my chest every now and then... It would've been quite the nuisance to have my mother, her pride as a woman in shambles, barge in during our union, so I wanted to do whatever it took to have my father ejaculate as soon as possible. Asumi: How is it? They're bigger and softer than Mom's, aren't they? Asumi's Dad: This is... beyond salvation. I'm done for... it's over... Asumi: You've got it all wrong, Daddy. This will pave the way for the savior's acceptance... Nck-ahh... I lost myself into the act, showering kisses on him and rubbing my ample breasts in his face over and over. --Bang! Bang!! Asumi's Dad: This is wrong... As a human... it's all so wrong... Asumi: That's especially why it's so right...! Asumi: We must discard... this mistaken world's morals... Ngh, ahh! My insides grew hot from my father's penis, which I could feel twitching inside me. --Bang! Bang!! Asumi: Ahh-AahAhh, nnngh-ugh!... Asumi: Daddy, cum inside me, okay? You need to. You've gotta... Nnngh Asumi's Dad: ...ah... ugh... Daddy yielded to me, no longer showing any trace of resistance. The passage of our union was smothered with our genital secretions, allowing for incredibly smooth hip movement. Asumi: Ha, kch... ugh... ahh... ahhh, ahh, Daddyy-! At this point, even the pain of my deflowerment made me more and more turned on, because I'm such a filthy whore. Asumi: Hah... ha... ahh-... feels so goood... So this is what sex is like. I couldn't have even imagined that my first sexual partner would be my father. However, since I love him, I was overjoyed. Asumi's Dad: ...Wrong, wrong... so wrong... Asumi: Ha... Cum, cum!... If you don't, Mother's going to see us... --Bang! Bang!! Asumi: Ahhh, nn, nnnh... Aha... You're so big inside me. Asumi's Dad: Stop this... Stop, st- Ahh---! Asumi's Dad: Kch...n... Ahh... Asumi: Ah! You came for me!! His face contorted as he let out a strained voice, and I squirmed in ecstacy after feeling his hot torrent spray my vaginal walls with semen. Asumi: Where's the camera?! I need a camera...! I promptly reached for the cellphone in my pocket Asumi: Ngh, ahhhhn! I reflexively let out a rather amorous voice after I dismounted my father's hot dick, removing the fountain pen and wasting no time to enjoy the reverberating ecstacy which followed sex. Asumi: Ehehe~☆ I took a picture of my positively beaming face alongside his... And then I followed with a shot of his penis smeared with semen and my bloodied vagina side by side. Asumi: Next is to send these... After several seconds, I heard a sound ringing from my phone, and with that, I successfully cleared the first order of business. I supressed the urge to leap around in joy and embraced my silent father. Then I reached out for his semen, the very first pool of it I had ever seen, and entwined some of it around my finger. Asumi: Waah, it really does smell like a squid. I licked some of it out of curiosity, and I tasted an incredibly strong and thick flavor. Asumi: So much came out. You must not have emptied the tank for a long time... The mental image of my father holding back despite wanting to shoot his load was adorable, so I ended up licking off the rest of the semen on my finger. --Bang! Bang!! --Bang! Asumi: Ah, she broke it. My mother may have finally broke the doorknob, but she failed to stop me. It was this very moment when I tasted a sense of euphoria from the feeling of superiority over my mother as a woman. Asumi's Mom: My goodness, Asumi--h... h... hyaaah?! My mother bore witness to her husband with his bare lower half smeared with semen and her daughter next to him, face beaming and stark naked. Asumi: Ehehe... Mmmngh, nnnch As if to deliver the final blow, I took my dazed father's lips right in front of my shocked mother, kissing him in a grand display. Asumi's Mom: Ah-... uu--- Asumi... what have you... Asumi: Nnngh, anngh, hah... I love you, Daddy. Asumi's Mom: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH---!!! My mother screamed, like a woman screaming bloody murder. She clutched her scalp in an attempted denial of the reality before her. I couldn't have been more satisfied. Of course I love my mother, but in retrospect, I might have viewed her as a rival for my father's love, ever since the days of adolesence. Asumi: Aha, ahahaha... My deed succeeded in crushing the hearts of my mother and father. Asumi: Hahaha, I've done it... I've done it!! I lingered on the sense of accomplishment and, still stark naked, left the premises through the garden window. Asumi: Morals are nothing but junk designed to blind us from the truth. I can't allow myself to be misguided! There I was, fully naked and out in public. I had made my way into the public eye, where anyone could see me. The weakness of my heart, misguided from the years raised in deception, was exposed as I reverted back to "normalcy" at an alarming rate. Asumi: This too is a trial. Bear with it... Asumi: I'm sure that person over there is reasonable enough to understand my plight... -I shamefully took shelter behind a telephone poll as I started to work my way back to the savior awaiting my return. Asumi: ...Ugh * Ow..."* I was surprised by how many pebbles were on an asphalt road. They ate into the sole of my foot with every step I took. Asumi: You must keep going on, Asumi... As much as I tried to spur myself on, the discomfort of taking a penis inside me for the first time just moments earlier was undeniable as it took a toll on my pace. Asumi: Maybe I should have at least brought a coat and bottom with me? I noticed my hands reflexively covering myself, and my eyes were wary of my surroundings as I proceeded cautiously. Asumi: The journey back appears to be rather challenging. A parked car, gray concrete walls, trees sprouting dense greenery, and a red vending machine. Everytime I felt someone within eyesight, I fled for safety behind whatever was nearby. As I timidly made my journey, the subdued voices of strangers talking around me haunted my every step. If they were to see me, perhaps I'd be viewed as a perverted exhibitionist, an object inspiring carnal desire. Just entertaining the thought of that gave me goosebumps. But the words of the savior challenged me. "Do you have the resolve to cast aside everything?" Asumi: That's right * Yes, that's right... You've already come this far, so what exactly is it that's holding you back now?"* Behind the telephone pole, I talked to myself until I arrived at a very simple answer. As a person with the duty to forsake all that is of this world, I had no reason to hesitate any longer. Having destroyed my father's heart and broken free from the shackles of my parents... just what attachment to this world did I have left, really? History proves that trials and tribulations are given to those who strive for the road of the righteous. And if I am saved, then a path to redeem my parents will open. To save those who fail to recognize their faulty ways, I must first be saved! I, Kiyokawa Asumi, am not wrong in any way, shape, or form. Asumi: I've had enough of this oppressive world!! I dropped my hands to my side, baring my chest and nether region. Asumi: I'll live in a bright new world, happily together with the ones I love!! I declared that thunderously under the madder red sky, dashing out in my most natural form as I fixated on the image of the savior's approving face. That was my sacred ritual. "No longer have anything to hide!" → "No longer sludged in deception!" = "No longer a teacher!" There was nothing for me to hide... There was no reason for me, making a fresh start, to be ashamed. All that was left was to make way back toward the ark, reinvigorated with joy. It's far easier to do something than fester away worrying about it. What a simple concept. Asumi: It sure is hard to run with my breasts jiggling. As it was my first time running without a bra, I couldn't help but smile wryly at my large breasts swaying grandly as I ran. But... it didn't feel that bad. Rather, I was delighted that I could show off the new me. So I ran on, hands not covering myself, naturally swaying as I ran the distance. Behold pitiful denizens, look on as you wallow within the security of your clothes. Look on at the naked body of Kiyokawa Asumi, a body that ran through your perverted thoughts. Furthermore, a body freshly deflowered, for I have been made into a real woman! If you're going to look, then look as much as you want. Asumi: Compensation should be directed toward Mamiya-sama. A gentleman from a distance bore witness to me and my eager declarations. Ah, how I wished to be back at the ark at once... All I wanted was to run toward the all-knowing savior in my purest form and be wrapped up in his blessings. Asumi: Please wait for me, I won't falter here! ...... ... Asumi: Hah, it's about time for the afternoon rush hour... Naturally, pedestrian traffic was high at that time of day. It was easy to see that passing through in the nude would be no simple task. Every path within sight was packed. Released schoolchildren, tired employees, each heading down a different path to home. Ah, I must add that I wasn't fearful of judgmental eyes. I was simply wary because it would be a great nuisance to be arrested due to my "perversion." Asumi: ...Ugh. That being said, the alternative of pitifully hiding and praying for the pedestrian traffic to fade out was not an option. Because I, who had cleared the seemingly utmost trial of sexual intercourse with my father, had to return with haste to the school where the saving grace of the savior awaited me. It would not do to displease the savior, bless his noble soul, if I were to cower here. Asumi: How should I go about this.. * Ah!"* After looking around restlessly, my eyes came upon a middle-aged woman riding a bike and approaching me. Yes, a bike! A bike would be much faster than travelling on foot, and I would be able to outrun the hands of the fools eager to hinder my return. In other words, this woman's timely appearance was not a mere coincidence: This was none other than an act of divine intervention brought about by the miraculous hands of Mamiya-sama. I am most grateful to you, Mamiya-sama! Asumi: Hello, pardon me- I wore the superficial smile that I had picked up during my tenure as a teacher and jumped resolutely out of hiding and into the sunlit road. Old Lady: Are you all right?! I stepped into her line of sight and she stopped cycling in amazement the moment she saw me. Old Lady: Did something happen to you? Should I call the police?! It appeared that she was of a kind disposition as she unmounted her bike and headed toward me. Asumi: Ahaha, I'll kindly decline your offer. Old Lady: But look at you... this isn't normal! Yes, I'm unlike all the mistaken and foolish women in the world. I'm not "normal." Old Lady: Um... what should I do... She started to look puzzled, troubled with how to deal with me, given my calm and composed attitude. Old Lady: Excuse me, you over there! Call the police- As she made her way back toward her bike to stand it up, she spotted and called out to someone walking nearby. I used this chance to run over to her bike. Asumi: Silence, you old hag! I'll take it upon myself to borrow this. Old Lady: Ah! Hey, where are you-?! I stole her bike without a trace of guilt and started cycling away, pedaling hard enough for the surface of the pedals to sink into my bare feet. * ......* Asumi: La~la~la~ I cycled on buoyantly with my stolen bicycle, dashing past anyone that noticed me. Asumi: Ahaha, I called her a hag! Asumi: Is the usage of such vulgar language unbecoming of a teacher? This would make me a repeat offender, too. Asumi: La-la-la~ I was travelling far faster than I could on foot. I could practically feel how much I was changing simply by following the word of the savior! Asumi: If death is the greatest peril, people desire 'life'! Asumi: If present before even greater peril, people desire 'death'! Asumi: If cornered into a despairing situation in which death becomes desirable- Asumi: -then the worst and most unrelenting despair is to be denied death!! I recalled vividly a passage from a rather difficult book I once read and shouted it out to the twilit sky. Asumi: Hahahaha~! Why did I shout such pretentious remarks? Perhaps... it's because I, wallowing in ecstacy, had grown conscious of my attained indifference to despair. Asumi: Hey brats, move it! I shouted out hysterically to the students blocking the path before me, trying to clear my way forward. They, in the midst of puberty, appeared to be dumbfounded as they looked on at me, a young, bare naked woman. Asumi: Heh, if you want to look, then go right ahead! I'm showing it all off, after all! Heat flushed over my body as I felt the stares of pedestrians nearby. More additions to the sightseeing came as those who hadn't noticed my presence were alerted by people whose attention I had already captured. Asumi: Whew, how's this? To speed up, I leaned forward with my bottom protruding outward so that I could exert more weight onto the pedals. As I rode, my posture created a ninety degree angle. Through this pose, my genitals and anus were completely exposed, and my breasts dangled in magnificent display. Male Pedestrian: The hell?! Is that even legal?! Female Pedestrian: Gross, some slut's on the loose! Asumi: Hah... hahaha... Whether it be lecherous stares or scorn by the foolish, I was pleased with the reception. Asumi: Hahaha... Ahahaha~~~☆ It's only natural for the run of the mill person to stop and stare at someone stark naked riding along in the public eye. But I found it rather pitiful that there were so many that were seemingly joyous at the sight. Asumi: Father would faint if he saw me now! But then again, I suppose he wouldn't be able to even leave the house in his current state. ...Sorry, Daddy. But I gave you my virginity, so I'd like for you to be a bit more happy about the issue. Asumi: Hehe, today, good ol' Kiyokawa Asumi's done it with her daddy! Upon the order of The Savior, I, Kiyokawa Asumi, have committed the act of sexual intercourse with my father. Asumi: I've got my father's seed inside meee~! I wonder how many times he's done it with Mother? I would be surprised if I were to find out my parents gave birth to me out of wedlock. That probably isn't the case as they were both diligent teachers before marriage. I am certain that they've followed the model of the upright: an honest relationship, a proper marriage, sex, then children. ...Sex is sex, though. Although I have to admit... I'm jealous of anyone that can have their first time with a fellow virgin. Asumi: Gahaha, I bet Mom moaned like a bitch in heat whenever she had father's dick in her! ...When I was a child, I'd come across my parent's room in the middle of the night whenever I was on my way to the toilet or I was unable to sleep. My young mind could not comprehend why my father would be laying on top of my mother. They always seemed awkward back then. Thinking back on it now, that was a horrible transgression. Asumi: But hey, now Mother and I are even! Wouldn't it be the greatest happiness as a 'man' to be given the virginity of a woman you've raised lovingly as a parent? It must be an exclusive and valuable treasure. Something that would be looked down upon by this world's morals. Asumi: That's right. I can no longer bear to live binded by this hypocritical world! As the wind caressed my cheeks and ruffled my hair, I realized that I was standing in rebellion against this world itself. By the standards of this world, I would be judged as a vulgar being repulsive enough to have sex with her father. But I've succeeded as a woman! I've guided my father's aged penis to ejaculation! That's something unspeakable within the boundaries of a "sensible human being". I've cast away my humanity- -In other words, I'm no longer fit to be a perfect model teacher! Asumi: Looook aaat me nooooow!! I couldn't restrain the shouts of joy as a sense of accomplishment and superiority boiled within my core. Asumi: I'm being redeemed! I'm necessary in the new world!! What do you think? Aren't you jealous of my newfound freedom? But you, all of you cowards that simply conform, you can go ahead and rot in this filthy world. Asumi: To be, or not to be, that is the question!! Asumi: Now is the time to take in hand the wings of fate!!! There was no deep meaning in what I screamed aloud. I was simply spurred on by the excitement that I felt as I pedalled faster and faster, so I shouted whatever random words came to mind. Asumi: Kuh---hahaha!!! There's no longer anything to hold me down. There's no need to wear boorish articles such as clothing to cover my body. The breeze felt incredibly wonderful. An ineffable sensation of feeling like I'd become one with the universe overcame every sense of my being. My ego, my hatred, and my sadness had all disappeared. Asumi: I... I never knew I could feel like this. I cycled on as I smiled unbelievably brightly, drowned within a boundless sense of liberation. "Do you have the resolve to cast aside everything?" Asumi: Yes! Now I can! I can throw away anything! All my life I felt a great weight upon my shoulders, but today that weight disappeared as if it had never existed. Ahh. I'm just like the wind. There's nothing to keep me grounded. Asumi: Heh... Hahaha... Everyone I passed by stopped and stared. And even those scornful eyes upon me felt wonderful. The foolish are unable to admit their own foolishness, and that's why they feel the need to incessantly attack those of us who have risen above. Just like the barbaric peers of the sagacious and beautiful Takashima, who tormented her in the throes of their animalistic craze. The fact that they looked at me like that is proof enough that they deserve no salvation. Asumi: Haa, haa! Faster!! I arrived at a rather steep road and applied more force to the pedals. Asumi: Whoo! Yes, yes! Faster! That resulted in the bike reaching an incredible speed, as if an engine materialized and pushed it along with unimaginable force. That hill was rather long. Walking down it is an easy task, but the difficulty of ascending it goes without saying. Asumi: Hahaha! This feels wonderful!! The further down I went, the more I was spurred on by the pure, childish joy I felt. It was unlike travel by car, wherein you're protected by glass and steel. Taking in the wind as you speed by on a bike tickles a human's base animal instinct. At that moment I had to wonder, how did I get to this point? The scenery around me blurred as I went faster than my eye could perceive. The pressure of the wind rushing against my face thickened, making it hard to even breathe. But there was nothing but a smile on my face. Asumi: Wahhh! The furious speed that I was going seemed to signify the detachment I felt from the world I had once lived in. It was the best feeling. Asumi: Ahhck... Now, of all tiiimes? Perhaps due to the cold of wind rushing against my naked body, biological functions implored me to urinate. But even if I had pushed on the break at this point, I wouldn't have been able to stop. And I was filled with feelings that told me not to hold back. Asumi: Well, guess I have no choice~~☆ I might as well let it go! I tore my legs off the pedal and opened them to face the onslaught of air coming at me The wind hitting my nether region made me want to urinate all the more. Then all I had to do was relax... Asumi: Ahahaaaa~! ... and let it all go..." Warm urine ran across my thighs, soon becoming drops getting blown off behind me by the wind. There's nothing better than this! Asumi: Amazing... Amazing!! It felt like there was absolutely nothing impossible for me to do. Asumi: --Hyahh?! I was thrown off by the pleasant sensation of urinating and lost my grip on the bike. Asumi: Hah, wahh?! In an instant, I found myself twirling in the red sky, catapulted off the bike like a person on a swing that had snapped in midair. Asumi: Ahhh~ As I tumbled through the air, time felt like it was getting slower... everything around me passed by in slow motion. I saw a long tunnel, but did I see the light at the end of it...? What is this... It's not too bad. Experiencing phenomena like this is simply wonderful. ... Asumi: Gyah? " I slammed against the ground and let out a rather stupid voice. Following my crash landing was the dull sound of something breaking upon impact a ways ahead of me. Asumi: Ack... I can see stars... Asumi: Huh? It doesn't hurt as much as I thought it did. As the world came back into focus a few seconds later, I realized that I didn't feel much physical pain despite my dramatic fall. Upon looking around, I found that I had landed on someone's lawn. That explained why the ground was so soft. And once I looked up, I saw that the old lady's bike was bent in half. Asumi: Wow, the wheel looks like a heart now. The damage looked appropriate for a head on clash against a solid wall . And yet I, fully naked, came out of that without a scratch. I was tossed into the air, far enough that for a moment I thought I could see lands beyond the naked eye's perception. Asumi: ...Is this a miracle?! Yes, it was a miracle brought about by Mamiya-sama! It was an act of mercy! A miracle formulated after all that was foreseen since the moment I was granted that bike! Otherwise, I would not have been in a perfectly unharmed condition like I am now. Asumi: Ahhh, my savior... Thank you, thank you... I clapped my hands together and prayed in all sincerity as I headed toward the school. This was a phenomenon that reason could not explain. A miracle! A flurry of emotions brought out hot uncontrollable tears. Asumi: How could such a generous being exist... To live up to such a noble heart, to ensure the salvation of I who had suffered. Asumi: I must abide by the savior's word. Mamiya-sama is repulsed by teachers, 'evil' beings. Yet I, a teacher, was given a trial as a chance to be saved. I was even protected from harm by a miracle brought about by him!! Asumi: I must be sure to abide by the savior's word from now on. This is an obligation, something that should be carried out as someone who was saved. I cast aside my profession as a teacher as part of his word. I even cast aside my livelihood as a teacher, and I cast aside my role as a daughter of two wicked parents. Those who desire salvation must cast aside all that they have known before. Yet I, unable to fully abandon my lingering sentiment toward this world, was reminded all the more of the truth by the compassion of Mamiya-sama. Asumi: That's right. I can understand everything now! So the last thing to do was... "Do you have the resolve to cast aside everything?" Of course I do. Asumi: I'll throw my humanity away completely! Please watch on from the shining perch of the ark. Please watch me, my savior! ...... ... "Become lower than a human." This must mean to throw away humanity as I once knew it. Asumi: Ahh... mmnh... nhh... unh, ah-ahhhh... Wobbling as I stood up, I made my way to a place where anyone could see me, so that I could satisfy my goal. Asumi: Ohh... nnnnn... nh, haaaaa~ I slowly headed toward a roadside and sat down. I opened my legs, reached down with both hands, and started to play with myself. It was an obscene act committed despite the watching eyes of the crowd. It was something considered criminal and unlawful by this society, and it was something that could provoke irrepressible lust in some. Asumi: Unhhh, haaa... ah, haaaaaaanngh... Well then, lets enjoy ourselves. Much like wild animals copulating, I was unmindful of any eyes that watched me. I tossed away the shell of humanity, showing them that I am a mature and unbridled woman. Hehehe... "Hey, is that..." "Woah! What the hell is this??" Foolish men found themselves lured by my captivating voice. Asumi: Nnngh, ha, haaah, ahhh, hnngh... I'm sure they thought of 'some poor abused girl' as they saw me, fully naked. Or perhaps they thought I was 'some drunk vulgar woman'. Tsk, tsk... How about coming for a closer look rather than coming up with arbitrary conclusions? Quite the high and mighty attitude for a bunch of hypocrites who really want to gawk all day at a woman's naked figure. Asumi: Nnnn, ahh, ahhh... haah... Come on, I bet you want to get a better look by spreading these lips apart yourself. Asumi: Nnnfh, ha... haaaaaaanngh... I gently laid my back against the wall and pinched my clitoris. Asumi: Ahh, haaah... haaah, nghh, nnnn... "This supposed to be some AV public shoot?" "Woah, lucky me!" As my fingers did more and more indecent things, I felt the eyes upon my genitals increase. There was no turning back, and I had no intention to do so anyway. In the past, I wouldn't have been able to bear disgrace and would have pitifully broke. Asumi: Ha-ahhh, an, ah, ahhh~ But now, I've grown. Grown to the point where being seen doesn't scare me away. Rather, it excites me. Asumi: Haaa... it's so warm inside my pussy~ By this point, I'd completely thrown away everything. And that's why... my mind and body were ablaze. Employee: W-What's wrong with you...? A pair of two brave... No, that's not right. They were simply perverted men who called out to me with a trace of concern in their voices. Employee: You, uh, want me to bring you some water? Asumi: Haa... No, thats alright... Ah, ahnnn... I could hear them gulping as I inserted my fingers in my aroused vagina. Ahahaha... Do you really want to look that bad? Asumi: Hgh... haaaa, annn, khh, yaaangh... This is something most people are aware of. It's nothing new by now. Asumi: Nnn, haa... haaa... nnngh... Ah, then maybe you aren't... Then it'd make sense for you all to be so engrossed by all this. Pitiful. Well then, how about I grace you with my kindness? Asumi: Haaa... Today... I lost my viriginity... Asumi: I... hnnngh... had sex with my father... Asumi: Hehehe... Can you see it...? Here, I'll spread myself up and show you. Asumi: This pussy right here... hyah... has had Daddy's dick in it ... I had spread open my lips, with some residue of semen visible here and there... and I began to tell my tale like a person telling tales of the glory days of their youth. I had recollected my wholeheartedly delightful experience... nonchalantly, as if the tearing apart of the ties I had with my beloved parents was not worth brooding over. Asumi: Haaah... Right here... a dick was sliding in and out... Nnngh... Employee: That's... If that's true, it's really bad, huh... Asumi: Haaa... I still... only let in one penis... Haaa... I had spread open my thighs even more so my genitals would be all the more visible, revealing my rather wet vagina to their lecherous gazes. Ahhh... it was as if those fierce gazes were caressing me. Asumi: Haaa... It was my father's flaccid penis... Nnngh... Asumi: I held it tight with my special place here... ahnnnn, and it got harder... Sticky liquid spilled out as I played with myself. It was incredibly erotic the way a clear line of love juices would form between my clitoris and fingers. It must have been because I now knew the feeling of a penis inside me that I showed off by rapidly fingerfucking myself with my middle finger. ...That could become a habit for me. Asumi: To think that... his penis could get so hard... Hyahh... Asumi: Made me... so happy... I'd rock my hips in joy... Employee: You were a virgin, right? Were you in pain? Asumi: It did hurt... a lot... but I love my father... Asumi: So I'd take it... all in... Ahhh, ahhhnnnnnn... Excitement dominated me as I told of my experience with my father. My hands sought further pleasure as they reached for my chest and grabbed hold of my hardened nipples. I made sure to play with myself in a way that all could see. Asumi: Nnh, nnn, kuh, fff, yah... A small pool of liquid had formed where I sat, and yet more and more gushed out. Asumi: "Haah, aaan... His dick... grew so big... Asumi: And filled me right up... Kyu... uuu, nnn, nnnn~ Employee: Hey, uh, what position did you have your first time in? Asumi: I was on top... his dick kept jamming in me... It made me so happy... At the peak of his erection, his penis would hit the furthest reaches of my womb. It felt so tight and overwhelming in me that at one point I drooled. Asumi: Hahhn... That's... Ahhh, yahhh, haaa, haaah! The sudden insult from that young man tugged at my heart and made me feel really good. I'm by nature a timid person, but I'm definitely not a masochist. Yet that trembling pleasure there... it must be because of the paradoxical blessings I've received. Yes, now I can understand. Asumi: Fahh... Nnkh, nnnm, mmm, ahh, hahhh... What if I were to have some strangers penis inserted into me right there on the spot? And it doesn't stop there... What if I had a dick forced into my other hole?! Asumi: Ahhh! Hahhh, ahh, kuh, hnnngh~ Just imagining that made me drool from my half-open mouth. My mind was at once dyed by that rosy fantasy. Father's semen... it was so warm, so vivid as it gushed out and into me. That was the best... Compared to that, how would the semen of these people feel? There seems to be different shapes and sizes among penises, so what about these men? It was wonderful to have these men lined up with penises whipped out in front of me... Asumi: Haaaa... Ahhh, anghhhh, aaaahn... Cumming, cummiiiiing. Heat rose from within me. The trembling began and so did the end of my restraint. Asumi: Haaan, ahhhn, I can't... I'm cumming, I'm cumming!! Employee: Woah, she's really shaking. Asumi: Ahhh! Ahhh, hahh, mmm, mmmmmmnh! Asumi: I'm cummiiiiiiiiiiing!! Onlookers: ...Wow... At that moment, something big burst inside me. It was the despicable binds restraining my heart that yearned for the heights above since birth. And the wave that gushed forward and filled my momentarily empty heart was the greatest refresher. This was ecstacy, an experience beyond anything else I'd felt in my life. An exhilarating sensation that felt like I was flying higher and higher. Asumi: Hah.... Haaaah~.... I've finally become free. No longer qualified to be a teacher... No longer qualified to be a human... Congratulations, Asumi. Asumi: Hehehehe... I licked my love juice-dabbed fingers and smiled. What do you think, Mamiya-sama? Is this to your liking? Employee: ...Huh?! Wh-Whoa! Employee: I think an ambulance comes first! Something's off with her eyes! Employee: 119's the magic number. Hello! ...Huh? ...Why is everyone making such a fuss? Employee: Ah, yes, this is... Hey, what block is this? Asumi: ...? Employee: I'm pretty sure it's the 5th... Damn, I dunno!! Asumi: ...Ah?! After my daze, the first thing to come into sight was the men in a flurry, moving about as if they themselves woke up and were now responding to a critical situation. Maybe I went too far. And their attitudes took a sudden shift toward another direction, like they were trying to take me somewhere. "Hypocrite"... That word immediately came to mind. Asumi: Hey, get out of my way! My mind was still hazy. I stood up, pushed away the man that was blocking my path, and bolted. The police would arrest me without question in all my naked glory if they were to show up. The cops. The organization put in place to maintain the order of this society. Just one of the numerous giant organizations hindering our actions. And on top of that, a doctor?! Don't take me for a fool. Trying to subdue me with drugs? How vile can you get?! It's just as our savior says. This world of depravity is filled with false kindness. Asumi: This isn't a joke. This isn't a joke at all! Asumi: I don't want to be dragged down along with this world's ruin! This isn't a joke at all! I was lost within myself and sprinted out of there at full speed, not even aware of what direction I was headed. My only thought being to get of there at once. This place harbors nothing but a gathering of ill will! It's scary! That's why I must hurry, even if the asphalt cuts into my feet, I must hurry, back to my beloved Savior. Asumi: Please save me―Lead me to salvation! ........ Takuji: I see. You've thrown away not just your life as a teacher, but also your right to be a daughter... or even a human. Asumi: Yes... I threw everything away. Takuji: You've thrown away your humanity and become a beast. Next you should... Oh, right, please become an object. Asumi: An object? Takuji: Yes, lower yourself to being a mere object. Takuji: Become my chair... Help me when I want to sit. Asumi: A-All right. Takuji: ... Takuji: No, my chair shouldn't be so filthy. Asumi: Eh? Takuji: That's right... It shouldn't be dirty. This is a dirty thing. Asumi: Um, my savior? Takuji: Savior? Do you think you can address me with that filthy mouth? Asumi: Eh? Huh? Takuji: Nishimura... Nishimura: Yes? Takuji: Make her into a toilet. Nishimura: A toilet? Takuji: Yes. Use her as a toilet. The believers were rustling. It's understandable. After hearing that story... it would be hard to sit still... Especially for the male students. This filthy woman is well suited to be a tool for their use. Walking around outside in the nude is just madness. No one told her to do that. I told her to throw away her life as a teacher. I told her to throw away her father. But I didn't tell her to wander around the city naked, steal other people's possessions, and commit lascivious acts in public! Those were just sins. Those were just crimes! She's a sinner! A criminal! The most sinful of people! That's how all who call themselves teachers are! Takuji: Yes... She's your toilet. Nishimura: Our toilet? Takuji: From here on out! Regardless of gender, any time someone must use the bathroom, they must do it in her mouth! Takuji: Not just urine! Even feces! You must use her mouth! Takuji: Understood? Male Student: I... did want to use the bathroom... Male Student: M-Me too... Nishimura: I'm first... Asumi: A-Aah... Takuji: Do it in the corner, where the ventilation is good! Kiyokawa was dragged along by several men. Several female students followed them. They must have been holding it in. Splash, splash, glub, gulp. Splash, splash, glub, gulp... It smelled awful... Does it really stink this bad when so many people urinate simultaneously? But I wonder how it feels to be a toilet. I wonder how it feels to have your hair drenched in piss. She can endure what she herself has done to toilets all her life. That's it... The things that this woman held dear when she was a teacher. The symbols of an educator... She must defile them herself. The symbols will be defiled just like a toilet. Is it not perfectly fitting? The roll call, textbooks, notebooks, and other things she would have carried on her person when she was a teacher... I had them gather up anything like that. I placed the gathered objects below her. Then I ordered her. To dirty them with her own urine. A great cheer went up. She must have been holding it in for a while. The smell of piss filled the room again. Someone said, "No way she can be a teacher again now." Someone replied, "I doubt she can even be human again now." Gleefully, "She's covered in piss, and she pissed all over the roll call." It doesn't matter... It's not worth getting excited over... Does it really make you that happy? Is it such a wonderful event? Incomprehensible. Discommunication. I can't understand lower lifeforms at all. They're... Some of them were pulling down their pants... Fuck? Are they thinking of fucking it? Are you all thinking of fucking a toilet? That's not a human being, that's a toilet. You can't allow yourself to be aroused by a toilet. That's just madness. Madness is a sin. Insane people aren't pure men and women. They're bad people. Bad enough to get arrested by the police. If you try to fuck a toilet, a police officer will arrest you. Aaaah... These people are nothing more than shit. Do I need to save these people? Doubt. Doubtdoubtdoubtdoubt. Doubtdoubtdoubtdoubtdoubtdoubtdoubtdoubt. Save dungbeetles? Doubt? No. Absolutely not! Salvation! Doubt itself is nonsense! Nonsense! Haa... That's right... That's exactly right. In the end, that's all they are. That's why I have to save them. That's why I have to help them. Yes... It is because of their foolishness that I must save them. I must save... even Kiyokawa. I must help them. That's what it means to be the savior. The pitiful people. The foolish people. That is the reason why you all live in bliss. That is the reason why you all have been blessed. Your cursed lives are * blessed because of the depth of your sin.* ... ...... Maybe I'm getting a bit tired... I want to get away from this meaningless party... I feel like I want to be alone. I returned to my place, alone. To my room... I stuck up the poster Tachibana bought. The icon of the Mahou Shoujo Riruru. It was a proper icon drawn by the right illustrator. Kimika: How is it, my savior? Takuji: Whoa! Takuji: Wh-Why are you standing behind me? Kimika: So that I can make sure I got the right icon... Horinoguchi is pretty good, huh? Takuji: You know about that stuff? Kimika: Yes, I do. I am a disgusting nerd, after all. Takuji: No one would call a girl like you a nerd. Kimika: No, tons of people have. Takuji: You're not fat or ugly... You can't be a nerd. Though... I guess none of that matters when you're being bullied. Rather, the cuter girls are insulted about their looks more often than the ugly ones. But that's probably just jealousy... Kimika: Yeah, it was a good choice, right? Takuji: Well, it is a nice picture. Kimika: Hahahahaha... Well, that's that... Kimika: Oh, right. Should I let them start the orgy? Takuji: Oh, for Nishimura? Kimika: Yes. Akasaka Megu and Kitami Satoko. Takuji: Yeah, it was a promise, so let them do it as much as they want. Kimika: Hehehehe... Well then, I'll get that threesome started. Kimika: And are others allowed to join in? Takuji: What, do you want to participate? Kimika: Ahahaha, I'll hit you the next time you make a joke like that, my savior. Takuji: You're rather disrespectful to someone you're calling your savior. Kimika: But that was awfully rude of you just now. Takuji: How was that rude? You're about to go make Akasaka and Kitami do it, right? Kimika: Yes, because those are your orders, my savior. Takuji: Oh, really... Then what if I ordered you to join in? Kimika: I would absolutely refuse. Takuji: It's the savior's order. Kimika: ... Kimika: If you ever give me a joke order like that, I won't obey, so please just kill me instead. Takuji: ...What? Kimika: I am the savior's servant. I will obey your orders, but if they're just meaningless jokes like that, I would rather be killed immediately. Takuji: ... What's up with her... I thought I had completely broken her will and turned her into a believer, but what's this she's saying? Takuji: I see... So you'll help me accomplish my role as the savior, but you won't play along with any jokes? Kimika: Yes, if it's a joke, then please kill me, my savior. At first, I thought she was just a peasant who ran to me out of fear... That's what her actions made me believe... But she also did a lot of things that made me feel uneasy. Her eyes when we first met... Was that really the intent to kill someone that I saw in her eyes? Why would she try to kill me? Takuji: Since the first time we met... you've been hiding something in your right pocket, haven't you? Kimika: Oh? Your eyes are as sharp as ever, my savior. Takuji: Show it to me. Kimika: All right, if that's an order. Tachibana pulled a knife out of her pocket. It was pretty big. It could easily kill someone. Takuji: What is this? Kimika: Oh, this an Extrema Ratio BF2 Tactical Tanto. Isn't it cool? Takuji: I don't know anything about it, but you'd get arrested for having something like this on you. Kimika: Oh, I'm fine there. They would never imagine a girl like me would be carrying this. Takuji: I wouldn't call that fine... And why are you carrying this around? Kimika: It's a maiden's hobby! Takuji: No maiden has a hobby like that. This is dangerous, so I'm confiscating it. Kimika: Huh?! It took me forever to save up my allowance and buy it! Takuji: Why would you want something like this that badly? Kimika: The main character in my favorite anime used one of these. I wanted one so bad I couldn't stand it, so I saved up my allowance and bought it. Takuji: Hmm... That's commendable. So this is what she was hiding in her right hand back then... What was she planning on doing with it? Kimika: Aha... You're kind of scowling at me. Can't you trust me? Takuji: Well, whatever. Do as you please. I'm the savior. Someone like you couldn't hurt me anyway, so I won't confiscate your knife. Kimika: Ahahaha... You don't trust me, huh? Takuji: Whether I trust you isn't the only problem. With this knife, if you had gone along with Nishimura and the others... Kimika: Yes, I would've stabbed the yakuza to death. Takuji: You know... Kimika: But I would try to eliminate anyone that got in the way of your plan, no matter what I had to do. That's my job as your servant. Takuji: You don't need to do that. Takuji: Whatever... Do as you please. More importantly, watch over the people in the ark for me. Kimika: All right, leave it to me. By the way, do you mind if I let them start the orgy? Takuji: I don't mind, but... why? Kimika: Don't you think it's important to maintain an irregular atmosphere so that we can control the believer's hearts? And sleep deprivation... That's important too. Takuji: I see. You have a good point. Kimika: They won't have time to think during an endless orgy. They won't even have time to sleep. We also have your drugs, so we should be able to create a situation like that. Takuji: Well, I guess so. Kimika: Do you mind leaving it to me? Takuji: Watching over the believers, huh... Kimika: Yes. If there's any unrest, or if you start to feel like you don't trust me, then please kill me immediately. I don't mind if you kill me with the curse or with your own hands. Kimika: Oh, wait. If that's what you mean... Tachibana held the handle of the knife out to me, even though she had so adamantly refused to hand it over before. Kimika: Please use this. It's very sharp. Takuji: Haa... I'm the savior. I could kill you in an instant without a weapon. Kimika: All right. I understand that, but please hold onto it. You don't know what might happen. Takuji: Hmm... Well, all right. Kimika: I'll be going then. Takuji: Sure. Takuji: ... Tachibana Kimika... Honestly, I don't understand her. I can't completely trust her, but she could still prove to be useful. There shouldn't be any problems if I leave it to her. Takuji: Hmm... I looked at the poster Tachibana picked out. The icon of the Mahou Shoujo Riruru... It really is a nice picture. With this, she'll have her normal form the next time we meet. Now that I think of it... Riruru-chan said her father would descend upon the earth tonight. Riruru-chan's father... The existence called God. An existence far beyond human recognition. Tonight, I will meet with God. I wonder what God looks like. They say God made humans in his image, so maybe he looks like a human? Takuji: Maybe I should head to the roof? Last night, I met another metaphysical existence on the roof. There might be something there today, too... in the closest place to the sky. The Father Himself that Riruru-chan spoke of. Will I be able to meet with that existence? Takuji: Hehehe... I guess I should go see. A ladder that runs all the way down into the foundation... For some reason, this is connected to a ventilation duct on the Building C rooftop. I climbed the ladder directly to the sky. What waits for me in today's sky? Takuji: There's no wind. Takuji: There's nothing... I don't feel anything. When I came out onto the roof... it felt perfectly normal. Takuji: ...The bell. Takuji: Eh? The bell? I was dumbfounded at the sight of the clock. The time was... 11:38. Why would the bell ring at this time? Why? Takuji: Gagh! Takuji: Wh-What is this? Takuji: M-My head, my head feels like it's going to split in two... What is this... What is it? Takuji: Ah... Takuji: Ah, there's... What am I looking at? On the... On the other side of the door... there's a sea? Takuji: And what's... on the far side of the sea? Takuji: Are those power lines? Takuji: The power lines continue beyond the sea. What are those power lines transmitting? Takuji: Why is the scenery from here... a window? Takuji: Through the window, it's so bright... blue... azure... It's all blue. Takuji: White walls... Totally white... So white there's nothing but anxiety but anxiety but anxiety... There's nothing but... Takuji: The white room is scary. Takuji: The blue sea is scary. Takuji: Here, there's... nothing but relieving fear. Takuji: My heart is relieved and breaks... Beautiful blue, beautiful white... I'm relieved, but the fear I can't take in has a very beautiful scent. Takuji: This is... the boundary. Takuji: I can hear something creaking... between the boundary's waves. Takuji: I can lose myself in the creaks. They resound in my brain like creak-eak-eak-eak-eak... But I don't worry. Takuji: Fear is safety. It's pure. Takuji: It's safety. There's a beautiful blue wall of sky. Takuji: The airtight sky is relieved as it conceals us. Takuji: The concealed blue catches a glimpse of the beautiful scenery through the white window. Takuji: If gods exist, they must be overflowing with this beautiful white wall and blue light. Takuji: Within the white wall, the Virgin Mary spreads her arms. Takuji: Like a holy castle designed by a genius. Takuji: The church of rosaries... The holy place witnessed by the genius Matisse... Takuji: It envelops my everything. God exists. Right here... In the entire world... I see Him in my mind. I looked upon God's visage. The form of the holy father. The father of the holy kingdom. The laws of the universe harmonize order and chaos. Takuji: Now, God... reveal your form to me. Packets of white took shape. They took the form of the ultimate existence. The Father Himself. Father. Takuji: ... God: ... THE SONG OF GOD'S DESCENT. The date changed without regard for the song.. . I returned to my place, alone... To my room... I stuck up the poster Tachibana bought. The icon of the Mahou Shoujo Riruru. This is a proper icon drawn by the right illustrator. With this, she'll have her normal form the next time we meet... Now that I think of it... Riruru-chan said her father would descend upon the earth tonight... Riruru-chan's father... The existence called God. An existence far beyond human recognition. Tonight, I will meet with God. I wonder what God looks like. They say God made humans in his image, so maybe he looks like a human. ... Takuji: Hmm? I just... Takuji: Riruru-chan... Riruru: ... Takuji: Huh?! Takuji: What? Riruru-chan? Takuji: What did you say? The roof? Takuji: God's descent? Riruru: ... Takuji: God's descent will happen tonight... on the roof? I went outside through the reservoir tank, like always. When I went outside, there were strangely shaped people gathered, just like always. Humanoid things. Non-humanoid things... Evidently, the people from yesterday were still here. Takuji: You guys are still here? "..." Takuji: Oh, really? You couldn't get your hands on Shiroyama's corpse? "..." Takuji: That's a pity... Takuji: Though it's not like death is your possession. None of you have even been given death yourself. Takuji: So that corpse wasn't yours. Takuji: Unfortunately, you guys will never get Shiroyama's corpse. "..." Takuji: Hehehehe, you're awfully persistent... Well, do your best, then. "..." Takuji: Who's that? Someone's coming from over there. Takuji: The smell of blood... It must be a corpse. Why is there a corpse here? Takuji: Is Shiroyama still wandering around the school? Takuji: No, this smell is different... Takuji: It's not the smell of a man's blood... This is the unique smell of a woman's blood. Takuji: That's not a man's corpse... That's... Takuji: Takashima-san... Zakuro: Takuji: Your neck is broken, and it looks like it's about to come off. I can't understand you at all. Zakuro: Zakuro: Takuji: Hello, Takashima-san. Zakuro: Takuji: Um, you don't need to force yourself to talk. Zakuro: Takuji: You're going to save the world, right? Zakuro: Takuji: Do your best, Takashima-san... I'm cheering for you. Zakuro: I couldn't really tell with all the blood, but it seemed like she was smiling. Zakuro: Zave... Orld... Zakuro: I'll... zave... Zakuro: So, Dakuji-kun... don'd be avraid... Takuji: Yeah, I understand... Thank you. Zakuro: ... Takashima-san went off somewhere else. Takuji: ... Takuji: Goodbye... I loved you... I went up the stairs. The stairs that lead up to the roof. The road to the sky. I went up the stairs. I saw something strange on the landing. Something strange... No, it was something incredibly common in this place, but why was it on the landing of the stairs? Takuji: What are you? You're not a normal desk, are you? Zakuro: Hello, Takuji-kun. Takuji: Oh, you're Takashima-san... Takuji: Takashima-san, what are you doing here? Zakuro: A-Ahahaha, I kind of, kind of... This is embarrassing to say, but I'm looking for my body Takuji: Looking for your body? Zakuro: Yeah... I'm not sure how, but I lost it at some point. Takuji: Did you really? Zakuro: Yes. Takuji: That must be hard. Searching for your corpse even after death... Zakuro: After death? Takuji: Looking for your corpse... even though you died... That has to be rough. Zakuro: Even though I dyed? Course? Rough? Takuji: That's not it... Not a course, your corpse. Zakuro: Naught it? Tit? Tit for tat? Takuji: You know, Takashima-san... Zakuro: I know! I know! My brains are falling out! My brains! They're falling out, aaah! My brains, my brains, they're falling out, they're falling ooouuutt, ehe, ehehehehehe! Takuji: Takashima-san... Zakuro: Brains! Ehe, brains! Ehehehehehehehe, brains, brains! Ehehehehehehehehehehe... Takuji: ... Zakuro: Ahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahia. Takuji: ... Zakuro: Ahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahia. Takuji: Takashima-san... Zakuro: Give, giiive me back my booodyyy! Zakuro: My bodyy, give me back my boooodyyyyy! Takuji: Unfortunately, that's not within my power... Takuji: I'm sorry, but please, don't give up on your search, Takashima-san. Zakuro: Ehiahiahahahaha... Zakuro: Hiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahiahia. It's like a comedy. When her terrible fate is repeated like that... it seems more like a comedy. Poor girl... My lover... The wind was too chilly for summer. The sky is near. This is the closest place to the sky on Earth. There was no one there... There was no nasty feeling in the air like yesterday... There was no lightning like yesterday. It felt like there was never anything here. Riruru: Takuji-kun. Takuji: Wha―?! Th-This voice... Takuji: Riruru-chan? Riruru: That's right. Takuji: Amazing... It's the real Riruru-chan. Takuji: It feels like you're way more realistic than usual Riruru: R-Really? Takuji: Yeah, you always felt far away... Like you were semi-transparent, I guess. Riruru: Hehehehehe. I borrowed a body for a little bit. Riruru: So that I could come meet you, Takuji-kun. Riruru: Ehehehehehe. Were you surprised? Takuji: Whose body did you borrow? Riruru: Does it matter whose it is? Riruru: More importantly, Takuji-kun... Riruru: Have sex with me. Takuji: Eh? Takuji: S-Sex? Riruru: Yeah, sex. Takuji: But... Riruru: Takuji-kun, do you hate me? Takuji: N-No, I don't hate you, but... Takuji: But... Riruru: You need to in order to meet my father. Takuji: To meet your father? Riruru: Yeah, right now, even if you are the savior, physically speaking you're just a normal human. Takuji: Yeah... Riruru: So by coming into physical contact with me, you can overcome a human's limits. Takuji: Physical contact... so I can overcome my limits... Riruru: Yeah. Takuji: B-But... I... Riruru: What's wrong? Takuji: I'm a... virgin, so I might not be very good. Riruru: Don't worry. I'm a virgin, too. Takuji: Eh? Riruru: So it'll be fine! There's no problem. Takuji: Huh?! Takuji: That's... Riruru: ... When she pulled up her skirt... Something like a penis... A penis poked out of her panties? That's... Takuji: Riruru-chan... Takuji: Is that a... a penis? Riruru: ...I'm sorry. Riruru: I-I'm... I'm... a hermaphrodite, since I'm an angel. I-It must seem pretty nasty that I have this. Takuji: N-No. Takuji: N-Not at all. That's just what I wanted! I can't believe my favorite character has one just like I do! Takuji: That's great! I love it! You can feel the same things I do! I've always loved you! That's amazing... You can feel the same things I do! Riruru: I-It's embarrassing... Takuji: Don't hide it! Riruru: B-But... it really is embarrassing. A girl with one of these is just... Takuji: That's not true! You're cute! Riruru: Is it... okay? Takuji: Yeah. Takuji: Your penis is cute too, Riruru-chan. Look, the foreskin is like... Riruru: No, don't. It's too embarrassing! Takuji: Don't cover it with your hands! That's no good! Riruru: Y-Yeah... Sorry... Riruru: But it really is embarrassing... Takuji: No, let me see it! Riruru: Y-Your face is scaring me. Takuji: I want to see it! Show it to me! I'm the savior! Riruru: Th-Then I'm an angel! Riruru: Hehehehe... Takuji: Hahahaha... Riruru: All right. It's embarrassing, but I'll show you... I'll show you my penis. Amazing. It's pure white... What a beautiful penis. The pink tip was poking out just a little... That tip was crying. It was wet and shiny. Riruru: Ah, don't stare at it... If you do that, I-I... I... Takuji: If I stare at it? Riruru: Nooo. Takuji: What's wrong? Riruru: It's getting bigger... Takuji: Isn't that a good thing? Riruru: B-But... If it gets any bigger, the foreskin is going to peel back... Riruru-chan's penis... Reacted to my gaze... And got even bigger. Riruru: Nooo... It's embarrassing... It's so embarrassing! The tip... The pink tip... More and more came into view... Riruru: He's going to see everything... Everything. Takuji: You mean... like this? Riruru: Ah! I touched it for a moment with my finger and the foreskin suddenly peeled back completely. Like a snail leaving its shell, the pink tip suddenly popped into view. Takuji: Oh, I can see it. I can see the entire thing. Riruru: Nooo! It's embarrassing! It's so embarrassing! Takuji: Don't be embarrassed! Sh-Show me your everything, Riruru-chan! I want to see it all. Riruru: Aah... D-Don't... stare... She thrust her hips forward so that I could see better. Takuji: Can I touch it? Riruru: If that's what you want, but I'm sensitive, so please be gentle. Takuji: Yeah. I gently grabbed her penis. Riruru: Ah. Takuji: S-Sorry, did it hurt? Riruru: No... It just feels good because you're the one touching me. Takuji: A-Alright... That's good... It was smooth, wet, and it glinted in the light. It was like pink jelly. I carefully rubbed my hand over her penis. Carefully, carefully... so as not to hurt her. Riruru: Ah. The tip of her penis was split down the middle like a peach. Now that the foreskin had come back, that part was exposed. Takuji: This part is sensitive, huh? I have to be careful with it. My heart thumped. My brain went numb at the thought of what I was going to do soon. But then I... Slowly extended my tongue toward Riruru-chan's penis. But I'm a boy... I'm a boy... What am I doing? But her soft penis... The tip of her penis is soaked with precum. It's so slimy... It looks delicious. Ah, no... I can't resist. A boy shouldn't do this, but... I shouldn't, but I can't stop. I can't stop. My tongue touched her glans. This is what Riruru-chan tastes like. In that instant, something inside me broke. I started sucking her penis like crazy. Riruru: Wh-What are you doing? Th-That's not your finger? Eh? Takuji-kun, you shouldn't suck on that! I stuck my tongue down into the prepuce and licked around inside. Riruru-chan was so flustered that she couldn't even tell what was going on. It must have been very pleasurable for her, though. I ran my tongue around the rim of her glans over and over. Over and over and over... More liquid came out of the tip every time I did it. I licked the gushing tip. Riruru: Ah, ah, aah... That's, that's, I'm a girl, but a boy is sucking on my penis. Ah, what should I do... Aah. My mind went blank as I licked all over her penis. Honey kept gushing out of the top as I continued my actions. Ah... My tongue feels so good. It's so soft and smooth. Takuji: Amazing... You're so wet. Riruru: It feels good... It feels really, really good. This time I stroked the shaft with my hand. Now that she's lubed up, it should be all right if I stroke her with my hand... And... Riruru: Ah, ahh. I licked her balls. Her utterly hairless balls were soft, and they felt good in my mouth. They made me want to suck on them forever. Riruru: N-No, if you stroke me and suck on my balls like that, I'm going to... I'm going to―! I ignored her pleas as I wrapped my hand around her penis and stroked it. Riruru: Noooo, I feel strange, I feel really strange! I stroked her dick until the foreskin retracted all the way... Riruru: Ah, aah, noo... Every time I stroked her penis up and down, every time I licked around her balls... precum flowed out of her glans as if she had a minor ejaculation. Spurt, spurt... Takuji: Whoa, it's like you're cumming, Riruru-chan... Riruru: No, no, no. This isn't right! I'm a girl, but the way you're stroking my penis and licking my balls feels good. It feels so good! The dew of her precum was foaming up where I was stroking. Takuji: Now that you're getting turned on... I increased the speed. I stroked harder, harder, harder... Riruru: Eeh, eeh, eeaaahgh, aah! I've done nothing but masturbate in my life, so I'm an expert when it comes to stroking dicks. It doesn't matter that I'm a virgin. I have more experience stroking dicks than anyone. My hand sped up. The swollen tip of her penis came in and out of view every time I moved my hand up and down. And dew spilled out of the tip every time, too. Spurt, spurt... There was so much dew that it got all over her thighs, making them wet and slimy. I rubbed her wet thighs. Riruru: Aahh. Takuji: Your thighs are so soft... Her thighs were incredibly soft... Those sexy thighs, wet with her dew. I could hardly stand it. Squelch, squelch, squelch... I couldn't even imagine thighs making this sound when I rubbed them. Riruru: I-I'm so happy you're touching me, Takuji-kun... My penis is so happy! Riruru: Ah, I can't hold it... Her penis swelled even further. It looks like this is her limit. Riruru: Takuji-kun... Riruru: I-I'm... g-gonnaaa... Riruru: Aaaah, I'm... I'm cuummiiing! Her penis jerked violently... Cloudy semen spurted out of her penis. Riruru: Nooo, it's coming out. Spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt... Riruru: It won't stop! Spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt... There's so much... She just kept cumming. Is this what happens when an angel cums? Riruru: Takuji-kun. Riruru: I'm a strange girl. I'm a girl, but I have a penis... and I can't stop cumming. No, it's going everywhere. Riruru: L-Look, there's so much coming out of my penis. L-Look, Takuji-kun, watch me~ Spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt... Haa, haa... Riruru: That felt so good... Takuji: O-Oh... Riruru: ... Riruru: Jeez, it's been all me. Riruru: Takuji-kun, show me yours. Takuji: Eh, ah, eeeh? Riruru: Come on, come on. Riruru: Ehehehe. Riruru: Takuji-kun's penis. Takuji: Ah... Riruru: Ehehehe, it's cute. Riruru-chan looked at my penis intently. Riruru: This is the first time I've seen one that's not mine. Takuji: Ahahaha, y-you mean... you look at your own a lot? Riruru: Eh? Riruru: Ahahahaha... I guess I dug my own grave, b-but I like to touch my penis when I'm alone. I like my penis... I like both my girl and boy parts. Riruru: Looking at my own penis turns me on. Riruru: Then my boy parts slowly turn into an erection... then my foreskin recedes and my girl parts react and get wet... and then... Takuji: And then? Riruru: Hey, don't make me say that, you big bully! You were the one that started talking about it. Riruru: Jeez... Lick... Takuji: Ah! Riruru: Hehehehehe. Wh-What is this feeling... Th-This is the first time I've felt something like this... Riruru-chan diligently attended to my penis. Riruru: Just like you did earlier. Takuji: Ha, haaa. Riruru-chan traced the underside of my glans with her tongue. Takuji: Riruru-chan... Riruru: Ehehehe, doesn't it feel good? Takuji: Y-Yeah. Slurp, slurp, slurp... She did the same thing I did to her before. Riruru: Ehehehe, it tastes good. She licked around my frenulum. Slurp, slurp, slurp... Takuji: Ah. Takuji: Aaaah, that's― Riruru: Ehehehe. Riruru-chan tickled my penis with her tongue... and then stuck the entire thing in her mouth. Takuji: Ah! She sucked on the entire thing... I was taken aback by the sudden warm sensation. Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup. She stimulated the tip of my penis with her uvula. Takuji: Aaaah. Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup. Takuji: I-It feels so good. So warm... This feeling... I've never felt this before... Even an onahole isn't as nice and warm as this. Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup. Takuji: Aah, i-it's amazing... The inside of your mouth... f-feels so good, aaaah. Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup. Riruru-chan wrapped her tongue around my penis in her mouth. Takuji: This is... It must be because she has one too. That's why she knows exactly what feels good. She's doing everything I want her to. I've never done it with a woman, so I have nothing to compare it to, but there's no way it normally feels this good. Shlup. Takuji: Ah! Riruru: Ehehe, how is it? Takuji: I-It's really good... Riruru: How about this? Takuji: Ah... Riruru: Your balls. She diligently licked away at my sack. Then she gradually went lower. She moved her tongue even lower still. Takuji: That's... Riruru: Ehehehehe. Riruru-chan licked my asshole. Takuji: Th-That's dirty... Riruru: Yours isn't dirty. She licked around my anus... Riruru: How about... Takuji: Ha. Her tongue went inside me. She stuck her tongue out further. Takuji: Ah... Ooh... Her tongue stimulated my prostate gland. Takuji: Aaaaah. My dick grew even harder as she stimulated my prostate. Riruru: Oh wow. It got even bigger than before. Takuji: Riruru-chan, I... Riruru: Ehehehe, you want to let it out, right? Takuji: Yeah. Riruru: Do you want to cum in my mouth? Or on my face? Takuji: Either way... Riruru: Jeez! In that case― Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup. Takuji: Aaah. Shlup. Shlup. Shlup. Shlup. Takuji: Don't do it so... Shlup. Shlup. Shlup. Shlup. Takuji: Aaah. Takuji: W-Wow... Your mouth... f-feels so good... Aaaah. Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup. Takuji: I-I'm at my limit! Riruru-chan moved up and down violently. Takuji: Riruru-chan, I'm going to cum... Riruru-chan smiled when she heard that. She started moving even faster. Takuji: I-I can't hold it! Ha, haaaaa! Spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt... I let it out inside Riruru-chan's mouth. She happily drank it. Takuji: Y-You're drinking it? I kept cumming inside her mouth. Her throat moved as she gulped it down. Takuji: Ah... The inside of your mouth is... warm... and soft... and wet... Riruru: Hehe, how was it? Takuji: Ah... It felt good. Riruru: Ehehehe, you came a lot. That makes me happy. I could feel it in my mouth. Takuji: Y-Yeah... Your mouth felt really good. Riruru: Ehehe... Good. My body can take all of your lust. Riruru: I'll clean you up. Takuji: Ah! I was still sensitive from cumming just now, so she gently stroked my penis. Riruru: Hmm? What's this... You've still got some life in you. Takuji: Eh? Sure. Riruru: Then let's go for round two. Takuji: Round two? Riruru: Yeah. Riruru: My girl parts are begging for you. Takuji: Ah, aah... Takuji: H-How am I supposed to put it in? Riruru: Ehehe, don't worry. Riruru: I'll show you... Do you mind if I'm on top? I'll do all the work. Takuji: Oh, yeah... Thank you... Riruru-chan got on top of me. She slowly lowered her hips... Slowly... Takuji: Ah... A wet feeling. Riruru: ... Her face warped in pain. Takuji: A-Are you all right? Riruru: I'm fine... I'm totally... fine. You can just relax. I'll do everything. Riruru-chan guided my penis to her entrance. Riruru: Here... Right here... There's a depression right here... That's the spot. As a virgin, her genitals were closer to a depression than a hole... I don't think my penis will go in there very easily... Riruru: Let's go, then... I'll lower my hips... Takuji: Y-Yeah... Riruru-chan lowered her hips in that same position. It made a strange sound like schlurp... and then my penis was wrapped in an indescribable warmth... Riruru: Ahh... Takuji: Ah... Takuji: Y-You're so warm inside... It felt so good I thought I was going to cum that very second. I thought I would've been fine since I just came. That warm sensation enveloped my penis... Different than the inside of her mouth... An indescribable sensation. Riruru: I-I'm gonna move... Takuji: Y-Yeah. Riruru-chan started moving her hips a little bit at a time. Riruru: Hmm. Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup... Takuji: Aaah... It feels so good... Her pussy squeezed my penis every time I moved my hips. It was so good I couldn't stand it. Riruru: Aaahm, mmm... Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup... Riruru-chan's pussy was wet with so much honey that my penis made an amazing sound every time it went in and out. Her honey was mixed with blood, making it pink. Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup... Riruru: M-My penis, my penis too... Her penis had grown even bigger than before. It seemed like it could explode at any moment. I caressed her penis. Riruru: Aah, aaah. Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup... Her boy parts were wet with precum. When I stroked her penis... It made the same sound as the place where we were connected. Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup... Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup shlup, shlup, shlup... Riruru: Aaah, aaah. Riruru: Both of them, both of them... Riruru: Amazing... Takuji: ... She squeezed my penis even harder. Takuji: It's so tight... I stroked her penis even quicker. Riruru: Aaah, ooaah, aaah! It grew even tighter still. Takuji: I-I'm... Riruru: I-I'm gonna cum, I'm gonna cum too. Takuji: Aaaah. Riruru: I'm a virgin, but my pussy is going to cum from you stroking my penis. I'm going to cum! I stroked harder and faster. Shlup, shlup, shlup! The honey flowed out of her girl parts like a waterfall. There was so much honey, and it was so tight... Riruru: I... I can't hold on... Takuji: I'm cumming. I'm cumming too. Riruru: Please, together... Together. Takuji: But at this rate... I'm going to cum inside... Riruru: It's fine, it's fine. I want your semen. I want your semen! Riruru: I want your semen inside me... Pour your semen into me. Takuji: Ah! Riruru: Noooo. She grew far tighter than before. I couldn't help cumming too. Spurt, spurt, spurt... A lot of semen spurted out of my penis and flowed into her. Riruru: Noooo! Shlup, shlup, shlup... Riruru: I-I can't stop coming, I can't stop! A ton of semen shot out of Riruru-chan's boy parts. Riruru: Ah, it's hot... Your semen is so hot, Takuji-kun. I can feel your semen inside me! Spurt, spurt... She stopped cumming... I collapsed in that spot. Takuji: Haa, haa... Takuji: Riruru-chan... Takuji: That felt great. Riruru: ... Takuji: Riruru-chan? Riruru: Ehgh, eeuehgh... Takuji: Huh?! Zakuro: Ehgh, hiuehgh. Takuji: Wha―?! Takuji: Eek! Takuji: Ah! Right now... The time is... 11:38 p.m. Why would the bell ring at this time? Why? Takuji: Gagh! Takuji: Wh-What is this... Takuji: M-My head, my head feels like it's going to split in two... What is this... What is it? Takuji: Ah... Takuji: Ah, there's... What am I looking at? On the... On the other side of the door... there's a sea? Takuji: And what's... on the far side of the sea? Takuji: Are those power lines? Takuji: The power lines continue beyond the sea... What are those power lines transmitting? Takuji: Why... is the scenery from here... a window? Takuji: Through the window, it's so bright... blue... azure... It's all blue... Takuji: White walls... Totally white... So white there's nothing but anxiety but anxiety but anxiety... There's nothing but... Takuji: The white room is scary. Takuji: The blue sea is scary. Takuji: Here, there's... nothing but relieving fear. Takuji: My heart is relieved and breaks. Beautiful blue, beautiful white... I'm relieved, but the fear I can't take in has a very beautiful scent. Takuji: This is... the boundary. Takuji: I can hear something creaking... between the boundary's waves. Takuji: I can lose myself in the creaks. They resound in my brain like creak-eak-eak-eak-eak... But I don't worry. Takuji: Fear is safety. It's pure. Takuji: It's safety. There's a beautiful blue wall of sky. Takuji: The airtight sky is relieved as it conceals us. Takuji: The concealed blue catches a glimpse of the beautiful scenery through the white window. Takuji: If gods exist, they must be overflowing with this beautiful white wall and blue light. Takuji: Within the white wall, the Virgin Mary spreads her arms. Takuji: Like a holy castle designed by a genius. Takuji: The church of rosaries... The holy place witnessed by the genius Matisse... Takuji: It envelops my everything. God exists. Right here... In the entire world... I see Him in my mind. I looked upon God's visage. The form of the holy father. The father of the holy kingdom. The laws of the universe harmonize order and chaos. Takuji: Now, God... reveal your form to me. Packets of white took shape. They took the form of the ultimate existence. The Father Himself. Father. Takuji: ... God: ... THE SONG OF GOD'S DESCENT. The date changed without regard for the song.
Asumi: La~la~la~ I cycled on buoyantly with my stolen bicycle, dashing past anyone that noticed me. Asumi: Ahaha, I called her a hag! Asumi: Is the usage of such vulgar language unbecoming of a teacher? This would make me a repeat offender, too. Asumi: La-la-la~ I was travelling far faster than I could on foot. I could practically feel how much I was changing simply by following the word of the savior! Asumi: If death is the greatest peril, people desire 'life'! Asumi: If present before even greater peril, people desire 'death'! Asumi: If cornered into a despairing situation in which death becomes desirable- Asumi: -then the worst and most unrelenting despair is to be denied death!! I recalled vividly a passage from a rather difficult book I once read and shouted it out to the twilit sky. Asumi: Hahahaha~! Why did I shout such pretentious remarks? Perhaps... it's because I, wallowing in ecstacy, had grown conscious of my attained indifference to despair. Asumi: Hey brats, move it! I shouted out hysterically to the students blocking the path before me, trying to clear my way forward. They, in the midst of puberty, appeared to be dumbfounded as they looked on at me, a young, bare naked woman. Asumi: Heh, if you want to look, then go right ahead! I'm showing it all off, after all! Heat flushed over my body as I felt the stares of pedestrians nearby. More additions to the sightseeing came as those who hadn't noticed my presence were alerted by people whose attention I had already captured. Asumi: Whew, how's this? To speed up, I leaned forward with my bottom protruding outward so that I could exert more weight onto the pedals. As I rode, my posture created a ninety degree angle. Through this pose, my genitals and anus were completely exposed, and my breasts dangled in magnificent display. Male Pedestrian: The hell?! Is that even legal?! Female Pedestrian: Gross, some slut's on the loose! Asumi: Hah... hahaha... Whether it be lecherous stares or scorn by the foolish, I was pleased with the reception. Asumi: Hahaha... Ahahaha~~~☆ It's only natural for the run of the mill person to stop and stare at someone stark naked riding along in the public eye. But I found it rather pitiful that there were so many that were seemingly joyous at the sight. Asumi: Father would faint if he saw me now! But then again, I suppose he wouldn't be able to even leave the house in his current state. ...Sorry, Daddy. But I gave you my virginity, so I'd like for you to be a bit more happy about the issue. Asumi: Hehe, today, good ol' Kiyokawa Asumi's done it with her daddy! Upon the order of The Savior, I, Kiyokawa Asumi, have committed the act of sexual intercourse with my father. Asumi: I've got my father's seed inside meee~! I wonder how many times he's done it with Mother? I would be surprised if I were to find out my parents gave birth to me out of wedlock. That probably isn't the case as they were both diligent teachers before marriage. I am certain that they've followed the model of the upright: an honest relationship, a proper marriage, sex, then children. ...Sex is sex, though. Although I have to admit... I'm jealous of anyone that can have their first time with a fellow virgin. Asumi: Gahaha, I bet Mom moaned like a bitch in heat whenever she had father's dick in her! ...When I was a child, I'd come across my parent's room in the middle of the night whenever I was on my way to the toilet or I was unable to sleep. My young mind could not comprehend why my father would be laying on top of my mother. They always seemed awkward back then. Thinking back on it now, that was a horrible transgression. Asumi: But hey, now Mother and I are even! Wouldn't it be the greatest happiness as a 'man' to be given the virginity of a woman you've raised lovingly as a parent? It must be an exclusive and valuable treasure. Something that would be looked down upon by this world's morals. Asumi: That's right. I can no longer bear to live binded by this hypocritical world! As the wind caressed my cheeks and ruffled my hair, I realized that I was standing in rebellion against this world itself. By the standards of this world, I would be judged as a vulgar being repulsive enough to have sex with her father. But I've succeeded as a woman! I've guided my father's aged penis to ejaculation! That's something unspeakable within the boundaries of a "sensible human being". I've cast away my humanity- -In other words, I'm no longer fit to be a perfect model teacher! Asumi: Looook aaat me nooooow!! I couldn't restrain the shouts of joy as a sense of accomplishment and superiority boiled within my core. Asumi: I'm being redeemed! I'm necessary in the new world!! What do you think? Aren't you jealous of my newfound freedom? But you, all of you cowards that simply conform, you can go ahead and rot in this filthy world. Asumi: To be, or not to be, that is the question!! Asumi: Now is the time to take in hand the wings of fate!!! There was no deep meaning in what I screamed aloud. I was simply spurred on by the excitement that I felt as I pedalled faster and faster, so I shouted whatever random words came to mind. Asumi: Kuh---hahaha!!! There's no longer anything to hold me down. There's no need to wear boorish articles such as clothing to cover my body. The breeze felt incredibly wonderful. An ineffable sensation of feeling like I'd become one with the universe overcame every sense of my being. My ego, my hatred, and my sadness had all disappeared. Asumi: I... I never knew I could feel like this. I cycled on as I smiled unbelievably brightly, drowned within a boundless sense of liberation. "Do you have the resolve to cast aside everything?" Asumi: Yes! Now I can! I can throw away anything! All my life I felt a great weight upon my shoulders, but today that weight disappeared as if it had never existed. Ahh. I'm just like the wind. There's nothing to keep me grounded. Asumi: Heh... Hahaha... Everyone I passed by stopped and stared. And even those scornful eyes upon me felt wonderful. The foolish are unable to admit their own foolishness, and that's why they feel the need to incessantly attack those of us who have risen above. Just like the barbaric peers of the sagacious and beautiful Takashima, who tormented her in the throes of their animalistic craze. The fact that they looked at me like that is proof enough that they deserve no salvation. Asumi: Haa, haa! Faster!! I arrived at a rather steep road and applied more force to the pedals. Asumi: Whoo! Yes, yes! Faster! That resulted in the bike reaching an incredible speed, as if an engine materialized and pushed it along with unimaginable force. That hill was rather long. Walking down it is an easy task, but the difficulty of ascending it goes without saying. Asumi: Hahaha! This feels wonderful!! The further down I went, the more I was spurred on by the pure, childish joy I felt. It was unlike travel by car, wherein you're protected by glass and steel. Taking in the wind as you speed by on a bike tickles a human's base animal instinct. At that moment I had to wonder, how did I get to this point? The scenery around me blurred as I went faster than my eye could perceive. The pressure of the wind rushing against my face thickened, making it hard to even breathe. But there was nothing but a smile on my face. Asumi: Wahhh! The furious speed that I was going seemed to signify the detachment I felt from the world I had once lived in. It was the best feeliing. Asumi: Ahhck... Now, of all tiiimes? Perhaps due to the cold of wind rushing against my naked body, biological functions implored me to urinate. But even if I had pushed on the break at this point, I wouldn't have been able to stop. And I was filled with feelings that told me not to hold back. Asumi: Well, guess I have no choice~~☆ I might as well let it go! I tore my legs off the pedal and opened them to face the onslaught of air coming at me The wind hitting my nether region made me want to urinate all the more. Then all I had to do was relax... Asumi: Ahahaaaa~! ... and let it all go..." Warm urine ran across my thighs, soon becoming drops getting blown off behind me by the wind. There's nothing better than this! Asumi: Amazing... Amazing!! It felt like there was absolutely nothing impossible for me to do. Asumi: --Hyahh?! I was thrown off by the pleasant sensation of urinating and lost my grip on the bike. Asumi: Hah, wahh?! In an instant, I found myself twirling in the red sky, catapulted off the bike like a person on a swing that had snapped in midair. Asumi: Ahhh~ As I tumbled through the air, time felt like it was getting slower... everything around me passed by in slow motion. I saw a long tunnel, but did I see the light at the end of it...? What is this... It's not too bad. Experiencing phenomena like this is simply wonderful. ...
I was ready for it, shedding my blouse without a moment's hesitation. Then I threw away the vile skirt restricting my legs. My hands quickly wrapped around behind my back and undid the hook on my bra. Then, in admonishment of my own body, I pulled my panties off and started fulfilling the savior's command. ... Asumi: This is for our family's sake... I reached my hand out to my father, still unconscious, and pulled his fly down, exposing his wilted penis. It was still soft and small. I hadn't seen it directly since... since I was young enough to take baths with my father. ...It's really moving to think that ten months before I was born, my father's penis ejaculated inside my mother, and I'm the result of that. Asumi: The savior told me to have sex with my father... He said I wouldn't be saved if I didn't... According to the common sense of this world, it's completely out of the question for a daughter to have sexual relations with her father. But that's precisely why I had to do this in order to live in the new world. I can now understand the weight of the savior's words. Asumi: You're the only one I can give my body to, my beloved father. Asumi: My gentle father is the only one fit to be my first. He's the one who always deserved to receive it. So I, completely naked, looked down on my father and smiled. Asumi: But first I have to wake up this little guy... I used the knowledge I remembered reading in a magazine I got from (ironically enough) Yui to stimulate my father's penis with my mouth and give him an erection. From the rumors I heard... it feels way better when you use your mouth than your hand. Asumi: Ahmm... Mm, ah... A daughter with her own father's penis in her mouth... I'll be honest, I was more than a little turned on from the sense of breaking a taboo. It's a taboo for a father and daughter to do that, but it's perfectly natural for a man and woman. Asumi: Mmgh... Mm, mm... The tip of my tongue played along his soft, warm penis, reveling in the slight taste of salt from his sweat. Asumi: Mm, mm... Asumi: Ahm, mm... Haa~ I had to let up for a second when it got hard to breathe. Asumi: Geez, why won't it stand up? I did everything it said... I was sad. After using all the knowledge I had to caress it, it didn't get bigger at all. It was completely different from the erect penises I saw in dirty manga and pornographic magazines that I confiscated from my male students. Asumi: Oh no, it has to stand up like a mushroom first. I hated my previous disinterest in sex and felt a pang of guilt that I couldn't save my still unconscious father. Asumi: But men still get erections when they're asleep, so there should be some other way. I tried using my saliva as lubricant and rubbing it with both hands, but... Asumi: No... It's not reacting at all. The penis that planted me in my mother's belly still didn't respond, and I started to get frustrated. At this rate, I wouldn't be able to have sex with my father. Asumi: What should I do? I didn't expect this... If I didn't put his penis inside me and make him cum, the savior wouldn't grant me salvation... I couldn't worry about the small things at this point. I intently surveyed my father's room. Asumi: I guess I'll have to use this... I took my father's favorite fountain pen off his desk and attached it to his penis as a support. Then I carefully wrapped rubber bands around the two of them to hold it in place, being sure that it wasn't too tight. Asumi: If my mouth won't work, I'll have to force it to stand up... Anyway, my father's penis was finally erect. Now I had to give it an even stronger stimulus than my mouth... I had to use my vagina for its original purpose and lead my father to orgasm. Asumi: I can use this too... I found the transparent wrap that he must have used to wrap his sandwich in and wrapped it around his penis instead to better hold it and the fountain pen together. Asumi: Ah, those edges look like they could hurt... I took the moisturizing cream out of my handbag and put a whole bunch on to lube his penis. The corners and edges on the wrap were surprisingly hard and pointy. Without the lube, those sharp corners would have made me give up out of pain before my father climaxed. Asumi: ...This should work. It was an unnatural construction, but the preparations were complete. Asumi: If I put it inside and start moving, it should naturally get bigger... I spread my legs and slowly straddled my father. I grabbed his makeshift erection and put the tip up against my pussy as I tried to calm the fluttering in my heart. Asumi: I'll give you my virginity, Daddy... As a mature woman, I wasn't embarrassed or hesitant. Rather, I was proud of myself. I let the tension out of my body and took a deep breath... Asumi: Mmm! Ahh... I put my body weight into my hips and closed my eyes in pain as my father tore through my hymen. Asumi: Mm, ahh... It hurts... Yui told me that it would hurt, but I never thought it would be this bad. Asumi: Ahh... There's blood too... When I touched the place where we were connected with my finger, it came away red with my blood. I took my father's manhood inside me. Asumi: Ahh, haa... I'm not a virgin anymore. Asumi: Haa, ha, ha... The next part is the important part... I couldn't just wallow in pain and self-pity like a normal girl. I could have just taken a picture at this point, but the savior wouldn't be satisfied with that. He wanted to see the 'vile teacher' fuck his own daughter and cum inside her, showing his animal lust. Asumi: Haaa, mmm... So I endured the pain, clinging to my father and moving my hips up and down. Asumi: Mm, ahh... Ahh... I was definitely right to put the moisturizer on before I started. It went in and out of me smoothly. Asumi: Aggh... Mmm, ahh, haa... It's a pity that he wasn't erect, but the male warmth I felt through the wrap still eased my pain a little bit. Asumi: Ahh... Daddy, thank you for everything... I love you. He loved me and raised me. I did it all for his sake. I'd become a woman now. Asumi's Mom: Hey you two, dinner's ready. Asumi: Ah?! When the pleasure of being made a woman finally began to seep into me, someone knocked on the door, and a chill ran up my spine. Asumi's Mom: Asumi, you're in there, aren't you? Could you help me set the table? She still didn't know what was happening in the room, so her voice was bright and full of affection. Yes... My mother was a bit more strict than my father, but she was still an excellent parent. Asumi: Oh, yes... Wait a second, please... Haa, Ahh... I tried to chase her away with my quavering voice even as I pistoned my hips up and down to make my father cum. Asumi's Mom: ...Your voice is a little strange... Is something wrong? Asumi: No! There's... nothing wrong... nothing at all... Her female instinct must have told her that her husband was being taken from her. She must have faintly realized what was happening. Asumi's Mom: You came home awfully early today... What's the matter-- Huh? --Rattle, rattle. Asumi: Hiaa... Ah, ahh... Asumi's Mom: Hey, why is the door locked? Open the door, Asumi! Asumi: N-No... Haa, mm... Just a second! --Rattle, rattle. My mother noticed something was wrong even through the door. I heard her violently turning the doorknob and making a clatter of metal on metal. Asumi: Ahh... Mm, ahh, haa... The pressure to finish spurred me on, causing me to get even wetter and more turned on. Asumi: Ahh, mm... Ahh... As the rod wrapped in plastic moved inside my pussy, I felt the juices dripping out from inside me. Asumi: Uhh... Ahh... --Rattle, rattle! Asumi's Mom: Come on, what are you doing in there?! Asumi: Haa, ha... Mom, just wait a little longer... --Rattle, rattle! Asumi's Mom: Asumi! Asumi! Asumi's Dad: ...Mm... My breath grew more and more ragged, and then my father finally opened his eyes. Asumi's Dad: Ah... What's happen-- Hey?! Asumi: Ahhmm... Daddy, daddy! Asumi's Dad: Wh-Wh-What are you doing, Asumi! Stop it right now! When he opened his eyes and took in the situation, my father struggled trying to get me off him, but he couldn't move because I had tied him down. Asumi: Ahaaa... Daddy, I love you... Asumi's Dad: Do you understand what you're doing?! Asumi: Of course I do... I love you, Daddy. That's why I gave you my virginity. Asumi's Dad: Wha-?! Ah... What have you done... No, no, you can't... His red, enraged face paled before my eyes, so out of pity I rotated my hips and moved faster to soothe him. No, I shouldn't say I 'gave' him my virginity. Rather, I awoke to the pleasure of getting my pussy fucked, and I wanted to taste it more intensely. Not as his obedient, level-headed daughter, but as a woman with a normal sex drive. Asumi's Dad: No, Asumi... This is unforgivable. Asumi: Why? If a man and a woman love each other, isn't it a good thing if they come together? Asumi's Dad: We're father and daughter! You can't do this, so stop right now! Asumi: We're father and daughter, but you're a man, aren't you... Hmm, ahaaa... Asumi's Dad: Stop quibbling and get off m-- Uahh! Asumi: I can tell it feels good for you too. You're moaning already, ehehe. Asumi's Dad: ...Ah! Asumi: You look so cute when you're trying not to moan. I'll make it feel even better for you... Mm, ah. My father's face was so lovely when it was distorted with distress. I kissed his cheeks over and over as I gyrated my hips. Asumi's Dad: Ah, ah... Asumii... Asumi: You and Mom made love like this before I was born, right? Asumi: It's wonderful... This is life's mystery... Ahaaamm... Asumi's Dad: Ah... How could this happen... My daughter's virginity... Ah... --Bang! Bang!! Asumi: Mom must be getting desperate... Afu... Ha, aah... When she stopped turning the doorknob, she must have gone into the kitchen and found a kitchen board or some other blunt instrument to break the lock from the outside. The door was wooden, so even a woman like my mother could break the lock if she hit it enough times. Asumi: Ahh, ah, mm, uhmm... I put aside my own pleasure in fear of my mother and instead passionately ground my hips dutifully to make my father cum. Asumi: Haaa... Your dick is getting so hard... Asumi's Dad: ...No, no...! --Bang! Bang!! He frowned and shook his head in denial, but I could feel his penis swelling inside me and pushing the fountain pen aside. The feeling inside my pussy dulled as the fountain pen was dislodged, but he was still so hard that I could feel every ridge of his dick in the shallow part of my pussy. --Bang! Bang!! Asumi: Look, Daddy... I'm such an adult... My poor father's hands were tied of course, so instead, I pushed my breasts against him and rubbed them against his chest. That way, I could teach him how soft my well-grown breasts were. Asumi: Ehehe... you're a man too, Daddy... I know how you can't help but look at my chest every now and then... It would've been quite the nuisance to have my mother, her pride as a woman in shambles, barge in during our union, so I wanted to do whatever it took to have my father ejaculate as soon as possible. Asumi: How is it? They're bigger and softer than Mom's, aren't they? Asumi's Dad: This is... beyond salvation. I'm done for... it's over... Asumi: You've got it all wrong, Daddy. This will pave the way for the savior's acceptance... Nck-ahh... I lost myself into the act, showering kisses on him and rubbing my ample breasts in his face over and over. --Bang! Bang!! Asumi's Dad: This is wrong... As a human... it's all so wrong... Asumi: That's especially why it's so right...! Asumi: We must discard... this mistaken world's morals... Ngh, ahh! My insides grew hot from my father's penis, which I could feel twitching inside me. --Bang! Bang!! Asumi: Ahh-AahAhh, nnngh-ugh!... Asumi: Daddy, cum inside me, okay? You need to. You've gotta... Nnngh Asumi's Dad: ...ah... ugh... Daddy yielded to me, no longer showing any trace of resistance. The passage of our union was smothered with our genital secretions, allowing for incredibly smooth hip movement. Asumi: Ha, kch... ugh... ahh... ahhh, ahh, Daddyy-! At this point, even the pain of my deflowerment made me more and more turned on, because I'm such a filthy whore. Asumi: Hah... ha... ahh-... feels so goood... So this is what sex is like. I couldn't have even imagined that my first sexual partner would be my father. However, since I love him, I was overjoyed. Asumi's Dad: ...Wrong, wrong... so wrong... Asumi: Ha... Cum, cum!... If you don't, Mother's going to see us... --Bang! Bang!! Asumi: Ahhh, nn, nnnh... Aha... You're so big inside me. Asumi's Dad: Stop this... Stop, st- Ahh---! Asumi's Dad: Kch...n... Ahh... Asumi: Ah! You came for me!! His face contorted as he let out a strained voice, and I squirmed in ecstacy after feeling his hot torrent spray my vaginal walls with semen. Asumi: Where's the camera?! I need a camera...! I promptly reached for the cellphone in my pocket Asumi: Ngh, ahhhhn! I reflexively let out a rather amorous voice after I dismounted my father's hot dick, removing the fountain pen and wasting no time to enjoy the reverberating ecstacy which followed sex. Asumi: Ehehe~☆ I took a picture of my positively beaming face alongside his... And then I followed with a shot of his penis smeared with semen and my bloodied vagina side by side. Asumi: Next is to send these... After several seconds, I heard a sound ringing from my phone, and with that, I successfully cleared the first order of business. I supressed the urge to leap around in joy and embraced my silent father. Then I reached out for his semen, the very first pool of it I had ever seen, and entwined some of it around my finger. Asumi: Waah, it really does smell like a squid. I licked some of it out of curiosity, and I tasted an incredibly strong and thick flavor. Asumi: So much came out. You must not have emptied the tank for a long time... The mental image of my father holding back despite wanting to shoot his load was adorable, so I ended up licking off the rest of the semen on my finger. --Bang! Bang!! --Bang! Asumi: Ah, she broke it. My mother may have finally broke the doorknob, but she failed to stop me. It was this very moment when I tasted a sense of euphoria from the feeling of superiority over my mother as a woman. Asumi's Mom: My goodness, Asumi--h... h... hyaaah?! My mother bore witness to her husband with his bare lower half smeared with semen and her daughter next to him, face beaming and stark naked. Asumi: Ehehe... Mmmngh, nnnch As if to deliver the final blow, I took my dazed father's lips right in front of my shocked mother, kissing him in a grand display. Asumi's Mom: Ah-... uu--- Asumi... what have you... Asumi: Nnngh, anngh, hah... I love you, Daddy. Asumi's Mom: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH---!!! My mother screamed, like a woman screaming bloody murder. She clutched her scalp in an attempted denial of the reality before her. I couldn't have been more satisfied. Of course I love my mother, but in retrospect, I might have viewed her as a rival for my father's love, ever since the days of adolesence. Asumi: Aha, ahahaha... My deed succeeded in crushing the hearts of my mother and father. Asumi: Hahaha, I've done it... I've done it!! I lingered on the sense of accomplishment and, still stark naked, left the premises through the garden window.
"Become lower than a human." This must mean to throw away humanity as I once knew it. Asumi: Ahh... mmnh... nhh... unh, ah-ahhhh... Wobbling as I stood up, I made my way to a place where anyone could see me, so that I could satisfy my goal. Asumi: Ohh... nnnnn... nh, haaaaa~ I slowly headed toward a roadside and sat down. I opened my legs, reached down with both hands, and started to play with myself. It was an obscene act committed despite the watching eyes of the crowd. It was something considered criminal and unlawful by this society, and it was something that could provoke irrepressible lust in some. Asumi: Unhhh, haaa... ah, haaaaaaanngh... Well then, lets enjoy ourselves. Much like wild animals copulating, I was unmindful of any eyes that watched me. I tossed away the shell of humanity, showing them that I am a mature and unbridled woman. Hehehe... "Hey, is that..." "Woah! What the hell is this??" Foolish men found themselves lured by my captivating voice. Asumi: Nnngh, ha, haaah, ahhh, hnngh... I'm sure they thought of 'some poor abused girl' as they saw me, fully naked. Or perhaps they thought I was 'some drunk vulgar woman'. Tsk, tsk... How about coming for a closer look rather than coming up with arbitrary conclusions? Quite the high and mighty attitude for a bunch of hypocrites who really want to gawk all day at a woman's naked figure. Asumi: Nnnn, ahh, ahhh... haah... Come on, I bet you want to get a better look by spreading these lips apart yourself. Asumi: Nnnfh, ha... haaaaaaanngh... I gently laid my back against the wall and pinched my clitoris. Asumi: Ahh, haaah... haaah, nghh, nnnn... "This supposed to be some AV public shoot?" "Woah, lucky me!" As my fingers did more and more indecent things, I felt the eyes upon my genitals increase. There was no turning back, and I had no intention to do so anyway. In the past, I wouldn't have been able to bear disgrace and would have pitifully broke. Asumi: Ha-ahhh, an, ah, ahhh~ But now, I've grown. Grown to the point where being seen doesn't scare me away. Rather, it excites me. Asumi: Haaa... it's so warm inside my pussy~ By this point, I'd completely thrown away everything. And that's why... my mind and body were ablaze. Employee: W-What's wrong with you...? A pair of two brave... No, that's not right. They were simply perverted men who called out to me with a trace of concern in their voices. Employee: You, uh, want me to bring you some water? Asumi: Haa... No, thats alright... Ah, ahnnn... I could hear them gulping as I inserted my fingers in my aroused vagina. Ahahaha... Do you really want to look that bad? Asumi: Hgh... haaaa, annn, khh, yaaangh... This is something most people are aware of. It's nothing new by now. Asumi: Nnn, haa... haaa... nnngh... Ah, then maybe you aren't... Then it'd make sense for you all to be so engrossed by all this. Pitiful. Well then, how about I grace you with my kindness? Asumi: Haaa... Today... I lost my viriginity... Asumi: I... hnnngh... had sex with my father... Asumi: Hehehe... Can you see it...? Here, I'll spread myself up and show you. Asumi: This pussy right here... hyah... has had Daddy's dick in it ... I had spread open my lips, with some residue of semen visible here and there... and I began to tell my tale like a person telling tales of the glory days of their youth. I had recollected my wholeheartedly delightful experience... nonchalantly, as if the tearing apart of the ties I had with my beloved parents was not worth brooding over. Asumi: Haaah... Right here... a dick was sliding in and out... Nnngh... Employee: That's... If that's true, it's really bad, huh... Asumi: Haaa... I still... only let in one penis... Haaa... I had spread open my thighs even more so my genitals would be all the more visible, revealing my rather wet vagina to their lecherous gazes. Ahhh... it was as if those fierce gazes were caressing me. Asumi: Haaa... It was my father's flaccid penis... Nnngh... Asumi: I held it tight with my special place here... ahnnnn, and it got harder... Sticky liquid spilled out as I played with myself. It was incredibly erotic the way a clear line of love juices would form between my clitoris and fingers. It must have been because I now knew the feeling of a penis inside me that I showed off by rapidly fingerfucking myself with my middle finger. ...That could become a habit for me. Asumi: To think that... his penis could get so hard... Hyahh... Asumi: Made me... so happy... I'd rock my hips in joy... Employee: You were a virgin, right? Were you in pain? Asumi: It did hurt... a lot... but I love my father... Asumi: So I'd take it... all in... Ahhh, ahhhnnnnnn... Excitement dominated me as I told of my experience with my father. My hands sought further pleasure as they reached for my chest and grabbed hold of my hardened nipples. I made sure to play with myself in a way that all could see. Asumi: Nnh, nnn, kuh, fff, yah... A small pool of liquid had formed where I sat, and yet more and more gushed out. Asumi: Haah, aaan... His dick... grew so big... Asumi: And filled me right up... Kyu... uuu, nnn, nnnn~ Employee: Hey, uh, what position did you have your first time in? Asumi: I was on top... his dick kept jamming in me... It made me so happy... At the peak of his erection, his penis would hit the furthest reaches of my womb. It felt so tight and overwhelming in me that at one point I drooled. Asumi: Hahhn... That's... Ahhh, yahhh, haaa, haaah! The sudden insult from that young man tugged at my heart and made me feel really good. I'm by nature a timid person, but I'm definitely not a masochist. Yet that trembling pleasure there... it must be because of the paradoxical blessings I've received. Yes, now I can understand. Asumi: Fahh... Nnkh, nnnm, mmm, ahh, hahhh... What if I were to have some strangers penis inserted into me right there on the spot? And it doesn't stop there... What if I had a dick forced into my other hole?! Asumi: Ahhh! Hahhh, ahh, kuh, hnnngh~ Just imagining that made me drool from my half-open mouth. My mind was at once dyed by that rosy fantasy. Father's semen... it was so warm, so vivid as it gushed out and into me. That was the best... Compared to that, how would the semen of these people feel? There seems to be different shapes and sizes among penises, so what about these men? It was wonderful to have these men lined up with penises whipped out in front of me... Asumi: Haaaa... Ahhh, anghhhh, aaaahn... Cumming, cummiiiiing. Heat rose from within me. The trembling began and so did the end of my restraint. Asumi: Haaan, ahhhn, I can't... I'm cumming, I'm cumming!! Employee: Woah, she's really shaking. Asumi: Ahhh! Ahhh, hahh, mmm, mmmmmmnh! Asumi: I'm cummiiiiiiiiiiing!! Onlookers: ...Wow... At that moment, something big burst inside me. It was the despicable binds restraining my heart that yearned for the heights above since birth. And the wave that gushed forward and filled my momentarily empty heart was the greatest refresher. This was ecstacy, an experience beyond anything else I'd felt in my life. An exhilarating sensation that felt like I was flying higher and higher. Asumi: Hah.... Haaaah~.... I've finally become free. No longer qualified to be a teacher... No longer qualified to be a human... Congratulations, Asumi. Asumi: Hehehehe... I licked my love juice-dabbed fingers and smiled. What do you think, Mamiya-sama? Is this to your liking?
Riruru: Have sex with me. Takuji: Eh? Takuji: S-Sex? Riruru: Yeah, sex. Takuji: But... Riruru: Takuji-kun, do you hate me? Takuji: N-No, I don't hate you, but... Takuji: But... Riruru: You need to in order to meet my father. Takuji: To meet your father? Riruru: Yeah, right now, even if you are the savior, physically speaking you're just a normal human. Takuji: Yeah... Riruru: So by coming into physical contact with me, you can overcome a human's limits. Takuji: Physical contact... so I can overcome my limits... Riruru: Yeah. Takuji: B-But... I... Riruru: What's wrong? Takuji: I'm a... virgin, so I might not be very good. Riruru: Don't worry. I'm a virgin, too. Takuji: Eh? Riruru: So it'll be fine! There's no problem. Takuji: Huh?! Takuji: That's... Riruru: ... When she pulled up her skirt... Something like a penis... A penis poked out of her panties? That's... Takuji: Riruru-chan... Takuji: Is that a... a penis? Riruru: ...I'm sorry. Riruru: I-I'm... I'm... a hermaphrodite, since I'm an angel. I-It must seem pretty nasty that I have this. Takuji: N-No. Takuji: N-Not at all. That's just what I wanted! I can't believe my favorite character has one just like I do! Takuji: That's great! I love it! You can feel the same things I do! I've always loved you! That's amazing... You can feel the same things I do! Riruru: I-It's embarrassing... Takuji: Don't hide it! Riruru: B-But... it really is embarrassing. A girl with one of these is just... Takuji: That's not true! You're cute! Riruru: Is it... okay? Takuji: Yeah. Takuji: Your penis is cute too, Riruru-chan. Look, the foreskin is like... Riruru: No, don't. It's too embarrassing! Takuji: Don't cover it with your hands! That's no good! Riruru: Y-Yeah... Sorry... Riruru: But it really is embarrassing... Takuji: No, let me see it! Riruru: Y-Your face is scaring me. Takuji: I want to see it! Show it to me! I'm the savior! Riruru: Th-Then I'm an angel! Riruru: Hehehehe... Takuji: Hahahaha... Riruru: All right. It's embarrassing, but I'll show you... I'll show you my penis. Amazing. It's pure white... What a beautiful penis. The pink tip was poking out just a little... That tip was crying. It was wet and shiny. Riruru: Ah, don't stare at it... If you do that, I-I... I... Takuji: If I stare at it? Riruru: Nooo. Takuji: What's wrong? Riruru: It's getting bigger... Takuji: Isn't that a good thing? Riruru: B-But... If it gets any bigger, the foreskin is going to peel back... Riruru-chan's penis... Reacted to my gaze... And got even bigger. Riruru: Nooo... It's embarrassing... It's so embarrassing! The tip... The pink tip... More and more came into view... Riruru: He's going to see everything... Everything. Takuji: You mean... like this? Riruru: Ah! I touched it for a moment with my finger and the foreskin suddenly peeled back completely. Like a snail leaving its shell, the pink tip suddenly popped into view. Takuji: Oh, I can see it. I can see the entire thing. Riruru: Nooo! It's embarrassing! It's so embarrassing! Takuji: Don't be embarrassed! Sh-Show me your everything, Riruru-chan! I want to see it all. Riruru: Aah... D-Don't... stare... She thrust her hips forward so that I could see better. Takuji: Can I touch it? Riruru: If that's what you want, but I'm sensitive, so please be gentle. Takuji: Yeah. I gently grabbed her penis. Riruru: Ah. Takuji: S-Sorry, did it hurt? Riruru: No... It just feels good because you're the one touching me. Takuji: A-Alright... That's good... It was smooth, wet, and it glinted in the light. It was like pink jelly. I carefully rubbed my hand over her penis. Carefully, carefully... so as not to hurt her. Riruru: Ah. The tip of her penis was split down the middle like a peach. Now that the foreskin had come back, that part was exposed. Takuji: This part is sensitive, huh? I have to be careful with it. My heart thumped. My brain went numb at the thought of what I was going to do soon. But then I... Slowly extended my tongue toward Riruru-chan's penis. But I'm a boy... I'm a boy... What am I doing? But her soft penis... The tip of her penis is soaked with precum. It's so slimy... It looks delicious. Ah, no... I can't resist. A boy shouldn't do this, but... I shouldn't, but I can't stop. I can't stop. My tongue touched her glans. This is what Riruru-chan tastes like. In that instant, something inside me broke. I started sucking her penis like crazy. Riruru: Wh-What are you doing? Th-That's not your finger? Eh? Takuji-kun, you shouldn't suck on that! I stuck my tongue down into the prepuce and licked around inside. Riruru-chan was so flustered that she couldn't even tell what was going on. It must have been very pleasurable for her, though. I ran my tongue around the rim of her glans over and over. Over and over and over... More liquid came out of the tip every time I did it. I licked the gushing tip. Riruru: Ah, ah, aah... That's, that's, I'm a girl, but a boy is sucking on my penis. Ah, what should I do... Aah. My mind went blank as I licked all over her penis. Honey kept gushing out of the top as I continued my actions. Ah... My tongue feels so good. It's so soft and smooth. Takuji: Amazing... You're so wet. Riruru: It feels good... It feels really, really good. This time I stroked the shaft with my hand. Now that she's lubed up, it should be all right if I stroke her with my hand... And... Riruru: Ah, ahh. I licked her balls. Her utterly hairless balls were soft, and they felt good in my mouth. They made me want to suck on them forever. Riruru: N-No, if you stroke me and suck on my balls like that, I'm going to... I'm going to―! I ignored her pleas as I wrapped my hand around her penis and stroked it. Riruru: Noooo, I feel strange, I feel really strange! I stroked her dick until the foreskin retracted all the way... Riruru: Ah, aah, noo... Every time I stroked her penis up and down, every time I licked around her balls... precum flowed out of her glans as if she had a minor ejaculation. Spurt, spurt... Takuji: Whoa, it's like you're cumming, Riruru-chan... Riruru: No, no, no. This isn't right! I'm a girl, but the way you're stroking my penis and licking my balls feels good. It feels so good! The dew of her precum was foaming up where I was stroking. Takuji: Now that you're getting turned on... I increased the speed. I stroked harder, harder, harder... Riruru: Eeh, eeh, eeaaahgh, aah! I've done nothing but masturbate in my life, so I'm an expert when it comes to stroking dicks. It doesn't matter that I'm a virgin. I have more experience stroking dicks than anyone. My hand sped up. The swollen tip of her penis came in and out of view every time I moved my hand up and down. And dew spilled out of the tip every time, too. Spurt, spurt... There was so much dew that it got all over her thighs, making them wet and slimy. I rubbed her wet thighs. Riruru: Aahh. Takuji: Your thighs are so soft... Her thighs were incredibly soft... Those sexy thighs, wet with her dew. I could hardly stand it. Squelch, squelch, squelch... I couldn't even imagine thighs making this sound when I rubbed them. Riruru: I-I'm so happy you're touching me, Takuji-kun... My penis is so happy! Riruru: Ah, I can't hold it... Her penis swelled even further. It looks like this is her limit. Riruru: Takuji-kun... Riruru: I-I'm... g-gonnaaa... Riruru: Aaaah, I'm... I'm cuummiiing! Her penis jerked violently... Cloudy semen spurted out of her penis. Riruru: Nooo, it's coming out. Spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt... Riruru: It won't stop! Spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt... There's so much... She just kept cumming. Is this what happens when an angel cums? Riruru: Takuji-kun. Riruru: I'm a strange girl. I'm a girl, but I have a penis... and I can't stop cumming. No, it's going everywhere. Riruru: L-Look, there's so much coming out of my penis. L-Look, Takuji-kun, watch me~ Spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt... Haa, haa... Riruru: That felt so good... Takuji: O-Oh... Riruru: ... Riruru: Jeez, it's been all me. Riruru: Takuji-kun, show me yours. Takuji: Eh, ah, eeeh? Riruru: Come on, come on. Riruru: Ehehehe. Riruru: Takuji-kun's penis. Takuji: Ah... Riruru: Ehehehe, it's cute. Riruru-chan looked at my penis intently. Riruru: This is the first time I've seen one that's not mine. Takuji: Ahahaha, y-you mean... you look at your own a lot? Riruru: Eh? Riruru: Ahahahaha... I guess I dug my own grave, b-but I like to touch my penis when I'm alone. I like my penis... I like both my girl and boy parts. Riruru: Looking at my own penis turns me on. Riruru: Then my boy parts slowly turn into an erection... then my foreskin recedes and my girl parts react and get wet... and then... Takuji: And then? Riruru: Hey, don't make me say that, you big bully! You were the one that started talking about it. Riruru: Jeez... Lick... Takuji: Ah! Riruru: Hehehehehe. Wh-What is this feeling... Th-This is the first time I've felt something like this... Riruru-chan diligently attended to my penis. Riruru: Just like you did earlier. Takuji: Ha, haaa. Riruru-chan traced the underside of my glans with her tongue. Takuji: Riruru-chan... Riruru: Ehehehe, doesn't it feel good? Takuji: Y-Yeah. Slurp, slurp, slurp... She did the same thing I did to her before. Riruru: Ehehehe, it tastes good. She licked around my frenulum. Slurp, slurp, slurp... Takuji: Ah. Takuji: Aaaah, that's― Riruru: Ehehehe. Riruru-chan tickled my penis with her tongue... and then stuck the entire thing in her mouth. Takuji: Ah! She sucked on the entire thing... I was taken aback by the sudden warm sensation. Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup. She stimulated the tip of my penis with her uvula. Takuji: Aaaah. Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup. Takuji: I-It feels so good. So warm... This feeling... I've never felt this before... Even an onahole isn't as nice and warm as this. Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup. Takuji: Aah, i-it's amazing... The inside of your mouth... f-feels so good, aaaah. Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup. Riruru-chan wrapped her tongue around my penis in her mouth. Takuji: This is... It must be because she has one too. That's why she knows exactly what feels good. She's doing everything I want her to. I've never done it with a woman, so I have nothing to compare it to, but there's no way it normally feels this good. Shlup. Takuji: Ah! Riruru: Ehehe, how is it? Takuji: I-It's really good... Riruru: How about this? Takuji: Ah... Riruru: Your balls. She diligently licked away at my sack. Then she gradually went lower. She moved her tongue even lower still. Takuji: That's... Riruru: Ehehehehe. Riruru-chan licked my asshole. Takuji: Th-That's dirty... Riruru: Yours isn't dirty. She licked around my anus... Riruru: How about... Takuji: Ha. Her tongue went inside me. She stuck her tongue out further. Takuji: Ah... Ooh... Her tongue stimulated my prostate gland. Takuji: Aaaaah. My dick grew even harder as she stimulated my prostate. Riruru: Oh wow. It got even bigger than before. Takuji: Riruru-chan, I... Riruru: Ehehehe, you want to let it out, right? Takuji: Yeah. Riruru: Do you want to cum in my mouth? Or on my face? Takuji: Either way... Riruru: Jeez! In that case― Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup. Takuji: Aaah. Shlup. Shlup. Shlup. Shlup. Takuji: Don't do it so... Shlup. Shlup. Shlup. Shlup. Takuji: Aaah. Takuji: W-Wow... Your mouth... f-feels so good... Aaaah. Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup. Takuji: I-I'm at my limit! Riruru-chan moved up and down violently. Takuji: Riruru-chan, I'm going to cum... Riruru-chan smiled when she heard that. She started moving even faster. Takuji: I-I can't hold it! Ha, haaaaa! Spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt... I let it out inside Riruru-chan's mouth. She happily drank it. Takuji: Y-You're drinking it? I kept cumming inside her mouth. Her throat moved as she gulped it down. Takuji: Ah... The inside of your mouth is... warm... and soft... and wet... Riruru: Hehe, how was it? Takuji: Ah... It felt good. Riruru: Ehehehe, you came a lot. That makes me happy. I could feel it in my mouth. Takuji: Y-Yeah... Your mouth felt really good. Riruru: Ehehe... Good. My body can take all of your lust. Riruru: I'll clean you up. Takuji: Ah! I was still sensitive from cumming just now, so she gently stroked my penis. Riruru: Hmm? What's this... You've still got some life in you. Takuji: Eh? Sure. Riruru: Then let's go for round two. Takuji: Round two? Riruru: Yeah. Riruru: My girl parts are begging for you. Takuji: Ah, aah... Takuji: H-How am I supposed to put it in? Riruru: Ehehe, don't worry. Riruru: I'll show you... Do you mind if I'm on top? I'll do all the work. Takuji: Oh, yeah... Thank you... Riruru-chan got on top of me. She slowly lowered her hips... Slowly... Takuji: Ah... A wet feeling. Riruru: ... Her face warped in pain. Takuji: A-Are you all right? Riruru: I'm fine... I'm totally... fine. You can just relax. I'll do everything. Riruru-chan guided my penis to her entrance. Riruru: Here... Right here... There's a depression right here... That's the spot. As a virgin, her genitals were closer to a depression than a hole... I don't think my penis will go in there very easily... Riruru: Let's go, then... I'll lower my hips... Takuji: Y-Yeah... Riruru-chan lowered her hips in that same position. It made a strange sound like schlurp... and then my penis was wrapped in an indescribable warmth... Riruru: Ahh... Takuji: Ah... Takuji: Y-You're so warm inside... It felt so good I thought I was going to cum that very second. I thought I would've been fine since I just came. That warm sensation enveloped my penis... Different than the inside of her mouth... An indescribable sensation. Riruru: I-I'm gonna move... Takuji: Y-Yeah. Riruru-chan started moving her hips a little bit at a time. Riruru: Hmm. Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup... Takuji: Aaah... It feels so good... Her pussy squeezed my penis every time I moved my hips. It was so good I couldn't stand it. Riruru: Aaahm, mmm... Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup... Riruru-chan's pussy was wet with so much honey that my penis made an amazing sound every time it went in and out. Her honey was mixed with blood, making it pink. Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup... Riruru: M-My penis, my penis too... Her penis had grown even bigger than before. It seemed like it could explode at any moment. I caressed her penis. Riruru: Aah, aaah. Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup... Her boy parts were wet with precum. When I stroked her penis... It made the same sound as the place where we were connected. Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup... Shlup, shlup, shlup, shlup shlup, shlup, shlup... Riruru: Aaah, aaah. Riruru: Both of them, both of them... Riruru: Amazing... Takuji: ... She squeezed my penis even harder. Takuji: It's so tight... I stroked her penis even quicker. Riruru: Aaah, ooaah, aaah! It grew even tighter still. Takuji: I-I'm... Riruru: I-I'm gonna cum, I'm gonna cum too. Takuji: Aaaah. Riruru: I'm a virgin, but my pussy is going to cum from you stroking my penis. I'm going to cum! I stroked harder and faster. Shlup, shlup, shlup! The honey flowed out of her girl parts like a waterfall. There was so much honey, and it was so tight... Riruru: I... I can't hold on... Takuji: I'm cumming. I'm cumming too. Riruru: Please, together... Together. Takuji: But at this rate... I'm going to cum inside... Riruru: It's fine, it's fine. I want your semen. I want your semen! Riruru: I want your semen inside me... Pour your semen into me. Takuji: Ah! Riruru: Noooo. She grew far tighter than before. I couldn't help cumming too. Spurt, spurt, spurt... A lot of semen spurted out of my penis and flowed into her. Riruru: Noooo! Shlup, shlup, shlup... Riruru: I-I can't stop coming, I can't stop! A ton of semen shot out of Riruru-chan's boy parts. Riruru: Ah, it's hot... Your semen is so hot, Takuji-kun. I can feel your semen inside me! Spurt, spurt... She stopped cumming... I collapsed in that spot.
" ior." "Ple wa up." Takuji: Mm... "Please wa up." Takuji: Mm... "Please wake up." Takuji: ...Where am I? My memory is a little fuzzy... I always feel like this when I wake up... It's not something I'm all that worried about. Kimika: The ark. Takuji: The ark? Ark? Ark... The school building's foundation is the ark? Takuji: The ark, huh... More importantly... Takuji: More importantly... What time is it right now? Takuji: What time is it right now? Kimika: Um, it's just after 2:00 p.m. on the 17th... Two o'clock, huh... I slept too long. Even though I slept so long, I still feel tired. Well, I always feel like that. Takuji: And last night? Kimika: Huh? Takuji: What about last night? Kimika: What about last night, you said? You're not being very clear... who you're talking about. Takuji: Oh, uh... I'm talking about me. Also, how was everyone else after I disappeared? Kimika: So you want a status report? Well, after you went for a walk, they kept going at it like that. Takuji: Like that... Takuji: What are they doing? Kimika: You told them to let Nishimura-kun fuck them. They've been doing that for ages. Takuji: Nishimura isn't there... Kimika: Oh, that's right. my savior. Kimika: Um, over there... Tachibana pointed to the corner. Kimika: He kind of stopped moving after he had sex. Takuji: Oh, I see. Kimika: I think he just tired himself out and went too sleep, but he's so tired his heart isn't even beating anymore. Takuji: So tired his heart isn't beating... Doesn't that mean he's just dead? Kimika: What should we do? Can you revive him with your powers? Takuji: There's no need. Kimika: Really? Takuji: He wanted to have sex so bad. After his wish came true, he didn't need to move anymore. Kimika: Oh, that's right. I remember you saying something like that, my savior. Takuji: I used his desire to have sex to heal his wounds. If he doesn't have the will to live anymore, of course he'll stop moving. Takuji: It's just a question of his willpower now. Kimika: Oh, that makes sense... He can't move because he doesn't have any willpower! That makes sense, though I get the feeling he's not the only one without any willpower. Takuji: Yeah, of course. Takuji: Still, they haven't even slept. They're not getting bored of it at all. Kimika: Yeah, they're not tired at all thanks to the savior's elixir. Takuji: Oh, that... That's an all-purpose potion. Takuji: Then what about me? Kimika: Oh my... You don't remember? Takuji: Yeah... This happens sometimes. Part of it is because of the Black Surge's attacks, but... Kimika: Th-That's awful... You were so gentle last night... Takuji: Eh? Do you mean I... with you? Kimika: Yes. You were so gentle when we danced together. Takuji: Huh? Kimika: You were like, 'Watch me dance, hey, hey!' and then you started dancing like crazy. Takuji: Dancing like crazy? Kimika: Last night after you returned, you were in an incredibly good mood, my savior. Takuji: A good mood? Kimika: Yes, and you sang us a song too. Takuji: A song... Song... Rooftop... I can vaguely remember it... I met with God. He was kind of like a scribble of an old man, though... And he sang... God's song? I wonder... I can't really remember it very well. Takuji: A song, huh? Well, whatever... It really is noisy in here, though. Kimika: Noisy? Takuji: It's them. Their orgy is noisy... They've been fucking this whole time? Kimika: Yes. It's kind of funny how long they've been going... All of them are getting in on it. Kimika: Well, I did hear that drug made sex feel better... and it makes people lose track of time, too. Takuji: I see. So that's what it was... Kimika: Yes. Takuji: Hmm... Well, it doesn't really matter. I have a headache. It must be the holy water's fault. That holy water was originally a drug you would dip paper in and use. It's incredibly potent even with a small amount. I scattered the untreated drug over the crowd, so of course they'd get headaches. But I purified mine with the Holy Surge first, so why am I getting a headache? Actually, I have a bump... Maybe I just hit my head? I don't remember last night at all. Takuji: Now that I think of it... where's Kiyokawa? Kimika: Kiyokawa? Oh, you mean the toilet? Takuji: Y-You're... pretty awful... Kimika: What are you talking about, my savior? You're the one who gave her that name. Takuji: Well, I guess I did... So, where is she? Kimika: Um, first you brought her along this morning so that you could make her see the demons... Takuji: I did? Where to? Kimika: Who knows... I'm not sure, but it was probably somewhere on school grounds. I'm surprised you two were able to walk around on the school grounds even though the school is taped off right now. Takuji: Yeah, I am the savior after all... And what about after that? Kimika: The two of you came back safely. Takuji: And then? Kimika: Since she got back, Ms. Kiyokawa has been over there, scared out of her wits, saying, 'The demon has the same face as the savior!' Takuji: Over there? There was someone curled up and quivering in the corner. Is that... Kiyokawa? Why is she so frightened? Kimika: What did you show her? Takuji: Who knows... I guess I showed her something, but I don't really remember. And more importantly, Tachibana. Takuji: What time is it right now? Kimika: Um, right now... it's 5:00 on the dot. Takuji: It's already five, huh? Time passes so quickly. Kimika: Really? Oh, right, my savior. Takuji: What is it? Kimika: I have something to report. Takuji: Report? Kimika: Yes, him! Kimika: After Nishimura-kun had sex, he just kind of stopped moving. Takuji: Yeah, I guess he did. Kimika: I thought he just tired himself out and went to sleep, but his body is ridiculously stiff. He's gonna ache all over after sleeping in that position. Kimika: Can you revive him with your magic, my savior? Takuji: There's no need. Kimika: Really? Takuji: I used his desire to have sex to heal his wounds. If he doesn't have the will to live anymore, of course he'll stop moving. Takuji: It's just a question of his willpower now. Kimika: I've heard people say that before. In the end, it's just a matter of a person's motivation. That goes for a lot of things. Yeah, that makes sense. Takuji: It really is noisy in here though. They haven't even slept. They're not getting bored of it at all. Kimika: Yeah, they're not tired at all thanks to the savior's elixir. I feel great, too Takuji: Yeah, that's an all-purpose potion. Takuji: And... what time is it right now? Kimika: Um, right now... it's 7:00 on the dot. Takuji: Already seven o'clock, huh? That was fast. Kimika: Time flies like an arrow. Takuji: I guess so... The passing off time is strange. Takuji: Time... Time... Oh, that's right, Tachibana. Kimika: Yes? Takuji: Right now... what time is it? Kimika: Um, right now... it's 8:00 on the dot. Takuji: It's already dinner time, huh? I'm not really hungry, though. Kimika: You can thank the all-purpose potion for that. We should call it a Senzu Bean instead of elixir! Takuji: No, don't change the name... Kimika: And I was wondering... Do you really have dinner at eight o'clock at night? Takuji: We always have dinner at eight o'clock at my house... Is it different at your place? Kimika: We usually have dinner at six o'clock. Dinner is late at the savior's house, huh? Takuji: It's not late. You just have dinner too early... Kimika: You think so? Takuji: I mean, during the summer, the sun hasn't even set at six o'clock. Kimika: Yes, that's true. Takuji: Can you really call that dinner? Kimika: Isn't it dinner if we eat it during the evening...? Takuji: Then do you eat dinner at five o'clock on the winter solstice? Kimika: It really did feel like that. Takuji: It felt like it, huh? Kimika: Yes, it felt like it. Takuji: What about everyone else? Takuji: Um... They're no good... They're totally worthless. Other than them... Uh... Takuji: What about Kiyokawa? Kimika: She's over there quivering. She's been saying 'I'm scared, I'm scared' for hours. Takuji: Over there? There was someone curled up and quivering in the corner. Is that... Kiyokawa? Takuji: Why is she so frightened? Kimika: She's kind of got you and the demon mixed up, so she's like, 'It's scaaarryyy, aaaah!' Takuji: Are you even trying to explain it? Kimika: I'm doing my best right now. Takuji: Actually, now that I think of it, I don't see Nishimura in the orgy. Kimika: Oh, that's right. I have a request, my savior. Takuji: A request? Kimika: Yes! Kimika: Look over there. Takuji: At that? Kimika: He stinks! Takuji: What happened to him? Kimika: After he had sex, he was like, 'I'm so tiiireed,' then he laid down, his pupils dilated, he got all stiff, and he went and started rotting. Kimika: He stinks, so... could you please resurrect him? If you leave raw food out in the summer, it doesn't take long for it to spoil! Takuji: I can't. Kimika: You can't? Takuji: I used his desire to have sex to heal his wounds. I can't bring someone back to life after their wish has been granted. Takuji: More importantly, they really are noisy... They haven't even slept. They're not getting bored of it at all. How long have they been doing that? Kimika: Who knows... I'm not sure, but it's fun watching them. The girls' voices are getting so hoarse that they sound like old women! Takuji: You're not sure. It's been since yesterday, hasn't it? What time is it right now? Kimika: Um, right now... it's 8:01. Takuji: Oh, really... It's already that late. Kimika: More importantly, look over there. Takuji: At that? Kimika: It's Nishimura-kun. Takuji: Why's he so big? Kimika: Big? Has he gotten bigger? Takuji: What happened to him? He's the size of a cow, isn't he? Kimika: A cow? I don't know how a big a cow is... Takuji: You've never seen a cow? Kimika: No. Where would I see one? Takuji: On a ranch, probably. Kimika: On the roof?! Takuji: Yeah, on a ranch... They have lots of cows. Kimika: Oh really... There are lots of cows on the roof. That sounds like fun. Takuji: Does it? Kimika: Aren't there lots of cows under the blue sky? Takuji: Yeah, there are lots of cows under the blue sky... on a field of green grass... Kimika: Green? A green monk? Takuji: Besides, why is Nishimura as big as a cow? Kimika: h right, Nishimura-kun stopped moving a while ago, but his pupils dilated, he started rotting, and now his body is swelling. It's really annoying. Takuji: It would be hard for him to move now that he's gotten as big as a cow... Kimika: So then cows don't move very much either? Takuji: Yeah... I've seen a whole bunch of birds resting on a cow's back. Sometimes even big birds will perch on a cow's back. Kimika: Big birds? Takuji: Yeah, just like that... Something like that... Kimika: Something like that? A huge bird perched on Nishimura's body. A white bird. Is that a heron? Takuji: Birds perch on them, kind of like that. Kimika: No, that's not a bird! Takuji: It's a bird... That's a heron. Kimika: It's an angel. An angel is trying to take Nishimura-kun away. Takuji: No... Haven't you ever seen a heron? Kimika: No, I haven't, but are you saying that's a heron? Takuji: Yeah... Sometimes herons will perch on the backs of cows and rest their wings. Now that Nishimura has swelled up like that, he's a perfect perch for a heron. Kimika: Oh, really... So that's a heron... Kimika: Then why are there so many pictures of herons in churches? There are lots of pictures of those. Takuji: Pictures of herons in churches? What's up with her... Is she mixing up heron and herald? A comment on Christianity? Takuji: That's quite an intellectual way of putting it. Kimika: In ten lectures? Kimika: Ah, the angel flew away. Takuji: Hey, Tachibana. Kimika: Yes? Takuji: Where's Kiyokawa? Kimika: She's curled up over there. She's curled up like a mouse. Someone might step on her and kill her! Kimika: My savior, please go help tiny Ms. Kiyokawa! Takuji: No, it's just a matter of perspective... Think of it another way. Isn't it better if she's small like a mouse? Kimika: Is it better? Takuji: Yeah, if her body was small like a mouse, she could crawl into all kinds of little spaces, couldn't she? Kimika: Yeah, she could. Takuji: In other words, she could crawl into all of humanity's bodies through their mouths. Kimika: Ah, she could! Takuji: That's it. We should put tiny Kiyokawa in all their mouths! Kimika: We'll put her in all their mouths! Takuji: Yes! And once she's invaded all of humanity through their mouths, she could install antennas on all of them! Kimika: She could install antennas! Takuji: Yeah, and then I could transmit my holy gospel directly to all of humanity! Kimika: We could transmit your gospel! Takuji: If we did that, I could return far more people to the sky... We could do it! Kimika: We could drown more people to the sky. We could drown it! Takuji: Yes! Kimika: They'll drown! Takuji: Yes, all of humanity will get lost in my speech... and drown in it. Kimika: All good knowledge will get lost in your speech, and then remember in it. Takuji: Yes! Kimika: I remembered it! Takuji: Did you? Kimika: I did! Takuji: Well good! Kimika: I was good! Praise me! Takuji: I can't do that. No one would praise you for something like that. Kimika: You won't? Kimika: Hahaha... I guess it's no use. Takuji: W-Wait, if it means that much to you, then maybe just a little. Kimika: Maybe just a little? Takuji: I could praise you... I guess? Kimika: Yes! That would make me so happy! Takuji: I see... I'll give it a shot. Kimika: Go ahead! Takuji: Tachibana, good job! Kimika: Um, i-if you don't mind... Kimika: Um, I just thought... it would make me even happier if you called me Kimika instead of Tachibana. Takuji: All right... So Kimika is better than Tachibana? Kimika: Yes! You're better than me! Takuji: Okay, Kimika... good job! Kimika: Yay! I did it! The savior said I did a good job! Takuji: Did that make you happy? Kimika: Eureka? Kimika: Um, that's... Takuji: What is it, all of a sudden? Takuji: Eureka meant 'I found it' in the present perfect tense... Or are you talking about the anime? Kimika: Yes! That's it! I found it! Takuji: Found what? Kimika: I found the savior! Takuji: The savior? You mean me? Kimika: Yes. I found Mamiya Takuji, the savior! I found something incredibly valuable! Takuji: Oh... That's good. Kimika: Yay! I'm so glad I found you! Kimika: Um, do you mind if I hug you, so I have something to remember this moment by? Takuji: No way... I don't offer that service. Kimika: O-Oh, all right... I should have known the savior wouldn't be offering hugs. Takuji: Do you... want to hug me? Kimika: Yes! I want a hug! Takuji: Why don't you just go fuck one of the guys over there? Kimika: I'll punch you, my savior! Takuji: Don't punch me... You're my servant... Kimika: But you're being mean! That's not what I mean! I'm not talking about sex! I'm too pure and vaginal for that! Takuji: Not pure and vaginal... You mean pure and virginal... You sure know some old, obscure jokes. Takuji: Well, if you're not talking about sex, then why don't you go hug that pillar over there? Kimika: That's not what I mean! That's totally wrong! You're not even close! I want to hug you, my savior! Takuji: Is it that different? Takuji: If it has nothing to do with sex... I thought it was like when you can't sleep without a pillow to hold onto or something. Kimika: Oh, I know what you mean. I can't get to sleep if I don't have something to hold onto. Takuji: Oh, really... Kimika: So I haven't slept at all today. Actually, I don't even feel tired. Kimika: I watched you sleeping all day today! Kimika: Unfortunately, you woke up every ten minutes, so I didn't get to see your sleeping face very much. Takuji: Don't watch me sleep. Kimika: I would watch you even if it meant I would fall into the depths of hell! I'm not afraid of dying at all, and I'm sure I'll go to hell when I die! Kimika: But if you say I absolutely can't... I guess I'll stop if you really hate it. Takuji: No... You're not going to go to hell for watching me sleep, and I didn't say you absolutely couldn't. Kimika: Then you don't mind, right? Takuji: Well, I don't really like it, but... Kimika: If you won't let me hug you, at least let me do that! Takuji: What are you talking about? I don't understand. Kimika: You don't understand! Takuji: More importantly, about Kiyokawa... Kimika: You're going to drown Ms. Kiyokawa, right? Takuji: Who said that? Are you stupid? Kimika: I-I'm sorry! I was mistaken! Huh? What were you going to do to Ms. Kiyokawa? Takuji: So... where's Kiyokawa? Kimika: Oh, Ms. Kiyokawa shrunk herself over there. Takuji: So she succeeded at shrinking herself? Kimika: Yes, we succeeded at shrinking her! Takuji: All according to plan... Kimika: Yes, I recorded your plan! Takuji: Hehehe... I'll have the miniaturized Kiyokawa crawl into all of humanity's mouths... and then I'll transmit my words straight to them. Kimika: Yes! And then I'll transmit my words Stalin to them! Takuji: Hehehe... Go call for Kiyokawa. Kimika: Understood! Takuji: What's this? Kimika: What's wrong? Takuji: L-Look at her, you idiot! Kimika: Eh * Whoa, she's huge!"* Asumi: Eh? Takuji: She's over two meters tall... Kimika: She's over two layers through... Over two layers, right... Kimika: It's hard with two layers, though.. * Maybe she's already three layers?"* Takuji: Hey, Kimika. Kimika: Y-Yes? Takuji: What are you mumbling about? Kimika: I-I'm sorry, I was mumble! Takuji: No... No one is mumble... Kimika: Buddha? Takuji: No one's talking about that! Kimika: S-Sorry, no one was talking behind your back * I was just talking about Buddha!"* Takuji: I thought you said we succeeded in shrinking her. Kimika: I-I'm sorry... That's what my sources told me. Kimika: It seems our intelligence network has been disrupted by the war. Kimika: It was hard to break through the second layer. We were under fire the whole way, and the hills were crawling with enemies... Takuji: Wh-What are you talking about? Kimika: Eh? Um, I was giving you a status report. Takuji: Like I said, she should be shorter than this, shouldn't she? Kimika: A short sword? Kimika: Is that what it was?! A short sword! That's it! Kimika: Understood! Leave it to me! Leave it all to me * It's a short sword! That means we have to carve it in!"* Kimika: I'll go find it! I'll find it as soon as possible! Asumi: U-Um... Takuji: A short sword? Carve it? Asumi: Um, my savior... Wh-What's she... Kimika: My savior! I couldn't find a short sword, but I found a box cutter! We can carve her with this! Asumi: Eh? Did she say carve? Kimika: Just like this! Asumi: Ow! Kimika: Ah, you can't do that * I can't make you smaller if you run away!"* Asumi: N-Nooo! Wh-What are you doing?! Kimika: Ah, stop! Don't run away! Asumi: Tachibana-san, stop it! Kimika: No! I have to make you smaller with this short sword so that you can climb into their food! Ei! Asumi: N-Nooo! Kimika: You have to climb into the mouths of all the people in the world and help the savior! Please stop moving! Asumi: Aah! Kimika: You have more than three layers! You're already at three layers! If you go past three layers, you can't go back! Asumi: Agh! What's she doing... I know she's just trying to help, but she's not accomplishing anything. And how is she going to carve something with a box cutter like that? Every time Kimika slashed at Kiyokawa, Kiyokawa got another grazing wound on her body. The two of them played tag for hours inside the huge ark. Kiyokawa was pretty desperate... and Kimika was gasping for air. Takuji: Wasn't she in the Track and Field Club? Takuji: Why's she slower than Kiyokawa? After they ran five laps around the ark, Kimika came back to me. Kimika: Ha, ha, ha... She has too many layers. I can't damage her with normal attacks. Takuji: Do you consider stabbing someone with a box cutter to be a normal attack? That was awfully dangerous to begin with. Kimika: Yes... I couldn't damage her, even with that * If only I had my Estrema Ratio!"* Takuji: You'd actually kill her if you were waving a real knife around... And I think the real problem is that you're too slow. Kimika: Um, I joined the Track and Field Club because I was so slow. I thought I had gotten pretty fast... Takuji: That's delusional. Kimika: D-Delusional? Nooo! Takuji: From what I just saw... you're ridiculously slow. Kimika: I-I was trying to run like a gazelle. Takuji: You looked more like a giraffe to me. Kimika: Don't say that... Takuji: More importantly, Kimika. Kimika: Yes? Takuji: What time is it right now? Kimika: Yes, um... It's 8:02 right now * Time sure does fly, doesn't it?"* Takuji: It sure does... Takuji: Now then... I should give my sermon. It's the perfect time for it, now that the sun has set. Kimika: All right. I'll gather the people. Takuji: You don't have to gather them. Only the people who want to listen have to. Takuji: More importantly... I looked for a place to sit. Then Kimika... Kimika: A chair? Takuji: Y-Yeah, I need a chair. Kimika: Yesterday, you said you were gonna make Ms. Kiyokawa into your chair. Takuji: Yeah... I did, but what of it? Kimika: Why didn't you? Takuji: It's just like I said... She's too filthy for me to sit on. She's a filthy slut. Kimika: A slut.. * You're talking about sex, right?"* Takuji: Yeah, I am... I can't sit on someone who would do something like that... Takuji: What's so fun about doing that all day long... Takuji: Though I don't really feel like punishing every single one of them. Kimika: I'm a virgin! Takuji: H-Huh? Kimika: I haven't even kissed anyone before! Kimika: I've never held hands with a man! I've hated men all my life! Takuji: Huh... A-And? Kimika: Um, could I be your seat? Takuji: Huh? Kimika: Um, would you allow me to be your seat, my savior? Takuji: You? My seat? Kimika: Yes! I'll do my best! Takuji: No, it has nothing to do with that. Being my seat is a kind of punishment... Kimika: Not at all! How would it be a punishment to support the savior's entire body weight? Takuji: No, it would be. Use your common sense. Kimika: Please consider it! Takuji: C-Consider it, huh... I wonder... Why does she want to do that? She really is a strange one. Well, all right... It's just until the sermon is over. Takuji: Hmm. I don't really understand you, but all right then, Kimika. Be my chair. Kimika: Understood! Hmm... This is odd... The human chair is supposed to be tragic... or it could be used to punish someone for their sins... or something like that... When she gleefully chooses to become a chair... it doesn't seem that bad at all. Takuji: Kimika, do you know about the big four? Kimika: Yes! There are are a few different big fours * The big four of comedy! The big four idols! The big four games that..."* Kimika: Ah! Takuji: Do you want to incur the wrath of the gods? Kimika: I-I'm sorry! Takuji: I'm talking about the Four Heavenly Kings who watch over the cardinal directions. Most of their statues depict them crushing devils underfoot, right? Kimika: I-I don't really understand, but if you say so, it must be true! Takuji: No, that's not what I mean... The devil is being painfully crushed underfoot. Do you know why? Kimika: Because... it hurts? Takuji: Well for the devil, I suppose so, but what does the statue mean? Kimika: The statue's meaning? Um, it's a representation of pain? Takuji: That's the same thing... That's not it. Kimika: Th-Then... maybe it represents the suffering in human life? Takuji: It's not modern art, you know. Why would a Buddhist statue represent something abstract like that? Takuji: The Four Kings look especially conspicuous because they're crushing a devil underfoot. Kimika: The Four Kings look especially promiscuous... because they're cracking a demon underfoot... Got it. Takuji: You're pretty quick. That's why you shouldn't look so happy while you're doing it. Kimika: That's why I shouldn't look so sappy while I'm doing it. Got it. Takuji: Just be careful about that. Kimika: Understood! Does she really understand? Kimika: All ready! Kimika: I'm perfectly ready! Takuji: Like I said, Kimika, you're... Kimika: Yes, I can feel the devil within me. Takuji: That wouldn't be a good thing. Oh well... She's been acting strange all day. Her eyes... She looked like a dog... It felt like I was sitting on a dog. I was the one that felt guilty here. Kimika: My savior! Her eyes sparkled, like she was telling me, 'Don't worry! I'm ready for it!' Jeez... I don't even care anymore. Takuji: ... The number of people... increased again, apparently. Where are they coming from? Takuji: Now then... Kimika: All right! Takuji: A chair shouldn't respond to every little thing I say. Kimika: Ah, excuse me. Kimika: Ah... My chair made a contented face. Like her life was now complete. I guess she really just wanted to be of use to me. Well, whatever. Takuji: Everyone, listen to my words! Takuji: All of you! Look at the tiny existence huddled in the corner! Takuji: The tiny, quivering person huddled in the corner! Takuji: That is the form of one of the so-called pastors that until yesterday haughtily brainwashed us with education! Takuji: As the end of the world approaches, she is even more perturbed, even more fearful than any of you! Takuji: And how does she appear to you? Is that the form of a pastor leading the people? Takuji: That's right! That is the true form of the people in the profession of pastors! Kimika: Ah... A grunt escaped Kimika's mouth. Her face was red, as if she was enduring something. Well, of course... She was on all fours on this concrete floor, with someone sitting on her. It might not have been a problem at first, but as time passed... Kimika: ... Kimika's eyes met mine. She gave me a big smile. Even though her face was bright red, and her eyes full of tears... Is that really the face someone would make if there was no problem? I wonder how she feels right now. Well, it's supposed to feel bad when I'm using someone as a chair, at least. Takuji: This revelation is proof of how many lies are running rampant in the world! Takuji: Those people who can do no more than curl up and quiver in fear are the ones who have supposedly been teaching you the truth of the world! Takuji: That's why I made her into a toilet... Takuji: From now on, everyone here must both urinate and defecate on that thing... Understood? Takuji: Now, what is the truth that they've hidden from us? Takuji: This story is an example... It's just a parable. Takuji: A parable from ancient times... Takuji: In ancient times, the Norse God Loki ate the heart of the female jotunn Angrbooa... causing her to give birth to three children. Takuji: All of them were disgusting beasts, unfit for man's eyes... One of them was the great wolf Fenrir... Takuji: At first, Fenrir seemed to be nothing more than a normal wolf, so the Gods decided to raise it as a pet. Takuji: Yet as time passed, Fenrir grew and grew. Soon he became mighty enough to devour even the Gods who had raised him... Takuji: The Gods were afraid of Fenrir and bound him with a chain known as Leyding. Takuji: Yet the monstrous wolf tore through the chain as if it were nothing... Takuji: The Gods bound Fenrir with an even more powerful chain... the most powerful chain in all of the Niu Heimar, Dromi. Takuji: But even Dromi would prove no match for Fenrir, who grew only greater and greater. Takuji: The Gods were awestruck, terrified by Fenrir's seemingly endless power. Takuji: In their terror, the Gods had the dwarves construct Gleipnir, a chain that would be impossible to break. Takuji: Gleipnir, meaning 'that which devours,' was no mere chain... It was an impossible seal constructed by combining six impossible concepts. Takuji: And thus these six concepts were lost from the world... Takuji: I ask you, what is Fenrir? Takuji: I ask you, what is Fenrir? He who began life as nothing but a tiny wolf and grew to monstrous sizes... Takuji: I ask you, what do you call a being who shrugs off even the binding of the Gods, growing ever larger? Takuji: What do you call a being that can only be bound by that which devours all? Takuji: This is avarice! Takuji: Fenrir is the true form of avarice! Takuji: And the only thing that can restrain avarice is Gleipnir, that which devours even greed... Takuji: Gleipnir devoured avarice as it grew. Fenrir could not grow quickly enough to escape its grasp... And so, pieces of both Fenrir and Gleipnir scattered throughout the world... Takuji: And so Gleipnir, 'that which devours all,' showed itself to people in the form of currency... Takuji: Gleipnir, which was never metal to begin with, transformed into gold, silver, and jewels! Takuji: The true form of Gleipnir, 'that which devours all,' is currency! Fenrir, the being bound by it, is nothing more than humanity's never ending greed! Takuji: Fenrir is only possible to bind if first devoured by currency! Takuji: And so we see that humanity's loathsome greed cannot be bound by fetters of steel or iron, but only by that which devours all! Takuji: Now then, let us discuss that which was born next. Takuji: The next being to emerge from Angrbooa's womb was the goddess Hel... Takuji: As you can imagine from her name, she symbolizes hell. Takuji: But Hel's true form is not hell as we know it. Takuji: Her true form is she who brandishes death... What does it mean to brandish death? Takuji: In other words, Hel alone could manipulate life and death. Takuji: It is said that one of the Aesir, Hermoor, visited upon Hel, begging her to resurrect the fallen god Baldr... Takuji: In response, she spoke thusly... Takuji: 'It would upset the balance of the world to revive the dead so readily... I cannot revive Baldr...' Takuji: In other words, not even the Gods can escape death. Takuji: And Hel herself refused to overturn this principle, even for a god. Takuji: Why is this? Takuji: It is because death is absolute! Takuji: Death cannot be anything less than absolute, even from the perspective of the one who manages it. Takuji: What then, is Hel? Takuji: Hel is not death itself. Takuji: Death is nothing more but that which Hel brandishes, that which Hel directs. Takuji: What then, is Hel? Takuji: Hel is the most basic of anxieties! Takuji: Hel is the fear of life's impermanence! Takuji: Hel is not death. She is life itself, the boundary between life and death! Takuji: To brandish death means to manage that most basic of all anxieties! Takuji: Hel is our fear of death! Takuji: Why did Hermoor attempt to resurrect Baldr? Takuji: Because of a basic fear of death itself. Takuji: If death itself were not something to be feared, there would be no meaning in resurrecting Baldr. Takuji: Much like a tiger has no need to fly or a mouse has no need to breathe underwater... much like humans cannot control death itself... Takuji: There is no reason to treat death as a taboo! Takuji: We must learn to accept death! Takuji: Hel is fear... Hel is anxiety. Takuji: An absolute fear, never ending... A fear directed at a vague future that grows only larger and larger... This is what we call anxiety. Takuji: That is to say, anxiety is fear directed at a future that has yet to come. Takuji: Anxiety is the postponement of fear. Takuji: It can be compared to avarice... In other words, Hel and Fenrir are very similar. Takuji: Avarice and anxiety resemble one another. Takuji: Avarice and fear resemble one another. Takuji: Humanity's endless greed is in the end nothing more than an endless anxiety. Takuji: Currency allows humanity to postpone their avarice... By fulfilling their immediate greed, they postpone its compensation indefinitely. Takuji: Currency is Gleipnir endlessly postponing an immediate greed... Thus, currency will never come to an end. Takuji: It's the same as an endless fear... the same as anxiety! Takuji: Hel's true form is anxiety, an endless chain of fear... an endlessly postponed fear, death! Takuji: There is but one difference between Hel and Fenrir. Takuji: Fenrir is bound by the chain of Gleipnir, but Hel continues to gaze at us from atop the deck of the Naglfar... Yes, she continues to gaze at us! Takuji: Our fear of death is being left to roam free! Takuji: Now, just one remains... Takuji: I will now discuss the Ouroboros, that which is endless... Takuji: The last child to emerge from Angrbooa's womb was the great snake, Jormungandr. Takuji: Jormungandr's form struck great fear into the hearts of the Gods from the instant it was born. Takuji: They cast it into the ocean, hoping to be rid of it... Takuji: But Jormungandr would only grow larger... eventually growing to reach the end of the universe itself. Takuji: And here, something strange happened. Jormungandr's tail, which had reached the end of the universe, wrapped around to the other side, appearing right in front of Jormungandr's eyes. Takuji: And so Jormungandr bit its own tail. Takuji: At the moment, the largest thing in existence became infinity. The universe itself was sealed inside the circle of infinity. Takuji: The Gods, especially Thor, attempted many times to defeat Jormungandr... but their efforts were in vain. Any attempt to defeat Jormungandr could never end in anything but mutual destruction. Takuji: The Twilight of the Gods. Takuji: Ancient mythology refers to it as such... Takuji: One day Jormungandr shall awaken, and this will be the end of the world. Takuji: Everything will be razed and everything will sink... Everything will come to an end. Takuji: Jormungandr and Thor will destroy one another... The rest of the Gods will die as well... Takuji: And finally, a new world will be born. Takuji: The forest of Hoddmimis alone will survive... and there, two humans who survived the blaze, Lif and Lifthrasir, will forge a new world. Takuji: This is nothing but a myth... Takuji: It cannot be anything more, for... Takuji: Jormungandr symbolizes circulation... eternal recurrence... continuity... eternity... circular motion... death and resurrection... destruction and creation... the base of the universe... the infinite... immortality... perfection... omniscience and omnipotence... Takuji: Killing this being would be nothing more than rewinding. Takuji: In other words, Jormungandr and Thor's mutual destruction is not an ending, but a beginning... Takuji: That beginning is the moment when Jormungandr bit its own tail... Takuji: That is infinity... Takuji: And the end of the Universe... where Jormungandr's tail and head meet... Takuji: That is the farthest sky... That is where we must return! Takuji: Only those who exist there will be granted the chance to live in the new world... to be revived... Takuji: The farthest sky... That is the sky where everything shall end... That is the End Sky! Kimika: Ah! Takuji: Huh? Takuji: Wha― Kimika: Ggh! Kimika: Ha! Willpower... I guess you could call it that. She raised me back up again with her skinny arms and legs. Takuji: Kimika, you... Kimika: Ahgh... She shook her head back and forth in denial. What's she denying... The fact that she fell? Or is she saying she can't keep going? Her skinny arms were already shaking violently, and her face wasn't just red, it was like a bright red firework. I still had a lot to talk about, but... Takuji: That's all... Kimika: Ah. Takuji: ... Kimika: Oooh~ Did she... faint? What's she doing? Takuji: Haa... Everyone, three times daily you should all sprinkle elixir on each other... and lick a little bit of elixir on your finger instead of eating. Then you won't feel hungry or thirsty. Takuji: This is kind of... Kimika fainted right there. Well, it must have been really hard for her, but... Still, why is she trying so hard? I understand why they rest of them have gathered here... I understand all too well... But I feel like she's here for a different reason. The strange unease I felt when we first met... At first, I didn't understand why I felt uneasy. It was completely different from the unease I felt around Minakami, Yuuki, the Wakatsuki sisters, or Otonashi. She wasn't an alien, metaphysical existence like them... She was much simpler. She bullied Takashima... and then she came to me because she was afraid of the curse. She came because she didn't want to die... just like Akasaka Megu, Kitami Satoko, and the rest of them did. But her eyes... Her eyes when we first met... and her voice when she was watching Senagawa... She led Senagawa to her death without a moment's hesitation. Now that I think about it, did I really fool her with that farce? I've put on a show to make the others believe in my predictions... But it honestly feels like I showed her my entire hand at the beginning. She's the only one who could've figured out that I didn't kill Senagawa with the curse, but led her directly to death instead. And yet... Why is she the most faithful and devoted of them all? Why did she trying to help me like this? Kimika: I would watch you even if it meant I would fall into the depths of hell! I'm not afraid of dying at all, and I'm sure I'll go to hell when I die! Kimika: But if you say I absolutely can't... I guess I'll stop if you really hate it. Those words were strange... even if she was on drugs... Someone who just came to be saved wouldn't say that. Perhaps those were her true feelings, and she only said them because of the drugs? Just what is she thinking? Kimika: Mmm... Kimika: Ah?! Kimika: Wh-Where am I? Takuji: This is my room... Kimika: Eh? Oh! How did I get here? Takuji: I carried you. Kimika: Eh? Do you mean... you carried me like a princess? Takuji: Yeah... Kimika: ...Daaamn iiiitt! Takuji: Wh-What is it? Kimika: Please don't do that kind of service for me when I'm unconscious! Takuji: It wasn't supposed to be any kind of service... Kimika: Ah, I wish I could go back in time... I missed out. Takuji: Missed out, huh... Kimika: Yes, big time... Takuji: I don't know what you want from me... Takuji: Now then, it's about time. Kimika: Where are you going? Takuji: The roof. Kimika: Eh? You're going outside again? Takuji: Yeah, I can go directly up to the Building C rooftop from here... Kimika: Oh, that's how you disappear sometimes. I thought it was one of your special powers. Takuji: No, it's just a ladder... It's really long. Kimika: U-Um, my savior... Takuji: What? Kimika: It looked like you were having a lot of fun last night. Takuji: Yeah, I guess I heard God's song. I don't really remember it, though... Kimika: I want to go too! Takuji: No, that's ridiculous. Kimika: I can't? Takuji: I'm not saying you can't, but it's pretty dangerous out there. The day before yesterday, there were billions of white and black angels fighting. It wasn't a problem for me, since I'm the savior, but for you... Kimika: That's fine. I don't mind if it's dangerous. Kimika: I don't care if I die right now, so it doesn't matter how dangerous it is. Kimika: But, if possible... If possible, I'd like to see the same landscape that you saw. Would you share the scenery from your viewpoint with me just once? Takuji: Wh-Why are you so serious all of a sudden? Kimika: Hahaha, I'm sorry. I always mess around, so... I'm not good with this kind of stuff. Takuji: ... Takuji: All right, fine. But I'm not responsible if something happens to you. Kimika: S-Seriously? Takuji: The roof is close to the sky, so both the white and black surges can fly there freely... If you get caught by the Black Surge, you might get your brain fried. Kimika: Just what I wanted... I'd be happy to die like that. I still want to see it... The scenery from the roof... Takuji: Hehehe... All right... This must disqualify me as the savior... But I wonder... Maybe this is part of the pre-established harmony too... ... Or not... Not everything goes as God expects it to. Oh well, there's no point in dwelling on it. I don't mind taking her along... That's what I thought... I decided to take her along. The signal of the day's change... The world's final night approached.
Singing at the end of the world. She sings. Proud of the wings she sprouts... an angel sings. Are our brains wider than the sky? Look... Put them side by side... Put the brain beside it and the sky it will include... The sky... the world... and you beside... it will include, include. Our brains will include... Are our brains deeper than the sea? Look... Hold them, blue to blue... The sea our brains will absorb... As sponges, buckets do... Are our brains heavier than God? Lift them, pound for pound. Our brains and God... Measure them, pound for pound. They're the exact same weight. Our brains are just the weight of God. If they do differ it is as syllable from sound. As melody from song. I must protect... The angel that sings. She sprouts wings... and sings joyfully. At the end of the world... " sama." "Ple wa up." Takuji: Mm... "Please wa up." Takuji: Mmmm... "Please wake up." Takuji: ...Where am I? My memory was a little fuzzy... I always feel like this when I wake up... It's not something I'm worried about. Kimika: This is the ark... Isn't that obvious? Takuji: The ark? Ark? Ark... The school building's foundation is the ark? Takuji: The ark, huh... More importantly... Takuji: More importantly... What time is it right now? Takuji: What time is it right now? Kimika: Um, it's just after 6:00 p.m. on the 17th... Six o'clock, huh... I slept too long. Even though I slept so long, I still feel tired. Well, I always feel like that. Takuji: And last night? Kimika: Huh? Takuji: What about last night? Kimika: Eh? What do you mean? Takuji: Oh, uh... After I disappeared... Kimika: Oh, last night? Well, after you went for a walk, they kept going at it like that. Takuji: Like that... Takuji: What are they doing? Kimika: Hehehe... They've been going at it for ages. Takuji: Why? Kimika: What are you talking about? You were the one who ordered them to have sex with Nishimura-kun. Takuji: Did I? But Nishimura isn't over there. Kimika: That's right. Uh, the reason he's not there is... Takuji: I don't really care why. What happened to him? Kimika: He said he was tired and laid down. Takuji: Then? Kimika: He's been laying there like that. Takuji: Like that? Kimika: He's been laying over there like that, not moving at all. Takuji: He's not moving? Kimika: I thought he was just sleeping, but he's not moving at all. He doesn't react to anything. Takuji: No reaction, huh... Kimika: Shouldn't you heal him, my savior? Takuji: There's no need. Kimika: Really? Takuji: He wanted to have sex so bad. After his wish came true, he didn't need to move anymore. There's no need to heal him. Kimika: Oh, that's right. I remember you saying something like that, my savior. Kimika: I see. So it's all about how he feels. Takuji: Well, I guess so. He stopped moving once his wish was granted. That's all. Kimika: So it's just a question of his willpower now... Hmm, that makes sense. Kimika: Well, even if he was alive, he would just keep having sex. This way is better. Takuji: Yeah, it is. Takuji: Still, they haven't even slept. They're not getting bored of it at all. Kimika: They're not getting tired at all thanks to the savior's elixir. It's all-purpose, huh... Look, it even makes your pupils dilate. Kimika: Look, look, my savior, look. It makes your pupils dilate, so you can see everything. Even in the darkness you can see perfectly fine. Takuji: Of course, that's an all-purpose potion. Takuji: Now that you mention it, did I give the elixir to anyone other than Nishimura? I kind of remember sprinkling it on them, but... Kimika: Don't worry about the details. You're the savior! Takuji: It's not just a detail... Kimika: But look... thanks to the drugs, they're all happy. Takuji: Well, yeah... They're all having fun in that orgy. Kimika: Hehehehe... It's like, just look at those sluts. Takuji: What? Kimika: Oh, nothing. I'm just talking to myself. Yeah. I'm just talking to myself. Takuji: Oh, okay... Takuji: My head really hurts... Kimika: It must be because you were in a good mood last night. Maybe you hit your head? Takuji: Hit my head? What do you mean? Kimika: You were dancing... You were yelling, 'It's God's song!' Takuji: God's song... God... song... roof... What is it... I feel like that was something incredibly important... God, song, and... and... what? Kimika: What's wrong? Takuji: No, it's nothing... Nothing at all. No... It's not like it's rare for me to forget something. So I must not need to remember it. I can just forget it. Takuji: So why did I hit my head exactly? Kimika: You were dancing really happily and just fell down at one point. Takuji: Seriously? Kimika: Yes, seriously. Takuji: I see... After that, I went to sleep? Kimika: No, you got up several times. You were doing lots of stuff. Takuji: Lots? Kimika: Yes, you were only sleeping intermittently... Did you get any rest like that? Takuji: If you were watching me, did you get any sleep? Kimika: No, not at all. I've been drinking Cat's Eye too. Takuji: It's not Cat's Eye... That's holy water. Kimika: Yes, it's Holy Cat Water, right? Is she even listening to me? Takuji: Haa... Are you still high? Kimika: Kind of... I'm not sleepy at all. Damn it... Is that why she's so rude? Well, I guess scolding her for it won't really help. Takuji: And then? When I was awake, what I was doing for the most part? Kimika: For the most part? For the most part, you went for a walk around the school and stuff. I'm actually pretty surprised you didn't get caught... You're on the wanted list here at school. Takuji: Didn't get caught, huh? I am the savior, you know... Kimika: Yeah, you could just Savior Dash out of there, right? Takuji: Your premise is incorrect. The savior has no reason to run away or hide. Kimika: Because the Savior Dash is too fast? Takuji: No! Because I'm a holy existence! Kimika: I see... You're one of those people. Takuji: It has nothing to do with people! I am the savior, you idiot! Kimika: Oh... You're not a human, right? Takuji: Yeah, the savior isn't human. Kimika: I see... You're not a human... and... Takuji: Y-You... Would you knock it off? Kimika: Oh, right. When you went for a walk, you took Ms. Kiyokawa along. Takuji: Eh? Kiyokawa? Why did I take her along? Kimika: You were like, 'I'll show you the demon!' and then you grabbed her by the hair and dragged her out... Takuji: No... I'm not that cruel, am I? Kimika: Oh, can you understand me? Did I exaggerate it? Takuji: It's not about understanding... My personality isn't like that. The savior would never do something so barbaric. Takuji: The only people who talk with their fists are people who don't have anything to say with their mouths. Kimika: Talk with their dicks? Takuji: Jeez... That's not right at all. Talk with their fists, their fists! You only have the talking part right. Kimika: I know that much. Talking with their fists. That's violence. Gepard! Takuji: Then don't make stupid jokes like that. Kimika: They're not boring. I just wanted to see what would happen if I said something crude like that. Takuji: Why... would you want to say something like that? Kimika: Hahaha, I might not look it, but I've always been totally straightedge. Takuji: Have you? Kimika: But I've always been kind of depressed... Takuji: Really? Kimika: Yeah, so sometimes I was bullied. Or rather, I've been bullied every day since I came to this school. Takuji: Now that you mention it, I think I heard about that. And then she betrayed Takashima Zakuro... So that she could escape her own bullying. Kimika: ... Kimika: That's right... Everything that just went through your mind is completely correct. Takuji: What are you... Kimika: Oh, no, I don't have the power to read people's minds like you and those other people... Kimika: But... well, it's natural that you would be thinking about that, I guess. Kimika: Because... I'm a backstabber... Kimika: So... Takuji: So? Kimika: I'm truly grateful to you, my savior! Takuji: Huh? Kimika: I'm sorry I ever doubted you! Takuji: Wh-What are you talking about? Kimika: Oh, nothing. You're just that wonderful, my savior. Takuji: Oh... Really? Is that... really what she was thinking? I don't understand her at all. Takuji: So where's Kiyokawa? Kimika: Ms. Kiyokawa is over there, scared out of her wits, saying, 'The demon has the same face as the savior. I'm going to die!' Takuji: Over there? There was someone curled up and quivering in the corner. Is that Kiyokawa? Why is she so frightened? Kimika: And she said the demon took her cell phone, too... Takuji: The demon did? Kimika: Yes. What did you show her, my savior? What's the demon? Takuji: Who knows... I guess I showed her something, but I don't really remember. Kimika: You're good at scaring people. Takuji: What do you mean? I don't scare people, I just perform miracles... People are just scared of them. Kimika: Well, that's the result. The result. Kimika: This is what they call charisma, huh? Kimika: Of course the savior would have that! Takuji: You should be scared of me, too... Kimika: I am... You're super scary, my savior! Takuji: Are you making fun of me? Seems like you're having fun to me. Kimika: No, no way, not at all. You're just misunderstanding. Kimika: But... Kimika: But now that you mention it, you really are scary, my savior. Kimika: Fear is when the heart moves. You're good at moving people's hearts... Mine is moving too. Takuji: What are you talking about? Kimika: Who knows, what am I talking about? Maybe I'm delusional? Kimika: Now then, I'll take care of them. You're tired, right, my savior? Takuji: Well, yes, but... but... Kimika: I'm your servant... Please make use of me. Takuji: Sure... Kimika: Do you think I would ever betray you or get in the way of your plans, my savior? Takuji: I don't, but... Kimika: That's right. You would kill someone in the very instant they betrayed you. Kimika: If you don't trust me, please kill me. Takuji: No, I don't think you're going to betray me, but... Kimika: Hehehehe... You don't know the whole story. Kimika: I mean, the first time we met, I tried to kill you. Takuji: I thought you looked suspicious, but is that really what you were going to do? So she really was hiding a knife in her right hand... My intuition was right. I let my guard down soon after, but that was dangerous. Kimika: Hehehe... I'm a yandere... I'm crazy, depressed, and autistic. Kimika: There's a reason why they started bullying me before Zakuro. Takuji: Haa... Why would you want to kill someone who saved you from a curse? Are you stupid? Kimika: Ahahaha... Like I said, I was mistaken. I was really mistaken. Kimika: I was totally mistaken. You're my ally! Takuji: I'm not your ally... I'm the savior of humanity. Kimika: Yes! I'll never forget it! Kimika: So take care of your body until the final day, my savior. Takuji: Yeah... That's right... Takuji: Um, three times a day. Kimika: Fill the ark with vaporized elixir! Endure your hunger with elixir! Takuji: No, that's not what I said. Clean your bodies by sprinkling elixir on each other. Lick a little bit of elixir to stave off your hunger... Kimika: Aye, aye, sir! After that... It's about that time. Takuji: I'll go meditate for a while. I returned to my place, alone. To my room... I stood before the poster I had Tachibana buy. The icon of the Mahou Shoujo Riruru. Last night, with this... I met Riruru-chan... and then... I encountered the Father Himself. I guess I did, but... Honestly, I don't remember it. For some reason... A song... I feel like he sang a song. God is melody. The world is words. Actually, I feel like I've heard that song a long time ago... I kind of remember it. Whose song was that? Why do I remember that song? Takuji: The brain and the sky are the same... The brain and the sea are the same... Takuji: The brain is just the weight of God... That kind of song. Why do I remember that song so vividly? When did I hear that song? Whose song was it? Takuji: The Savior Brain... isn't yet complete, I guess. Takuji: Haa... Well, I guess not. I sighed before the icon of the Mahou Shoujo Riruru. I didn't remember God's song, but there were plenty of things I did remember. Shiroyama's corpse was still walking around... Even Takashima-san's corpse was still wandering the school... And her soul was residing in her desk, and that desk was wandering around the school looking for her body... And finally... Takuji: Haa... Riruru-chan... You're awful... Takuji: What you did yesterday was beyond awful. Takuji: I can't believe you possessed Takashima-san's body... Even I would be scared by something like that. Takuji: That was terrible... Her death was quite a while ago, so her body was totally rotten, and it smelled awful, just awful. Takuji: Well, I guess... that it's thanks to her body that Riruru-chan and I were able to come into physical contact, so... Oh well. Takuji: ... Takuji: What about today? Will there be someone there again? Takuji: ... Takuji: Maybe I should go to the roof again... Someone might be there again today. This time I went directly up to the roof from within the building. There's a ladder that connects the foundation to the roof of the new building. The new building. In other words, Building C... The wind was cold... just like yesterday. This place is closer to the sky than Building A. It's the highest place on campus. There was no one there... Today I really... don't feel anything. Is there really... nothing? I already met with God yesterday, so... Takuji: Huh?! Takuji: Wh-Who is it? Why is there someone here? Building C is supposed to be completely closed off... No one should be able to come here... Did someone follow me? From the ark... Then why? Takuji: Hey, come out already... Takuji: There's someone there... Takuji: I know you're hiding. I know this feeling. This is the feeling of the Black Surge. Black Riruru's waves... Which means... Takuji: It's Black Riruru, isn't it? Ayana: How about a consolation prize. Takuji: ...Otonashi? Ayana: Hello, Takuji-kun... I'm the girl known as Otonashi Ayana. Who are you? Are you Mamiya Takuji-kun? Why is Otonashi here... No, she's Riruru-chan's shadow... Sediment... In other words, she's Black Riruru. She's the devil himself. BEWARE... Takuji: Otonashi Ayana... Also known as Black Riruru. Ayana: What's that, my new nickname? Takuji: You... The reason you came here is so you could have sex with me, right? Ayana: Why would I do that? Takuji: Hehehe... You're jealous because I came into physical contact with White Riruru yesterday... You're afraid I'm going to be taken by their side. Ayana: I see... But I don't want to have sex with you. Takuji: You're right. You might even hate me. The frequencies of our surges all match, but... Takuji: You came here so that you could have sex with me. This is the Building C rooftop, the bow of our ark... Ayana: Why would you... say... that.. * Ahh..."* Takuji: I knew it. You too, huh... Takuji: Hehehe... Look, it's started... Ayana: A-Ahh... Wh-Why? Why is this... From her skirt... Something that a girl should absolutely never have was poking out, just like with Riruru-chan yesterday. Ayana: N-No, wh-why am I― Takuji: Hehehehehe... What is it? Do you want to do it that badly? She tried desperately to hide the thing poking out of her skirt, but her swelling penis moved without regard to her will, stopping her from covering it up. Ayana: N-No, d-don't. Takuji: Hehehe, you were acting all high and mighty, and now look at you... Ayana: Noo, don't look... Th-This is strange... It's strange... Takuji: It's like you're asking for it. Ayana: Th-That's not true... Takuji: No, you're asking for it. You want me to cum in you just like I did White Riruru, and you want to cum in me! Ayana: That's... impossib―aah. Her swelling penis lifted up her skirt... Her skirt was lifted up so far that her underwear was completely exposed. But still, the panties under her skirt... Wow, they're striped panties. Was she planning on this happening? How much of this was planned?" Well, she was made to tempt me, so... they must have made her to match my tastes. But... it won't go as smoothly as the dark powers expect. In this ritual, I have to cum inside her, and she has to cum inside me. We both have to cum inside each other. So I'll just cum inside her. I'll purify her insides with my holy semen. Then I'll make her shoot her load of black semen all over the ground. I'll keep making her waste her sperm... I'll make her spray every drop on the ground. Hehehe... Prepare yourself. Takuji: I thought Black Riruru would be just like White Riruru, but... I can't believe you really are another perverted futanari girl. Ayana: N-No, I'm not a pervert... Takuji: You are... You're a big pervert. Your high and mighty attitude up until now, like you were pushing people away... You were afraid I was going to find out the truth about you... Ayana: Th-That's... not true. That's impossible! Takuji: You have special powers because you're Riruru-chan's shadow... and because of those powers, you look down on humans, but the truth is that you're just a perverted dickgirl, and you were always scared someone was going to find out. Takuji: Hehehe... What would everyone think if they found out about this, Otonashi-san? Ayana: Eh?! Her face instantly stiffened in fear. Ayana: Y-You don't mean... Takuji: Your grades are good, right? You're smart, right? Then you know what I'm going to say. Ayana: Ah, a-anything but that... P-Please don't tell everyone. Takuji: I wonder about that. Wouldn't it be a waste if I didn't tell everyone this hilarious story? Takuji: The honors student Otonashi Ayana is actually a dick girl.. * and I saw her get a hard-on on the roof in the middle of the night..."* Ayana: No... Don't tell them... Takuji: Come on... Try showing a little backbone... Are you begging already? You are an angel, even if you are a black one Ayana: ... Takuji: Oh well... Anyway, show it to me. Ayana: Eh? Takuji: I won't say it again... Show me your nasty, disgusting penis. Ayana: Th-That's... Takuji: What? Are you really going to disobey me? Ayana: ... Takuji: You should've figured out by now what will happen if you disobey me. She gave up... and slowly moved her hand behind her. Ayana: N-Now... please... forgive me. She moved her hand, but I still couldn't see it very well... I told her to show it all to me. Takuji: I said show it to me... All you did was move your hand. Ayana: P-Please... leave it at this. Takuji: Don't make me repeat myself... I won't say it again! Ayana: Ah... That girl who hardly ever changed expression was already crying. It must have been mortifying. Takuji: Hehehehehe, now don't you look good... You're always looking down on people, but now you just look like a bitch in heat. Otonashi slowly lifted up her skirt... Her glans revealed its face... She was exactly like Riruru-chan. White, uncut... with a pink tip. Her pink tip was crying just a little bit. Moist and glittering, just like Riruru-chan was... Just like pink jelly... Ayana: Ah, don't look at me like that... If you do that, I-I'll... Takuji: What'll happen? Ayana: ... Takuji: Hehehe, what's wrong? Ayana: Don't... Don't do that. Takuji: What's wrong? Say it! Hurry up and say it! Ayana: I-It'll get bigger... Takuji: What will? Ayana: My penis... My penis will get bigger... Ooh... Takuji: Hahahahaha, oh really? You're just a perverted little dick girl! Are you turned on? Is your girly penis getting hot and bothered? Ayana: Ah, aaah... The face of despair... Her face was pale as a ghost even though her lower body was bright red. Is her swelling erection draining the blood from the rest of her body? Takuji: Answer... Quickly! Answer! Am I right? Ayana: Y-Yes... That's right... That's exactly it... So, so please forgive me... Takuji: Hehehehe... Ayana: Please don't look at me anymore... If you keep looking at me, I, I... Takuji: What will happen if I keep looking at you? Ayana: ... Takuji: Answer me. Ayana: I-I can't say that... I can't... Please forgive me. Takuji: Shut up... Be quiet... I don't want to hear your excuses. Say it. Answer. Hurry up, say it. Now, now! Ayana: Eek! She's completely terrified... She's no different from the scum in the Ark. No different at all... Ayana: U-Um, i-if you keep looking at me, my... my penis... Takuji: I can't hear you! Say it clearly! Say it over again... Ayana: Y-Yes! Ayana: If you keep looking at me, my penis will get bigger and come out of the foreskin... You'll see everything. Ayana: S-So... please forgive me... Takuji: No. Ayana: B-But... Ayana: Ah... Right after she said that, her penis swelled even further... The end of her foreskin was forced back. Ayana: Noooo, you can see... You can see everything. She quickly tried to hide it with her hand, but― Takuji: Don't move! Of course, I yelled at her for that. Her entire voice stiffened after I yelled. Takuji: Who told you you could hide it? Leave it, just like that... Ayana: B-But... Takuji: Come on... You fucking pervert. Thrust it forward so I can see... Come on! Ayana: O-Okay... She hesitantly moved her hips forward. Her penis was exposed to the cold outside air. Showing it to anyone else had probably been the greatest taboo throughout her life. And then... it was on show for me, here in this foreign place. Her face was wet with tears. Takuji: You pervert... You're an exhibitionist. Ayana: N-No... That's not true. Takuji: Then why does your dick react whenever I look at it? Ayana: Ah, ah... Takuji: Answer me! Ayana: Th-That's terrible... Terrible... Takuji: Shut up! Takuji: Answer! Ayana: Y-Yes... It's just like you said. I-I get excited when someone looks at me... I'm a pervert. Otonashi Ayana is a pervert. Takuji: And? You get excited when someone looks at your what? Ayana: ...Huh? Takuji: Answer me! I said, answer me! Ayana: U-Um... my penis... Takuji: I can't hear you... I can't hear you at all. If you don't cooperate, you'll make me really angry. Is that what you want? She resigned herself to her fate and opened her mouth. Ayana: My penis... Ayana's penis. Takuji: You're a fucking futanari girl who gets turned on by having a guy look at her cock on the rooftop at night, right? Takuji: Well?! Say it! I won't let you remain silent! Ayana: Y-Yes... Takuji: Yes, what? Say it. Explain it for me... Ayana: Y-Yes... I-I'm... a futanari girl who gets turned on by having a guy look at her cock on the rooftop at night. When she said that, a drop of white liquid dripped off the end of her dick. Takuji: You really are an exhibitionist... You fucking nasty dickgirl... Ayana: No... D-Don't say that... I-I'm not, I'm not like that... Every time she made an excuse, another drop of white liquid fell from her dick. Takuji: Says who? I suddenly knocked her down. Ayana: Wh-What? Eeaaah! I grabbed her dick hard. Unlike when I did it with Riruru-chan, I didn't hold back at all. I grabbed it really, really hard. I don't care if my fingernails make her bleed. It's not my problem. Ayana: D-Don't grab so hard... Aaah! I didn't care for her pleas... I mercilessly stroked her dick. I wanted to see what would happen if I just kept stroking it. Ayana: Ah, stop! I can't take it! I firmly grasped the most sensitive spot. And I pumped my fist up and down... over and over. Ayana: Don't do it like that, be gentler... Ah! Takuji: Shut up! I can tell you're turned on, so why are you complaining? This is the perfect way of handling a fucking pervert like you! Ayana: N-No! Ah! Sloosh, sloosh, sloosh... Her dick was already covered in a frothing white liquid... There was so much of it that it almost looked like she had already come. That was proof that all the pain she was experiencing before had changed into pleasure. Ayana: Ah, stop, I'm-! Takuji: What is it... Hmm? I hope you're not going to say you're scared because it feels too good. Ayana: I-It doesn't feel good... Not at all... Ah! Takuji: Then why are you so wet? Your female and male parts are both turned on! Takuji: How about it? Are you gonna cum? Would you like to try cumming? Ayana: I-I can't do that... As I held her penis in my hand, I could feel that she was at her limit. There was no turning back. It was just a matter of time until she came. But surely it was an unbearable shame for her... For a woman like her to be forced to cum with her man parts in a place like this... Takuji: Hahahaha, are you gonna cum? You are, aren't you? Ayana: Ahh! I don't want to, I don't want to cum! Smack, smack, smack... Ayana: Ah, ah, ah! N-No, I don't want to, I don't want to! Takuji: Shut up and cum! Just like that! Cum, cum, cum, cum! Ejaculate, right now! Ayana: I-I... I won't do that... Takuji: You're still saying that?! Then how about this? How about this?! I moved my hand even faster. Ayana: Ah! N-No, be gentler, be gentler! If you don't, I-I'm... I'm going to-- Her body quivered. It was like she was begging for her life... Smack, smack, smack... The sound echoed across the summer rooftop. It was a sound so incredible that it was hard to imagine it coming from the stroking of a dick. It sounded like someone was playing around with a bottle of lotion. It wasn't just her dick. Her thighs were wet with the liquid dripping off her dick too... Smack, smack, smack... At this point, it didn't matter what I did. No matter how rough I was, she wouldn't feel anything but pleasure. It was so wet that when I grabbed it as hard as I could, it just slipped out of my hand. I grabbed her dick and started pumping again. I extended my other hand to her pussy... It was really wet too. The moisture on her thigh might have actually come from here, not from her dick. Ayana: Ah, ah, th-that's... Ah, don't touch them both at the same time, ah! Ahh! I attacked her male and female parts simultaneously. What a convenient body she has... Ayana: Ah, ah, ah! She squirmed madly... She convulsed on the ground, losing control of herself. Her brain couldn't even tell the difference between pleasure and pain anymore. The signals from her body just kept attacking her brain, numbing it to the outside world. She reacted strangely to my touch, as if she had gone completely mad, but the semen dripping from her penis and the moisture dripping out of her pussy made it clear that she was in ecstacy. Smack, smack, smack... Ayana: No, no, I can't! I'm going to-- I could tell from the feeling of her penis that she was about to cum. Takuji: What? You're going to cum? Are you? You're gonna ejaculate all over, even though you're a girl? Fucking pervert! Ayana: N-Noo... I-It doesn't feel good... Smack, smack, smack... Ayana: Ah, no, I-I'm a girl, I shouldn't be cumming like this, no, no... I can't, I'm going to, I'm going to cum, ahh! Wow! She suddenly jumped. In that moment. I felt something passing through the penis I held in my hand. In that moment. Spurt, spurt, spurt... She convulsed on the ground. Ayana: Noooo! A ton of semen shot from her penis. Ayana: I-I'm cumming, I'm cumming. It's all coming out, it's all coming out! Her body convulsed even more wildly. Takuji: Wh-Whoa, there's so much... Is it ever going to stop? Ayana: Ah, no, I-I'm a girl, I shouldn't be ejaculating like this. I'm cumming everywhere, even though I'm a girl, ahh! What an awful sight... I can't bear to look at it. This is just disgusting. Takuji: What the fuck, you look ridiculous! This, what the fuck is this?! Ayana: Ah, ah, ah, stop, stop it. If you don't, I'm going to, I'm going to, I'm going to keep cumming. I'm a girl, but I can't stop! Takuji: There's so much... Are you still cumming? I know she's not human, but still... This is awful. I don't know if I can get it all out of her. Oh well, I'll keep going as long as I can. I can probably get most of it out. The white liquid kept gushing from her penis. Spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt... Spurt, spurt, spurt... Spurt... Her convulsions gradually came to a stop. I could see the ecstacy on her face. Ayana: I-I came... You made me cum by stroking my penis... even though I'm a girl... Otonashi muttered that to herself as she cast her unsteady gaze into the sky. I wasn't going to let her off that easily, though. I began to stroke her dick again. Sloosh, sloosh, sloosh, sloosh, sloosh... Ayana: Ah! N-No, I just came, don't! Like I care. I'm not doing it to pleasure you... Ayana: I-I just came. It's still sensitive, stop, ah! Smack, smack, smack... Thanks to the semen, my hand moved much more smoothly than before. Ayana: Ah, noo, no, give me a minute. I feel... I feel so strange, nooo! Takuji: Hehehehe... Takuji: You lied... You said it didn't feel good? From now on, I'm not going to believe anything you say... I'm going to have to do an experiment to find out how many times you can cum. Ayana: E-Experiment? Her face went pale. Takuji: That's right! I'm going to ignore your pleas and keep stroking your dick until it stops cumming! Ayana: N-No, if you do that, I'll die! Takuji: Die? Then go ahead! Go right ahead and die! Ayana: Aaagh, ah! Takuji: Hehehehe... I'll pull every drop out of you. Prepare yourself. Over and over and over... My hand was getting tired. It felt like my hand had gone up and down ten thousand times. How long had I been moving my hand up and down? I was almost out of stamina. Nevertheless, I kept going through sheer persistence. Over and over, over and over. Every time she came, it told me that I had to keep going. And every time she came, she desperately begged me to stop... She fainted several times, but even then, I kept going. Her consciousness came back every time she came. The words coming out of her mouth didn't even sound like Japanese. Ayana: Mno... Mnoo, Mnoo, leth me goo... Mno, Mno, I can't cum anymore. Aahh! She fainted again... She fainted in front of me. She stopped cumming. She just convulsed on the floor instead... I had completely drained her. Now then... Time to purify her with the Holy Semen, so she can never ejaculate Black Surge again. I'll fill her with the Holy Surge. I forcibly pulled her up. Ayana: Noo, let me, let me goo... I-I can't stand... Takuji: Shut up! I'm going to purify your insides with the Holy Surge! Let me see your ass! I firmly grasped her ass and spread her legs apart. Ayana: Wha―?! N-Noo! S-Stop it! I only attacked her penis before. She must have realized that I had changed my target. She started resisting again. Ayana: Nooo, d-don't do that, don't spread it apart! She tried to resist, but there was nothing she could do. She couldn't even stand under her own power. I spread apart her labia. Ayana: No, d-don't look! Her lips were red and swollen. It must be because she had come so many times. It was incredibly wet. It was glittering with dew. Takuji: can't see inside at all... Are you a virgin? Ayana: Ah! Takuji: Bullseye? Honestly, I can't tell the difference between a girl who's a virgin and one who's not. But it's hard to imagine that an anomaly like Ayana has had a sexual encounter with someone in the past. I was just guessing, but I could tell from her reaction that I was right. Lick! Ayana: Ah! I licked her swollen pussy. She fell to her knees. I licked it more and more. Ayana: Ah, no, not there... Ahh! I suddenly stuck my tongue in. Takuji: Hehehehehe, was that a surprise? Did you think I suddenly stuck something in? Ayana: Ah... P-Please, don't stick your dick in. Anything but that. I'll do anything... She knows how dangerous it is for her to be filled with the Holy Surge, since she's the incarnation of Black Riruru. She would rather die than let that happen... Ayana: Anything but that... Please... Takuji: Oh, so you want to protect your virginity? I respect that, I really do... Ayana: Huh?! Her face reacted. I thrust my penis into her pussy. Ayana: Ah! N-No, you can't do that, you can't do that! She was so wet that my penis slid in without any resistance. Ayana: O-Ow... It hurts. Ayana: Why? Why would you do this? Takuji: Hehehe, can you feel it? Right now... I'm not wearing a condom. You're about to be creampied by the guy you always look down on. How does it feel? Ayana: Ah... Waaahh... She started crying. Takuji: Well? Crying doesn't tell me anything... Well, whatever. Here I go. I'm going to cum inside you. Ayana: Wha―?! I started moving my hips violently. Ayana: D-Don't cum inside me! Anything but that! She struggled against me, but she was powerless, utterly unable to resist. I was afraid of her? I, the savior, was afraid of someone so weak? Takuji: I'll drive you mad with the semen of the Holy Surge. I grabbed her dick. Ayana: Ah?! Takuji: Hehehehe, will you come again if I stroke this? Ayana: ...I-I can't come anymore... Her face was pale with fear. Takuji: Here I go! I simultaneously stroked her dick and pumped my hips. Ayana: Ah, ah, no, no, no, stop, ah! She moaned uncontrollably. Takuji: How does it feel? You fucking pervert, pervert, pervert, pervert! Die, you nasty fucking pervert! I hope you go fucking crazy from my dick and my hand. I hope you fucking die! I moved my hips even faster. The savior's hips can move several hundred times faster than a normal human's. And they can give several thousand times as much pleasure. Even an angel can't resist. Black Angel, lose yourself in ecstacy! Takuji: You nasty fucking whore! I won't let you go! I'll never let you go! I moved my hips even faster, even more violently. My hips almost broke the speed of sound... If I moved my hips any faster, the shockwaves would destroy the building. Almost at the speed of sound... This is truly a great feat. I modulated the speed of my hips so that I got as close to the speed of sound as possible without ever breaking it. Ayana: Ah! Ahhhh! Ah, ah, nooo, stop, forgive me... Smack, smack, smack, smack, smack, smack... Our thighs were so soaked that I couldn't tell whose juices were whose. Smack, smack, smack, smack, smack, smack... She writhed in pain, as if she had gone completely mad. She had lost all control of her body... After being forced to cum over and over, now she was being violated while being forced to cum yet again. This would drive anyone insane. Something spurted from her pussy... Is she a squirter? But still, she's incredibly tight... I'm about to cum... Ayana: No, no, stop, let me go! Stop, please! She must be about to cum, too. I could tell her dick was about to cum again. She cried and begged me to stop, but I ignored her and moved my hand even faster. My fist pumped up and down at almost the speed of sound. And I thrust my hips. My hips moved every bit as fast as my fist. I felt her pussy get even tighter... It just got tighter and tighter... It's all perfect. Takuji: Ah, ah, I'm at my limit... I'm at my limit! Ayana: Ah! Her body visibly convulsed. In that moment, she came once again. Even after cumming so many times before. She came again... I never expected her to have this much Black Surge left in her. I came inside her at the same time. Ayana: Noooooo!! Not inside! Don't cum inside me! Spurt, spurt, spurt... I came inside her. I did it! Ayana: No... Y-You're cumming inside... I'm being cummed inside... Spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt... Spurt, spurt, spurt... Spurt... I launched all the Holy Semen into her. Ayana: Ugh, y-you're awful... Takuji: Hehehe. Takuji: How does it feel to be filled with the sperm of the Holy Surge? How does it feel to be creampied? Takuji: Hehehehe... Hahahahaha. Ayana: Hehe... Takuji: Wha― Ayana: Hehe, hehe, hehe... The sperm of the Holy surge... That's funny. Hehehehe... Takuji: Wh-What did you say? Ayana: And the part about being one step away from the speed of sound. That was a masterpiece... Hehehehe, you're too funny... Too amusing... Takuji: What did you say! Ayana: That's what you desire of me... Hehehehe... Takuji: Huh?! Takuji: Otonashi... Wh-Why are you over there? Y-You were... Ayana: Raped by you and left without even the energy to stand... But I'm terribly sorry. Nothing has begun or ended. What a pitiful outcome. Ayana: And... I don't have one of those... Hehe, though I don't want to show you the proof, so I won't. Ayana: Too bad. I don't have one of those. It's really too bad, Mamiya-kun. Hehehe... Takuji: Eh?! Time advanced, and the day changed. The final time was in front of us.
Takuji: Otonashi Ayana... Also known as Black Riruru. Ayana: What's that, my new nickname? Takuji: You... The reason you came here is so you could have sex with me, right? Ayana: Why would I do that? Takuji: Hehehe... You're jealous because I came into physical contact with White Riruru yesterday... You're afraid I'm going to be taken by their side. Ayana: I see... But I don't want to have sex with you. Takuji: You're right. You might even hate me. The frequencies of our surges all match, but... Takuji: You came here so that you could have sex with me. This is the Building C rooftop, the bow of our ark... Ayana: Why would you... say... that.. * Ahh..."* Takuji: I knew it. You too, huh... Takuji: Hehehe... Look, it's started... Ayana: A-Ahh... Wh-Why? Why is this... From her skirt... Something that a girl should absolutely never have was poking out, just like with Riruru-chan yesterday. Ayana: N-No, wh-why am I― Takuji: Hehehehehe... What is it? Do you want to do it that badly? She tried desperately to hide the thing poking out of her skirt, but her swelling penis moved without regard to her will, stopping her from covering it up. Ayana: N-No, d-don't. Takuji: Hehehe, you were acting all high and mighty, and now look at you... Ayana: Noo, don't look... Th-This is strange... It's strange... Takuji: It's like you're asking for it. Ayana: Th-That's not true... Takuji: No, you're asking for it. You want me to cum in you just like I did White Riruru, and you want to cum in me! Ayana: That's... impossib―aah. Her swelling penis lifted up her skirt... Her skirt was lifted up so far that her underwear was completely exposed. But still, the panties under her skirt... Wow, they're striped panties. Was she planning on this happening? How much of this was planned?" Well, she was made to tempt me, so... they must have made her to match my tastes. But... it won't go as smoothly as the dark powers expect. In this ritual, I have to cum inside her, and she has to cum inside me. We both have to cum inside each other. So I'll just cum inside her. I'll purify her insides with my holy semen. Then I'll make her shoot her load of black semen all over the ground. I'll keep making her waste her sperm... I'll make her spray every drop on the ground. Hehehe... Prepare yourself. Takuji: I thought Black Riruru would be just like White Riruru, but... I can't believe you really are another perverted futanari girl. Ayana: N-No, I'm not a pervert... Takuji: You are... You're a big pervert. Your high and mighty attitude up until now, like you were pushing people away... You were afraid I was going to find out the truth about you... Ayana: Th-That's... not true. That's impossible! Takuji: You have special powers because you're Riruru-chan's shadow... and because of those powers, you look down on humans, but the truth is that you're just a perverted dickgirl, and you were always scared someone was going to find out. Takuji: Hehehe... What would everyone think if they found out about this, Otonashi-san? Ayana: Eh?! Her face instantly stiffened in fear. Ayana: Y-You don't mean... Takuji: Your grades are good, right? You're smart, right? Then you know what I'm going to say. Ayana: Ah, a-anything but that... P-Please don't tell everyone. Takuji: I wonder about that. Wouldn't it be a waste if I didn't tell everyone this hilarious story? Takuji: The honors student Otonashi Ayana is actually a dick girl.. * and I saw her get a hard-on on the roof in the middle of the night..."* Ayana: No... Don't tell them... Takuji: Come on... Try showing a little backbone... Are you begging already? You are an angel, even if you are a black one Ayana: ... Takuji: Oh well... Anyway, show it to me. Ayana: Eh? Takuji: I won't say it again... Show me your nasty, disgusting penis. Ayana: Th-That's... Takuji: What? Are you really going to disobey me? Ayana: ... Takuji: You should've figured out by now what will happen if you disobey me. She gave up... and slowly moved her hand behind her. Ayana: N-Now... please... forgive me. She moved her hand, but I still couldn't see it very well... I told her to show it all to me. Takuji: I said show it to me... All you did was move your hand. Ayana: P-Please... leave it at this. Takuji: Don't make me repeat myself... I won't say it again! Ayana: Ah... That girl who hardly ever changed expression was already crying. It must have been mortifying. Takuji: Hehehehehe, now don't you look good... You're always looking down on people, but now you just look like a bitch in heat. Otonashi slowly lifted up her skirt... Her glans revealed its face... She was exactly like Riruru-chan. White, uncut... with a pink tip. Her pink tip was crying just a little bit. Moist and glittering, just like Riruru-chan was... Just like pink jelly... Ayana: Ah, don't look at me like that... If you do that, I-I'll... Takuji: What'll happen? Ayana: ... Takuji: Hehehe, what's wrong? Ayana: Don't... Don't do that. Takuji: What's wrong? Say it! Hurry up and say it! Ayana: I-It'll get bigger... Takuji: What will? Ayana: My penis... My penis will get bigger... Ooh... Takuji: Hahahahaha, oh really? You're just a perverted little dick girl! Are you turned on? Is your girly penis getting hot and bothered? Ayana: Ah, aaah... The face of despair... Her face was pale as a ghost even though her lower body was bright red. Is her swelling erection draining the blood from the rest of her body? Takuji: Answer... Quickly! Answer! Am I right? Ayana: Y-Yes... That's right... That's exactly it... So, so please forgive me... Takuji: Hehehehe... Ayana: Please don't look at me anymore... If you keep looking at me, I, I... Takuji: What will happen if I keep looking at you? Ayana: ... Takuji: Answer me. Ayana: I-I can't say that... I can't... Please forgive me. Takuji: Shut up... Be quiet... I don't want to hear your excuses. Say it. Answer. Hurry up, say it. Now, now! Ayana: Eek! She's completely terrified... She's no different from the scum in the Ark. No different at all... Ayana: U-Um, i-if you keep looking at me, my... my penis... Takuji: I can't hear you! Say it clearly! Say it over again... Ayana: Y-Yes! Ayana: If you keep looking at me, my penis will get bigger and come out of the foreskin... You'll see everything. Ayana: S-So... please forgive me... Takuji: No. Ayana: B-But... Ayana: Ah... Right after she said that, her penis swelled even further... The end of her foreskin was forced back. Ayana: Noooo, you can see... You can see everything. She quickly tried to hide it with her hand, but― Takuji: Don't move! Of course, I yelled at her for that. Her entire voice stiffened after I yelled. Takuji: Who told you you could hide it? Leave it, just like that... Ayana: B-But... Takuji: Come on... You fucking pervert. Thrust it forward so I can see... Come on! Ayana: O-Okay... She hesitantly moved her hips forward. Her penis was exposed to the cold outside air. Showing it to anyone else had probably been the greatest taboo throughout her life. And then... it was on show for me, here in this foreign place. Her face was wet with tears. Takuji: You pervert... You're an exhibitionist. Ayana: N-No... That's not true. Takuji: Then why does your dick react whenever I look at it? Ayana: Ah, ah... Takuji: Answer me! Ayana: Th-That's terrible... Terrible... Takuji: Shut up! Takuji: Answer! Ayana: Y-Yes... It's just like you said. I-I get excited when someone looks at me... I'm a pervert. Otonashi Ayana is a pervert. Takuji: And? You get excited when someone looks at your what? Ayana: ...Huh? Takuji: Answer me! I said, answer me! Ayana: U-Um... my penis... Takuji: I can't hear you... I can't hear you at all. If you don't cooperate, you'll make me really angry. Is that what you want? She resigned herself to her fate and opened her mouth. Ayana: My penis... Ayana's penis. Takuji: You're a fucking futanari girl who gets turned on by having a guy look at her cock on the rooftop at night, right? Takuji: Well?! Say it! I won't let you remain silent! Ayana: Y-Yes... Takuji: Yes, what? Say it. Explain it for me... Ayana: Y-Yes... I-I'm... a futanari girl who gets turned on by having a guy look at her cock on the rooftop at night. When she said that, a drop of white liquid dripped off the end of her dick. Takuji: You really are an exhibitionist... You fucking nasty dickgirl... Ayana: No... D-Don't say that... I-I'm not, I'm not like that... Every time she made an excuse, another drop of white liquid fell from her dick. Takuji: Says who? I suddenly knocked her down. Ayana: Wh-What? Eeaaah! I grabbed her dick hard. Unlike when I did it with Riruru-chan, I didn't hold back at all. I grabbed it really, really hard. I don't care if my fingernails make her bleed. It's not my problem. Ayana: D-Don't grab so hard... Aaah! I didn't care for her pleas... I mercilessly stroked her dick. I wanted to see what would happen if I just kept stroking it. Ayana: Ah, stop! I can't take it! I firmly grasped the most sensitive spot. And I pumped my fist up and down... over and over. Ayana: Don't do it like that, be gentler... Ah! Takuji: Shut up! I can tell you're turned on, so why are you complaining? This is the perfect way of handling a fucking pervert like you! Ayana: N-No! Ah! Sloosh, sloosh, sloosh... Her dick was already covered in a frothing white liquid... There was so much of it that it almost looked like she had already come. That was proof that all the pain she was experiencing before had changed into pleasure. Ayana: Ah, stop, I'm-! Takuji: What is it... Hmm? I hope you're not going to say you're scared because it feels too good. Ayana: I-It doesn't feel good... Not at all... Ah! Takuji: Then why are you so wet? Your female and male parts are both turned on! Takuji: How about it? Are you gonna cum? Would you like to try cumming? Ayana: I-I can't do that... As I held her penis in my hand, I could feel that she was at her limit. There was no turning back. It was just a matter of time until she came. But surely it was an unbearable shame for her... For a woman like her to be forced to cum with her man parts in a place like this... Takuji: Hahahaha, are you gonna cum? You are, aren't you? Ayana: Ahh! I don't want to, I don't want to cum! Smack, smack, smack... Ayana: Ah, ah, ah! N-No, I don't want to, I don't want to! Takuji: Shut up and cum! Just like that! Cum, cum, cum, cum! Ejaculate, right now! Ayana: I-I... I won't do that... Takuji: You're still saying that?! Then how about this? How about this?! I moved my hand even faster. Ayana: Ah! N-No, be gentler, be gentler! If you don't, I-I'm... I'm going to-- Her body quivered. It was like she was begging for her life... Smack, smack, smack... The sound echoed across the summer rooftop. It was a sound so incredible that it was hard to imagine it coming from the stroking of a dick. It sounded like someone was playing around with a bottle of lotion. It wasn't just her dick. Her thighs were wet with the liquid dripping off her dick too... Smack, smack, smack... At this point, it didn't matter what I did. No matter how rough I was, she wouldn't feel anything but pleasure. It was so wet that when I grabbed it as hard as I could, it just slipped out of my hand. I grabbed her dick and started pumping again. I extended my other hand to her pussy... It was really wet too. The moisture on her thigh might have actually come from here, not from her dick. Ayana: Ah, ah, th-that's... Ah, don't touch them both at the same time, ah! Ahh! I attacked her male and female parts simultaneously. What a convenient body she has... Ayana: Ah, ah, ah! She squirmed madly... She convulsed on the ground, losing control of herself. Her brain couldn't even tell the difference between pleasure and pain anymore. The signals from her body just kept attacking her brain, numbing it to the outside world. She reacted strangely to my touch, as if she had gone completely mad, but the semen dripping from her penis and the moisture dripping out of her pussy made it clear that she was in ecstacy. Smack, smack, smack... Ayana: No, no, I can't! I'm going to-- I could tell from the feeling of her penis that she was about to cum. Takuji: What? You're going to cum? Are you? You're gonna ejaculate all over, even though you're a girl? Fucking pervert! Ayana: N-Noo... I-It doesn't feel good... Smack, smack, smack... Ayana: Ah, no, I-I'm a girl, I shouldn't be cumming like this, no, no... I can't, I'm going to, I'm going to cum, ahh! Wow! She suddenly jumped. In that moment. I felt something passing through the penis I held in my hand. In that moment. Spurt, spurt, spurt... She convulsed on the ground. Ayana: Noooo! A ton of semen shot from her penis. Ayana: I-I'm cumming, I'm cumming. It's all coming out, it's all coming out! Her body convulsed even more wildly. Takuji: Wh-Whoa, there's so much... Is it ever going to stop? Ayana: Ah, no, I-I'm a girl, I shouldn't be ejaculating like this. I'm cumming everywhere, even though I'm a girl, ahh! What an awful sight... I can't bear to look at it. This is just disgusting. Takuji: What the fuck, you look ridiculous! This, what the fuck is this?! Ayana: Ah, ah, ah, stop, stop it. If you don't, I'm going to, I'm going to, I'm going to keep cumming. I'm a girl, but I can't stop! Takuji: There's so much... Are you still cumming? I know she's not human, but still... This is awful. I don't know if I can get it all out of her. Oh well, I'll keep going as long as I can. I can probably get most of it out. The white liquid kept gushing from her penis. Spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt... Spurt, spurt, spurt... Spurt... Her convulsions gradually came to a stop. I could see the ecstacy on her face. Ayana: I-I came... You made me cum by stroking my penis... even though I'm a girl... Otonashi muttered that to herself as she cast her unsteady gaze into the sky. I wasn't going to let her off that easily, though. I began to stroke her dick again. Sloosh, sloosh, sloosh, sloosh, sloosh... Ayana: Ah! N-No, I just came, don't! Like I care. I'm not doing it to pleasure you... Ayana: I-I just came. It's still sensitive, stop, ah! Smack, smack, smack... Thanks to the semen, my hand moved much more smoothly than before. Ayana: Ah, noo, no, give me a minute. I feel... I feel so strange, nooo! Takuji: Hehehehe... Takuji: You lied... You said it didn't feel good? From now on, I'm not going to believe anything you say... I'm going to have to do an experiment to find out how many times you can cum. Ayana: E-Experiment? Her face went pale. Takuji: That's right! I'm going to ignore your pleas and keep stroking your dick until it stops cumming! Ayana: N-No, if you do that, I'll die! Takuji: Die? Then go ahead! Go right ahead and die! Ayana: Aaagh, ah! Takuji: Hehehehe... I'll pull every drop out of you. Prepare yourself. Over and over and over... My hand was getting tired. It felt like my hand had gone up and down ten thousand times. How long had I been moving my hand up and down? I was almost out of stamina. Nevertheless, I kept going through sheer persistence. Over and over, over and over. Every time she came, it told me that I had to keep going. And every time she came, she desperately begged me to stop... She fainted several times, but even then, I kept going. Her consciousness came back every time she came. The words coming out of her mouth didn't even sound like Japanese. Ayana: Mno... Mnoo, Mnoo, leth me goo... Mno, Mno, I can't cum anymore. Aahh! She fainted again... She fainted in front of me. She stopped cumming. She just convulsed on the floor instead... I had completely drained her. Now then... Time to purify her with the Holy Semen, so she can never ejaculate Black Surge again. I'll fill her with the Holy Surge. I forcibly pulled her up. Ayana: Noo, let me, let me goo... I-I can't stand... Takuji: Shut up! I'm going to purify your insides with the Holy Surge! Let me see your ass! I firmly grasped her ass and spread her legs apart. Ayana: Wha―?! N-Noo! S-Stop it! I only attacked her penis before. She must have realized that I had changed my target. She started resisting again. Ayana: Nooo, d-don't do that, don't spread it apart! She tried to resist, but there was nothing she could do. She couldn't even stand under her own power. I spread apart her labia. Ayana: No, d-don't look! Her lips were red and swollen. It must be because she had come so many times. It was incredibly wet. It was glittering with dew. Takuji: can't see inside at all... Are you a virgin? Ayana: Ah! Takuji: Bullseye? Honestly, I can't tell the difference between a girl who's a virgin and one who's not. But it's hard to imagine that an anomaly like Ayana has had a sexual encounter with someone in the past. I was just guessing, but I could tell from her reaction that I was right. Lick! Ayana: Ah! I licked her swollen pussy. She fell to her knees. I licked it more and more. Ayana: Ah, no, not there... Ahh! I suddenly stuck my tongue in. Takuji: Hehehehehe, was that a surprise? Did you think I suddenly stuck something in? Ayana: Ah... P-Please, don't stick your dick in. Anything but that. I'll do anything... She knows how dangerous it is for her to be filled with the Holy Surge, since she's the incarnation of Black Riruru. She would rather die than let that happen... Ayana: Anything but that... Please... Takuji: Oh, so you want to protect your virginity? I respect that, I really do... Ayana: Huh?! Her face reacted. I thrust my penis into her pussy. Ayana: Ah! N-No, you can't do that, you can't do that! She was so wet that my penis slid in without any resistance. Ayana: O-Ow... It hurts. Ayana: Why? Why would you do this? Takuji: Hehehe, can you feel it? Right now... I'm not wearing a condom. You're about to be creampied by the guy you always look down on. How does it feel? Ayana: Ah... Waaahh... She started crying. Takuji: Well? Crying doesn't tell me anything... Well, whatever. Here I go. I'm going to cum inside you. Ayana: Wha―?! I started moving my hips violently. Ayana: D-Don't cum inside me! Anything but that! She struggled against me, but she was powerless, utterly unable to resist. I was afraid of her? I, the savior, was afraid of someone so weak? Takuji: I'll drive you mad with the semen of the Holy Surge. I grabbed her dick. Ayana: Ah?! Takuji: Hehehehe, will you come again if I stroke this? Ayana: ...I-I can't come anymore... Her face was pale with fear. Takuji: Here I go! I simultaneously stroked her dick and pumped my hips. Ayana: Ah, ah, no, no, no, stop, ah! She moaned uncontrollably. Takuji: How does it feel? You fucking pervert, pervert, pervert, pervert! Die, you nasty fucking pervert! I hope you go fucking crazy from my dick and my hand. I hope you fucking die! I moved my hips even faster. The savior's hips can move several hundred times faster than a normal human's. And they can give several thousand times as much pleasure. Even an angel can't resist. Black Angel, lose yourself in ecstacy! Takuji: You nasty fucking whore! I won't let you go! I'll never let you go! I moved my hips even faster, even more violently. My hips almost broke the speed of sound... If I moved my hips any faster, the shockwaves would destroy the building. Almost at the speed of sound... This is truly a great feat. I modulated the speed of my hips so that I got as close to the speed of sound as possible without ever breaking it. Ayana: Ah! Ahhhh! Ah, ah, nooo, stop, forgive me... Smack, smack, smack, smack, smack, smack... Our thighs were so soaked that I couldn't tell whose juices were whose. Smack, smack, smack, smack, smack, smack... She writhed in pain, as if she had gone completely mad. She had lost all control of her body... After being forced to cum over and over, now she was being violated while being forced to cum yet again. This would drive anyone insane. Something spurted from her pussy... Is she a squirter? But still, she's incredibly tight... I'm about to cum... Ayana: No, no, stop, let me go! Stop, please! She must be about to cum, too. I could tell her dick was about to cum again. She cried and begged me to stop, but I ignored her and moved my hand even faster. My fist pumped up and down at almost the speed of sound. And I thrust my hips. My hips moved every bit as fast as my fist. I felt her pussy get even tighter... It just got tighter and tighter... It's all perfect. Takuji: Ah, ah, I'm at my limit... I'm at my limit! Ayana: Ah! Her body visibly convulsed. In that moment, she came once again. Even after cumming so many times before. She came again... I never expected her to have this much Black Surge left in her. I came inside her at the same time. Ayana: Noooooo!! Not inside! Don't cum inside me! Spurt, spurt, spurt... I came inside her. I did it! Ayana: No... Y-You're cumming inside... I'm being cummed inside... Spurt, spurt, spurt, spurt... Spurt, spurt, spurt... Spurt... I launched all the Holy Semen into her. Ayana: Ugh, y-you're awful... Takuji: Hehehe. Takuji: How does it feel to be filled with the sperm of the Holy Surge? How does it feel to be creampied? Takuji: Hehehehe... Hahahahaha.
The sound of the bell rang out through the night. It was as if even the rooftop itself was resounding in unison. Kimika: This is really amazing, being on the school roof at night! Kimika: Oh, that's right... It's time for your drugs. Here, my savior! Takuji: Y-Yeah... Kimika gave me a capsule. She had put all the powdered elixir in individual capsules. Kimika: But these capsules are just for you and me. Takuji: Really? Kimika: Yes, most of the others are taking the stuff mixed with sodium benzoate... That's why they're having sex all the time. Takuji: Sodium benzoate? Kimika: Most drugs have impurities in them. Sodium benzoate is also called annaka, and if you mix it with stimulants it causes sexual arousal. Takuji: Oh, but I rearranged their molecules with the White Surge, so I don't think it really matters. Kimika: It's for the atmosphere. These capsules are just for us... Just for you and me. Takuji: Just for us, huh... Kimika: Yes. Here, you'll have to take it without any water. Takuji: You should've brought some. Kimika: Ahahahaha, I forgot. We put the capsules in our mouths and swallowed. The holy drug... The holy capsules. Takuji: But still, you know a lot, don't you? Kimika: Oh, about drugs, you mean? I am the leader of the science club, not to mention a headcase. Takuji: What? A headcase? Kimika: Oh, that means my brain doesn't work right. That's why I know so much about drugs. Kimika: They gave me a bunch of prescriptions at the hospital, but... I looked up all the ingredients and stuff online. It's sort of my hobby. Takuji: That's kinda creepy. Kimika: Yeah, that's why I wanted to be a security guard when I grew up! That's about the only job I would be able to do right, you know? Kimika: Or I guess I could be a mad scientist. Takuji: I guess so... I couldn't say. Kimika: The night sky sure is far away. Takuji: Yeah, of course. All the light we can see in the night sky comes from incredibly far away. Kimika: Light from incredibly far away, huh... All the light we're seeing right now came from the shining of stars millions of years ago, huh? Takuji: Yeah, that's right. Kimika: I'm kinda jealous. Takuji: Jealous? Kimika: Yeah, my voice only reaches people right next to me... or rather, it doesn't even reach that far. My voice doesn't reach anyone. Kimika: If my voice can't reach anyone near me, then I wish it could at least reach someone millions of light years away. Takuji: Someone millions of light years away... Kimika: Yeah, that's why I'm jealous of the stars. Takuji: Jealous of the stars... I see. Kimika: That's right! You're the savior! You're like a whole convenience store full of miracles! Takuji: What, you want me to make you into a star? Kimika: No way, that's childish! How about this. Make this building reach the heavens? Takuji: The heavens? Kimika: Yes! Building C is four stories tall, and we're on the rooftop... We're standing on the fifth floor! Takuji: Yeah, I guess we are. Kimika: Stretch it out, one floor at a time! Takuji: Who's gonna do that? Kimika: You are! Takuji: You know... Kimika: I'll give you the signal! Wait for me to hit the fence with this police baton! Takuji: Hey, wait... Why do you have something like that? First knives, and now a police baton... How many weapons does she have? Takuji: You know... Kimika: Here I go! Takuji: Ah... Kimika: Whoa... The pole she hit twisted and broke. Then a beautiful sound rang out, accompanied by a sudden light, as if she had cast a magic spell. Kimika: Nice job, my savior! Takuji: Eh? Suddenly, the building was five stories tall. It looks like I actually made a miracle happen when she gave the signal. Kimika: What an amazing miracle! I knew you could do it, my savior! Here goes the next one! Kimika sacrificed another part of the fence. It broke and released its magic. At the same time, I made another miracle. Takuji: Ha! Kimika: Six stories! Let's go the edges of space, my savior! Kimika: There! Takuji: Ah! Kimika: Ha! Takuji: There! She broke one after the other. Each time she hit a piece of the fence, it broke and changed into sound. Everything broke and changed into sound. Kimika: Amazing! Takuji: Hehehe... Kimika: The sound, the sound! Takuji: Hahahahahaha... The world broke apart. Kimika cheerfully swung her baton around. She swung it in a set rhythm, almost like a conductor. I matched her pace as I brought about more and more miracles. The savior's miracle. Building renovation! Kimika changed matter to sound. And I changed sound to matter. The roof stretched up to the sky. Stretched, stretched, stretched on upward. Kimika: This is music! Takuji: Hahaha... I think all the real musicians in the world would take offense at that. Takuji: You're just making stuff up. Kimika: Even if I'm making it up, it's still beautiful! This melody is extremely beautiful! Takuji: Yeah, you're right. The sound of destruction had changed into a beautiful melody. Kimika: Ahahahahaha, it's a melody! For some reason she had a scale in her other hand, which she held up above her head. Takuji: Hahahahahaha... You're so stupid. Why do you have a scale? Kimika: Ahahaha, I'm measuring the weight of God! That's why I have a scale! She held the scale up toward the sky as she said that. Kimika: Come on, God, get on the scale! We already have the melody on the other side. Kimika: It's the melody! I'm in charge of the melody, and you're in charge of the miracles! Kimika: Come on, God, right here. Sit on this scale! Takuji: Hahahaha, what kind of combination is that. Why are we putting melody and miracles together? Kimika: It makes perfect sense. God is the melody! Kimika: God is melody! Kimika: I just understood it! God is melody! Takuji: Why, you... Did you hear me at all? You're just making stuff up at this point. Kimika: Now, let's go even higher! We were already above the clouds. It already stood far above any other building on the planet. Like the Tower of Babel. I had to wonder if God would be angry at me for using my miracles like this. Takuji: Hey, wait, this is like the Tower of Babel Kimika: Or maybe Icarus! Takuji: Icarus? Kimika: Yeah, it's the story of a man who tried to fly to the sun with wings of wax. Takuji: What happened at the end? Kimika: He fell and died, ahahahahahaha! Kimika: Icarus was stupid. He didn't notice his wings melting when he got close to the sun. Kimika: But we won't lose! I have the savior with me, after all! Kimika: Keep going. We'll reach the sky! Takuji: I don't know about that. You'll probably get killed by God. Kimika: If that bastard thinks he's got it in him, then he's welcome to try! Kimika: Because I think... Kimika: If God existed, he would be looking down at us from the sky all the time. Kimika: He would see everything. He would know everything about us... Kimika: And that's nasty! I don't want some guy leering at me all the time! Takuji: You better hope he doesn't take offense to that. Kimika: Ahahahahaha... Naturally, her baton was bent in several places But she was laughing cheerfully. She laughed as she destroyed the fence. Destruction and melody. Baton and music. Kimika: This is music! Kimika: Ahahahahaha! She completely broke the end of the baton off, but that didn't stop the beautiful melody. The melody enveloped the roof, and it enveloped the two of us. Takuji: Hahahahaha... The miracles continued with every note. We reached the height of the moon. Kimika: The moon. The moon. Luna! Takuji: Hahahahahaha... The endless succession of notes. The endless succession of miracles. We approached the edge of space. Kimika: O-Oh no! Takuji: What's wrong? Kimika: The building is so tall... The centrifugal forces are making the roof spin incredibly fast! Takuji: Yeah, since the earth is revolving on its axis. Kimika: Hahahahahaha... Oh no, oh no! Takuji: You're having an awful lot of fun! Kimika: Of course I am! This is super fun! Kimika: Ah! Kimika yelled even louder than she had before. Kimika: A cow! Takuji: Huh? Kimika: There are tons of cows! Takuji: Eh? I didn't notice until she said something... the roof was overflowing with cows. Takuji: Wh-Why are there cows here? Kimika: Why wouldn't there be? You were the one who said there were cows on the roof! Takuji: Cows on the roof?! The cows mooed. The melody rang out. We were deep in space, far from the earth. Kimika: This is the first time I've seen a cow. They're huge, and they dance! Takuji: Dancing cows? When I looked again, they really were dancing. They were on their hind legs, dancing. Kimika: They're dancing. Dance, dance. Kimika: This is the uncaged dance! Takuji: Uncaged dance? Kimika: Yes! We've left the influence of Earth's gravity. Everything is free from gravity! Kimika: This is the world's first uncaged dance, ahahahaha! The uncaged dance. We're far from any source of gravity... We're dancing in the furthest reaches of the starry sky. That certainly would be mankind's first zero gravity dance. Kimika: It's a zero gravity dance! Kimika's body floated in the air. She danced wildly through the air. Takuji: Dummy. If you fly through the air like that, everyone can see your panties. Kimika: That's fine! You're the only one who can see! Takuji: Have some shame! Kimika: Ahahahahaha! I have some shame. I'm a virgin, after all. I've never even kissed anyone! Kimika: I don't care if you can see my panties. It's just cloth. It's not like you can see my cunt! Takuji: Don't say that word! Kimika: Ahaha, cunt, cunt, cunt! I'll say it as many times as I want! Whoever wants to tell me that word is bad can go eat shit! Takuji: That's ridiculous! A zero gravity dance. A herd of cows. The twinkling stars. Kimika danced. She danced and danced and danced in space. I danced too. God doesn't matter. I just danced. I danced for the pleasure of it. I danced because it was fun. Kimika: Life is suffering! It's like an Unhappy Meal! But it's the best! Life is the best! That's important! Kimika: Ahaha, what comes with the Unhappy Meal, my savior? Takuji: Nothing comes with it. Kimika: That's not true! There's a bonus that comes with it! There's an Unhappy bonus that all the kids love! Takuji: That sounds like it would taste terrible. Kimika: Now then, what is it? Go ahead, open it! What came with today's Unhappy Meal? Takuji: What am I supposed to open? Kimika: It's right there. Look! Right before your eyes! Takuji: Oh, you're right. Kimika: Ahahahahaha, you don't know the story of Tyltyl and Mytyl! That's no good, my savior! Takuji: Why would you bring that up? Kimika: Tyltyl and Mytyl went on a journey around the world to search for the blue bird who was part of the Unhappy Meal! They even went to the edge of space and rode the Galactic Railroad! Kimika: The conductor's here! The Birdcatcher told us that this ticket will take us higher than the sky! Kimika: It's Eagle Station! Look, it's Scorpio's Fire! We've already passed through the Centaur Village! It's the Southern Cross! Kimika: It's Tanabata! It's the night of Tanabata... and the savior and I are on the Weather Station Pillar! Kimika: Because there's nowhere we belong. On Tanabata night... there's nowhere for us! Kimika: That's why the blue bird fled to the Milky Way... so, so far away! Kimika: But the blue bird that thought he got away... Kimika: Was on the menu the next morning. Kimika: So please open your Unhappy Meal's toy! Takuji: I don't understand what you're saying! Kimika: Ahahahahaha... There's nothing to understand! It's the flow. It's music. Come on, open it. Kimika: My savior, open it, open it, open it. I want to see it. I want to see you open it! Takuji: Jeez... I guess I might as well. The mysterious box that appeared in front of me... It had 'Amazonu' written on it. Where did this come from? I reluctantly opened the box. Kimika eagerly watched me. Is this going to be unhappy too? Takuji: Whoa! Kimika: Ah! It shot iridescent sparks in every direction... and then right above our heads... A beautiful explosion of color. Kimika: Whoa! The box shot out more and more polychromatic sparks... and each one exploded above us. Kimika: Oh, so that's it... Takuji: What? Kimika: I think I just solved one of the riddles from my childhood. Takuji: What do you mean? Kimika: I always wondered what would it look like if you saw a skyrocket from directly underneath. Kimika: Would it be flat, or round... What would it look like from underneath... Takuji: Well, it's round, of course... Kimika: Nope, you're wrong! Kimika: If you look at it from directly underneath, it's a perfect circle! Kimika: More perfect than the world! Kimika: Than the universe! Kimika: A perfect circle! The fireworks went on forever. The lights lit up the world. The world's final eve. Kimika danced. And so did I. So did the cows, the world, the gods, and everything else. We danced, and danced, and danced, and then the eve ended. Tomorrow would be the last day. Before we realized it, we had come to the edge of the universe. We had come to the edge of the world. Kimika: This is the edge of the universe... Takuji: Yeah... This is the edge. Kimika: Oh, this is the last stop. Takuji: The last stop... Kimika said those lonesome words as we stood under the final sky. We finally made it. The world's limit. The edge of the universe. Our limit. This is the sky of the end. It was already evening. I thought it was morning, but now it was starting to get dark. Kimika: Oh, we fell asleep, didn't we... Takuji: I'm surprised we got any sleep up here, in the middle of summer... Kimika: Oh, I carried you over to the shade during the day. Takuji: I didn't notice at all. Kimika: Neither of us had slept at all... I guess we just collapsed. Takuji: Yeah... Kimika: Hey, my savior... Takuji: What? Kimika: Is this the End Sky? Takuji: Yeah, that's right... This is the End Sky. The last sky in this world. Kimika: Oh, good. Kimika: Just like I thought... Takuji: What? Kimika: Just like I thought... Neither of them change. Not the last sky, and not the usual sky. Takuji: Yeah... That's right. Kimika: Just because it's over... doesn't mean it's special, does it? Takuji: Yeah... Kimika: But the setting sun is always beautiful, no matter when. Kimika: The setting sun at the end of the world, and the setting sun after any other day. They're both just as beautiful... It's so beautiful. Kimika: Now then, my savior... Takuji: What? Kimika: There's nothing that we've forgotten, is there? Takuji: Forgotten? Kimika: Yes, there's nothing left for us to do here... Takuji: Forgotten... Takuji: Does anything come to mind for you? Kimika: No, I looked at the sky and thought about it for so long, but I haven't forgotten anything. Takuji: And? Kimika: I just thought... if I've forgotten it, maybe it wasn't that important after all... Kimika: I guess I didn't need it. Takuji: Didn't need it, huh... Kimika: Yep, it wasn't necessary. Though the truth is, I doubt that anything is really unnecessary. Kimika: But if nothing is necessary, then it's the same as if everything is. Kimika: So... we have to draw a line somewhere. Kimika: If I've forgotten something, then that's fine. Kimika: There's nothing I've forgotten. Takuji: Something you've forgotten, huh? Kimika: Yes! Things that were incredibly unhappy... and things that were happy too... All of it. Kimika: Hahahahahaha... Well, let's go. Takuji: Yeah, let's... The sun is setting... and then... Kimika: The last night... Takuji: Yeah. Kimika: Let's enjoy it! Takuji: No, today should be more solemn. Kimika: No way. I want to have fun on the last night. Please, spend the last night together with me... Takuji: Um, Kimika... The holy water... Kimika: Right, I'll sprinkle lots of LSD on them at the end. And the stimulants too! Takuji: Like I said, I turned the LSD into holy water and the stimulants into elixir. Kimika: Oh, I misspoke! That's right, that's right! I kind of wonder... What was she trying to accomplish? I feel like she only went along with what I was doing to accomplish her own objectives. What a strange woman. Well, it doesn't matter. Kimika: We'll give them a ton of it for the finale! Kimika: Oh~! I'm getting pumped up! Everyone was gathered. How many people are there? And when did they all get here... It looks like they were having a lot of fun. Like they're all excited for something. I wonder if the ark is fun... I thought salvation would be a more solemn affair. I thought saving people would be more serious. I'm sure it should've felt more religious. But in reality, it's like this. I gathered them all through fear... They all came here out of fear of the curse. They gathered to escape their fear of death. So why are they having so much fun? Returning to the sky... It truly is something wonderful, but it should be more religious, more serious. But instead, everyone is laughing. Frolicking. The world's final day is coming. Everyone is celebrating. I spoke. Of the three monsters born of the gods... Of the great wolf, Fenrir, who is human lust itself. Of the god of Death Hel, who is human fear of death itself. And of Jormungandr, significant of eternity, who will awaken on the world's final day. Everyone listened eagerly. Like children reading a picture book... they eagerly listened to the story of the world's final day. Rather than fear, it was enthusiasm I saw in their eyes. Rather than quivering, laughter. Rather than despair, amusement. They all seemed so happy. They all seemed so eager. Laughing and screaming. I yelled! Dance! Dance! Dance! With the melody! Dance! The world is words! God is melody! We have no need for the world. We need only the melody. Everyone danced. Joyfully danced. Danced as if mad. There was no trace of gravity or solemnity. I thought once more about whether I had anything left to do here. Nothing... There's nothing for me to do here. I haven't forgotten anything. One more spoke. We have the melody, do we not? The melody is here. So we have no need for the world. We have no need for words. There's nothing we've forgotten... After all, we've forgotten it... The bell rang. Today began.
Takuji: What... What did you just do to me?! Ayana: I didn't do anything. I just watched. Takuji: You did something! Ayana: Hehehe, you just got caught up in your delusions. I didn't do anything. Takuji: What did you say?! There's no way that was a delusion! If I had such a realistic delusion like that, I wouldn't... I wouldn't even be able to tell the difference between reality and my delusions! Takuji: That's right! I definitely felt the warmth of your skin! That couldn't have been an illusion! Ayana: Warmth... Ayana: How nasty. Takuji: Wh-What are you saying?! Takuji: You're just some perverted futanari girl! You came everywhere! Ayana: Like I said, I'm not a futanari. Takuji: No, I'll prove you're a futanari! I shoved my hand up Otonashi's skirt and touched her crotch. Takuji: Look. I knew it. Takuji: ?! Ayana: ... Takuji: ...It's not there? Ayana: Mamiya-kun. Takuji: Agh... Blood? Ayana: Mamiya-kun, that was over the line for a prank. You deserved to get punched for that. Hehehe, your nose is bleeding. Takuji:! Takuji: Agh... Oww! Ayana: If you want to pull a prank the next time you see me, you should be satisfied with just flicking my forehead. Ayana: Otherwise, I'll break your nose again. Takuji: Y-You... Ayana: But... maybe there won't be a next time. Takuji: ... Ayana: Hehehe... I am Otonashi Ayana. That's what they call me. I am not your Riruru-chan's dregs, and I am not a shadow. I am not one of your delusions. Takuji: Riruru-chan isn't a delusion! Ayana: Yes, that isn't a delusion. Ayana: But that might be how it is. It refuses to recognize itself as a delusion, just like I do, and just like you do. Ayana: I'm not a delusion, and neither are you standing in front of me, but... Ayana: I am Otonashi Ayana. Ayana: In this setting, I am human. Ayana: But you're not a human anymore. Takuji: O-Of course not. I'm the savior! Takuji: I'm going to save humanity. There's no way I could be a normal human! Takuji: And I'm not the property of that pathetic soul called Mamiya Takuji! Takuji: I'm the person who will return the world to the sky! I am the savior! I am the one who controls the Holy Surge! Ayana: Yes... you will return it to the sky... That sky is called... Takuji: The limit of the world. The final sky. End Sky. Ayana: Yes. You will reach the End Sky. Takuji: The infinite and the finite connect. The finite and the infinite connect. A spinning Ouroboros. Takuji: Circulation... eternal recurrence... continuity... eternity... circular motion... death and resurrection... destruction and creation... the base of the universe... the infinite... immortality... perfection... omniscience and omnipotence... Ayana: Hmm... That sounds complicated. Takuji: The awakening of Jormungandr is at hand! It encircles Midgard. The great sea serpent grasping his own tail will awaken! Takuji: It is at hand! Takuji: Therefore, we must return to the sky! Ayana: Hehehehe... That's nice. Ayana: You've found a reason for your existence. Takuji: What? Takuji: It's not such a simple, vulgar concept as you think. Ayana: Hehehe, of course. Ayana: Minakami Yuki... Ayana: Yuuki Tomosane... Takuji: ?! Takuji: Wh-What about them?! Ayana: Hehe. Ayana: Even now, you react to their names. They still bother you. Takuji: Wh-Why would I care about them? There's no reason for me to... Ayana: Those two are living completely different lives than you are, saying completely different things than you are. Ayana: Each one sees different things, does different things, yet those things are the same. Ayana: The three are at the same time both disconnected and unified. Ayana: Creation, Harmony... and Destruction. Ayana: Their natures are completely different, but they're the same. Ayana: One who names it. One who speaks it. One who erases it. Ayana: Yuuki Tomosane-kun... He said... Takuji: What did he say? Ayana: A crying... Takuji: Huh? Ayana: A crying infant. He couldn't stop it from crying. Ayana: And the fact that he couldn't might be man's original sin, and because of that, its benevolence. Ayana: For a human to live is benevolence in the form of original sin. Ayana: The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Ayana: In that case, the road to hell is made of hope. Takuji: Hope... Ayana: Yes, to live is to hope. Ayana: But... Ayana: You don't need that anymore, since you're trying to do what Yuuki-kun was originally supposed to do. Ayana: The roles of the gods change. The Destroyer becomes the Creator. The Creator becomes the Harmonizer. Each of their roles change. Ayana: The Destroyer has lost his right to destroy, since the Creator is ending everything. Ayana: After rebirth, the god that was supposed to rule over harmony can't do anything. The Creator has given up on being the Rebirther. Ayana: The Creator is trying to destroy the world he created. Ayana: The Destroyer speaks of hope. Ayana: The Creator speaks of despair. Ayana: The Harmonizer hesitates and stops in place. Ayana: Stops and looks at where the world is going. Ayana: Now that the rotation has begun, it can't be stopped. Ayana: The final puzzle for man is the infinite and the finite, rotation and suspension. Takuji: Shut up! Shut up! I'm tired of listening to you! Takuji: I'm... I'm the person who will reach the End Sky Takuji: I'll say it again! I'm the person who will reach the End Sky! Takuji: I'll say it again! I am the herald of the End Sky! Takuji: I'll say it again! I hate you! A quiet voice... Lucid eyes... She seemed to know, seemed to see everything. I hate her... Takuji: I am the forerunner of prophecy, who will reach the complete world. Ayana: Today is already the 18th. There's just a little longer to go until the last sky. Takuji: That's right. The final sky. The last sky. The world's limit is approaching. Soon, soon I'll see the world's limit. Takuji: There's not much time until the 20th. No, I have to end it before then. I have to return everything to the sky. Everything. Takuji: I have to return all the people gathered in the ark. Takuji: The end is right there. The sky's limit is right there. The boundary line... The world's last... The End Sky is right there. That's it... Look. Takuji: Look. It looks so big. It looks so massive. Takuji: Yes, I can see it... I can see it... Takuji: Beyond the limit... The limit is a door... Yes, a door... And beyond that door is a sea... An incredibly deep sea... Takuji: That sea is a very beautiful, bright blue... There are power lines connected world to world to world to world to world... Takuji: The other side of the window is bright and blue... azure... It's blue as far as you can see... and beautiful... Takuji: Look, that is the world's limit... The final sky... Ayana: You're right. Takuji: The End Sky has already come this far... There are just a few more inches until we reach the edge of the world... Takuji: Even now would be fine... I wouldn't mind jumping now. Our hands would reach... Our hands would reach the edge of the world... I could do it right now... Takuji: I could do it... even now. Ayana: Then why haven't you done it yet? Takuji: I won't do it yet. I won't do it yet. I won't do yet... Because I still have things to do here? Takuji: Things I still have to do? Takuji: Things I still have to do in this world? Takuji: Still have to do... Takuji: Do... "Mamiya Takuji!" Takuji: Eh? Huh... You are? Takuji: This voice... Takuji: This is... Takuji: You're... Tomosane: You haven't forgotten about me now that you've become the savior, have you? Tomosane: Mamiya Takuji! Takuji: Y-Yuuki Tomosane... Tomosane: Yeah, that's right. I'm Yuuki. The person you so feared... Yuuki Tomosane-sama. Takuji: Have you changed since the last time we met? I thought you were more of a low-life thug... Tomosane: Actually, I've always been like this. Tomosane: Now then... I've come to make your life hell again... Prepare yourself... Takuji: Feared? Is that what you came here to say? I didn't expect you to come here, though... You're really out of place. Tomosane: Out of place? Takuji: Yeah. Exactly. You're the stupidest, lowest person I know. All you know how to do is talk with your fists, right? Takuji: Yeah, you're stupid, so maybe you don't know this, but talking with your fists means using violence. Takuji: In the furthest reaches of the universe, under the End Sky, why would I meet a vulgar man like you? Takuji: The past times I've come here, I've met White Riruru... the Father Himself... Black Riruru's incarnation Otonashi Ayana... and other metaphysical existences beyond comprehension. Takuji: So then, why are you here? Takuji: A physical person like you appearing here is so out of place. It's like if Mori no Ishimatsu suddenly appeared in Der Ring des Nibelungen and asked, 'Anyone want sushi?' Tomosane: Oh, really? Sorry about that, then. I guess I don't fit in with all your beautiful delusions. Tomosane: But didn't I say it before? Tomosane: The battle between you and me will go on until one of us is destroyed. Tomosane: Did you think you could end it just by hurting me? Takuji: More or less. Tomosane: Oh, really? You've underestimated me, then. Takuji: What are you talking about? You can't act tough now after you've been hiding away from me all this time. Tomosane: Hiding? Are you stupid? Takuji: What? Tomosane: You're going to do your stupid salvation thing on the border of the 19th and the 20th, right... Takuji: Oh... So you wanted to have our final battle under this sky? Takuji: The sky of the world's end... The decisive battle under that sky... Hehehe, a physical being like you has actually planned a pretty good show. Tomosane: Haa... So the savior's brain is still fucked up, huh... What do you mean, a show? Takuji: What did you say? Tomosane: If the savior's head is full of flowers... then I guess all the work I've put in is going to pay off... Takuji: Work? Tomosane: Yeah... That's right. Work, that word you hate. Takuji: What kind of work? Tomosane: Work... to erase you. Takuji: Huh? Work to erase me? Tomosane: Yeah. The three principles that you don't understand. Tomosane: Work, courage, and fucking courage! Takuji: Haa... Takuji: You really are a different character. Were you always such a run of the mill thug? It's kind of off-putting... Tomosane: I've never been serious until now. I've always hidden my power. But this time, I'm serious. I've seriously come to kill you. Takuji: This might be a silly question, but why do you want to erase me so badly? Tomosane: Hehehehe... Why? That's a stupid question, Mamiya Takuji. Takuji: Stupid? Would I be wrong to say it's because you've been infected by the Black Surge? Tomosane: Black Surge? I see you've come up with some new delusions. I don't remember you using that word the last time we met. Takuji: Come up with? Are you utterly thoughtless? I didn't come up with it. I learned it. I learned the truth. Tomosane: You believe every single one of your silly delusions, huh? Takuji: Delusions? Hehehe... It must all sound delusional to someone who hasn't even a fragment of knowledge. Tomosane: Delusion, huh? Just like Copernicus' heliocentric theory was called delusional, right? Takuji: So you do understand. Tomosane: In ancient times, even though Philolaus believed that the Central Fire was at the center of the universe and the earth, the sun, and all other celestial objects rotated around it... Tomosane: He believed the sky rotated around the earth. Do you know why? Takuji: What? Tomosane: That's because... he had preconceived notions... Tomosane: He already had his answer, and he changed reality to fit his notions. His worldview became warped. Tomosane: The center of the world is right here. Tomosane: That was a given... Even if it was mistaken, they couldn't accept that their world revolved around another celestial object... Tomosane: Preconceived notions... Reality forcibly fit to those notions... Doing that warped their worldviews. Tomosane: The facts that you want to be true coincidentally happen to align with reality. How often does that happen to you, Takuji? Tomosane: But they still wanted to believe they were they the center of the world and everything revolved around them. They alone were special in the world. Tomosane: Hey, Takuji... You want to believe that too, don't you? You don't want to accept... the way the world is in reality. Tomosane: You aren't the center of the world, and you aren't special! Tomosane: And you aren't any sort of savior like your mother thought you were! Takuji: Yuuki! I lost myself in my anger. An improper action for the savior. The person recognized by God was overtaken by his emotions... I tried to punch Yuuki. Takuji: ?! I could see the sky above me. There were clouds of light in the darkness. Those forms were vividly seared into my eyes... I looked upon the night sky with admiration for an instant... In that instant― Takuji: Gh... Aagh. I received a blow like none I had ever experienced before... The world tilted at an impossible angle. Takuji: Ah... Takuji: ...Gha... Tomosane: How about that? The all-knowing savior should know about that move, right? Takuji: Wh-What was that? I searched my Savior Brain... That was... No, I know it... So why? I staggered as I stood up... The savior could never lose to a peasant like this... Tomosane: Work, courage, and fucking courage... Do you know what those are the prerequisites for? Takuji: Wh-What are you talking about... Tomosane: The prerequisites for a hero... Takuji: A-Are you stupid... Tomosane: Though you probably don't need them to be the savior... Takuji: O-Of course not... Tomosane: Haa... Tomosane: It looks like you're serious, huh? Takuji: Serious...? Tomosane: Yeah, that's right. His words don't make any sense. Serious? What does he mean? What is this fool talking about? Tomosane: I thought I was born just to erase you. I denied myself and tried to erase myself. Tomosane: I thought I was created. Takuji: Wh-What... Tomosane: I am the Destroyer. An existence born to end things. To destroy worlds with order. An existence that gives birth to new order. Tomosane: I was supposed to be a person created just for that purpose. Takuji: ? Tomosane: Are you scared? Can't you admit it? Takuji: Wh-What are you talking about? Tomosane: What am I talking about? Tomosane: Are you stupid? I'm talking about, of course! Takuji: Wh-What are you talking about? Tomosane: Haa... Even now... Even at the end, you can't hear it. Tomosane: name. That's it, isn't it? You tried to protect by forgetting about and pretending was dead. Tomosane: For that at least, I have to commend you. No matter how crazy you got, you always put 's happiness first. Takuji: What's that? What are you saying? Tomosane: name won't reach you until the very end, huh? Tomosane: Whenever the words you hear aren't convenient for you, you distort them or erase them. Tomosane: Especially when it comes to . You've tried to erase or change all your memories of . Tomosane: You've used every technique to erase, replace, or ignore 's existence. That's bravery. That was your own form of bravery. Takuji: Wh-What is it? You... Why haven't you been saying the most important parts?! Don't hide your words! Tomosane: You're the one who hid them! Tomosane: It was you who hid them. But remember that I was the only one with a connection to Hasaki. Neither you nor Minakami Yuki did, but I did, the person who is fated to disappear! What is he saying? What does Minakami Yuki have to do with it? I don't understand what he's talking about at all. Takuji: Are you crazy? Tomosane: Crazy? Hehehehe... Are you really asking that? Here, in this place... No, in this world, there is not a single person who isn't crazy! Tomosane: You should know it... The world you've birthed. The world you know. The world you created has nothing but madmen! Takuji: ... What is he... He was just supposed to be a stepping stone on my path to becoming the savior... He's nothing more than a hurdle for me to surpass... So what's he doing? What is his reason for existence? Yuuki's attack. I saw through it. I am the person who knows all martial arts and has practiced them to perfection, so... so... Takuji: Ah... I barely managed to cushion my fall. I only managed to turn my head and disperse the force of the blow. Takuji: Gah... Aah... Tomosane: How about that? You can't even see straight now, can you? Takuji: Aa... Aah... How hard did I hit the ground... I don't know... In that moment, I couldn't understand it at all... Tomosane: You haven't learned a single new trick. While you were playing around with your delusions, I was training so hard that I pissed blood so that I would have new techniques. Takuji: Ah... Aah... Tomosane: This is the limit of your delusions. Tomosane: Your delusions... will be ended by my reality. Takuji: E-End... My head was reeling... I couldn't move properly at all. I must have suffered a pretty bad concussion... I... leaned against the fence... Tomosane: This is the opposite of last time... Tomosane: ast time, I was there, leaning against the fence, and you looked down upon me. Tomosane: Now it's the opposite. You're the one who's fallen bloody to the ground... Takuji. Takuji: I've... fallen... Tomosane: That's right. This is the end. Tomosane: Let's end it here... Mamiya Takuji. Takuji: What? Tomosane: We're under the End Sky, so shouldn't it be fine? Tomosane: Now that we're right here, beneath that sky you always longed for... Tomosane: Isn't it a fitting end for us? Takuji: An end for us? Tomosane: Yeah. Let's end it here. We don't need to drag anyone else into this. Tomosane: Don't drag everyone else into your games. The only ones who need to go along with your end of the world are me and her. The three of us are plenty. Tomosane: This sky is the end for just you and me. Tomosane: This is where it will end. Tomosane: Isn't that good enough... Takuji? What's with him... Why does his expression look like that... That face... It's just like... It's just like... Something glinted in Yuuki's hand... A blade... A blade that could easily kill a human... So he wants to kill me with that... Is this an attack by the Black Surge? He's part of the Black Surge... Tomosane: It won't hurt. I'll aim for the heart. Tomosane: Aren't we both tired of this painful game? Yuuki changed to an underhand grip on the knife. To plunge it into my chest... Am I going to die here? Is it going to end with me being killed by this commoner? Is that my end? Am I fine with that end?! If it ended here, this would be a kusoge!! "You can't! You can't do that!" Tomosane: ? Someone's voice... I remember this voice... This voice is... Tsukasa: Y-You can't... Yuuki-kun, you can't do that... Kagami: Tsukasa... Tomosane: Why did you follow me? Kagami: If you had locked the door behind you, Tsukasa wouldn't have been able to follow you. Tomosane: So I forgot to lock the door... Tsukasa: You can't... Yuuki-kun, I, I won't let you do that! Tsukasa: If that's what you were planning to do... I should've tied you up and never let you leave. Tomosane: I told you, that was also an option. What? What are they talking about? They're...? No... This is the miracle... This is why I'm the savior... As proof, every time I'm in a hopeless situation, it instantly changes for the better. First... my supernatural healing powers... My injuries from Yuuki healed instantly. With the power of the savior, I healed my body... Then finally... The knife he's holding... That knife... That's not something he should have... That knife... That's right... He's not the one holding the knife... I'M THE ONE HOLDING THE KNIFE. Tomosane: Ah?! Takuji: Yuuki! The knife disappeared from Yuuki's hand. The same knife appeared in my hand... then I... Tomosane: Ah... Takuji: Your heart is right here. It's right here, isn't it? Tsukasa: Yuuki-kun! Kagami: Mamiya, you little! Tomosane: I messed up... huh? Takuji: Messed up? What are you talking about? This was inevitable. This is pre-established harmony. Tomosane: Pre-established... harmony, huh? Tomosane: I see. So my role is over. Takuji: Yeah, that's right. You were just a hurdle for me on my path to becoming the savior. Takuji: An existence for me to surpass... It's true, I underestimated you. I underestimated you too much. I have to thank you for teaching me that. Takuji: The savior should never let his guard down. No matter how insignificant his opponent seems, he should never let his guard down. Takuji: You've taught me that... Thank you. Tomosane: Hey, ... I'm sorry... Tomosane: It looks like... this is the end for me... Tomosane: Haa... I couldn't do anything for you, ... could I... Tomosane: There's nothing I can do... I've been beaten... Tomosane: Nothing I can do... huh? Tomosane: Is this too reality? Tomosane: Then I have to accept it... Takuji: Yes, accept it. This is reality. Takuji: I am the savior, and I will return the world to the sky. That is the reality. Tomosane: I see... Good job, then... Tomosane: Haa... If this is how it was going to end, I shouldn't have used the last of my time like this... Tomosane: I should've spent my time with you... Tomosane: Hahahaha... I guess I'm... an awful brother too... Tomosane: I haven't changed at all... Tomosane: Now then... Farewell, Mamiya Takuji. Congratulations. You've won. Tomosane: And... I've lost... Tomosane: Tomosane: "........." "........." "......" "..." Yuuki whispered something in a low voice... as he died... What was he looking at? A pitiful man... Takuji: I'm tired... after that... I started walking... to go home... Takuji: To the ark... Takuji: Agh... Wh-What is this... Searing pain... More pain than I've ever felt in my life... What is this? My shirt was covered in blood... I thought it was all from when I stabbed him. But... the stain of blood steadily expanded. My shirt was steadily dyed red... Takuji: What is this... That's awful, Yuuki. I'm the savior... We must have struck each other at the same time... I'm the savior, and you were just a hurdle, weren't you? Takuji: Right, Yuuki...? When I turned around... Yuuki's corpse was gone. He had no reason to exist any longer... I wonder if he returned to the sky. This place is right under the End Sky... All those whose roles ended... All of them return there... They all return to the final sky... Takuji: Ow, damn... It wasn't a shallow wound... It was actually pretty deep. Takuji: But... I still have so many things I have to do... Takuji: Agh―... I held the wound shut as I hurried back to the ark... I had to treat the wound... There's elixir there. An all-purpose potion... It's fine. I won't die yet. This is another trial... A hurdle for me to surpass... That's right. It's a wall for me to climb over... I won't die... I am the savior... It's impossible for me to be killed by a tiny existence like Yuuki... Impossible... Takuji: Now, let's go home, to the ark. The final day is at hand. I closed the wound with medical glue... It'll be fine. This isn't normal glue... I created it from concentrated Holy Surge... With this, my wounds will completely heal. Takuji: Agh... Normally I would be able to heal myself instantly with my supernatural healing powers, but... the wound from that knife wouldn't heal at all... That knife must have been made with Black Surge... I drank the elixir... Now there should be no problem... There's no way there could be any problem... Look, my wound is healing... I can't see it at all... It's like it was never there... Just a little elixir... Drinking too much can affect my decision making... But still, my pain disappeared... It doesn't hurt at all... Perfect... Everything is perfect... I am the savior... A wound like this doesn't matter at all... Calm down... calm... calm... calm... The elixir worked incredibly well... The pain went away... and all that was left was euphoria... A great confidence. Takuji: Hehehehe... Of course... Takuji: Because I am the savior... Takuji: I could never be defeated by someone like that... That's obvious... Obvious, obvious! "Just disappear!" Takuji: ? Kagami: This farce is over... You were supposed to disappear! You were the one that was supposed to disappear first! Why are you still here?! Takuji: Who are you? Tsukasa: Mamiya-kun... Takuji: Oh, look. Two sources of the Black Surge just walked right on into the ark. Takuji: I see... Yuuki's actions... His abnormal strength... Takuji: Hahaha... Is that it? I thought that hurdle was too high for my mother to have set. He was too strong. Takuji: It was you. You two lent him your power as sources of the Black Surge, just like the White Surge's Riruru did for me. I see. Takuji: So that's what Otonashi was talking about. It makes sense now. The Destroyer, huh? Takuji: Yuuki was a Dark Savior created by you two to destroy me. He was created to prevent humanity's salvation. Takuji: It all makes sense. Why he was so strong, why he hated me so much. It all makes sense. Takuji: But sadly for you two, this is the result. Takuji: The savior of darkness has died. Takuji: The savior of darkness was erased, and I, the true savior, remain on this earth. Takuji: This is my victory. That's right. I've won. Takuji: The battle between light and darkness... The battle between the White Surge and the Black Surge... I've won. The White Surge has won. Takuji: The savior... has won. What's this... The wound was supposed to be completely healed, but... my body feels sluggish, like I'm going numb... Why... Why hasn't my body... completely healed... Kagami: Just disappear! Disappear already! Go! You're not needed anymore! Just disappear! Tsukasa: Onee-chan... These two... These two... They used the Black Surge to... Takuji: Disappear... Kagami: You're the one who's going disappear! Takuji: I told you to disappear from my sight. Stop spreading the Black Surge. Kagami: Shut up and disappear! Takuji: If you won't stop the Black Surge, then I guess I have no choice. Takuji: I'll forcibly expel you from this world. Takuji: Call the people! Yasuko: Huh? What? Takuji: Anyone will do! Call a bunch of men here! The deterioration of my healing power... No, that's not it... It feels like my body is growing colder, like it doesn't want to move... I'm still going thanks to the elixir, but... This drowsiness... This cold... It has to be the Black Surge. They're trying to infect my body with the Black Surge now that I've been weakened... That's why they came here in person... Takuji: That has to be it... Kagami: Are you stupid? What the hell is the Black Surge? Just go disappear. Go die already! Takuji: Fool... Kagami: Wh-What... Male Student: What is it, my savior? Takuji: You've been having sex for ages now, right? Male Student: Well, uh... I wouldn't say for ages... Takuji: You like sex, right? You like adultery, right?! Male Student: Uh, yes! I love it. Takuji: Defile this woman. Male Student: Huh? Can we? Kagami: Wh-What are you talking about? Male Student: Are you serious? Hell yeah! Tsukasa: Ah! Takuji: Not her! Male Student: Eh? Takuji: Don't touch that woman! Make her watch as her sister is defiled and then killed. Make her watch it all. Kagami: Wait, what do you mean? Takuji: You're going to be defiled... After you've been defiled so much that you want to die, we'll kill you... in the most painful way possible. Tsukasa: Wait, Onee-chan! Takuji: Hold her down! Male Student: Ah... Okay... U-Understood... Tsukasa: No! Onee-chan! Kagami: Tsukasa! Kagami: Mamiya... you're really not going to hurt Tsukasa, right... Takuji: Of course not... All I really need is for you two to disappear from my sight. Takuji: The reason it turned out like this is because you were so defiant and got in my face every time you could... I'll forgive Tsukasa. Takuji: Your sister can't do anything without you, right? All she can do is hide behind you. Takuji: I wonder why would she follow someone like you around... Kagami: Maybe because... the person she should be following is useless. Takuji: What's that? Kagami: Who knows... So then, what are you going to do? Kagami: You're going to break me, right? Break me into little pieces, right? That's fine... That's fine too... Takuji: ... This defiant attitude... really gets on my nerves... Does she think she won't actually be raped? Does she think she won't actually be killed? Kagami: You were the one who created me, so go ahead and humiliate me... Go ahead and break me... I'll play along with your farce. Takuji: Shut up! Rape her! Male Student: R-Rape... Um, rape this? Takuji: It'll be fine. She won't resist. She's more worried about her sister. There's nothing to be afraid of. Takuji: Or... are you going to defy my orders? Male Student: Oh, no! We'll do it! Please, let us do it! Male Student: Hey, get over here, you guys. You have to fuck her too. Male Student: Huh? Me too? Male Student: It's the savior's order! Male Student: My savior! Could we have some holy water? Takuji: Holy water? Sure, go ahead... They put a few drops of holy water on each other, and then they started yelling back and forth. Male Student: All right, it's an order! Rape her! Everyone: Yeah! Male Student: All right, we're starting to get into it! Takuji: Knock her out before you start. Male Student: Knock her out? Oh, okay! We'll give her a few good licks! Male Student: It's an order! Beat her up! Everyone: Yeah! Kagami: Wh-What are you doing... Takuji: Why are you only getting scared now... Kagami: N-No... Wh-What are you doing? No, don't touch me! N-No! Stop it! A good sound... a wonderful sound... Just like a sandbag... This is great. After being punched repeatedly, she stopped moving. Now for the main attraction... Male Student: Ehehehehehe. Male Student: Wow, what a pose. Kagami: Eh? Pose...? Eh?! They're awfully skilled... They tied her hands and legs in a flash. She was held in a terrible position. Kagami: ?! Kagami: Wh-What is this position? Even with her skirt still covering her underwear, that was an embarrassing position. Kagami: M-Mamiya! Th-This is―! Male Student: Hehehehehe, it's just to make sure the ritual goes smoothly... The pigs laughed nastily... They must really like doing this... Well, whatever... They can go ahead and break her... Go right ahead... Kagami: D-Do you really think you can do this to someone? T-Take this off! Male Student: Are you stupid? Why would we stop? Hehehehe, the fun time is just beginning. Tsukasa: Nooo! Stop it. Onee-chan! Takuji: Hahaha, all you need to do is watch as your sister is defiled. Male Student: Now it's time for the show to begin. I can't wait. Hehehe, she's shaking already. I guess she's starting to figure out what's going to happen to her. Male Student: Ahahahaha, of course she is! She knows! She knows exactly what's going to happen! Kagami: Wait, wh-what are you talking about... Male Student: It'll be way more amazing than what you're thinking of! Do you know what I mean? It'll be amazing! Kagami: Wha―?! A-Amazing... The men ignored her and stretched their arms out toward her skirt. Kagami: Hey, wh-what? Male Student: I don't know why you're wearing a skirt. Maybe we should inspect it and see what's under here. Kagami: N-Noooo, stop! Noo! Male Student: Hehehe, she's yelling already, and we're just looking... Now this is something... She tried her hardest to resist, but she couldn't do anything with the belts holding her in place... Her skirt was lifted up... and under there was... Male Student: Wh-What's this? Male Student: She's not wearing any... Male Student: Do you always walk around without any panties? Kagami: N-No, I just happened to not wear any today. Male Student: How could that just happen? There's no way it was just today! She must be an exhibitionist! Kagami: N-No... there's a reason... What, she was never wearing panties? What an exhibitionist... All the people in the Black Surge must be perverts like her... Male Student: Should I touch it? Kagami: T-Touch... wh-what? Kagami: Eek! Male Student: Whoa, her thigh really is soft! I can't take it! Male Student: I-I want to touch her too. Kagami: D-Don't touch me. Kagami: Noooooo! Male Student: Wow, I can't stand it... Her pussy is totally pink. Male Student: P-Pull it open... Kagami: N-Nooo! Forgive me! Male Student: Whoa... Her pussy is so tight, like a child's... The inside of her pussy, where no one would normally ever see... was spread open for all of the men to see. But she was walking around without any panties... She must have wanted this to happen. Male Student: Is this her clitoris? Then what is this? Kagami: Forgive me... Forgive me already... Don't touch me there... Stop... Male Student: Open it wider. She was pinned down and ravished by their eyes, like a frog being dissected... Male Student: The labia minora are inside the labia majora, right? Male Student: That's right... So then, what would it be in this situation? Male Student: No... I don't really know the details, but... Male Student: Anyway, her pussy is really soft... Wow. The men touched her genitals almost casually... There wasn't even a hint of kindness in their movements... There was just straightforward sexual interest. Male Student: How does it feel? Does it feel good? Male Student: She's not saying anything... Isn't she being awfully defiant in front of the savior? Male Student: Hey, answer us! How is it? Kagami: ... Male Student: She's so rebellious. I'm starting to get mad... She's going to mess up the ritual like this... Male Student: Hey, anyone got a knife... Kagami: Wh-What are you doing? S-Stop... One of them patted the flat of a knife against her thigh... The cold steel sent tremors through her body. Male Student: Hehehehehe... Scared? the savior told us to break you... Do you know what that means? Kagami: I'm not... I'm... not scared. Male Student: Hehehehe, come on, speak up! It's boring if you don't say anything! Kagami: Eek! The man put the knife on her genitals. How scary it must be... feeling the steel of the knife in a place like that... Tap, tap... He lightly tapped the flat of the knife on her genitals several times... Every time, it came down with just enough force that I had to wonder if she would bruise... Male Student: Are you scared... Are you scared? Kagami: ... Kagami glared at the man... She just glared... Male Student: Hehehehe, you really aren't the talkative type, huh? Kagami: ? The man's knife cut into her clothes... It shredded the fabric, bit by bit... Male Student: Why are you even wearing a skirt? It's not natural... You don't need this anymore, right? Male Student: Don't put a skirt on if you're not even going to wear panties. Hahahahaha! Male Student: Let's lick her pussy. Male Student: Yeah, we have to lick her pussy! Kagami: N-Noo, s-s-stop... Noo! It made a nasty sound... as the men relentlessly attacked her clitoris. Male Student: It got hard! It got hard! The bitch is getting turned on! Male Student: Hahaha! So you're not a frigid little bitch! Stupid whore! Male Student: Gahahahahaha, she's turned on! Kagami: Th-That's not true... I'm not... Male Student: Ahahahaha. Do it some more! Kagami: Noo... Stop. What a nasty sound... It's making me feel depressed... Hehehe... But it must be so much worse for her... Hehehehe... Male Student: What a sight... She loves spreading her legs for guys like this. Male Student: This is amazing... It's like I'm on a journey to search for the G-spot... Kagami: Please... Please stop. Male Student: She's getting wet. Male Student: No, that's... just your spit. Male Student: No, she is getting wet. I'm sure of it. She likes it! Male Student: Should we fuck her now? Kagami: Please, don't do that! Please, just not that... Male Student: That's right. You're getting ahead of yourself... We still have a lot to do before we can take her virginity. Male Student: There are?! Male Student: Of course there are! That's just common sense! The men took off their pants... Then they held their swelling genitals out to her. Kagami: Eh? W-Wait, noooo! Tsukasa: Wh-Wh-Wha―... Tsukasa covered her face with her hands so she wouldn't have to look. All she could do was watch... as her sister was violated... Male Student: Suck it! This is the first event on our agenda! Kagami: Th-That's... Male Student: If you'd rather, we could just get straight to the main attraction... Just say so if you'd rather do that! Kagami: A-Ah, I'm sorry, a-all right... All right, I'll do it... I'll do it. She resigned herself to her fate and gave into their demands... Male Student: Suck it... Start with my Magnum Dry... Magnum Dry! The man stuck his Magnum Dry in front of her face. Kagami: ... They hadn't bathed in days, and they had been having sex constantly... It probably smelled awful... Male Student: Hey, it looks like your Magnum Dry smells like shit. Male Student: No it doesn't! This is the fragrance of my Magnum! Enjoy the fragrance! Male Student: No... You haven't taken a shower in a while. It probably just stinks... That's why we need her to clean us up... Male Student: No! It doesn't stink! You should enjoy the fragrance! With your throat! Kagami: Ggh! Male Student: I'll rape if you if you don't do it right. Male Student: Jeez... You're so mean to her... Male Student: Look, I'll teach you how to suck a dick. Okay, use your tongue like this... See, you're getting it. Keep doing that. Kagami: Y-Yes... It was only reluctantly, but... she started to suck it. Slurp... It must have tasted bad when her tongue touched the tips of their dicks... Her face warped in disgust every time. Male Student: Come on, it'll never end if you do it like that! You're a runner who can't even see the finish line! Male Student: I can see the finish line! Suck my Magnum Dry, suck it dry! Kagami: Gghagh! Another man shoved his dick into Kagami's mouth... Poor Kagami, what have you gotten yourself into... Male Student: Ohohohohoho, your mouth is so warm... My Magnum is warming up! Male Student: Hey... Don't just sit there with it in your mouth... Do something. Kagami: Mmgh... Dho shomefthing? Male Student: I don't know what you're saying, but I can see it on your face! You're a dead fish, huh... I guess I'll have to do it! The man grabbed her head and... Kagami: Aggh? Mmghh, aagghh, mmmgh, mgpgh... He grabbed her head and moved it up and down. He used her like an onahole... Just awful... Kagami: Mmgh, ghh, mmph, mmgh, ah, mphha, ee-eecckhph... Ah, hmphh? Mm, haa...! Her breathing was incredibly rough... It looked like he was going to break her jaw. Hahaha... Actually, her mouth must be full of the taste of that man's disgusting unwashed dick... Lick it up good, Kagami... Slurp, slurp... Slurp, slurp... Male Student: Ahahahaha, look at her, just look at her! She's a mess! Slurp, slurp... She must be getting the smell of him in her nose every time she breathes... She's trying to hold her breath... What feeble resistance. Male Student: Her mouth feels great... My Magnum might be at its limit... Male Student: Ah, ahh, this is the last of my Magnum... This is my Magnum's... last staaandd! The man pistoned her head up and down even more violently. Kagami: Eehph, mmgh, mmpsch, hgha! Haumph, hmphha! Eeh, eehck... mmpsch, humsh? Mmpch, haa! Slurp, slurp... Male Student: I-I'm comiiiinggg. I-I'm gonna cum in her mouth. Kagami: ... She tried desperately to pull away, but... the man wouldn't let her, so she couldn't do anything but drink it... If she didn't, she couldn't even breathe... Kagami: ...Gulp... Gulp... Gulp... Haa. Spurt, spurt... Just how much did he cum... It was still coming out when she pulled away... Male Student: Now then... I guess it's time to fuck her... I think we're ready. Kagami: Please... Anything but that. Male Student: No way... Let's do it! Male Student: Nope... That's right. Kagami: Please, I'll do anything else. Male Student: Come on, let's hurry up and destroy her... Male Student: All right! Masturbate for us! Kagami: Eh? I-I can't... do that... Male Student: If you can't, then we'll just have to fuck you... Right, Magnum? Male Student: My Magnum... is feeling fine now... Kagami: ...Will you really let me go if I do? Male Student: Who knows? Come on, show us just how you masturbate every single day. Kagami: All right... Fine, I'll do it... She was stripped completely naked in front of her sister... Hehehe, she's going to masturbate in front of all these men... and in front of her sister... Hehehehe... Tsukasa evidently didn't know what they meant. Her face was completely blank. Go on, show your little sister what masturbation is... Male Student: Call more people! Kagami: Ah? Male Student: She's going to masturbate for us. We have to show everyone. Male Student: Really? She's going to do it? Male Student: Let's call everyone... The people slowly gathered... Yokoyama Yasuko was in the crowd... Yasuko: ... Kagami: Yasuko... Yasuko: So you're the Wakatsuki sisters... Whatever, not like I care. Let's get started already. Kagami: ... Male Student: Hurry up! We're bored... Kagami: ...All right. Shlup... She gave up and started touching her genitals. Shlup, shlup... Male Student: What's that? That's nothing... Do it for real. Kagami: What do you mean, for real... Yasuko: We can tell if you're really doing it... We're both girls, you know. I can tell... Yasuko: If you don't do it right... all of the men will rape you. Kagami: ... Shlup, shlup... Male Student: Whoa, she's getting wet... The men started stroking their dicks as they watched... They really liked it. Yasuko: It looks like your clitoris is really sensitive, Wakatsuki-san... You're only touching your clitoris... Kagami: ...! Yasuko: Can't you put on a better show for everyone? Yasuko: Can't you say anything? Hey! Kagami: Ah! Yasuko: You masturbate every day, right? Kagami: N-No, I don't. Kagami: Eek! Yasuko: Watch your mouth! Now, think about the most important person in your life. Kagami: ...The most important person... She glanced... at Tsukasa... Is Tsukasa... the most important person to her? What's wrong with her... That would make her a lesbian, and they're sisters... Just how perverted is she... Yasuko: Come on, you're going to get raped if you don't do it... Get going... Shlup, shlup... Male Student: Ehehehe, she's really starting to feel it... Kagami: Ooh, oh, ah, aah... Aah... Male Student: What a freak. Male Student: She's masturbating in front of everyone. Kagami: Ooh, oh... Ah... A-Aah... ah... Male Student: Oohh! One of the men ejaculated... One. Another one. One after another they ejaculated as they watched her masturbate... She started to smell like semen. Even then, she wasn't allowed to stop... Kagami: Hmm, ah, I'm... I'm... about to... ah, I'm going to, ah, ah, I'm... ah, going to cum... Her body shook. So she finally came... That's enough playing around... Now it's time to plunge her into despair... Despair... Kagami: Haa, haa... Now will you forgive me? Male Student: Yeah, we promised... Now then, let's put her on that. Kagami: Eh?! What do you mean? What are you talking about? I thought you were done. Male Student: Yeah, we're going to break your hymen... We'll break your ass hymen too... Kagami: Eh?! Male Student: Look at her face. It's like she's trying to remember if there's such a thing as an ass hymen... Hehehehe, what a dumb bitch. Male Student: Of course there isn't... Of course not. Kagami: D-Didn't you promise? Male Student: Of course we did. We won't break your hymen... We have something else that can do it for us. Kagami: ...Wh-What? What's that? Male Student: It's a wooden horse! I made it! Kagami: Noooo! You liars! Male Student: When did we promise... not to make a wooden horse? Male Student: Knock it off with your one man comedy act... That's enough... Kagami: Noooo! Let me gooo! Her arms and legs were restrained with the bondage gear. She was hung from the ceiling with the hooks on it. As the ropes holding her up were loosened... her body would be slowly lowered down... Kagami: Nooo, please, don't do it. Male Student: Hehehehe, what a pity. You're going to lose your precious virginity to this thing... Kagami: Th-Then why don't you save me? Male Student: No way. You're not human anymore. This is what you deserve... Male Student: Now then... Lower her down... Kagami: Nooo! The pulley creaked as it spun... The rope slowly lengthened... and Kagami's body moved closer to the horse. Kagami: I'll do anything! Kagami: I'll do anything!! N-Nooooo!!! Male Student: Ahahahahaha, this is the penetration ceremony! Kagami: Agkh! Male Student: Ahahahahahahaha, it penetrated both of her holes! Kagami: Y-You... Male Student: Now it's time for the main attraction... We're going to rape you until you beg for the cock. Kagami: P-Please stop... How many hours passed after that... No, maybe it wasn't that long... I watched the boring show the whole time. Kagami's every hole was defiled... Her mouth, her vagina, her anus. They even played with her urethra. She passed out several times... They put the elixir in every hole she has. The elixir can do anything, even change pain into pleasure... Complete and utter pleasure... By this point, she couldn't feel pain at all anymore... Kagami: It's good, it's sooo goood. Ah, aah, aaaauahh, I can feel it... Kagami: I can feel it all the way in there, I can feel it, I can feel it inside me. Haa... And she was so set against it before... I guess that's the effect of the elixir... Though she wasn't wearing any panties. She was a lewd woman to begin with... Well... whatever, I guess... She's no better than any of the other sluts... In the end... all women are like this, huh... Kagami: Make me feel even better. Male Student: Ahahaha, what a slut. Male Student: Put it in her ass. Kagami: Put some more on before you put it in... Male Student: Put some on her asshole. Male Student: The ass is really sensitive, so it's good at absorbing it. Male Student: All right! Kagami: Ah! He stuck his finger up her ass... She looked happy when he did it... Male Student: She's squeezing my finger... I'll rub it all in on the inside. The man's finger rubbed inside her anus. Shlup... Kagami: Ahh. Kagami: Don't take it out of my ass... Put it in. Male Student: All right, I'll stick it in. Kagami: Ah! His penis slowly entered her anus. Shlup... Kagami: Ahh! Male Student: Whoa, her pussy just got really tight. Male Student: She's squeezing... Kagami: Haaa, aaaah. My ass, and my pussy... They're so full... It's so good. Male Student: It's crazy tight. Male Student: I'm gonna start moving. Shlup, shlup... Kagami: Ah! D-Don't move at the same time... Shlup, shlup... Kagami: If you do that... I-I'm gonna start feeling funny... Ah! Shlup, shlup... Male Student: Her pussy is amazing. Kagami: Ah, it's so big. My ass, my asshole is going to tear. Aaahh! Shlup, shlup... Kagami: Put it in! My pussy and ass feel so good! Jeez... I'm really getting bored. Everything she says is just vulgar... She can't even say anything creative... Monotonous, monotonous, it's all monotonous. Male Student: Hey, you're using way too much of that... You're going to overdose. Male Student: It's fine. Our physical bodies are going to be destroyed anyway, right, my brother? Kagami: Ah! My pussy feels so good! Ride me bareback! Kagami: Ah! I can feel the semen! It's hot! Spurt, spurt! Kagami: Ah... My pussy is full of everyone's semen. Spurt, spurt... Male Student: I'm cumming too... Spurt, spurt! Kagami: Ah... Aah... I can feel it in my ass too... It's so hot inside me... It's been like this the whole time... What a bore... I don't even care anymore... Jeez... How dull... Takuji: How is it? How does it feel? Tsukasa: Y-You're awful... Awful... Why would you do this... You're terrible... Takuji: Hehehehe... Kagami's totally broken. Tsukasa: Why? Why would you do that... She's my... my precious, precious... Takuji: Your precious sister is broken. She's utterly broken. Tsukasa: Onee-chan... Onee-chan... Takuji: It's no use... She's broken... Kagami: Are you sure about that? Takuji: Huh? Kagami: I told you... I'll play along with your farce... How was I? Takuji: Wh-What... You... Kagami: All you've done is get me dirty... If you stick me in the washer, I'll be clean again in no time... Kagami: But if you don't mind... I'd like to be hand washed... Make the water about 30 degrees celsius... Not too hot, but not too cold either... Kagami: You can use bleach for the tough stains... Kagami: Did you know they came out with bleach that works even if the clothes aren't white? It takes the stains right out... Kagami: There are special sprays and shampoos too... Do you think you could get all of this off? Kagami: Is this the end? Kagami: Is this the end of your farce? Takuji: Y-You little... Kagami: Weren't you going to break me... You're going to break me, right? Are you going to break me? Are you going to break me? Are you going to break me? Kagami: Are you afraid to break me? Are you afraid to really break me? Hey, are you scared? Are you scared? Kagami: You have to break me all the way... Go ahead and destroy me... Hey. Break me... Hey, you. Break me, break me... Hey, break me... Break me... Break me. Kagami: Break me... You're going to break me... right? Are you going to break me? Are you going to break me? Are you going to break me? Are you going to break me? Are you going to break me? Kagami: Are you going to break me... You're going to break me... right? Weren't you going to break me? Weren't you going to break me? Weren't you going to break me? Weren't you going to break me? Weren't you going to break me? Weren't you going to break me? Weren't you going to break me? Weren't you going to break me? Kagami: Are you going to break me... You're going to break me... right? Weren't you going to break me? Weren't you going to break me? Weren't you going to break me? Weren't you going to break me? Weren't you going to break me? Weren't you going to break me? Kagami: Weren't you going to break me... You're going to break me... right? Weren't you going to break me? Weren't you going to break me? Weren't you going to break me? Weren't you going to break me? Weren't you going to break me? Weren't you going to break me? Kagami: BREAK ME ALL THE WAY. I WON'T BREAK LIKE THIS... IF YOU PUT ME IN THE WASHER, I'LL BE CLEAN AGAIN... NOTHING WILL CHANGE... NOTHING WILL CHANGE... Kagami: COME ON DESTROY ME BREAK ME DESTROY ME BREAK ME DESTROY ME BREAK ME DESTROY ME BREAK ME DESTROY ME BREAK ME... Kagami: PLEASE DESTROY ME... COME ON. Takuji: I'll break you... I'll totally break you... I'll break you, once and for all. Takuji: Making a fool... Making a fool of me... Takuji: Someone get a hammer! Someone get a ladder! Get the stakes! Takuji: It's a crufixion... I'll crucify you... Tsukasa: Huh? Wh-Why? Why? Takuji: Shut up! I can't let her go after she challenged me like that! This time I'll really break this fucking rabbit! Tsukasa: No, stop! Takuji: That concrete pillar... Crucify her on that pillar... High up. Much higher than here... Crucify her. The first strike. The palm of the hand. The hammer struck the stake. The flesh gave way and the bones broke. It easily found its way to the concrete. But... it took a while after that... The stakes wouldn't go into the concrete easily. The hammer fell upon the stake again and again. It tore at the wound every time. Even then, it wouldn't go into the concrete. When the hammer missed its mark, it crushed Kagami's hand... Her fingers were broken in one hit. Her fingers didn't even retain their original shape... by the time she was nailed to the pillar... Stakes were driven into her palms and her feet. Driven into the concrete with a steel hammer. Tsukasa cried out... but Kagami just laughed. She laughed at me with scorn. They drove the stakes through her hands and feet, all the way into the concrete. Takuji: How is it... How does it feel to be destroyed, Kagami? Kagami: ... She didn't answer... Is she enjoying the pain? Does she want to be destroyed that badly... Is she enjoying the pain? Tsukasa: L-Let her go... Let her down, please... Don't do any more... Tsukasa: I... don't want to lose anything else. I don't want to lose her... Don't make me live life alone. Save me... Save me, Tomo Nii-san... Tomo Nii-san? What's she talking about... That's her sister... Is she going crazy? Takuji: Whatever... Now then, Kagami... It's time to get you down from there... Kagami: ... She looks like she's wondering if it's really over... She knows this isn't the end... It's a promise... I'll completely break you. I'll destroy you... Don't worry... Tsukasa: Y-You're going to let her down? You'll save her? You won't break her? Takuji: ...Bring them out. I didn't answer Tsukasa. I promised I'd get her down... But I didn't guarantee anything else... If I made any other promises, I would just break them... Male Student: Yes... Tsukasa: Wh-What's that... Takuji: They're shears for cutting down branches... They're used to cut stuff down from high places... Tsukasa: Eh? Wh-What are you going to do... What are you going to do to Onee-chan?! Takuji: I'll get her down... from a high place. This will be the end of her punishment... Tsukasa: Y-You... You liar... Takuji: It's true... I'll use this to cut her down... She'll come crashing down to the ground... Tsukasa: Nooo! Takuji: Now then... I should probably start with the legs... I would like to cut through her thighs, but... maybe they're too thick? But... it's worth a try. Kagami: Gghaah! I guess I should've expected her to scream... Well, I guess... Though I barely clipped into her thigh... I have to use a bit more force... Kagami: Aaaagh! Kagami: Gguuh! Kagami: Aah! Kagami: Aaaahhhhhhh! I couldn't get through it... It was too much for one person to do... I ordered the rest of them to help. It didn't take long after that... Her flesh was ripped apart with amazing speed... She must have fainted by now... Hehehe... There we go... That's one of her thighs... and the other one is getting there too... What's this? Rain? No. Tears. Her eyes were wet with tears. Ehehehehehe. I've cried far more than you in my life until now. How pathetic. No one sympathizes with you. Just like no one has ever sympathized with me... no one will sympathize with you. The death penalty went on. The severing of her limbs still wasn't done... But... severing limbs isn't easy, even with a horse pulling someone apart... I don't know how long it took with those shears. I destroyed her... I destroyed her... because that's what she wanted. It took quite a few people and a lot of time, but... we completely severed her arms and legs. Her bones were especially hard to cut... We had to use a hammer and stake to break her exposed bones. But in the end her limbs were completely severed, and then, with nothing to support her body, she fell to the ground... It wasn't that high, but it was plenty high enough to kill someone falling on their face. Since she had no arms or legs... all she could do was fall straight on her face... She died when her skull struck the concrete. She was completely broken. At the end, she laughed. She wasn't in agony. She laughed. She laughed at me, and she laughed at the world. But she smiled at Tsukasa alone. Tsukasa sat and cried beside the body. They asked me what they should do with the body, but... I told them to leave it... We don't have time to deal with that. The final sky is already over our heads... Now we just have to return to it... Once we step out of this ark, it will all end... The Black Surge is powerless now... We who stand at the edge of this world... began to walk forward... That's right... We have nothing else to do here... We just have to walk forward... Takuji: Haa... I'm tired... Kimika: My savior? Someone called for me. I wonder who... Takuji: What is it? Kimika: Umm... The Wakatsuki girl ran off... Takuji: The girl? Oh... Tsukasa? Kimika: Do you care? Takuji: Why would I? Kimika: Oh, wel * I thought maybe we should kill her instead..."* Takuji: There's no problem... Kimika: I see... She knows everything that's going on down here, though... Takuji: I said there's no problem, so there's no problem! Kimika: Hehehe... You don't need to say it like that. I was just asking. Takuji: Oh... All right... No problem... Not anymore... None at all... It's all over... Kimika: Is it going to end soon? Takuji: Yeah... The world will end soon. Kimika: Oh, that's right. When is the sky at the edge of the world going to come? Takuji: It's already here... The edge of the world is right above our heads... Kimika: Oh, I see.. * This is already the edge of the world..."* Takuji: Yeah, that's right... This is the edge of the world... Kimika: I see... The edge of the world... It's already here... Takuji: Yes... Kimika: Well then, isn't it time for us to return to the sky? Takuji: Oh... Do you want to return that badly? Kimika: Ahahaha... I guess so... I've wanted to return for a long time... Takuji: A long time? Kimika: Oh, well.. * it seems like the sky or whatever will be nice..."* Takuji: What do you mean? Kimika: Who knows... Takuji: ... Kimika: So I'm grateful to you... Takuji: ? Kimika: The day we'll return to the sky, huh... That's nice. That's a really good phrase. Takuji: What do you mean phrase? These are words of gospel. Kimika: Oh, no, I'm sorry * I know that. I'm sorry... Ahahaha..."* Takuji: What are you saying... Kimika: What am I saying? Ahahaha... Tachibana Kimika... Now that I think about it, she's a strange woman... She's different from the rest of them... The rest of the people gathered here... Something is different... She bullied Takashima... and then she came to me because she was afraid of Takashima's curse... She came because she didn't want to die... just like Akasaka Megu, Kitami Satoko, and the rest of them did... But her eyes... She jokingly said she had come to kill me... but was that really a joke? Her eyes when we first met... and her voice when she was watching Senagawa... She led Senagawa to her death without a moment's hesitation... Now that I think about it, did I really fool her with that farce? I've put on a show to make the others believe in my predictions... But if I had to say it... I feel like I showed her my entire hand at the beginning... She's the only one who could've figured out that I didn't kill Senagawa with the curse, but rather led her to her death directly... And yet... Why is she the most faithful and devoted of them all? Why is she trying to help me like this? Takuji: Hehehehehe... Well, whatever... Kimika: Yes, whatever you say. Takuji: That's right... It's been long enough already... Kimika: Yes, it's been long enough... The final sky... The End Sky is here... Now we just have to take the final step... Yes, the final step. Kimika: You... don't look too good... Takuji: Oh, really? I'm fine... Kimika: Did something happen up there? Takuji: Up there? Oh... The roof? Well, I guess there was... Kimika: You guess there was? You're bleeding a lot... Takuji: ...You knew that? Kimika: You threw away your old clothes... They were covered in blood... Takuji: You did a good job of figuring out they were mine... Kimika: I always make sure to keep an eye on you... Takuji: Oh, really? Kimika: I have incredible powers of observation. Takuji: Oh really... Incredible powers of observation, huh... Takuji: Haa... That's right... Kimika: Yes? Takuji: Why don't you have sex with the rest of them? Kimika: Eh? Takuji: Why? Kimika: B-But you're... not joining in with them either... Takuji: Because I'm not human... I'm doing it with others who aren't human. Kimika: So you can't do it with humans? Takuji: Well... probably not... Kimika: I see... Takuji: Why? Kimika: Oh, uh.. * Nothing."* Takuji: Are you a virgin? Kimika: Eh * W-Well, yes."* Takuji: Have you ever kissed anyone? Kimika: Of course not.. * Why?"* Takuji: Do you want to do it? Kimika: Eh? Takuji: Sex. Kimika: U-Um... Takuji: I don't really care if you don't want to... Kimika: Why wouldn't I want to?! Takuji: ...Why are you yelling? Kimika: Dunno... I'm probably just at that age... Takuji: Oh... I don't mind if you say no. Kimika: ...U-Umm... Takuji: What? Kimika: Could you... order me to do it? Takuji: Huh? What do you mean? Kimika: I can't do it with you for private reasons... but I could if you ordered me to... Takuji: What do you mean? Are you saying you don't want to? Kimika: Like I said! There's no way I wouldn't want to! Takuji: I don't understand... Kimika: I-I'm sorry... I know it doesn't make sense... Kimika: It's just that I can't do it with you because I want to... but if I had to in order to make the plan succeed... then we could compromise... Takuji: To make the plan succeed? Kimika: Oh, i-it's nothing! Takuji: Hmm... Well, okay... Takuji: Is there any particular human you're in love with? Kimika: A human * Hmm, that's kind of hard... Maybe someone who's not human..."* Takuji: What do you mean? Someone that's two-dimensional? Kimika: Ahahahaha, I am definitely an otaku, but... that's not really it... Takuji: Then what do you mean? Kimika: Well, it doesn't really matter who... Kimika: A-Anyway, order me please. Takuji: To do what? Kimika: I.. * I just told you..."* Takuji: What did you say? Kimika: T-To do it with you... Takuji: All right... Kimika, do it with me. Kimika: ... Takuji: What's wrong? Kimika: Oh, nothing... I-I'm fine... Kimika: But I... don't know anything about this. Takuji: Well I... don't know anything about it either... Kimika: Hahaha.. * So then... what should we do?"* Takuji: What should we do? Takuji: Well we have to do a few things first, right? Apparently... it hurts if you don't get wet first. Kimika: Ah * Wait a second..."* Kimika: Hmm... Kimika: After that conversation just now, my lady parts are on standby and ready to go. Takuji: R-Really? Kimika: Ahahaha * well this is just because... of the atmosphere..."* Takuji: The atmosphere, huh? It doesn't seem like there is any atmosphere. Kimika: Oh, it's just... after you asked if I wanted to do it so casually... I kind of got nervous... Takuji: That makes you nervous? Kimika: Well... at least for me, it does... Takuji: Oh, is that what it is... Kimika: Yeah, it is. Takuji: Shouldn't there still be some kind of foreplay? Kimika: I don't know... Neither of us have bathed recently either. Takuji: I guess not. Kimika: And I don't really want anyone to look at my body. Takuji: What if I just used my hand? Kimika: Your hand would get dirty. Takuji: Don't say that... Kimika: But I wonder... I don't think it's necessary... A little bit of foreplay isn't going to stop it from hurting. Takuji: Then should we forget about it? Kimika: I don't really know much about that stuff. Takuji: About what? Kimika: That Cat's Eye stuff... Whether you're a virgin or even if you're bleeding from anal, it doesn't hurt at all... Takuji: Like I said, it's not Cat's Eye... That's elixir. Kimika: It's not a big deal either way... Come on, stick it in already... Takuji: Stick it in already, huh... Can't you at least act a little excited about it? Kimika: I am excited, in my own way... Kimika: You're just going to... sleep with a commoner on a whim? It kind of sends shivers up my spine. Kimika: I heard Kezawa** was crazy popular with the ladies. It was supposed to be even better than sleeping with a celebrity. Takuji: Wasn't Kezawa** celibate? Well, whatever... That story kind of makes me feel depressed. Kimika: Oh, that's what I was doing. Takuji: What? Kimika: I was trying to help you feel better, since you looked down. Takuji: No... I haven't taken a bath lately... Kimika: It'll be fine. I've heard of cults where people would drink the leader's bath water. Takuji: No... That might be true, but still... Kimika: It'll be fine... I've always been self-destructive, and I'm telling you I don't mind... Takuji: Then your hands will be the ones to get dirty. Kimika: Huh? I was going to use my mouth. Takuji: Really? Kimika: And I said before I wasn't really interested in sex itself. Takuji: Then what are you interested in? Kimika: Maybe I just wanted to try sucking a dick? Takuji: Really? Is that all? I thought girls hated doing that... Kimika: That depends on the person. I don't know if other girls like it, and I don't really care... I'd be happy just sucking your dick. Takuji: But still... I told you to do it with me... Kimika: Sure, that's fine... Now's our chance, since the drugs are still working. Takuji: What do you mean chance? Kimika: Oh, nothing * I don't think three fingers would be able to fit normally... I feel like I would die just thinking about it."* Takuji: What you mean, three fingers? Kimika: Oh, it's just that I heard a dick is about three fingers thick... Takuji: Really? But not everyone's fingers are the same thickness... Kimika: Neither are their dicks. Takuji: Well, I guess... Kimika: Something like that. Takuji: Something like that, huh... Kimika: Do you mind if I touch it through your pants while we talk? Takuji: I don't care, but... aren't we going out of order? Kimika: Hmm... How's this~ Takuji: Ahh. Kimika: Oh... Oh! Takuji: Wh-What? Kimika: It must feel good... You moaned... Takuji: Isn't it nasty hearing a guy moan? Kimika: Not at all. I love it. Takuji: Wh-What do you mean... It's disgusting hearing a guy moan... Kimika: Then try to endure it... I don't care if you don't do it... Takuji: Ah... Kimika: Wow... Boys really do have a rod in their pants... Takuji: Well yeah... Kimika: This is fun... Why does it stand out like this? It's kind of nice, since it's easier to stroke like this. Takuji: I guess... Kimika: After all, if a girl doesn't want someone touching her, she can just close her legs... but for a guy, even if he doesn't like it, it's always exposed... Takuji: What do you mean exposed... I'm still wearing pants... Kimika: Do you mind if I take them off? Kimika: It would probably feel better that way... Probably... Takuji: If that's what you want... Kimika: Then I'll do what I want... Here goes the belt... Wow, a black bikini? Takuji: Of course not... They're boxers. Kimika: I see... It's kind of erotic how I can see the shape through the underwear... This is pretty good. Takuji: You don't need to explain every detail! Kimika: Kimika, in charge of explanations! Kimika: At least let me do that... I am about to clean you up nice and good with my mouth after all. Takuji: Why should the savior make a compromise with his servant? Kimika: But look at it... Don't you want me to suck it? Takuji: N-Not really... Kimika: Ahahaha! Don't worry, I'll still do it... I'll make you nice and clean. My mouth is as good as taking a shower... Then she took off my underwear. Kimika: Huh... I thought it would be nastier... There's not much hair at all. Takuji: What do you mean by that?! Kimika: Do you wear stockings? Takuji: Why would I do that? Kimika: You must shave, or there would be more hair down here... which means you must wear something like that... Takuji: Why do you think that means I wear stuff like that? Kimika: The savior in stockings... Kimika: Hmm... Mm... Mm... Takuji: Ah! Ah... She put my penis in her mouth casually, as if she was used to doing this every day... I was taken aback by the warm sensation... It was kind of... kind of like... Kimika: Mm... Ah... What are you thinking about? Takuji: Oh, nothing... It was a little different than I expected... Kimika: You mean it doesn't feel good? Ah, hmm... Takuji: Oh, no. It feels good, but... it's kind of interesting... So this is what it feels like when someone does this with their mouth... Kimika: Hmm... What do you mean interesting? Ha, hmm... Waves of pleasure ran up my spine as her lips moved up and down... Kimika: Mm... The taste changed... Takuji: You're so blunt... Kimika: Blunt, huh... Uh... Ohhh, I can taste you... I-It's my first time, but... it makes me feel so strange when I suck your penis... Takuji: Stop it... Kimika: Make up your mind... Kimika: Oh, but it is fun to suck it... Yeah, I really do like doing it. Takuji: Oh, okay... That's good, then. Kimika: My jaw is kind of getting tired... but it's still fun... Hmm... Ha... Kimika: I-It's kind of amazing... I have the savior's penis... in my mouth. Can you feel it, my savior? Does it feel good? Takuji: What are you talking about... Kimika: I'm just narrating... Takuji: You don't need to do that... Knock it off... Kimika: Really? Aww... But look, it's twitching, and there's stuff coming out of the tip... Takuji: D-Don't say that... Kimika: I'm just narrating. Takuji: I got it already, now cut it out... Kimika: Ahahaha... The savior might be a masochist. Takuji: Th-That's... Well, maybe a little... Wait, who cares about that! Are you stupid? Kimika: Do you want to cum in my mouth? Takuji: Y-Yeah... Kimika: That's it! Kimika moved her head even lower... Takuji: Ah, ah! Kimika: That's right... Your balls are really sensitive... Hmm, ha... Hmm... Takuji: S-Stop... If you do that with your hand while you're licking down there... I-I won't be able to hold it... Kimika: Oh, you like having your balls sucked. Takuji: Who cares about that?! Aah! Kimika: Oh, your reactions just get better and better... Whoa, you're so hard. Takuji: Ha, hmm... Haa. Kimika: Ah, but your balls are so soft. Licking them feels so good... This is great... Takuji: Wh-Who cares?! Whoa! Kimika: Hehehehe, Tachibana is in trouble... the savior tells her to clean up... so why does she get dirty every time she cleans up? Takuji: Sh-Shut up! Ah... Kimika: Anyway... Here's the finale... Ah, mm, mm, hmm... Ah, hmm... Kimika moved her hand up and down even faster... As her lips stimulated my most sensitive parts, I felt something welling up from within me... Kimika: Mm, mm, mm... Ah... Hehehe... Does it feel good? I'm so glad that you're letting me do this... I felt it coming... I couldn't resist the feeling coming from my hips. Takuji: Hmm... I-I'm going to cum... Ah, I can't... hold it any longer... Kimika: All right... My mouth is ready for it. Don't worry. Takuji: Ah, no... I-I'm going to... Aaahh! Kimika: Mm?! Ah... Mm...Mm... Haa... My back arched and I let out a moan that I would normally never let anyone else hear. I felt the liquid spurting from my penis. Kimika drank it all down... Kimika: ... But she stopped in the middle. Kimika: Urgh. Takuji: Wh-Whoa, don't spit it out! Kimika: But it's so nasty. It's all sticky in the back of my throat... Kimika: What is this? I thought it would just taste bad... What an awful person. Takuji: Semen isn't a person... Besides, it's not just a normal liquid. If you cum into a tissue, it's sticky, kind of like spit. Kimika: Oh... That's kind of erotic... Takuji: Maybe, but still... you shouldn't spit it out like that... Kimika: I don't like carbonated stuff... This is no good. Takuji: What do you mean carbonated? That has nothing to do with it... Kimika: I mean the feeling in the back of my throat and in my stomach... Well, I guess it's not really the same. Takuji: Of course not... Kimika: But it feels strange in the back of my throat, which is pretty much the same... It's kind of like comparing curry to a cigarette, I guess? Takuji: That comparison doesn't make sense... Curry and tobacco are nothing alike... Can't you speak clearly? Kimika: Oh... It looks like you still have some energy. Look. Takuji: Huh? No, m-maybe, but... let me rest for a while. Kimika: My savior... Do you want to stick it in my pussy or my ass? Takuji: What kind of choice is that... Kimika: They're both virgin, after all.. * Which one do you want? Or do you want both?"* Takuji: No, both would be impossible... There's no way I could cum three times. Kimika: Oh, really.. * Well then, it's time for a choice. Do you want to stick it in my ass? Or do you want to stick it in my pussy?"* Takuji: When you say it like that, I actually see the choices. Knock it off... Kimika: Hehehe... You play too many games. Kimika: All right. I figured you would pick that, you pervert. Takuji: I'll kill you... Kimika: Now now, I'm interested in it too.. * Um... even without lube, the savior's precum should do the trick."* Takuji: Will you be okay? You don't want to use your finger to loosen it up? Kimika: Why wouldn't I be? I like to touch my ass when I masturbate. Takuji: What's that? You're the pervert... Kimika: I guess so. Who cares about that * Come on, give it a try!"* Takuji: You're so blunt... Kimika straddled me and slowly brought her hips down... Kimika: Sit still, just like that... I'll do the aiming... She slowly brought her hips down while holding my penis in place. Takuji: Are you sure you're okay? Kimika: Yes. I'll do everything. I'll stick it in, and then I'll move... Oh, and tell me if you itch somewhere. Takuji: That's what a barber is supposed to say... Kimika: Ahahaha. Kimika: Well then, I hope you don't mind... Mm, Ah! A shiver ran up her body when the tip touched her. Her pussy was pretty wet, too... It was so wet that we actually didn't need any lotion. As my penis entered her, it made her feel a sensation that she had never experienced before in her life. Kimika: ...! She pressed down and lined up her aim. She took a deep breath and made up her mind. As the hot summer air filled her lungs and circulated through her body. My penis slowly went inside her... Slowly, gently... it was enveloped by her hot body... Kimika: Ah... Ahh! Ah, ah... Ah...! Takuji: A-Are you all right? The tip wasn't even all the way in... and her face was twisted in pain. Kimika: Ahaha... Sorry for making you worry. For the record, I'm not moaning in pain... Takuji: O-Oh, really... Kimika: Ahahaha... Well, that's because of the drugs. Takuji: But it's not really going in easily... Kimika: Ahahaha, I'm sorry... Well, anyway, can I start moving? Takuji: Y-Yeah... It's all right. Kimika: Well then... here I go... Ah! Ooh, ah... Takuji: ...This is... amazing. Even with just the tip in, it felt like I was going to cum... It was incredibly tight. I just came, but I felt myself coming near the peak again. Takuji: Ah... Aah... Kimika: Ah... Aaaah, ahaaa! Aah... Kimika: Ah... Aahh. It's... in? Is it all in... now? Takuji: I-I'm not sure... Ahh... But it's really warm, and tight... Kimika: Ah, this is bad... This is beyond amazing... Aah! It wasn't just tight, it was incredibly warm inside her. The sensation was indescribable... Kimika: Ah, it's so good! Aaah, aaah! my savior, this is too much. Kimika: I can't take it... M-My mind is going blank...! Mm, aaah, aaah! As she moved her hips, her breath came out in ragged tatters. Kimika: Ah, aaah! It feels so good... It's moving inside me! Kimika: I can't take it... I can't... I! Kimika: At this rate, I'm going to... I-I... I can't take it... Kimika: Ah, ah, ahhh! I can feel it... tingling... Aaah, my body is tingling... Aah! Kimika: I feel strange! I can feel your warm dick... moving inside me, I―Aaah! Her ass was completely opened up... It easily took in the entire length of my dick. Kimika: Aaah! It's coming, I can feel it coming in! It's all the way in... Aaah! Aaah... Now it's going... Now it's going out! It went in and out, not even giving me time to breathe. Kimika: Aaah, my ass... my savior, it's coming. Aaaah! I can feel it... It's my first time, but it feels so good... Aah, my savior. Takuji: Kimika... This is amazing. I can feel you loosening up... Kimika: Ooh, aaah, aaah! Aauh, aah, I can feel it inside me... Aaaah! Shlup, shlup, shlup... Kimika: Ah, I can't take it... I can't hold back... Aaah... Takuji: It's all right... I'm going to explode any moment now... Takuji: I-I'm... going to cum... K-Kimika... Kimika: Aaah, give it to me... Aaah, aaaauhhh... My Saaavior!! Kimika: Ah... Ahahaha... I-It's coming out... Your sperm... Aaah... I-I can't hold it back... Kimika: Aah!! Just a moment after me... She probably held back until I came... Kimika: Haa... Ah... Aah, aah. The contractions slowly subsided... Takuji: When you say it like that, I actually see the choices. Knock it off... Kimika: Hehehe... You play too many games. Kimika: All right. I figured you liked it plain. Takuji: What do you mean, plain... Kimika: Well then, excuse me. Kimika pushed the tip into her pussy. Kimika: Ah... She was breathing hard. Takuji: Are you all right? Kimika: Ah, haha... I'm all right... Huh? The drugs should still be working, but it kind of hurts. Kimika: But... it'll probably start working soon... The entrance was too tight... It was like it was completely closed. Kimika: Damn it... I'll get it in there. Aaah! Takuji: A-Are you all right? Kimika: Ahh, aaahh... I'm fine... We have penetration... She took another breath and started moving her hips. The tip of my penis slowly made its way further inside of Kimika. Kimika: Aah, aah... As it went further in, she started to moan. Kimika: Ah! Ah! Aaah! My brain was numb with pleasure as I listened to her moaning. Her pussy was very warm and tight as it pressed on my dick from all sides. Kimika: My savior... You don't need to hold back... Ah! Takuji: H-Hold back? Kimika: Hehehe... You're about to cum, right? Hehehe, go ahead and cum inside me... Aaah! C-Come on... Takuji: Ah... Kimika. I'm sad to say it, but... I was about to cum already. I couldn't hold it in any longer. Takuji: A-All right... I'm going to... Kimika: Yeah... It's fine. You can cum, just like that... Right inside me... Takuji: Aah, I-I'm going to... Aaah. Kimika: Aaah? Aaah, ah, aaaaaah!! Kimika: Ooh... I can feel you... cumming inside me. It feels amazing. Takuji: A-Aaah... Kimika: Ahahaha... It's still coming out. Amazing... I can really feel it. Takuji: ...Really? Kimika: I guess, I would say... I can feel something moving inside me... I can kind of feel it. Kimika: How should I put it... It's like, I can feel you filling me up... Takuji: Oh... Kimika: Hehehe... Did it feel good, my savior? Takuji: Yeah... Kimika: Um... I'm sorry! Takuji: ? Kimika suddenly kissed me. Kimika: Mm, aaah... Mm, ah. Takuji: Mm... Ah... As we kissed, she started moving her hips. I already came, but it was still erect... Kimika: Mm, mm, aah... Mm, mm... We entwined our tongues together as we kissed. And our genitals were entwined as well, still wet from before. We were connected both above and below. Kimika lusted after me... She stuck her tongue in my mouth as she moved her hips. Kimika: I-I'm sorry, I'm sorry... It's over, but... I'm sorry! Aah, ah... Kimika: I-I can't stop myself... A-At this rate, hmm, aah, aaah... Before, she was just playing around... Now she lusted after me as if something inside her had broken. Takuji: Ah... It feels good for me too... Kimika: Ha, aah... I'm sorry... Making you do it twice... Her pussy became even tighter, but she never slowed down... Her hips started moving even more violently. We violently embraced each other... Our skin touching, our body heat being shared, as if we were melting into each other. Kimika: My savior... Aah! I can't... I'm going to... Takuji: Y-Yeah... It's fine... Go ahead and cum. Kimika: C-Can I? You don't mind? I'm... I'm cumming. Her body stiffened. At the same time, my penis swelled and started to unload inside her yet again. Takuji: Ah! Kimika: Aaah?! I-I'm cumming. I'm cumming... Haaa, ha, ah, aaaah!! Takuji: Ahh! Kimika: Ah, aaah, ah... Aaaaaah!! Kimika: Hahahaha... I kind of messed up. Takuji: What? Kimika: Oh, no.. * I'm just talking to myself... It's just, well, it's nothing..."* Takuji: What are you talking about... Kimika: Well... I guess that was a good reward. Takuji: A reward? For me? Kimika: Oh, no, that's not what I mean * A reward for me. After I put so much effort in, I guess I deserved one..."* Takuji: Is that all... Kimika: Yes... Well, now the curse will come true... Takuji: Curse? Kimika: Oh, nothing... I'm talking to myself * Ahahaha..."* Takuji: You're a strange one... Kimika: Yes... That's right. I'm a strange one. Takuji: Haa... Kimika: Why are you sighing? Kimika: Did I tire you out? Takuji: Yeah, I'm a bit tired, but... that's not it. Uh... I was thinking... Kimika: Thinking? Takuji: Yeah... I was wondering if I had anything I needed to do above ground... If we forget anything, we won't be able to go get it later. Kimika: That's right... Everything outside will end... Takuji: So I was wondering if I forgot anything... Kimika: So was there anything you forgot? Takuji: I wonder... I can't really remember. Kimika: Then you're probably not forgetting anything. Takuji: I see... I haven't forgotten anything, huh... Takuji: I have nothing left to do here, huh... Kimika: Yes. There's nothing left here... that you need to do... Takuji: So we can end it now... Kimika: Yes... I think we can end it. Kimika: I haven't.. * left anything behind."* Takuji: No... I don't care about you... Kimika: Of course not. Takuji: Why are you so upbeat? Takuji: Haa... The end, huh... I've done everything I needed to... Takuji: I haven't forgotten anything. Kimika: Nope. Takuji: Which means... my job as the savior is over. Kimika: Good work... It must have been tough. Takuji: Yeah... It was incredibly tough. Takuji: So then, what time is it? Kimika: It's... 11:00 p.m. on the 18th... It'll be the 19th in an hour. Takuji: Oh jeez... We have to go to the sky right away when it's the 19th... Kimika: Oh, really... Then.. * should we get going?"* Takuji: Oh, yeah... Maybe we should... Kimika: Ah... Kimika lent me her shoulder... It looks like my wounds from Yuuki still haven't healed... Maybe I should've used a bit more of the elixir? No... If I use too much, I won't be able to think clearly. If I don't limit myself, I might miss the timing to return to the sky... So that should be plenty... Takuji: Um, Kimika... the holy water... Kimika: Right, I'll sprinkle lots of LSD on them at the end. And the stimulants too! Takuji: Like I said... I turned the LSD into holy water and the stimulants into elixir... Kimika: Oh, I misspoke! That's right, that's what it was! I kind of wonder... What was she trying to accomplish... I feel like she only went along with what I was doing to accomplish her own objectives... What a strange woman... Well, it doesn't matter... Kimika: We'll give them a ton of it for the finale! Kimika: Oh~! I'm getting pumped! Everyone was gathered. How many people are there? And when did they all get here... They all look like they're having fun... Like they're all excited for something... I wonder if the ark was fun... I thought salvation would be a solemn affair... I thought saving people would be more serious... It should've felt religious... But in reality, it's like this... I gathered them all through fear... They all came here out of fear of the curse... They gathered to escape their fear of death... So why... are they so joyful? Returning to the sky... It truly is something wonderful, but... it should be more religious, more serious... But everyone's laughing. Frolicking. The world's final day is coming. Everyone is celebrating. I spoke. Of the three monsters born of the gods... Of the great wolf, Fenrir, who is human lust itself. Of the god of death, Hel, who is human fear of death itself. And of Jormungandr, significant of eternity, who will awaken on the world's final day. Everyone listened eagerly. Like children reading a picture book... they eagerly listened to the story of the world's final day. Rather than fear, it was enthusiasm I saw in their eyes. Rather than quivering, laughter. Rather than despair, joy. They all seemed so happy. They all seemed so eager. Laughing and screaming. I yelled! Dance! Dance! Dance! With the melody! Dance! The world is words! God is melody! We have no need for the world. We need only the melody. We danced with God! Everyone danced. Joyfully danced. Danced as if mad. There was no trace of gravity or solemnity. I thought once more about whether I had anything left to do here. Nothing... There's nothing for me to do here... I haven't forgotten anything... One more spoke. We have the melody, do we not? The melody is here. So we have no need for the world. We have no need for words. There's nothing we've forgotten... After all, we've forgotten it... The bell rang. Today began.
Male Student: Ehehehehehe. Male Student: Wow, what a pose. Kagami: Eh? Pose...? Eh?! They're awfully skilled... They tied her hands and legs in a flash. She was held in a terrible position. Kagami: ?! Kagami: Wh-What is this position? Even with her skirt still covering her underwear, that was an embarrassing position. Kagami: M-Mamiya! Th-This is―! Male Student: Hehehehehe, it's just to make sure the ritual goes smoothly... The pigs laughed nastily... They must really like doing this... Well, whatever... They can go ahead and break her... Go right ahead... Kagami: D-Do you really think you can do this to someone? T-Take this off! Male Student: Are you stupid? Why would we stop? Hehehehe, the fun time is just beginning. Tsukasa: Nooo! Stop it. Onee-chan! Takuji: Hahaha, all you need to do is watch as your sister is defiled. Male Student: Now it's time for the show to begin. I can't wait. Hehehe, she's shaking already. I guess she's starting to figure out what's going to happen to her. Male Student: Ahahahaha, of course she is! She knows! She knows exactly what's going to happen! Kagami: Wait, wh-what are you talking about... Male Student: It'll be way more amazing than what you're thinking of! Do you know what I mean? It'll be amazing! Kagami: Wha―?! A-Amazing... The men ignored her and stretched their arms out toward her skirt. Kagami: Hey, wh-what? Male Student: I don't know why you're wearing a skirt. Maybe we should inspect it and see what's under here. Kagami: N-Noooo, stop! Noo! Male Student: Hehehe, she's yelling already, and we're just looking... Now this is something... She tried her hardest to resist, but she couldn't do anything with the belts holding her in place... Her skirt was lifted up... and under there was... Male Student: Wh-What's this? Male Student: She's not wearing any... Male Student: Do you always walk around without any panties? Kagami: N-No, I just happened to not wear any today. Male Student: How could that just happen? There's no way it was just today! She must be an exhibitionist! Kagami: N-No... there's a reason... What, she was never wearing panties? What an exhibitionist... All the people in the Black Surge must be perverts like her... Male Student: Should I touch it? Kagami: T-Touch... wh-what? Kagami: Eek! Male Student: Whoa, her thigh really is soft! I can't take it! Male Student: I-I want to touch her too. Kagami: D-Don't touch me. Kagami: Noooooo! Male Student: Wow, I can't stand it... Her pussy is totally pink. Male Student: P-Pull it open... Kagami: N-Nooo! Forgive me! Male Student: Whoa... Her pussy is so tight, like a child's... The inside of her pussy, where no one would normally ever see... was spread open for all of the men to see. But she was walking around without any panties... She must have wanted this to happen. Male Student: Is this her clitoris? Then what is this? Kagami: Forgive me... Forgive me already... Don't touch me there... Stop... Male Student: Open it wider. She was pinned down and ravished by their eyes, like a frog being dissected... Male Student: The labia minora are inside the labia majora, right? Male Student: That's right... So then, what would it be in this situation? Male Student: No... I don't really know the details, but... Male Student: Anyway, her pussy is really soft... Wow. The men touched her genitals almost casually... There wasn't even a hint of kindness in their movements... There was just straightforward sexual interest. Male Student: How does it feel? Does it feel good? Male Student: She's not saying anything... Isn't she being awfully defiant in front of the savior? Male Student: Hey, answer us! How is it? Kagami: ... Male Student: She's so rebellious. I'm starting to get mad... She's going to mess up the ritual like this... Male Student: Hey, anyone got a knife... Kagami: Wh-What are you doing? S-Stop... One of them patted the flat of a knife against her thigh... The cold steel sent tremors through her body. Male Student: Hehehehehe... Scared? the savior told us to break you... Do you know what that means? Kagami: I'm not... I'm... not scared. Male Student: Hehehehe, come on, speak up! It's boring if you don't say anything! Kagami: Eek! The man put the knife on her genitals. How scary it must be... feeling the steel of the knife in a place like that... Tap, tap... He lightly tapped the flat of the knife on her genitals several times... Every time, it came down with just enough force that I had to wonder if she would bruise... Male Student: Are you scared... Are you scared? Kagami: ... Kagami glared at the man... She just glared... Male Student: Hehehehe, you really aren't the talkative type, huh? Kagami: ? The man's knife cut into her clothes... It shredded the fabric, bit by bit... Male Student: Why are you even wearing a skirt? It's not natural... You don't need this anymore, right? Male Student: Don't put a skirt on if you're not even going to wear panties. Hahahahaha! Male Student: Let's lick her pussy. Male Student: Yeah, we have to lick her pussy! Kagami: N-Noo, s-s-stop... Noo! It made a nasty sound... as the men relentlessly attacked her clitoris. Male Student: It got hard! It got hard! The bitch is getting turned on! Male Student: Hahaha! So you're not a frigid little bitch! Stupid whore! Male Student: Gahahahahaha, she's turned on! Kagami: Th-That's not true... I'm not... Male Student: Ahahahaha. Do it some more! Kagami: Noo... Stop. What a nasty sound... It's making me feel depressed... Hehehe... But it must be so much worse for her... Hehehehe... Male Student: What a sight... She loves spreading her legs for guys like this. Male Student: This is amazing... It's like I'm on a journey to search for the G-spot... Kagami: Please... Please stop. Male Student: She's getting wet. Male Student: No, that's... just your spit. Male Student: No, she is getting wet. I'm sure of it. She likes it! Male Student: Should we fuck her now? Kagami: Please, don't do that! Please, just not that... Male Student: That's right. You're getting ahead of yourself... We still have a lot to do before we can take her virginity. Male Student: There are?! Male Student: Of course there are! That's just common sense! The men took off their pants... Then they held their swelling genitals out to her. Kagami: Eh? W-Wait, noooo! Tsukasa: Wh-Wh-Wha―... Tsukasa covered her face with her hands so she wouldn't have to look. All she could do was watch... as her sister was violated... Male Student: Suck it! This is the first event on our agenda! Kagami: Th-That's... Male Student: If you'd rather, we could just get straight to the main attraction... Just say so if you'd rather do that! Kagami: A-Ah, I'm sorry, a-all right... All right, I'll do it... I'll do it. She resigned herself to her fate and gave into their demands... Male Student: Suck it... Start with my Magnum Dry... Magnum Dry! The man stuck his Magnum Dry in front of her face. Kagami: ... They hadn't bathed in days, and they had been having sex constantly... It probably smelled awful... Male Student: Hey, it looks like your Magnum Dry smells like shit. Male Student: No it doesn't! This is the fragrance of my Magnum! Enjoy the fragrance! Male Student: No... You haven't taken a shower in a while. It probably just stinks... That's why we need her to clean us up... Male Student: No! It doesn't stink! You should enjoy the fragrance! With your throat! Kagami: Ggh! Male Student: I'll rape if you if you don't do it right. Male Student: Jeez... You're so mean to her... Male Student: Look, I'll tell you how to suck a dick... Look, use your tongue like this... Look, you're getting it. Keep doing that. Kagami: Y-Yes... It was only reluctantly, but... she started to suck it. Slurp... It must have tasted bad when her tongue touched the tip of their dicks... Her face warped in disgust every time. Male Student: Come on, it'll never end if you do it like that! You're a runner who can't even see the finish line! Male Student: I can see the finish line! Suck my Magnum Dry, suck it dry! Kagami: Gghagh! Another man shoved his dick into Kagami's mouth... Poor Kagami, what have you gotten yourself into... Male Student: Ohohohohoho, your mouth is so warm... My Magnum is warming up! Male Student: Hey... Don't just sit there with it in your mouth... Do something. Kagami: Mmgh... Dho shomefthing? Male Student: I don't know what you're saying, but I can see it on your face! You're a dead fish, huh... I guess I'll have to do it! The man grabbed her head and... Kagami: Aggh? Mmghh, aagghh, mmmgh, mgpgh... He grabbed her head and moved it up and down. He used her like an onahole... Just awful... Kagami: Mmgh, ghh, mmph, mmgh, ah, mphha, ee-eecckhph... Ah, hmphh? Mm, haa...! Her breathing was incredibly rough... It looked like he was going to break her jaw. Hahaha... Actually, her mouth must be full of the taste of that man's disgusting unwashed dick... Lick it up good, Kagami... Slurp, slurp... Slurp, slurp... Male Student: Ahahahaha, look at her, just look at her! She's a mess! Slurp, slurp... She must be getting the smell of him in her nose every time she breathes... She's trying to hold her breath... What feeble resistance. Male Student: Her mouth feels great... My Magnum might be at its limit... Male Student: Ah, ahh, this is the last of my Magnum... This is my Magnum's... last staaandd! The man pistoned her head up and down even more violently. Kagami: Eehph, mmgh, mmpsch, hgha! Haumph, hmphha! Eeh, eehck... mmpsch, humsh? Mmpch, haa! Slurp, slurp... Male Student: I-I'm comiiiinggg. I-I'm gonna cum in her mouth. Kagami: ... She tried desperately to pull away, but... the man wouldn't let her, so she couldn't do anything but drink it... If she didn't, she couldn't even breathe... Kagami: ...Gulp... Gulp... Gulp... Haa. Spurt, spurt... Just how much did he cum... It was still coming out when she pulled away... Male Student: Now then... I guess it's time to fuck her... I think we're ready. Kagami: Please... Anything but that. Male Student: No way... Let's do it! Male Student: Nope... That's right. Kagami: Please, I'll do anything else. Male Student: Come on, let's hurry up and destroy her... Male Student: All right! Masturbate for us! Kagami: Eh? I-I can't... do that... Male Student: If you can't, then we'll just have to fuck you... Right, Magnum? Male Student: My Magnum... is feeling fine now... Kagami: ...Will you really let me go if I do? Male Student: Who knows? Come on, show us just how you masturbate every single day. Kagami: All right... Fine, I'll do it... She was stripped completely naked in front of her sister... Hehehe, she's going to masturbate in front of all these men... and in front of her sister... Hehehehe... Tsukasa evidently didn't know what they meant. Her face was completely blank. Go on, show your little sister what masturbation is... Male Student: Call more people! Kagami: Ah? Male Student: She's going to masturbate for us. We have to show everyone. Male Student: Really? She's going to do it? Male Student: Let's call everyone... The people slowly gathered... Yokoyama Yasuko was in the crowd... Yasuko: ... Kagami: Yasuko... Yasuko: So you're the Wakatsuki sisters... Whatever, not like I care. Let's get started, already. Kagami: ... Male Student: Hurry up! We're bored... Kagami: ...All right. Shlup... She gave up and started touching her genitals. Shlup, shlup... Male Student: What's that? That's nothing... Do it for real. Kagami: What do you mean, for real... Yasuko: We can tell if you're really doing it... We're both girls, you know. I can tell... Yasuko: If you don't do it right... all of the men will rape you. Kagami: ... Shlup, shlup... Male Student: Whoa, she's getting wet... The men started stroking their dicks as they watched... They really liked it. Yasuko: It looks like your clitoris is really sensitive, Wakatsuki-san... You're only touching your clitoris... Kagami: ...! Yasuko: Can't you put on a better show for everyone? Yasuko: Can't you say anything? Hey! Kagami: Ah! Yasuko: You masturbate every day, right? Kagami: N-No, I don't. Kagami: Eek! Yasuko: Watch your mouth! Now, think about the most important person in your life. Kagami: ...The most important person... She glanced... at Tsukasa... Is Tsukasa... the most important person to her? What's wrong with her... That would make her a lesbian, and they're sisters... Just how perverted is she... Yasuko: Come on, you're going to get raped if you don't do it... Get going... Shlup, shlup... Male Student: Ehehehe, she's really starting to feel it... Kagami: Ooh, oh, ah, aah... Aah... Male Student: What a freak. Male Student: She's masturbating in front of everyone. Kagami: Ooh, oh... Ah... A-Aah... ah... Male Student: Oohh! One of the men ejaculated... One. Another one. One after another they ejaculated as they watched her masturbate... She started to smell like semen. Even then, she wasn't allowed to stop... Kagami: Hmm, ah, I'm... I'm... about to... ah, I'm going to, ah, ah, I'm... ah, going to cum... Her body shook. So she finally came... That's enough playing around... Now it's time to plunge her into despair... Despair... Kagami: Haa, haa... Now will you forgive me? Male Student: Yeah, we promised... Now then, let's put her on that. Kagami: Eh?! What do you mean? What are you talking about? I thought you were done. Male Student: Yeah, we're going to break your hymen... We'll break your ass hymen too... Kagami: Eh?! Male Student: Look at her face. It's like she's trying to remember if there's such a thing as an ass hymen... Hehehehe, what a dumb bitch. Male Student: Of course there isn't... Of course not. Kagami: D-Didn't you promise? Male Student: Of course we did. We won't break your hymen... We have something else that can do it for us. Kagami: ...Wh-What? What's that? Male Student: It's a wooden horse! I made it! Kagami: Noooo! You liars! Male Student: When did we promise... not to make a wooden horse? Male Student: Knock it off with your one man comedy act... That's enough... Kagami: Noooo! Let me gooo! Her arms and legs were restrained with the bondage gear. She was hung from the ceiling with the hooks on it. As the ropes holding her up were loosened... her body would be slowly lowered down... Kagami: Nooo, please, don't do it. Male Student: Hehehehe, what a pity. You're going to lose your precious virginity to this thing... Kagami: Th-Then why don't you save me? Male Student: No way. You're not human anymore. This is what you deserve... Male Student: Now then... Lower her down... Kagami: Nooo! The pulley creaked as it spun... The rope slowly lengthened... and Kagami's body moved closer to the horse. Kagami: I'll do anything! Kagami: I'll do anything!! N-Nooooo!!! Male Student: Ahahahahaha, this is the penetration ceremony! Kagami: Agkh! Male Student: Ahahahahahahaha, it penetrated both of her holes! Kagami: Y-You... Male Student: Now it's time for the main attraction... We're going to rape you until you beg for the cock. Kagami: P-Please stop... How many hours passed after that... No, maybe it wasn't that long... I watched the boring show the whole time. Kagami's every hole was defiled... Her mouth, her vagina, her anus. They even played with her urethra. She passed out several times... They put the elixir in every hole she has. The elixir can do anything, even change pain into pleasure... Complete and utter pleasure... By this point, she couldn't feel pain at all anymore... Kagami: It's good, it's sooo goood. Ah, aah, aaaauahh, I can feel it... Kagami: I can feel it all the way in there, I can feel it, I can feel it inside me. Haa... And she was so set against it before... I guess that's the effect of the elixir... Though she wasn't wearing any panties. She was a lewd woman to begin with... Well... whatever, I guess... She's no better than any of the other sluts... In the end... all women are like this, huh... Kagami: Make me feel even better. Male Student: Ahahaha, what a slut. Male Student: Put it in her ass. Kagami: Put some more on before you put it in... Male Student: Put some on her asshole. Male Student: The ass is really sensitive, so it's good at absorbing it. Male Student: All right! Kagami: Ah! He stuck his finger up her ass... She looked happy when he did it... Male Student: She's squeezing my finger... I'll rub it all in on the inside. The man's finger rubbed inside her anus. Shlup... Kagami: Ahh. Kagami: Don't take it out of my ass... Put it in. Male Student: All right, I'll stick it in. Kagami: Ah! His penis slowly entered her anus. Shlup... Kagami: Ahh! Male Student: Whoa, her pussy just got really tight. Male Student: She's squeezing... Kagami: Haaa, aaaah. My ass, and my pussy... They're so full... It's so good. Male Student: It's crazy tight. Male Student: I'm gonna start moving. Shlup, shlup... Kagami: Ah! D-Don't move at the same time... Shlup, shlup... Kagami: If you do that... I-I'm gonna start feeling funny... Ah! Shlup, shlup... Male Student: Her pussy is amazing. Kagami: Ah, it's so big. My ass, my asshole is going to tear. Aaahh! Shlup, shlup... Kagami: Put it in! My pussy and my ass feel so good! Jeez... I'm really getting bored. Everything she says is just vulgar... She can't even say anything creative... Monotonous, monotonous, it's all monotonous. Male Student: Hey, you're using way too much of that... You're going to overdose. Male Student: It's fine. Our physical bodies are going to be destroyed anyway, right, my brother? Kagami: Ah! My pussy feels so good! Ride me bareback! Kagami: Ah! I can feel the semen! It's hot! Spurt, spurt! Kagami: Ah... My pussy is full of everyone's semen. Spurt, spurt... Male Student: I'm cumming too... Spurt, spurt! Kagami: Ah... Aah... I can feel it in my ass too... It's so hot inside me... It's been like this the whole time... What a bore... I don't even care anymore... Jeez... How dull...
Kimika: Do you mind if I touch it through your pants while we talk? Takuji: I don't care, but... aren't we going out of order? Kimika: Hmm... How's this~ Takuji: Ahh. Kimika: Oh... Oh! Takuji: Wh-What? Kimika: It must feel good... You moaned... Takuji: Isn't it nasty hearing a guy moan? Kimika: Not at all. I love it. Takuji: Wh-What do you mean... It's disgusting hearing a guy moan... Kimika: Then try to endure it... I don't care if you don't do it... Takuji: Ah... Kimika: Wow... Boys really do have a rod in their pants... Takuji: Well yeah... Kimika: This is fun... Why does it stand out like this? It's kind of nice, since it's easier to stroke like this. Takuji: I guess... Kimika: After all, if a girl doesn't want someone touching her, she can just close her legs... but for a guy, even if he doesn't like it, it's always exposed... Takuji: What do you mean exposed... I'm still wearing pants... Kimika: Do you mind if I take them off? Kimika: It would probably feel better that way... Probably... Takuji: If that's what you want... Kimika: Then I'll do what I want... Here goes the belt... Wow, a black bikini? Takuji: Of course not... They're boxers. Kimika: I see... It's kind of erotic how I can see the shape through the underwear... This is pretty good. Takuji: You don't need to explain every detail! Kimika: Kimika, in charge of explanations! Kimika: At least let me do that... I am about to clean you up nice and good with my mouth after all. Takuji: Why should the savior make a compromise with his servant? Kimika: But look at it... Don't you want me to suck it? Takuji: N-Not really... Kimika: Ahahaha! Don't worry, I'll still do it... I'll make you nice and clean. My mouth is as good as taking a shower... Then she took off my underwear. Kimika: Huh... I thought it would be nastier... There's not much hair at all. Takuji: What do you mean by that?! Kimika: Do you wear stockings? Takuji: Why would I do that? Kimika: You must shave, or there would be more hair down here... which means you must wear something like that... Takuji: Why do you think that means I wear stuff like that? Kimika: The savior in stockings... Kimika: Hmm... Mm... Mm... Takuji: Ah! Ah... She put my penis in her mouth casually, as if she was used to doing this every day... I was taken aback by the warm sensation... It was kind of... kind of like... Kimika: Mm... Ah... What are you thinking about? Takuji: Oh, nothing... It was a little different than I expected... Kimika: You mean it doesn't feel good? Ah, hmm... Takuji: Oh, no. It feels good, but... it's kind of interesting... So this is what it feels like when someone does this with their mouth... Kimika: Hmm... What do you mean interesting? Ha, hmm... Waves of pleasure ran up my spine as her lips moved up and down... Kimika: Mm... The taste changed... Takuji: You're so blunt... Kimika: Blunt, huh... Uh... Ohhh, I can taste you... I-It's my first time, but... it makes me feel so strange when I suck your penis... Takuji: Stop it... Kimika: Make up your mind... Kimika: Oh, but it is fun to suck it... Yeah, I really do like doing it. Takuji: Oh, okay... That's good, then. Kimika: My jaw is kind of getting tired... but it's still fun... Hmm... Ha... Kimika: I-It's kind of amazing... I have the savior's penis... in my mouth. Can you feel it, my savior? Does it feel good? Takuji: What are you talking about... Kimika: I'm just narrating... Takuji: You don't need to do that... Knock it off... Kimika: Really? Aww... But look, it's twitching, and there's stuff coming out of the tip... Takuji: D-Don't say that... Kimika: I'm just narrating. Takuji: I got it already, now cut it out... Kimika: Ahahaha... the savior might be an M. Takuji: Th-That's... Well, maybe a little... Wait, who cares about that! Are you stupid? Kimika: Do you want to cum in my mouth? Takuji: Y-Yeah... Kimika: That's it! Kimika moved her head even lower... Takuji: Ah, ah! Kimika: That's right... Your balls are really sensitive... Hmm, ha... Hmm... Takuji: S-Stop... If you do that with your hand while you're licking down there... I-I won't be able to hold it... Kimika: Oh, you like having your balls sucked. Takuji: Who cares about that?! Aah! Kimika: Oh, your reactions just get better and better... Whoa, you're so hard. Takuji: Ha, hmm... Haa. Kimika: Ah, but your balls are so soft. Licking them feels so good... This is great... Takuji: Wh-Who cares?! Whoa! Kimika: Hehehehe, Tachibana is in trouble... the savior tells her to clean up... so why does she get dirty every time she cleans up? Takuji: Sh-Shut up! Ah... Kimika: Anyway... Here's the finale... Ah, mm, mm, hmm... Ah, hmm... Kimika moved her hand up and down even faster... As her lips stimulated my most sensitive parts, I felt something welling up from within me... Kimika: Mm, mm, mm... Ah... Hehehe... Does it feel good? I'm so glad that you're letting me do this... I felt it coming... I couldn't resist the feeling coming from my hips. Takuji: Hmm... I-I'm going to cum... Ah, I can't... hold it any longer... Kimika: All right... My mouth is ready for it. Don't worry. Takuji: Ah, no... I-I'm going to... Aaahh! Kimika: Mm?! Ah... Mm...Mm... Haa... My back arched and I let out a moan that I would normally never let anyone else hear. I felt the liquid spurting from my penis. Kimika drank it all down... Kimika: ... But she stopped in the middle. Kimika: Urgh. Takuji: Wh-Whoa, don't spit it out! Kimika: But it's so nasty. It's all sticky in the back of my throat... Kimika: What is this? I thought it would just taste bad... What an awful person. Takuji: Semen isn't a person... Besides, it's not just a normal liquid. If you cum into a tissue, it's sticky, kind of like spit. Kimika: Oh... That's kind of erotic... Takuji: Maybe, but still... you shouldn't spit it out like that... Kimika: I don't like carbonated stuff... This is no good. Takuji: What do you mean carbonated? That has nothing to do with it... Kimika: I mean the feeling in the back of my throat and in my stomach... Well, I guess it's not really the same. Takuji: Of course not... Kimika: But it feels strange in the back of my throat, which is pretty much the same... It's kind of like comparing curry to a cigarette, I guess? Takuji: That comparison doesn't make sense... Curry and tobacco are nothing alike... Can't you speak clearly? Kimika: Oh... It looks like you still have some energy. Look. Takuji: Huh? No, m-maybe, but... let me rest for a while. Kimika: My savior... Do you want to stick it in my pussy or my ass? Takuji: What kind of choice is that... Kimika: They're both virgin, after all.. * Which one do you want? Or do you want both?"* Takuji: No, both would be impossible... There's no way I could cum three times. Kimika: Oh, really.. * Well then, it's time for a choice. Do you want to stick it in my ass? Or do you want to stick it in my pussy?"* Takuji: When you say it like that, I actually see the choices. Knock it off... Kimika: Hehehe... You play too many games. Kimika: All right. I figured you would pick that, you pervert. Takuji: I'll kill you... Kimika: Now now, I'm interested in it too.. * Um... even without lube, the savior's precum should do the trick."* Takuji: Will you be okay? You don't want to use your finger to loosen it up? Kimika: Why wouldn't I be? I like to touch my ass when I masturbate. Takuji: What's that? You're the pervert... Kimika: I guess so. Who cares about that * Come on, give it a try!"* Takuji: You're so blunt... Kimika straddled me and slowly brought her hips down... Kimika: Sit still, just like that... I'll do the aiming... She slowly brought her hips down while holding my penis in place. Takuji: Are you sure you're okay? Kimika: Yes. I'll do everything. I'll stick it in, and then I'll move... Oh, and tell me if you itch somewhere. Takuji: That's what a barber is supposed to say... Kimika: Ahahaha. Kimika: Well then, I hope you don't mind... Mm, Ah! A shiver ran up her body when the tip touched her. Her pussy was pretty wet, too... It was so wet that we actually didn't need any lotion. As my penis entered her, it made her feel a sensation that she had never experienced before in her life. Kimika: ...! She pressed down and lined up her aim. She took a deep breath and made up her mind. As the hot summer air filled her lungs and circulated through her body. My penis slowly went inside her... Slowly, gently... it was enveloped by her hot body... Kimika: Ah... Ahh! Ah, ah... Ah...! Takuji: A-Are you all right? The tip wasn't even all the way in... and her face was twisted in pain. Kimika: Ahaha... Sorry for making you worry. For the record, I'm not moaning in pain... Takuji: O-Oh, really... Kimika: Ahahaha... Well, that's because of the drugs. Takuji: But it's not really going in easily... Kimika: Ahahaha, I'm sorry... Well, anyway, can I start moving? Takuji: Y-Yeah... It's all right. Kimika: Well then... here I go... Ah! Ooh, ah... Takuji: ...This is... amazing. Even with just the tip in, it felt like I was going to cum... It was incredibly tight. I just came, but I felt myself coming near the peak again. Takuji: Ah... Aah... Kimika: Ah... Aaaah, ahaaa! Aah... Kimika: Ah... Aahh. It's... in? Is it all in... now? Takuji: I-I'm not sure... Ahh... But it's really warm, and tight... Kimika: Ah, this is bad... This is beyond amazing... Aah! It wasn't just tight, it was incredibly warm inside her. The sensation was indescribable... Kimika: Ah, it's so good! Aaah, aaah! my savior, this is too much. Kimika: I can't take it... M-My mind is going blank...! Mm, aaah, aaah! As she moved her hips, her breath came out in ragged tatters. Kimika: Ah, aaah! It feels so good... It's moving inside me! Kimika: I can't take it... I can't... I! Kimika: At this rate, I'm going to... I-I... I can't take it... Kimika: Ah, ah, ahhh! I can feel it... tingling... Aaah, my body is tingling... Aah! Kimika: I feel strange! I can feel your warm dick... moving inside me, I―Aaah! Her ass was completely opened up... It easily took in the entire length of my dick. Kimika: Aaah! It's coming, I can feel it coming in! It's all the way in... Aaah! Aaah... Now it's going... Now it's going out! It went in and out, not even giving me time to breathe. Kimika: Aaah, my ass... my savior, it's coming. Aaaah! I can feel it... It's my first time, but it feels so good... Aah, my savior. Takuji: Kimika... This is amazing. I can feel you loosening up... Kimika: Ooh, aaah, aaah! Aauh, aah, I can feel it inside me... Aaaah! Shlup, shlup, shlup... Kimika: Ah, I can't take it... I can't hold back... Aaah... Takuji: It's all right... I'm going to explode any moment now... Takuji: I-I'm... going to cum... K-Kimika... Kimika: Aaah, give it to me... Aaah, aaaauhhh... My Saaavior!! Kimika: Ah... Ahahaha... I-It's coming out... Your sperm... Aaah... I-I can't hold it back... Kimika: Aah!! Just a moment after me... She probably held back until I came... Kimika: Haa... Ah... Aah, aah. The contractions slowly subsided... Takuji: When you say it like that, I actually see the choices. Knock it off... Kimika: Hehehe... You play too many games. Kimika: All right. I figured you liked it plain. Takuji: What do you mean, plain... Kimika: Well then, excuse me. Kimika pushed the tip into her pussy. Kimika: Ah... She was breathing hard. Takuji: Are you all right? Kimika: Ah, haha... I'm all right... Huh? The drugs should still be working, but it kind of hurts. Kimika: But... it'll probably start working soon... The entrance was too tight... It was like it was completely closed. Kimika: Damn it... I'll get it in there. Aaah! Takuji: A-Are you all right? Kimika: Ahh, aaahh... I'm fine... We have penetration... She took another breath and started moving her hips. My tip moved went further inside her. Kimika: Aah, aah... As it went further in, she started to moan. Kimika: Ah! Ah! Aaah! My brain was numb with pleasure as I listened to her moaning. Her pussy was very warm and tight as it pressed on my dick from all sides. Kimika: My savior... You don't need to hold back... Ah! Takuji: H-Hold back? Kimika: Hehehe... You're about to cum, right? Hehehe, go ahead and cum inside me... Aaah! C-Come on... Takuji: Ah... Kimika. I'm sad to say it, but... I was about to cum already. I couldn't hold it in any longer. Takuji: A-All right... I'm going to... Kimika: Yeah... It's fine. You can cum, just like that... Right inside me... Takuji: Aah, I-I'm going to... Aaah. Kimika: Aaah? Aaah, ah, aaaaaah!! Kimika: Ooh... I can feel you... cumming inside me. It feels amazing. Takuji: A-Aaah... Kimika: Ahahaha... It's still coming out. Amazing... I can really feel it. Takuji: ...Really? Kimika: I guess, I would say... I can feel something moving inside me... I can kind of feel it. Kimika: How should I put it... It's like, I can feel you filling me up... Takuji: Oh... Kimika: Hehehe... Did it feel good, my savior? Takuji: Yeah... Kimika: Um... I'm sorry! Takuji: ? Kimika suddenly kissed me. Kimika: Mm, aaah... Mm, ah. Takuji: Mm... Ah... As we kissed, she started moving her hips. I already came, but it was still erect... Kimika: Mm, mm, aah... Mm, mm... We entwined our tongues together as we kissed. And our genitals were entwined as well, still wet from before. We were connected both above and below. Kimika lusted after me... She stuck her tongue in my mouth as she moved her hips. Kimika: I-I'm sorry, I'm sorry... It's over, but... I'm sorry! Aah, ah... Kimika: I-I can't stop myself... A-At this rate, hmm, aah, aaah... Before, she was just playing around... Now she lusted after me as if something inside her had broken. Takuji: Ah... It feels good for me too... Kimika: Ha, aah... I'm sorry... Making you do it twice... Her pussy became even tighter, but she never slowed down... Her hips started moving even more violently. We violently embraced each other... Our skin touching, our body heat being shared, as if we were melting into each other. Kimika: My savior... Aah! I can't... I'm going to... Takuji: Y-Yeah... It's fine... Go ahead and cum. Kimika: C-Can I? You don't mind? I'm... I'm cumming. Her body stiffened. At the same time, my penis swelled and started to unload inside her yet again. Takuji: Ah! Kimika: Aaah?! I-I'm cumming. I'm cumming... Haaa, ha, ah, aaaah!! Takuji: Ahh! Kimika: Ah, aaah, ah... Aaaaaah!!
Kimika: I wonder if everyone can see it. Takuji: Yeah, they can. That's why they're all so cheerful... They have to see it. I stood under the final sky. It already seemed like I could reach out and touch it. I'd come to a place where it seemed like my outstretched hand was mere inches from the edge of the universe. That's why they were all celebrating. Jumping around on the roof. They were celebrating the last sky in this world. The world will end. So we're all going to return to the sky. Return to the last sky in the world... The light from all the stars in the sky rained down on us. How many millions, how many billions of years ago was the light that's illuminating us now emitted? The light was born in the distant past so that it could illuminate us. It traveled for billions of years to deliver us light. That's something worth celebrating. The last sky. We stood at the edge of the universe. The place called... End Sky. Kimika: Hey, does it look like the same thing to everyone? Or is it different? How does the End Sky look? Takuji: What does it look like to you? Kimika: It's like fireworks in the sky. Takuji: Huh? Wasn't that what came in the Unhappy Meal you saw yesterday? Kimika: That's right. That's why I think the End Sky is just some cheap piece of crap like the toys they give away at McDonalds! Takuji: You're a cheap woman, that's why you see such a cheap End Sky. Kimika: Whoa, that's cruel! You're such a meanie, my savior. Takuji: Well, fireworks are really beautiful, so that's okay... Don't you think so, Kimika? Kimika: Yeah! It's great! Thanks for the fireworks, Unhappy Meal! Kimika: Right, everyone?! Kimika yelled out to the crowd. Everyone looked at Kimika. Kimika: Can you all see the End Sky? Can you see it?! Kimika: Do you want to go there?! Kimika: Whoa! They're all so excited. Kimika: Now then, this is my final question for you all! What does the End Sky look like to you?! Everyone screamed at the same time, so I couldn't hear a thing. Jeez, what's she doing? They all talked about their own End Sky, one after another. Every one of them yelled at the top of their lungs. Kimika: Ahahahaha, really?! Wow! I couldn't really understand any of that, but I could tell by your enthusiasm! I understand perfectly! Kimika: This is the last sky! Kimika yelled back to the crowd. Right beside me... so joyfully... Kimika: All right! Destroy that fence! Kimika picked up a mallet. Then several others waved their mallets over their heads. That stupid woman... She brought mallets too? Or maybe she made the believers gather them? Actually, now that I look, it seems like someone got hit with one of those. There's so much blood... What a silly ritual. Takuji: I thought I told you this was supposed to be a solemn occasion. Kimika: Hahahahahaha! You were too slow! Takuji: Jeez... They're making a mess of the whole thing. Kimika: Isn't it better this way? Look, they're all having so much fun. Takuji: I guess they are... Takuji: Not like I care, but you're taking over too many of my responsibilities. Knock it off. Kimika: It'll be okay. I'm going to leave the finale to you, my savior. Believer: W-Wow... Believer: A colossal cross... Believer: It looks like... a huge door. Believer: I see a key and a keyhole. They all tried to put what they saw in the final sky into words. The world's last sky... How does it appear to them? The world's final scene. The world's final words. People dancing. People fighting. People laughing. People happily destroying the building here under the sky. People already covered in blood. The sky peering down on us from overhead. A dark blue sky, absent the light of the stars, pressed down on us from above. A beautiful night sky. Someone set off fireworks. For some reason, a spark caused a pillar of flame to bellow up from the ground. Someone brought a can of gasoline... Some idiot must have brought the gasoline from the generator up here. A pillar of flame on the rooftop. A huge pillar of flame. Several people got caught in the flames and burnt alive. Even with the drugs, that must have hurt... They had burns all over their bodies. To an outsider, this sight would look like a peek into hell itself. Why are they all having so much fun in this hell? This is the last sky. The sky of the end. Looking out from their eyes... what does this final sky look like? Fireworks. That's what Kimika said... Fireworks, huh? That's a pretty good answer. She's right. This sky does look like it's full of fireworks. The stars twinkled in the sky. They twinkled like the embers of a skyrocket in bloom... This is the limit. The sky where all duality comes to an end. And thus we looked up at the sky that had taken on the light of the fireworks. Kimika: Now the party is in full swing! I'll leave the rest to our one and only savior! Kimika: He's everyone's idol, your one and only savior! This is the finale, so make sure you listen closely! Pfft... You're the one who's not listening to me. Takuji: Haa... Takuji: This is a mysterious night. Takuji: A night like any other... and yet completely different... Takuji: But this is most certainly the last stop. Takuji: This place, where we're standing right now... This is the last... Takuji: So the way forward is simple... We can go at any time. Takuji: We can move forward at any time... Takuji: Let's take that step... From this spot, from the final sky. Takuji: Take that step! Kimika: All right, my savior... I guess this is it. Takuji: Kimika? Kimika was about to jump, but I stopped her. Takuji: You're last... Kimika: Wha―?! Kimika: Wait! Um... Megu: N-No way, I'm not letting Tachibana go before me! Satoko: I-I'm first! People flying through the sky. People returning to the sky. At the edge of the world... the people headed toward the sky. They extended their arms wider and wider, like they were trying to grab onto the world itself. The people went to the sky. Some of them said their farewells to me before they went. But most of them were taken by passion, and they went screaming and jumping into the sky as soon as they could. They screamed. Meaningless words... Truly meaningless words. Today feels especially good... especially comfortable. A cool breeze. A beautiful blue. A world of light. A good day to die. Someone once said that. An incredible number of people jumped the smashed fence and flew into the sky. There were some people who had been injured or burned too badly to move, but others picked them up and threw them into the sky. They too were sucked into the great blue sky. Before I knew it... the commotion had disappeared. The great clamor turned into unbroken silence. Before I knew it... only Kimika and I stood on the rooftop. I embraced Kimika on the desolate rooftop. Kimika: Ahahahaha... I'm happy that I can hold your hand at the end. Kimika: But this isn't good... Takuji: What isn't? Kimika: I don't deserve happiness. Kimika: I only deserve unhappiness... But... But... I... Kimika disentangled her hand from mine. Kimika: My savior, this is it... Takuji: What? Kimika: Once I die, it'll all be over. Takuji: Wh-What do you mean? Kimika: Before I knew about what you had planned... I tried to stop your grand plan... Takuji: Plan? Kimika: That's right... I'm sorry that I didn't understand. Takuji: What are you talking about? Kimika: It should've been me, my savior. Kimika: ...I'm the one who absolutely has to die. Kimika: I have to fall from a high place... and splatter myself all over the ground... and die. Kimika: That's right. I should've died... I have to die... And of course, I have to end my life with my own hands. Takuji: ...With your own hands? Kimika: Yes! Because I betrayed her. I betrayed Zakuro. Kimika: She tried to talk to me, but I betrayed her. Takuji: Yeah... I know. Kimika: But honestly, even after I betrayed her, she never hated me. I couldn't forgive her for that. Kimika: As much as the girls who bullied us... No, even more than them. I couldn't forgive her. Kimika: Why didn't she hate me? Why didn't she ever want to get revenge? Kimika: Why? What made her do that? Why wouldn't she hate me? Why didn't she curse me? Why did she smile at me? Kimika: Just thinking about that made me so, so, so mad that I couldn't take it. She annoyed me so much... I couldn't stand it. Kimika: I don't give two shits about Megu or Satoko... I couldn't care less if they died... Kimika: To me, only Zakuro mattered. She was the most important figure in my life. She never hated me... She always smiled at me... And I couldn't forgive her for that. It was so hard. Kimika: I wanted to kill her. Kimika: So when she died and the curse reared its head... I was incredibly happy. Kimika: I was so happy. Kimika: Oh, Zakuro finally got mad at me. She finally hates me. Kimika: Now she can actually see me for what I am... Kimika: Now she's finally seeing me as human. Kimika: Not looking down on me from upon high, but instead standing next to me. Looking at her... I see... Takashima Zakuro certainly did save Tachibana Kimika from persecution. I heard that Zakuro was bullied in her place. But to Kimika, it's not like that. To Kimika, who was ignored while Zakuro was bullied, it was an unforgivable act of betrayal. It was the same as ignoring her own existence. Since Takashima Zakuro refused to face Tachibana directly... she could never have been Tachibana's friend... For Tachibana, their relationship wasn't one between two equals because Takashima refused to get angry or hate her. Takashima-san's good will must have weighed more heavily on her shoulders than any insult. Sometimes, good intentions can cause far more evil than bad ones... The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Takashima-san's good intentions must have seemed like haughty pride or pity. Kimika: You know... I've always wondered about something since I was a child. Kimika: There's one thing I could just never, ever understand. Kimika: Haven't you heard people say that a person who dies after committing a grave sin is only running away... That they should live and pay back their debt to society... She looked to the sky and spat out those words under her breath. Kimika: What's up with that? Kimika: I don't understand at all. Live and pay it back? Even though the person you commited the sin against is dead? Kimika: What if the person is dead? How can you make recompense to the dead by living on in this life? Kimika: You have to look someone in the eyes before you can ever make amends. How should a living person look the dead in the eyes? All that crap is just stuff people say to make themselves feel better. Kimika: To make amends to the dead, one has to be dead... That much should be obvious. Kimika: In the past, revenge was seen as virtuous... The only way to satisfy a dead man's anger is to kill the person who killed him. Kimika: That's just common sense. Kimika: Or as you would put it, it's a truth that the liars have hidden away from the world. Kimika: A death can only be repaid with another death. Kimika: So... Kimika: So once Zakuro died... there was only one way to pay for my sins. Kimika: Death. Kimika: The people who bullied her, and all the people who saw it happening and did nothing... All of them had to die. Kimika: That was the only true way for us to atone. Kimika: Hehe, isn't that messed up? How can the living repay the dead? Kimika: A change of heart? Or maybe just by apologizing? Or should they work to prevent any further deaths? Hehe... If you told them of their sins, they would swear any of those in an instant. Kimika: They would just say they bullied her because the world was unfair, or because they were scared about the future. Kimika: So they would swear any oath you asked them to. Please forgive us, we swear this will never happen again! Kimika: Hehe, liars, liars, fucking liars... Kimika: Only death can repay the dead. That's obvious. The only thing that carries the same value as death is death. Kimika: My death, and the death of all the rest of them... We all have to die. Kimika: We have to die the same way she did, or if not a more gruesome death than hers. Kimika: That's why... Kimika: When I first heard about you online... my mind went blank for a moment. Kimika: Who the fuck is this? Who does he think he is? The savior? Kimika: So when I met you, I asked.. * You think you can stop the curse? Don't fuck with me!"* Kimika: He's an enemy. He's a demon trying to erase Zakuro's feelings. Kimika: So I have to stop him. I have to kill him... Kimika: Zakuro's curse is real. She had every right to curse us. I wouldn't let anyone stop her curse, not even God himself. Kimika: That's why I approached you. Kimika: I was going to kill you for trying to stop Zakuro's curse. Kimika: But you were different. I was totally mistaken. Kimika: I understood everything on the first day... On that day... Kimika: I watched you, my savior. I found your secret base, and I saw what was on your computer. Kimika: I was really surprised... Like, this guy is really incredible. Kimika: You were trying to kill way more people than I was... You wanted to return not only yourself but as many other people as you could to the sky... Kimika: The sky... where Zakuro is, where her soul is enshrined. That's where you wanted to send as many people as possible. Kimika: I thought it was probably something you were doing for your own gain. Kimika: But I knew I had to kill as many other people as possible for basically the same reason as you. Kimika: I knew you were trying to kill a great number of people... No, return them to the sky. Kimika: So I knew you were the same as me... That made you Zakuro's ally. Takuji: Kimika... Kimika: Soon, I realized you had Zakuro's cell phone too. Every time I reported back to you where Senagawa was... her phone would ring. Kimika: Even a fool could've figured out that you were the one sending those messages. Kimika: But you were making mistakes. Sometimes you forgot to send the messages... Kimika: Sometimes you would space out and start talking to yourself... I got tired of waiting for you to get stuff done, so I started doing everything myself. Kimika: I made Senagawa feel true fear... and killed her. Kimika: I honestly thought that was an amazing plan. I never would've thought of that... Kimika: Which made me think, this guy is a bit airheaded, but he really is the savior. I don't know what the other people thought, but to me you really were the savior. Kimika: I probably hated Senagawa Yui more than Zakuro herself did. Kimika: I don't actually know who Zakuro hated the most, but... Kimika: But when you said that Zakuro hated Senagawa the most... my heart fluttered. Kimika: Amazing. This guy is amazing. He understands. He's speaking the truth. Kimika: I don't know about Zakuro, but I know that I never could've forgiven Senagawa. I wanted to make her die a more gruesome death than anyone else. Kimika: That's why I was amazed by your plan. Kimika: If possible, I would've liked.. * to make Akasaka Megu and Kitami Satoko die in utter terror like she did."* Kimika: So I did my best to think something up... Kimika: But in the end, I just decided to leave it to you. Kimika: You were the one who made Zakuro's curse into a reality, so I knew you were the only one who could make my wish come true. Kimika: You're the savior... You're my savior... Kimika: No one really looked at me... No one ever looked at me... Not even Zakuro was really looking at me... Kimika: She was just a good girl... She was incredibly kind, and her soul was beautiful. That's the only reason she talked to me. Kimika: You're the only one who truly looked at me for who I am... You really talked to me, looked me in the eyes, got mad at me, laughed with me, got annoyed with me... You showed me all these emotions. Kimika: You're a boy, but you don't seem interested in sex at all.. * Well, I guess you do jerk off a lot."* Takuji: What did you say? Kimika: Oh, but I do that too.. * Just once in a while, though."* Kimika: We went up on the roof to hear the God's song, right? Kimika: I was totally tripping, so I kept rambling about cows and stuff... Hehehe. Kimika: But you know, I really did hear God's song. Kimika: I found out that the difference between the world and God... is the difference between words and music. Kimika: I felt that truth deep in my soul. Kimika: No one could've told me that... No one knew that... Teachers, parents, writers, politicians―they're all the same. They just talk about boring crap. Kimika: But you taught me so many things... Kimika: The world is cruel... and the world is impure, bu * it's also incredibly beautiful."* Kimika: That night... we sang, and danced, and screamed, and spun around till we fell to the ground. All the stars fell from the sky, and everything in the world glittered just for me... Kimika: I realized that's what it was all about. Kimika: It was something you said before, my savior. You can't measure the world's value only by the time you spend in it... And you can't measure its value with meaning either. Kimika: That night, I tried to measure the weight of the world with that scale... Kimika: And when I did, the world's weight was exactly the same as God's weight! Kimika: In that very moment, the world was the exact same weight as God... Kimika: Dance, dance, dance with the music... Kimika: Dance with the savior... Dance through the universe... Kimika: Dance outside the cage... Kimika: The world's first dance outside the cage. Kimika: So now... it's over. Kimika: This is the end. Kimika: But... now that I've killed all these people, I understand for the first time... Kimika: The meaning of the words 'Live on and repay your debt.' Kimika: I know that it's selfish for me to ask you this! B-But... Kimika: My savior, you... At least you should continue to live! Kimika: Even if no one else, at least you... Please live on and repay our debt. Kimika: I'll be the final death. Kimika: The last life that needs to be sacrificed to Zakuro is mine. Kimika: Sometimes I wonder if this really was a curse. Kimika: I was never scared of dying... Kimika: But that's only because I never had any regrets. Kimika: I can't believe that now, at the very end, I've found one thing to regret. Kimika: Ahaha... I can't believe I fell in love just before the end. Kimika: I want someone to make love to me, even just once. Kimika: I have one regret in my life... Takuji: Kimika... Kimika: But... I can't! I can't do that. Kimika: If I do everything I want to do before I die, I won't truly be able to atone for my mistakes. Kimika: I have to atone for what I did to her... Kimika: I made her curse come true, so my dance with you, and with God, was just a little reward. Kimika: If that gave some value to my world, then that's enough. That reward is enough to give my world some meaning. Kimika: All that's left is for me to atone. Kimika: So... please, my savior, stay here. Just like that, her body... Just like that... The world tilted at a diagonal. Kimika's body wasn't parallel with the world anymore. She moved from the world of parallel lines to the one of free fall, two irreconcilable worlds. She was sucked down. She said, this is my atonement. She said. this is enough. She said, this is the value of my world. I think. That's a load of shit. Who cares about the world? Who cares about atonement? Who cares about Takashima? Who cares about the curse? Who cares about death? I want to embrace her. I just want to hold her close. I don't care if I live on. I don't care if anyone lives on. The world, me, Kimika. None of us need to live on. Everything can just disappear. I just, I just want to hold her in my arms. Even if it's just for one second before death. Even if it's just a glitter in a fleeting world, I want to feel the warmth of her living body. So I jumped. Kimika: Ah! Takuji: Kimika! Complete freefall. I never intended to survive the fall, I never intended to save Kimika... No, in truth, I wanted her to live. Even if I die, I want her to live. But... That wish will never be fulfilled. A dream I can never grasp... In a few seconds, she and I will splatter onto the concrete. We'll probably just be deformed piles of flesh. But... Even so... I want to hold Kimika. I want to hold her tight. I just want to hold her tight... here in freefall. Simply feeling her warmth is enough for me. When she saw me, Kimika cried and said... Kimika: You dummy... She was crying, but she seemed happy too. She seemed very sad, but also very happy. I'm sure she was struggling with a lot of emotions. I felt that her happiness outweighed all the rest. She smiled and hugged me back. She squeezed me tight. I'll never let you go. I've always wanted to do this. She said that to me with something much faster than words. There are things that travel much faster than words. There are things that ring much truer than words. Even in those fleeting moments, the world holds meaning. The world holds significance. The end is coming. The final moment. Ah... Sirens in the distance. The black sky. The laughing moon. The dew upon the earth. The dancing stars. The cool air. Something warm within me. Tachibana Kimika... As I held her in my arms... she silently closed her eyes. And then I also... quietly closed my eyes.
Maybe... that was the last sky. Maybe... that was the world's limit. The final sky. End Sky. The world's edge... I was standing at the end of the earth... The place where the gigantic snake found its own tail. Kimika: My savior! Takuji: Yeah... I wonder if everyone else can see it. Everyone was celebrating. Like a dog pulling out a leash to ask for a walk... Bark, bark, bark. They danced around the rooftop. What an end for the world... The world was ending. So we're going to return to the sky. Like the first time a child sees snow. Bark, bark, bark... No, that would be a dog. The world's final sky. Instead of snow, we had a sky full of stars. The stars sparkled on the world's final night. The time of fear recorded in the Book of Revelation. But the fools were celebrating... Bark, bark, bark... Whether the stars come out or snow falls for the first time, it's all the same. Kimika: Why wouldn't they see it? I can see it just fine. Takuji: What do you see? Kimika: It's like, the border is held together with cellophane tape. Takuji: What? Kimika: Well, I mean... You said the world's beginning and end are connected. It looks like you rolled it up and taped the ends together. Takuji: That's what you see? Kimika: Yes! Clear as day! Takuji: That's your End Sky, huh... Kimika: Yes. In my End Sky, the beginning and end are held together with tape! Takuji: Is that the kind of place where you want to go? Kimika: I SUPER want to go there! Kimika: Hey, everyone! Kimika shouted to the crowd. Everyone looked at her. Kimika: Do you want to go to the End Sky? Kimika: Look, my savior! Everyone SUPER wants to go! Kimika: What does the End Sky look like to you all? I couldn't tell what they were screaming. Calm down a little... my believers. You can talk about what you all see, one by one. You can even scream it. Kimika: Really?! I can't hear you at all... Well, anyway, this is the final sky! Kimika yelled. At my side... like she was having so much fun... Kimika: All right! Let's break that fence! Kimika picked up a mallet. Then several others waved their mallets over their heads. That stupid woman... She brought mallets too? Or maybe she made the believers gather them? Actually, now that I look, it seems like someone got hit with one of those. There's so much blood... What a silly ritual... Takuji: Wait, wait... Kimika, calm down. You're messing up the ritual. Kimika: Really? Isn't it supposed to be a celebration? This is the last festival, my savior. Takuji: Well, I guess so... Kimika: Go on, break that fence! That's the barrier standing in our way! Kimika: Destroy the barrier! Destroy it! Return to the sky! Kimika: It's the Berlin Wall! This is a victory for democracy! Are you stupid? You actually believed that? Anyway, I want that wall torn down! Kimika: Destroy! Destroy! Tear it down! Hammers! Heavy metal! Mao! Haer brothers! Kimika: Do it, Haer Brothers! Take down Mao! Take down the psychiatrist who denies Ma*o-sama's great deeds! Rip him to pieces Takuji: Kimika... I don't get it. I don't know what you're talking about at all. Kimika: Ahahaha, I'm just going along with it. That's what's really important right now! Takuji: Whatever you say, but don't take my job. Kimika: Ehehehe. It'll be all right... My savior, your voice isn't as loud as mine, is it? And your wounds look pretty bad... Takuji: I guess so... Kimika: You don't look too good. Takuji: Yeah, I might not have enough blood left. Kimika: Do you want to drink some of mine? Takuji: The savior isn't a vampire. That won't heal me... Kimika: Oh, really? That's kind of inconvenient. Takuji: Yeah, I guess. Believer: W-Whoa... Believer: A colossal cross... Believer: It looks like a huge door. Believer: I see a key and a keyhole... They all tried to put what they saw in the final sky into words.* The world's last sky... How does it appear to them? The world's final scene. The world's final words. People dancing. People fighting. People laughing. People happily destroying the building here under the sky. People already covered in blood. Under the final sky. The stars shined out from every inch of that dark blue sky... A beautiful night sky. Someone set off fireworks. For some reason, a spark caused a pillar of flame to bellow up from the ground. Someone brought a can of gasoline... Some idiot must have brought the gasoline from the generator up here. A pillar of flame on the rooftop. A huge pillar of flame. Several people got caught in the flames and burnt alive. Even with the drugs, that must have hurt... They had burns all over their bodies. To an outsider, this sight would look like a peek into hell itself. Why are they all having so much fun in this hell? Under the End Sky... I hesitated. I hesitated at the end of the world. I was struck by the joy... and the happiness here. Why does it shine so? Why do they all shine so? Everyone shone. They all shone as if their lives were being illuminated by a great light. The final sky reflected their lives like nothing else could. It made them shine so beautifully that I was convinced this was the meaning to their lives. Shine brighter! Light our lives! Suddenly, the words floated up from my memory. The time is during the first World War! The preeminent philosopher of the 20th century stood on the battlefield. He saw the beauty of his life as he stood within that storm of bullets. He wrote that his life was most beautiful in a world where he could die at any moment. "God, light our lives!" His name was Wittgenstein. "Tell them." "I've had a wonderful life!" "Tell my friends I've had an amazing, wonderful life!" He said those words just before he died. Anyone could see he had been unhappy in life. Anyone could see he had been troubled. They say his pupil was confused by those words. What part of your life was so wonderful? He had a bad temper, and he was always a rude person. All the books talk about how he was such a bothersome person. An incredibly bothersome person. Nonsensical, selfish, and... a genius. Huh? But why do I know his name... I hate difficult books like that. But Wittgenstein repudiated suicide. Since he was always on the verge of suicide himself... He was such a maniac that he wrote his diaries in cipher. A genius, and a devil. He said this. "Live happily!" What right does such a thoroughly unhappy person have to say that?! But now I understand. If this is the world's limit... If this is the world's edge... The world is nothing but a vessel... Someone once said that human life is empty and meaningless. Of course... The world is nothing but a vessel. There's nothing that can fill it. What can fill that vessel? Money? Dreams? Fame? Women? Eroge? That's ridiculous... Those too are part of the vessel. They're all part of the world. Everything that can be described... everything that can be put into words... is nothing more than the world. That which can fill the world must lie outside of the world. "The subject does not belong to the world but it is a limit of the world." "The sense of the world must lie outside the world. In the world everything is as it is and happens as it does happen." "In it there is no value." The words of the great philosopher who said, "Tell them I've had a wonderful life." I feel like... I can understand the meaning of those words. The words of a great philosopher who lived long ago, in a far away place, resonated within me. Now, let's fill our vessel! Let's light our lives! Don't hold back... Don't hold death back! Life shines when freed from its restraints. This sky will light our lives. It will light our lives with its pale blue light. But we will be the ones shining in the sky! It is within this world of blue that we can understand that fact. This is the last sky. The sky of the end. How will they all be reflected... in this final sky? The border of the sky held together with tape. The colossal cross. The blue ocean glimpsed from within a white room. Power lines that continue into eternity. The Virgin Mary depicted within the Church of Rosaries. This is the final edge. The sky where all duality ends. The shining moon. The sky full of stars. The lights of people spread out across the land... Like a party. Beyond a ritual... Just a party. The world's final party. The first and last moment of life in this world. Kimika: Now then, the savior has something to say. Kimika: Give him your undivided attention! You're the one who's not paying attention to me... Takuji: This is... Takuji: This is the end of the sky... Takuji: This is the world's limit... Takuji: We are standing beneath the final sky... Takuji: The rest is simple... The rest is easy. Takuji: You can reach the sky... effortlessly... Takuji: Let's return to the sky... Kimika: Well then, my savior... This is it. Takuji: Kimika? Kimika: Someone needs to go first... I'll go. I'll leave the rest to you. Kimika: The last few days... I've had a lot of fun. Takuji: Eh? Kimika: Does anyone have anything left to do in this world? My question was blocked out by her yelling. Kimika: Is there anything you still need to do in this world? Kimika: And what the hell do we really need to do anyway? Kimika: Eat! Sleep! Jack off! That's all you guys do, right?! Kimika: I'm pretty much the same! Eating, sleeping, or masturbating! Kimika: But there's nothing left... Yeah, it feels like I've done everything I need to do. Kimika: So I'm going to return to the sky! Kimika: Happily! Come on, follow me! The broken fence. Nothing separated us from the sky anymore. We just needed to take one step... and fly. That's all. Kimika was smiling as she yelled out again. Kimika: Now fly to the final sky! Kimika flew. Kimika flew like a shooting star in reverse. Kimika floated in the sky... She rose and rose... She went faster and faster as her voice receded. They were inspired... Megu: W-Wait, why do you think you get to go before me?! Satoko: M-Me too! As Kimika flew into the sky... those two followed her. People flying through the sky. People returning to the sky. At the edge of the world... the people headed toward the sky. They extended their arms wider and wider, like they were trying to grab onto the world itself. The people went to the sky. Believer: Let's go together. Believer: Yeah. Believer: We'll be together again in the complete world. Believer: Yeah. Believer: Here goes. Believer: Thank you, my savior. Some of them were hesitant. But most of them flew into the sky immediately without thinking twice. They just screamed. Words without meaning... Truly meaningless words. Today feels especially good... It feels especially comfortable. A cool breeze. A beautiful blue. A world of light. It's a good day to die. Someone said that once. An amazing number of people passed over the broken fence and stepped over the borderline. Some of them couldn't move because they had been injured or burnt, but there were several believers throwing these people into the sky as well. They too were sucked into the sky. Before I realized it... all the commotion had disappeared. All that noise had changed into complete silence. When I came to my senses... I was the only one standing there. I stood on the rooftop... alone. Hehehe, there's no one left. Just me... It's really over... I heard the sounds of sirens in the distance. Of course the police were called after we made such a commotion. People dancing on the roof, committing vandalism, and then flying... ... Now... Now it's over... My... My wonderful life... is over. That's right... I was meant to do this from the beginning. From the beginning? Huh? Why did I ever try to do this? I feel like I can't quite remember something important. What was the reason why I had to do this? Actually, Yuuki... Yuuki Tomosane... Why did he apologize at the end? Who was he apologizing to... What was he apologizing for? Who did he try to protect? Takuji: Hehehehe... Takuji: It's not important. It doesn't matter anymore. Takuji: I have nothing left to do here. Takuji: I haven't forgotten anything... Takuji: That's right... Nothing I've forgotten. Nothing... Takuji: I haven't forgotten it... I don't need it. Takuji: I don't need those words. Yuki: Mamiya Takuji! Huh? I've heard this voice before... This voice is... Oh, it's her. The woman who was intended to harmonize the world in the aftermath. Yuki: Mamiya, you―! Takuji: Huh? Takuji: Oh. Takuji: Minakami Yuki-san... Yuki: You... Takuji: So you were still there. I just saved everyone. Yuki: Saved? Is this salvation? Takuji: That's right. Yuki: Are you that stupid? Takuji: Salvation, huh? Salvation... I thought about something completely unrelated. Something that's not even tangentially related. Minakami-san slowly explained the truth of the incident. She's a great detective. So I went along with her and acted like I was the culprit, caught red handed. Takuji: Heheheh. What a wonderful deduction, Minakami-san. You're almost totally correct. I declared that in the voice of a charismatic cult leader. It was strangely satisfying. Well... More importantly, what I was thinking about. If I'm going to jump, I should've taken a shower first. I haven't changed my clothes lately either... And I didn't wash after having sex with Kimika... I just wiped myself off with a tissue. Kimika didn't bathe herself either... She really should have. She is a girl after all... I came inside, you know... Don't you mind, Kimika? Yuki: It wasn't a supernatural phenomenon or God or a ghost or anything like that. Just a single person. You came up with the whole thing. Yuki: You broke into my room and left Takashima-san's phone. And Kagami and Tsukasa... Yuki: What was that? Yuki: How did they... Yuki: They... They... Yuki: Just what did you do to me?! Yuki: Tell me that! Takuji: ... Takuji: I haven't done anything to you. Yuki: Th-That can't be true. Takuji: Sorry to say, but I haven't done a single thing to you. Yuki: That's a lie! That can't be true! You did something to me! Takuji: I didn't. I can't do anything to you. Yuki: Then what was that I saw?! What is all this?! Oh... The sirens are almost here. I don't have any more time to play along with her. Ahahahaha... That's right... I wonder if this will surprise her? Takuji: Though I did love you. Not really. Now then. From parallel lines to the world of perpendicular descent. I was sucked down. Complete freefall. The final instant. Ah... The sirens in the distance. The blue sky. The laughing moon. The spinning earth. The dancing stars. The cool air. God and music. With a pleasant glow... It all lit up.
Lewis Carroll - "Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There" 'and if you're not good directly,' she added, 'I'll put you through into Looking-glass House.' 'How would you like THAT?' 'Now, if you'll only attend, Kitty, and not talk so much, I'll tell you all my ideas about Looking-glass House.' 'First, there's the room you can see through the glass― that's just the same as our drawing room, only the things go the other way. I can see all of it when I get upon a chair― all but the bit behind the fireplace.' 'Oh! I do so wish I could see THAT bit!' 'I want so much to know whether they've a fire in the winter: you never CAN tell, you know, unless our fire smokes, and then smoke comes up in that room too― but that may be only pretence, just to make it look as if they had a fire.' 'Well then, the books are something like our books, only the words go the wrong way; I know that, because I've held up one of our books to the glass, and then they hold up one in the other room.' I wonder if there are beautiful things in the world of mirrors... I wonder if there are wonderful things in the world of mirrors... My self in the world of mirrors makes a bored face, just like I do. The same bored face as the person in this boring world. I wonder why Alice thought the world of mirrors was different than ours. No. She saw that the world was reversed, and she wondered if the smoke coming from the fireplace was real. But even in the world of mirrors, I'm still making a bored face... That side might be boring too. That's what I think. The world of mirrors is just like this one. But to Alice, the world of mirrors looked like a wonderful place. 'How would you like to live in Looking-glass House, Kitty? Wonder if they'd give you milk in there? Perhaps Looking-glass milk isn't good to drink― But oh, Kitty! now we come to the passage. You can just see a little PEEP of the passage in Looking-glass House, if you leave the door of our drawing-room wide open: and it's very like our passage as far as you can see, only you know it may be quite different on beyond.' 'Oh, Kitty! how nice it would be if we could only get through into Looking-glass House! I'm sure it's got, oh! such beautiful things in it!' A Sunday afternoon. A department store roof. I happened to spot someone I knew. That person always wore a different face. Zakuro: Mamiya-kun... Mamiya: ... Mamiya: Who are you? Zakuro: Uh... Umm... He was smoking, even though he's underage. I don't really think Mamiya-kun is a low life, but... Zakuro: Wh-What a coincidence seeing you here. Mamiya: A coincidence? Well, I suppose so. A disinterested response came back at me. What's this... He might be harder to get along with than I thought. But it's strange. I'm terribly shy... And... I hate lowlifes. Someone smoking here, at a time like this, might be the kind of person who would hurt me, but... But for some reason... I talked to him. Zakuro: Mamiya-kun, are you... Mamiya: Hmm? Zakuro: A lowlife? Mamiya: ... Mamiya: ...I don't think so. Zakuro: But you're smoking... Mamiya: I guess so. Mamiya: And my grades are terrible, and I skip class all the time... Zakuro: So... a lowlife? Mamiya: If I was, I wouldn't be getting bullied. Everyone wouldn't think I was disgusting, would they? Zakuro: Disgusting? He thinks he's disgusting? But Mamiya-kun is... Zakuro: But I think you have a really pretty face. Mamiya: Isn't that why I'm disgusting? I'm skinny... and short... and pale... and stupid... and lots of other stuff. Zakuro: So you're disgusting? I wonder if you could really say he's being bullied. I heard he used to be, but now most people are afraid of him. Even if there are people who avoid him because they're scared of him. I don't think anyone would bully him. And... And, unlike me... he carries a few things with him. For instance... Zakuro: You carry a knife, don't you? Isn't that because you're a lowlife? Mamiya: It's because I'm an otaku. Zakuro: Huh? Mamiya: I have a survival knife because I'm an otaku. Zakuro: Really? Mamiya: Yeah... Nowadays, only otakus carry around knives. Zakuro: ... I wonder if that's true... Mamiya: No lowlifes take knives around with them anymore. They haven't been able to carry concealed knives for quite a while. Mamiya: Now only otakus have them... Only disgusting freaks who talk to themselves have knives. Mamiya: So the only people who get searched by the police are the ones carrying black bags and wearing bleached jeans and flannel shirts... Mamiya: Fat girls... or skinny kids with glasses like me... Zakuro: But you don't wear glasses. Mamiya: I got punched a lot by my bullies. I don't wear them anymore, since they're broken. Zakuro: Then how can you see? Mamiya: I can't... Mamiya: I can't see very well, so it's hard to remember people's faces... and I can't really make out what's on the blackboard, either. That's why my grades are so bad. Zakuro: Isn't that a problem? Mamiya: There are people who are better off blind. Mamiya: I... don't really want to be able to see. Zakuro: ... I felt that I could understand it. The reason why I called out to him... The boy who carries a knife because he's an otaku... Who doesn't get his glasses fixed because he doesn't want to see... I know him. No... I know his world. It's just like the world of mirrors. Your world is mine. It reflects beautifully. That world reflects me. My boring face... The me reflected in the world of mirrors is also... Boring. Mamiya-kun laughed, bored. Mamiya: Isn't it easier to see as little as possible until you die? Mamiya: After all, most of the things I've seen in my life have been unpleasant. Zakuro: ... Mamiya: Look... that couple... Mamiya: She's really beautiful, right? And the guy is handsome, too. Mamiya: When I see something like that, it kind of... Mamiya: Makes me wish for them to die in the most painful way possible. Mamiya: It makes me want to melt her face with sulfuric acid. Her face would melt and fall off in globs as she yelled in pain... Ahahahaha. Zakuro: ... I wonder... Right now, I can't really think like that. I kind of... Wouldn't mind if the two could live on happily... and be happy forever. That's... What I thought when I talked to Mamiya-kun. That the world could be happy... That you could be happy... That's what I wanted to pray for.
I absentmindedly looked out the window. That's... Someone was walking across the schoolyard. Why's he out there? Zakuro: That's... Mamiya-kun. He was carefully walking across the edge of the courtyard... where there was a shadow from the fence. He looked like he was trying to step on his shadow. Zakuro: What is he doing? He walked to the left side of the schoolyard. Zakuro: Is he going behind the school? Actually, that's where the old pool is... It looked like he was carrying a bunch of books. Zakuro: Where's he going? Doesn't he have class? I looked at the clock. It had been ten minutes since class started. Zakuro: Maybe he's skipping class? Apparently, he skips classes a lot. Though I'm in a different class, so I don't really know how often he skips. 'And my grades are terrible, and I skip class all the time...' That's what he said. He said it himself. He said his grades were bad. I wonder how bad... Well, if he's skipping class all the time, they can't be all that great. While I was thinking about that... he came back again. I guess that took about ten minutes? He appeared again from the same place he had gone off, walking quickly through the shadows. He walked across the yard in less than two minutes and disappeared off in the other direction. Zakuro: ... What's he doing? I kept looking out the window. The world on the other side of the glass looked very hot. A few minutes later, he appeared again, carrying several books through the shadows. Zakuro: Why does he have to walk in the shadows? He would stand out if he walked across the middle of the schoolyard, but either way, it's not like people aren't going to see him. Zakuro: Why's he walking in the shadows? As I was thinking about that, he disappeared behind the school again. Zakuro: What was he going the other direction for? The front gate is on the opposite side of the school from the back courtyard. So he's going back and forth between the main gate and the back courtyard? Zakuro: Now that I think of it... There's a bicycle rack outside the front gate. The time between him disappearing and showing up again was too long for him to just be going to the front gate. Which would make the bicycle rack his most likely destination. Which means... Zakuro: Maybe he's carrying something from the bicycle rack? Maybe he brought some books from his house with his bicycle, and now he's carrying them somewhere? Zakuro: But where's he bringing them to? Zakuro: I don't think there's any place to put books over in that direction... The old pool is still there, behind the school. An indoor pool was installed this spring, so the old one will probably be demolished, but... There's not much of anything else over there. Zakuro: I don't think there's a library or a warehouse or anything over there... What could he be doing? Teacher: Remember this part. It'll be on the test. Male Student: What, really? Teacher: Yes, really... Make sure to go back over that part. Female Student: Stand! The class ended. The classroom instantly got noisy. And then I noticed class was over. Oh no, that's bad. I wasn't listening at all. I accidentally scribbled all over my math notes. Zakuro: I just ended up drawing more boring pictures. But while I was looking outside... I was drawing something. Zakuro: Hahahaha... That's why everyone says I'm creepy. I never learn... do I. I didn't see Mamiya-kun walking across the yard anymore after class ended. This is the break period, even for him, I guess. I pushed my math notes into my desk. Zakuro: I won't be able to use my notes to study with all these scribbles on them... I guess I'll have to throw this notebook away and get a new one. Megu: Takashima! Zakuro: Eh? Ah, yes? Megu: What are you spacing out for? Zakuro: Oh, uh... Sorry. Megu: Hey Takashima, do you have one? Zakuro: Eh? One what? Akasaka-san gently smiled at me. But her smile was incredibly scary. I tried my best to answer it with a smile of my own. Megu: Like I said, there's a concert in Raika. Do you have a ticket? Zakuro: Raika? Oh, yeah. The concert at the CD store... I have one. Megu: Oh, I see. I couldn't get a ticket, since I didn't get to the CD store soon enough. Zakuro: Really? Megu: Really. I went the day before yesterday, and there weren't any left. Zakuro: I-I think there were still tickets. I went there yesterday too. Megu: No way, there weren't any. Zakuro: But... Megu: You must have been mistaken. There weren't any when I went. Zakuro: Oh, yeah... Megu: Jeez, even though you got one. Zakuro: Y-Yeah... Zakuro: Akasaka-san. Do... Do you want my ticket? Megu: Yeah, I do. Zakuro: Okay, then I'll give it to you... I'll bring it tomorrow. Megu: Really? That would be great. Zakuro: Yeah. Megu: Thanks. We're best friends, you know? Zakuro: Oh, y-yeah... I hesitated before I responded... Her face looked really scary for a second. But then she started smiling again. I'm probably safe... Megu: Do you want to go to the bathroom? Zakuro: Oh, sure... She invited me to the bathroom. She's usually in a good mood when she does that. She must be happy about the ticket. Satoko: Oh, Megu, you're going too? Satoko: We'll go too. Tachibana, you too. Kimika: Hmm? Me? Kimika: Ah, Zakuro... I'll come if Zakuro does. ... Kimika came along too... Kimika always bullies me, but the truth is, she's really nice. It seems like no one else knows, but Kimika is really kind... and she's the kind of strong person who would never let someone change her mind. Though she is kind of distant... But I don't really get along with Akasaka Megu or Kitami Satoko. So I have to be really careful... I have to be super careful around them. Megu: So then the old guy suddenly started talking to me. Megu: He asked if 30,000 yen would be enough. Megu: Isn't that ridiculous? Zakuro: Y-You mean... he asked you if you were a prostitute? Megu: ... Megu: You know? It really ticked me off. Zakuro: Ah... She ignored me and kept talking to Kitami-san instead. Maybe she's annoyed because I said something so stupid. Seems like I stepped on a landmine... Satoko: Why didn't you just take his money and beat him up? Megu: No way. That's disgusting. Zakuro: ...Yeah, disgusting. I spoke in a quiet voice and agreed with her. I couldn't even tell whether she heard me... and I was sweating. Megu: Disgusting. Just disgusting. Akasaka-san looked at me. I hurriedly agreed with her. Megu: It was scary having this old guy suddenly talking to me like that. Satoko: That's so scary. It's like he just goes after any girl he sees. Megu: Old guys like that are too desperate. Zakuro: Y-Yeah... Kimika: You know... It seems like you're just agreeing with everything they say. Have you ever had an old guy talk to you like that, Zakuro? Zakuro: Eh? Zakuro: U-Uh... Kimika: What? Zakuro... You were just going along with whatever they said, weren't you? Megu: No, I bet geezers like that can't resist girls like Takashima. Satoko: Geezers like that? lol. Megu: Takashima has to be popular with the geezers, right? I bet she would wear those weird outfits they sell in Donkey's. Maid outfits or bunnygirl outfits, stuff like that. Satoko: Oh, yeah, yeah. Cosplay, right? The one with all the cosplay stuff. Megu: What do you mean all the cosplay stuff? lol. Satoko: That's what they call it in Akiba, right Tachibana? Kimika: Dunno... I'm not really sure. Have you heard of that, Zakuro? Zakuro: Oh, y-yeah... I haven't really heard much about it. Well, it's called cosplay... Kimika: Oh really.. * So then, do you like to cosplay, Zakuro? Do you like to do it in public... or do you just do it at home?"* Megu: At home? When no one else can see it? Isn't that kind of weird? Zakuro: I-I don't really do anything like that. Megu: You don't? lol. Satoko: You would be perfect for it lol. Zakuro: Aha, ahahaha... Kimika: Hehehe... This is the part where I'm supposed to laugh... I don't really understand, but I desperately tried to make a smile. When she saw that, Kimika laughed at me. Did I mess up again? Here at school, anything I say can turn into a landmine... I'm always sweating in fear. And of course, silence is just as bad. I stand out even more if I don't say anything. I prayed for the bell to ring soon. Satoko: But she draws manga lol. Kimika: She draws during class too. Zakuro: No, that's... Megu: What? Is there another event happening in Akiba this summer? Satoko: What? Another Akiba event? Do you know about that, Tachibana? Kimika: The famous one they do every year, right? There are tens of thousands of otakus that gather every year. It can get pretty crazy, I guess. Megu: Seriously * There are really that many? lol. What they hell would they all do in one place? lol."* Satoko: It must smell like shit there lololol. It would be like an entire city of nerds lol. Megu: Don't ask me lol, but yeah I bet it does lolol. Right, Takashima? Zakuro: Eh? Oh, yeah... Well, there are a lot of smelly guys... and sometimes the women smell too. Satoko: Why would all those smelly people want to get together lol? What are they all going to do together? Megu: I heard they sell anime porn lol. And they dress up as anime characters too lol. Satoko: What the hell lol * Why would you draw porn like that, Takashima?"* Zakuro: U-Um, for the record... I'm one of the producers, and that's kind of... Megu: I bet she draws those manga where two guys fuck. Zakuro: I-I'm... Satoko: Two guys? Really * What the hell is wrong with those people?"* Zakuro: U-Um... Megu: Oh, crap. That was the bell for the next class. Satoko: Isn't the next class English? Zakuro: Y-Yeah, it is... Satoko: No waaay. Kimika: What is it? Satoko: He's definitely going to call on me today. Megu: Now that you mention it, the person in front of you went last yesterday. So you didn't do your homework today either? Kimika: But isn't it Zakuro's turn today too? Zakuro: Yeah, probably... I'm not sure, but it probably is. Satoko: Did you do it? Zakuro: Yeah. I did it, but... Satoko: Let me borrow your notebook. Zakuro: Eh? But... Satoko: I'm trying to get a recommendation for the college here, so this is really important. My grades will fall. Zakuro: But if I give you my notebook... Satoko: There's no time for me to copy it. Just let me borrow it. Megu: Can't you just skip class, Takashima? They'll let you go if you say you're not feeling well, won't they? Satoko: It would help me out a lot if you could. I need your notebook. Zakuro: Sure... Megu: Really? Zakuro: All right... I'll let you borrow it. Satoko: Great * We'll explain to the teacher."* Zakuro: Sure... Satoko: I guess this is what friends are for! Ahahaha. Zakuro: ... I can't put them in a bad mood over something small like this. I'll lose my award for three years of perfect attendance, but still, compared to what could happen, it's not a big deal. So... I guess I have no choice. Kimika: You're so kind, Zakuro... Hmm. Zakuro: Ow! After she said that, she pinched my arm for some reason. She didn't seem all that happy about my decision. Zakuro: I'm skipping class... I stood alone in the hallway. I had never skipped class before, so I didn't know what to do. I have to go the school infirmary. That's what I was told. If you feel bad, go rest in the infirmary... But maybe the nurse would see through me if I faked an illness. Since I don't actually feel bad... Zakuro: What should I do... A quiet hallway... It's not really a question of what to do. There isn't anything I can do here. Zakuro: Oh... There are a lot of things I could do if I had a notebook and a pencil. Jeez... If only I had something to do. I can't even go to the infirmary. Though honestly, I didn't really want to go there in the first place. Not only because the nurse would probably see through me, but also since there's no reason to go to the infirmary when I feel perfectly fine Zakuro: What should I do... I wandered through the hallway alone, lost in thought. Zakuro: Ah... I hid in the bathroom when I saw someone coming. Iida: Seriously, there's no way. Shiroyama: No, really. It really was. Iida: No, seriously. Seriously now. Shiroyama: There you go again. I'm telling you, you should've seen it. Zakuro: ... I leaned on the door. Zakuro: Those are lowlifes... They don't seem like good people. They almost always skip class. Th-That's right... People like that are wandering around... Does that mean I can't leave the bathroom? Zakuro: What should I do? Sitting in the bathroom alone for an hour is kind of... Or maybe... there might be some other place where they won't see me... some place the teachers won't find me either... I guess the bathroom really is my only choice. Zakuro: Actually... Is Mamiya-kun skipping class right now? Zakuro: I wonder if Mamiya-kun knows a place where no one will bother him? He went off toward the old pool... Zakuro: Maybe I should go look... After all, I have nothing else to do for the next hour. Zakuro: No one's here... I thought Mamiya-kun came this way, but I guess he's not here. Zakuro: Or maybe he went to class? That might be it. There's no guarantee he skipped class again. Zakuro: Huh? Zakuro: Is that... ash? There was a black spot next to the pool. When I looked closer, I noticed that they were burnt cinders. Zakuro: This is... Manga? Mamiya: Wh-What are you doing? Zakuro: Eh? Oh. I suddenly heard someone behind me. When I turned around, Mamiya-kun was standing there. He wasn't there a moment ago... Zakuro: Umm, something was burning, so... Mamiya: N-Not really. It wasn't a very big fire. Zakuro: Th-That's not what I mean. Um, there was smoke in the air... Mamiya: So what? Zakuro: I-I'm sorry... Mamiya: ...Who are you? Zakuro: Um, I'm Takashima Zakuro. I'm in the class next to yours. Mamiya: The next class? Mamiya: What? Skipping class? Weren't you a good student? Zakuro: I have certain circumstances... Mamiya: Circumstances? What do you mean? Zakuro: Wh-What about you? Mamiya: Huh? Zakuro: What were you doing? Mamiya: N-Nothing, really... Zakuro: Your books were burning, though... Did someone make you burn them? Mamiya: No. Mamiya: It's just... it bugged me how the heroine in this manga wasn't a virgin, so I was gonna burn it and upload the video. Zakuro: Th-The heroine? Mamiya: Y-Yeah... It's not like someone was bullying me. I just couldn't let it go, so I burnt it. Zakuro: I read that manga. Mamiya: Eh? You did? Zakuro: Uh, yeah... I like manga. Mamiya: ...Oh. It looked like he was going to smile for a moment, but then he gave a casual response. Like he was trying to say, 'I don't care'... Mamiya: So you like manga... I see... Zakuro: Yes... Mostly just shoujo manga, but I read shounen too. Mamiya: So you must be a fujoshi, right? The otakus must be all over you. Zakuro: N-No. I'm not a― Mamiya: Well, who cares about something like that. Zakuro: ... The atmosphere felt uneasy. Did I step on another landmine? Zakuro: Do you like manga, Mamiya-kun? Mamiya: Don't most nerds like manga? Zakuro: So what about you? Mamiya: Huh? Of course I do. I just said it! Zakuro: I-I'm sorry... Mamiya: Um, could you just go away? Zakuro: Eh? Um... Mamiya: If you stand around here... Yuuki will see us, and then I'll get beat up again. Yuuki? Oh, he must be one of those thugs. Zakuro: Um, I'm... Mamiya: You know, as long as you're here, I can't go back. You're bothering me. Go back? Why can't he go back because of me? Mamiya: Don't make me repeat myself. Zakuro: I-I'm sorry... Mamiya: I don't need your apologies. Just disappear. Otherwise... Ah! His face twisted in fear. He was looking at... Zakuro: The people from before. Mamiya: Tch. Zakuro: Eh? Zakuro: Ah! Mamiya-kun grabbed my collar and pushed me down. Zakuro: U-Um... Shiroyama: Did you just hear a girl's voice? Iida: You're just imagining things 'cause you haven't gotten any action lately... Shiroyama: No, really! Zakuro: U-Um... Mamiya: Jeez, why did it turn out like this? Damn it. What should I do... They're already so close. Mamiya: Um... Y-You can't tell anyone about what you're about to see! Zakuro: Eh? What? Mamiya: Just promise that you won't tell anyone about it.". Zakuro: Oh, sure... Shiroyama: It came from over here. Someone's probably fucking. Iida: Hey, wait up. Mamiya: ... Mamiya: Come on... Zakuro: Eh? He pulled on my hand hard. Into the open manhole... Mamiya: What are you doing? Get in! Just go down the ladder. Zakuro: Ah, okay... After I went in, Mamiya-kun came down and immediately pulled the lid back over the manhole. It was pitch black inside. Zakuro: U-Umm... Mamiya: Be quiet... Also, this ladder is pretty high, so be careful. Zakuro: Ah, okay... Shiroyama: Huhh? Iida: Look, no one's here, just like I said. Shiroyama: That's weird... I'm sure I heard someone. Iida: But there's no one around here. Shiroyama: I definitely heard someone... Iida: You got any smokes? Shiroyama: Yeah, a few... Iida: Sevens, huh... Shiroyama: What's wrong with Sevens? Iida: Sevens is the kind of crap old men smoke... Shiroyama: Huh? Why don't you go smoke your mint crap then? ...... Mamiya: Th-Those bastards... They're smoking up there. Zakuro: Mamiya-kun... Mamiya: Hmm? Zakuro: U-Umm... My hands had gone numb. Mamiya: ... Mamiya: Tch... Go down the ladder, I guess. Zakuro: Down? Mamiya: Yeah, I'll turn on the lights when we get to the bottom, so go down. Zakuro: S-Sure... 'Either the well was very deep,' 'or she fell very slowly,' 'for she had plenty of time as she went down to look about her, and to wonder what was going to happen next.' Zakuro: It's like the rabbit hole Alice fell down... Zakuro: ... Mamiya: There we go... Zakuro: Ah... Mamiya: From here, you can get out through the irrigation canal, so just go that way. Zakuro: That way? Mamiya: Look, over there, further in... Zakuro: But my shoes will get dirty. Mamiya: Huh? Who cares about that?! Shiroyama: I heard something! Seriously! Iida: Again? Shiroyama: No, really, I heard a guy and a girl! Mamiya: Ah! Zakuro: I-If we talk too loudly... Mamiya: I-I know that. Iida: You're hearing things. You need to get laid, man. Shiroyama: That's not it. Mamiya: ... Zakuro: ... Mamiya: ...Do you promise not to tell anyone? Zakuro: About what? Mamiya: I can't say what, which is why I'm asking! Zakuro: Ah, okay... Mamiya: Jeez... If I don't have any dirt on you, I really can't tell you, though... Zakuro: Dirt? Mamiya: N-Nothing! Who cares about that?! Zakuro: S-Sorry. Mamiya-kun is kind of mysterious... Sometimes he seems frightened like this, other times he's relaxed, and sometimes he's really scary. Mamiya: Jeez... Of course you can't say something like that. That's too embarrassing. Zakuro: ... I couldn't hear him well, but he was mumbling something to himself. Mamiya-kun always seems to be talking to himself, just like this. He's kind of strange. Zakuro: Ah. Zakuro: Whoa... This is... Mamiya: D-Don't touch anything. Zakuro: Ah, okay... Zakuro: Is this your hideout? Mamiya: Hideout? The hell is that? Sounds stupid. Makes it seem like I'm a terrorist or something. Zakuro: I-I'm sorry... Oh, so hideouts aren't cool... I'm not sure, but I always thought hideouts were cool. Mamiya: Don't you think that word is nasty? That's the kind of word all the sheeple eat up. Zakuro: ...Sheeple? Mamiya: I hate the mass media... Anyone who watches TV or reads the newspaper is dumb as a rock. Sheeple... Like sheep people? Is that a word? Zakuro: R-Really? I've heard the same thing about people who watch TV, but... don't smart people read the newspaper? Mamiya: That's right. The sheeple who watch that crap are stupid, vulgar peasants. Zakuro: Oh... Okay. I heard the muffled sound of the bell. It sounded like it was incredibly far away, since we were underground. Mamiya: Go on, get out... Class is over. Mamiya-kun put his hand on the ladder in the back of the reservoir tank. Mamiya: The bell rang, so get out. And don't... Mamiya: ...Don't say anything about this place! Really, this isn't fair! Zakuro: Eh? Um... Mamiya: Why did I have to tell you my secret? This is so unfair... Zakuro: U-Um... You mean, I should tell you a secret I've never told anyone else? Mamiya: Eh? Eh? Wh-What do you mean? Zakuro: U-Um... Well, you said it wasn't fair that I know your secret and you don't know any of mine... Mamiya: Uh, w-well, I guess... Zakuro: If you wait a little bit, I'll bring it here. Mamiya: Eh? Wh-What do you... Zakuro: I'm not sure, but maybe it's as important to me as this place is to you. I ran off. Behind me, Mamiya-kun yelled... Mamiya: Wh-When you come down, make sure no one sees you! Satoko: Oh, Takashima. Thanks for the notebook. Zakuro: Oh, sure... I took the notebook from Kitami-san and stuck it back in my desk. Then I took out another notebook. Zakuro: ... Zakuro: This is really embarrassing... Zakuro: ... But it has to be, otherwise it's not a secret. The pictures I drew while I was watching Mamiya-kun earlier... It's not like I was drawing pictures of him, but still, it would be really embarrassing to show him this. I wouldn't even want my parents to see this. I'd like to take it to my grave, or maybe burn it... Either way, I wouldn't ever tell anyone about it. Zakuro: But that place is Mamiya-kun's secret, so... Zakuro: ... I stuck the notebook in my shirt and started running back. That's right... It has to be something embarrassing like this. Zakuro: Ha... Ha... Ha... It was this manhole, wasn't it? Zakuro: Hhm... H-Heavy... Zakuro: Ah... Ahh... I couldn't lift it at all. Zakuro: Huh? Mamiya: Wh-What are you doing? I thought it was someone else. Zakuro: Oh, I'm sorry... Zakuro: Uh, um... earlier, you said... Mamiya: Huh? What? Zakuro: U-Um, you said you needed to know my secret. Mamiya: Eh? Y-You mean, like, your under... Zakuro: Huh? Mamiya: Oh, no. I-It's nothing... So, what is it? Zakuro: No, like... my weak point. Mamiya: ... Mamiya: Your weak point? Zakuro: Yeah. It's not fair that I know your secret, so... Mamiya: U-Um, you mean... Zakuro: So... Mamiya: E-Eh? Really? Zakuro: Please take this! Mamiya: ... Mamiya: What is this? Zakuro: M-My notebook! Mamiya: No, I can see that. Zakuro: Um, this is my weak point. Mamiya: Oh, okay. He quizzically opened my notebook. It really is embarrassing. Mamiya: Is it... a manga? Zakuro: Y-Yes... Mamiya: Well, it's pretty good. Zakuro: Eh? Mamiya: What? Are you trying to go pro? Zakuro: Oh, no... Not really. Mamiya: I see. Well, I guess it would be embarrassing to show someone something you drew, but is that really a secret? Zakuro: Y-You don't think that counts? Mamiya: I dunno... It's not like it matters to me. Zakuro: W-Well, then what would be better? Mamiya: L-Like I said, I-I can't say something like that! Zakuro: R-Really? Mamiya: J-Just forget about it * Jeez..."* Mamiya-kun crawled back into the manhole. Zakuro: Ah... Mamiya: Hey * Why are you trying to come down?"* Zakuro: Oh, uh... Mamiya: ... Mamiya: Hmm... W-Well, I guess it doesn't matter now. I don't really mind. Zakuro: Do you stay down here a lot? Mamiya: Here * I'd get sick if I stayed here in the humidity... It's kind of nasty."* Zakuro: Yeah... Even if it is underground, a sealed space like this really would get hot in the summer. Zakuro: It wouldn't be bad to stay here for a while, but I wouldn't want to stay for too long. Mamiya: It would be awful, wouldn't it? The temperature isn't really a problem, but the humidity is really bad. I suppose so. So it's not like he's always down here... Maybe it's like an emergency shelter? Mamiya: What are you doing? Zakuro: Eh? Mamiya: I mean, I don't really care if you want to stay here, but... Zakuro: Ah... Mamiya-kun opened a hatch further in. Zakuro: Is that an exit? Mamiya: ... Mamiya-kun silently climbed the ladder. Zakuro: U-Um... Mamiya-kun disappeared. Will he mind if I follow him? Zakuro: This is... It wasn't nearly as hot. This place... A huge space opened up before me. Several concrete pillars stretched into the infinite void. Zakuro: We're not outside, are we? It's still just the afternoon... It wouldn't be dark at this time of day. I never knew there was such a huge space here... Mamiya: This is the new school building's foundation. The new pool is right above us. Mamiya: It's usually pretty cool down here. When they turn on the air conditioning up above, it cools the air down here too. Mamiya: They put ventilation shafts down here so that the humidity wouldn't eat away at the foundation. Zakuro: It was built right over the old pool's drainage tank... Mamiya: Well, maybe they were considering the possibility of using the old pool's drainage tank. Either way, it's really convenient for me. Zakuro: How did you find this place? Mamiya: There are a few sets of stairs that lead down here, so I guess you can get in here from above, but all those doors are locked. Mamiya: As far as I know, they've never been unlocked. I doubt there's any way in here other than the route we just took. Zakuro: So no one comes down here... Mamiya: There are drainage pipes over there, so maybe a maintenance worker would come down if there was a problem with the pool... Zakuro: But bullies and teachers don't come down here? Mamiya: Of course not. Mamiya-kun walked further in. I quickly followed him. But still, the roof is really high. It was built on a slope, so it makes sense, but still... Zakuro: Why's the roof so high? Mamiya: Maybe they were going to build something down here? I guess they ran out of money halfway through. Zakuro: You think so? Mamiya: Who knows... It looks like they could fit another whole floor down here, though I'm not really an expert. Zakuro: I see. Mamiya: Here it is. Zakuro: Here? Mamiya-kun suddenly pushed on the wall. The wall gave in easily. Zakuro: Is this fabric? Mamiya: I rubbed gravel into the fabric. It just looks like another part of the wall in the darkness. Zakuro: Wow... It's almost like a house. It's so bright. Mamiya: Yeah, that's why I have the generator. I can read or even play games in here. Zakuro: Can you use the Internet too? Mamiya: Yeah, but it's super slow, since I have to use my phone to get a connection. Zakuro: But we're underground... Mamiya: The building was probably designed so you could get a signal in here. Mamiya: Other than that... I guess I have these shelves for keeping food. Zakuro: Books... I've seen this bookshelf before. It's probably one of the school's... But there are an awful lot of books. Zakuro: Are these your books? Mamiya: Some of them are mine, but not all. I brought some books that my parents make me read. Zakuro: There are a lot of really difficult books here... Mamiya: Those aren't mine. They're the ones my parents try to make me read... They're in the way, so I just keep them down here. Zakuro: There are a bunch of plays... Mamiya: Those aren't mine either. They're from my house. Zakuro: From your house? Mamiya: I don't really plan on reading them, but... Zakuro: You don't read them, but you carried them here anyway... Mamiya: I guess... Zakuro: Philosophy books... Mamiya: I don't read those. Zakuro: World literature... Mamiya: Who cares about that? Zakuro: Classic literature... Mamiya: Who would read that crap? Zakuro: Light novels... Mamiya: A ton of them, right? They're all mine. Zakuro: So you like light novels, huh? Mamiya: I don't think there's anything to learn from old books. Why do you need to read anything but light novels? Zakuro: O-Oh, really... Mamiya: Huh? Do you think there's something to learn from those old books? Only old geezers read them. Zakuro: Old geezers... I don't think that's right. Well, that's not important. But really... that's not right. He's probably wrong about that. I took a bottle off his food shelf. A bottle of something... Zakuro: This isn't a bottle of marmalade, is it? Mamiya: What? Zakuro: Nothing... 'First,' 'she tried to look down and make out what she was coming to,' 'but it was too dark to see anything:' 'then she looked at the sides of the well,' 'and noticed that they were filled with cupboards and book-shelves:' 'here and there she saw maps and pictures hung upon pegs.' 'She took down a jar from one of the shelves as she passed:' 'it was labelled "ORANGE MARMALADE," but to her great disappointment it was empty;' 'she did not like to drop the jar, for fear of killing somebody underneath,' 'so managed to put it into one of the cupboards as she fell past it.' A passage from Alice in Wonderland, when she fell into the rabbit hole. That's right... This isn't the rabbit hole that leads to Wonderland. But this was the first time Mamiya-kun seemed truly mysterious to me. When I came here... I felt like there was something drawing me in. Somewhere else... Somewhere other than the place I am. The world of mirrors... The world of mystery... I know that nothing like that really exists, but for some reason I had gotten the feeling that there was something different about him. Mamiya-kun seemed enigmatic at first, but... But it was just an illusion. This place lost its luster once I found that out. It was just another dull place. Mamiya: Hmm? What's wrong? Zakuro: I should be heading home. Mamiya: Eh? Already? Zakuro: Ah... Yes... Mamiya: U-Um... I fled that place. Behind me, Mamiya-kun yelled... Mamiya: Y-You can come back any time you want. Mamiya: U-Uh, Takashima-san! Before, he didn't want me to come here at all. His voice suddenly sounded incredibly bothersome. I hated the sound of his voice chasing after me. Zakuro: Ahh. Nothing interesting ever happens. Of course not. If amazing things happened every day, we would get tired of them. Life is just... Zakuro: Haa... Mamiya-kun, huh? Honestly, I was disappointed. Zakuro: Disappointed, huh? What was I expecting? The sun began to set. The color of the sky doesn't change with the day, but it does change with the hour. It slowly changes to yellow... and then dyes all the buildings purple. The sunset was depressing. That was because I was already tired by the time I saw the scenery. My body felt heavy. My heart felt heavy. Even though nothing happened in the day. Even though it was all empty. The only things that remained after such an empty day were the weight in my body and the weight in my heart. And also... a strange frustration, almost like regret. It seemed like regret, even though... I hadn't done anything wrong. Of course. No one could fault me for my choices today. There was no point where my empty existence could have blossomed into a bouquet of flowers. It's not like you can make life-changing choices every single day. And even if there was a bouquet of flowers to fill the hole in my life... they would wilt in just a few days. A flower without roots... withers and dies. That's why I found the sunset incredibly depressing. The scenery was too melancholy. This melancholy scene was another... It was the scenery of another conclusive ending. This is how it ended, with a heavy body and a heavy heart. It actually cheered me up a little to think that at least it was over. The melancholy scenery outside passed from the right to the left, on and on. Right to left, right to left, it flowed on. As it flowed, the shade of purple on the buildings grew more apparent. Zakuro: Haa.. I ate dinner and then went to my room. I idly surfed the Internet on my phone. Though... it's not like that's any fun. I had gotten a friend request from some man I didn't know... He was a 30 year old businessman. His listed interests were the same as mine, and he said he had become one of my fans after reading my journal. "You've got a good head on your shoulders for a girl of your age." "It's nice to see that there are still some girls who think before they act." That's what he said... "You like Alice in Wonderland, huh? Have you seen Jan Svankmajer's version, Cheshire Cat?" By the way, Cheshire Cat is my username. "It's a very artistic film, but you're a smart, sensitive girl, so I thought you might like it." Sadly enough, I'm neither smart nor sensitive. "The Jabberwocky's Riddle community is having an offline meeting soon. Are you coming? If you are, I could bring the DVD for you." Unfortunately, I'm not going (I've never even been to that site). I wanted to send him a sarcastic reply like that, but... of course, I can't. I wasn't feeling good, so I just let it go. Zakuro: Haa... I aimlessly surfed the Internet. Zakuro: Now that I think about it, they're not gossiping about me anymore. Kita High's message board, SAWAYAKA... They call it the school's underground message board... Until about half a year ago, they said horrible things about me on here. Zakuro: Fat... Zakuro: Ugly... Zakuro: Disgusting... Zakuro: She must have gotten a boobjob... Well, sorry for that... I guess ugly girls shouldn't have big boobs. Lately there hadn't been any new posts about me. Since about the same time the bullying stopped. Zakuro: Bullying, huh... I checked on the anonymous bullying prevention forum that I had signed up for back then. My thread was still there... They told me to keep fighting. To never give up. Telling me to never give up... Their advice only made it worse. But there were also a lot of people who told me how to solve my problems. They really helped me. But one of them was a 28 year old man. I was scared of him, since he seemed more like a stalker than anything. Zakuro: I should've never given him my phone number... At first, I thought he was really nice, since he told me the phone number for a hotline for people who've been bullied... After I gave him my phone number... he called almost every night... He asked what I was doing. He asked if I wanted to go somewhere to hang out. It had nothing to do with bullying anymore... I got scared and changed my phone number. But there were lots of good things, too. The women in particular were always nice. They were always kind... and I could relax, since I knew they didn't have any ulterior motives. But one day, all the bullying suddenly stopped. Because I was seriously injured. It was painful, but now that I look back on it, it wasn't so bad. Now I don't need to come to this site anymore. 226: I Hate Bullies: 2012/01/15(W) 11:26:15 ID:KAERA The new school semester started. Are you still doing all right, Cheshire Cat? By the way, 'I Hate Bullies' is the 28 year old stalker. You hate bullies, but you're just fine with stalkers, huh... 228: The March Hare: 2012/01/25(W) 11:30:20 ID:inkin She hasn't posted anything new, so I guess she's fine. 229: The March Hare: 2012/05/09(Th) 11:35:40 ID:ADAMO It's been a long time. I guess nothing new has happened. I'm praying for you. I hope your life goes better from here on out. Zakuro: The March Hare... She was one of the kind women... I wanted to tell her what happened after that... But I wanted to avoid the stalker, so I didn't post on there anymore. The bullying really had stopped. The March Hare... She always talks about praying... And she's always very polite and kind... She seems like a good person. I really wish I could tell her what happened. That the bullying stopped... I wish I could at least tell her. Zakuro: Haa... I'm tired. I looked at the clock. It was already past midnight. Zakuro: Whoa... I need to get to sleep. That night... I had a dream. A dream I've never had before. But one that seems so familiar. Maybe... it was a dream from long ago. The dream made me sad... Then it disappeared.
Zakuro: It sure is hot... The sun on the rooftop was harsh. Zakuro: Maybe I shouldn't have come here... I ended up skipping class today too. Though no one forced me to do it today. It just happened. I wasn't really aiming for perfect attendance, but still, once I skipped class a single time, it became a lot easier to do it again. Zakuro: I've never skipped class before... I can probably get away with skipping every once in a while. Zakuro: I'm really not used to this, though... I came to the rooftop because it didn't seem like anyone else would be up here... and it really was deserted. Zakuro: No one comes up here because it's so hot. Zakuro: Haa... What should I do for an hour? Zakuro: Maybe I should've gone to class after all... I put my hand on the fence as I walked across the rooftop. The school's layout is pretty complicated, so the roof isn't a normal rectangle either. Building A has a shape like a cross. The scenery changed as I walked. The Building B and C rooftops are closed off. ... Zakuro: Is that... Mamiya-kun? Why? That's Building B, so it should be off limits. Why is he over there? Zakuro: Huh? When I squinted, I could see stairs on the other side of the fence. Zakuro: It's connected to the other building's rooftop here... Building B has one less floor, so the stairs lead down. It doesn't stand out since it's below the lip of the rooftop, but it really is a pretty big staircase. Zakuro: It's probably off limits, but... Mamiya: Who are you? Zakuro: U-Um... Did he forget about yesterday already? Zakuro: I-I'm Takashima Zakuro. I'm in the next class over. Mamiya: Takashima... Zakuro? That's right. What does he mean by that? Mamiya: Sorry... I'm really bad at remembering faces. Zakuro: I see... But still, it was just yesterday. I don't really care about him, but it really bothers me that he doesn't even seem to remember me. Mamiya: What are you doing in a place like this? Zakuro: Oh, uh, nothing in particular. Mamiya: Are you cutting class? Zakuro: W-Well, I guess so. Mamiya: I see... You shouldn't do that, you know? Zakuro: B-But you're doing the same thing. Mamiya: I'll be fine. Zakuro: Why? Mamiya: I always skip classes. Zakuro: Th-That's not a good reason. Mamiya: Who needs a reason? Either way, you shouldn't skip class. Mamiya: Weren't you a good student? Zakuro: N-Not really... Mamiya: Oh... Well, if you say so. Zakuro: ... What is it... Yesterday when I left, his voice was so bothersome, but now he almost sounds different. But his voice hasn't changed... Mamiya: Isn't it nice and cool here? Zakuro: Eh? Now that he mentioned it... I didn't notice because I was talking to him. It's pretty cool here. Zakuro: There's shade here, and... Mamiya: A cool breeze comes out of the forest behind the school. Mamiya: No one comes here because the Building A rooftop is so hot in the summer. Mamiya: Even though the Building C rooftop is so much cooler... Zakuro: So it's a perfect place for skipping class... Mamiya: You could say that. Zakuro: ... Zakuro: What are you doing here, Mamiya-kun? Mamiya: What does it look like I'm doing? Zakuro: Reading? Mamiya: Correct. Zakuro: Is that a light novel? Mamiya: Do you like light novels? Zakuro: Not really, but... Mamiya: This is... Mamiya-kun took the cover off the book he was reading. Zakuro: ...Cyrano de Bergerac? Mamiya: It's the most popular play in France... Zakuro: Popular in France? Is it a modern play? Mamiya: I wouldn't call it modern... It was written in the 19th century. Zakuro: Is it interesting? Mamiya: It's incredibly well written, but it seems like it wasn't so well received when it was first published. Zakuro: What do you mean? Mamiya: I guess you could say it was a heavily commercialized play. To the people of the time, it must have seemed old and musty. Zakuro: I see... It looks like it would be hard to read. Mamiya: It's not that hard. The translation is very recent. Most people who've finished middle school could probably read it. Mamiya: Have you finished middle school? Zakuro: I suppose I have... Wait, isn't that obvious? Mamiya: Then you should be able to read it just fine. Zakuro: What kind of story is it? Mamiya: A poet! Mamiya: Swordsman! Mamiya: Scientist! Mamiya: And a musician! Mamiya: It's a story about a real person who lived in the 17th century. Zakuro: A true story? Mamiya: No, it's still a play. Mamiya: It speaks of an ugly man's unrequited love. Zakuro: Unrequited love? Mamiya: I've lived without knowing the touch of a woman. Zakuro: Eh? Mamiya: Even my mother thought I was a repugnant child... I had no sisters either... As an adult, women have always looked at me with disdain. Mamiya: It's a play about that person's unrequited pure love. Zakuro: Unrequited... pure love... Mamiya: That's what it's about. Zakuro: Is it interesting? Mamiya: Yes, of course. I really like it. Zakuro: ... Mamiya-kun laughed kindly. Mamiya: Do you want to read something? Zakuro: Eh? Mamiya: Aren't you bored? A lot of the time when I skip class, I read books. Why don't you try one? Zakuro: Oh, sure... Mamiya: Would you like to read a light novel? Zakuro: Ah... What would you recommend? Mamiya: A light novel? Zakuro: It doesn't have to be a light novel. Mamiya: What would you prefer? Zakuro: I don't know a whole lot about that stuff, so I'm not sure, but... I like Alice in Wonderland. I read Through the Looking-Glass, too. Mamiya: Alice! Lewis Carroll, huh? Then how about this? Mamiya-kun fished around in his bag and took out a paperback book. Zakuro: What's this? There was a cute drawing on the cover, but more than that... Zakuro: Stories Written on a Typewriter... Heh, what's this? The title made me laugh... Mamiya: Why don't you try reading it? My eyes met his as I took the book from his outstretched hand. He smiled at me. Zakuro: Th-Thank you... Mamiya: It's from the same publisher as the one I'm reading, but the words are bigger and the story is easier to understand. Zakuro: Sure... Mamiya: Light novels are nice too, but sometimes a book like this is better, you know? Zakuro: B-But I don't read many light novels. Mamiya: Really? You mentioned them earlier, so I thought you liked them. Zakuro: You're the one that likes light novels, aren't you? Mamiya: I like pretty much all books. I mean... Zakuro: You mean? Mamiya: If you just want to hide away in your heart without using any electronics, books are pretty much the best way to do it, aren't they? Zakuro: Without electronics? Mamiya: Sadly enough, there aren't any outlets or anything on the roof, so I can't use the Internet or play games up here. Zakuro: Hehehe... You're right. Mamiya: I can't even play games on my cell phone because it's never charged... I'm lazy, so I always forget to charge it. Zakuro: You read instead of playing games because you're lazy? Mamiya: Something like that. If I wasn't so lazy, I might be able to play games more often. Zakuro: Hehehe... In that case, you might not be skipping class at all. Mamiya: I see... That's a good point. He's really mysterious... I opened the book, but Mamiya-kun was distracting me, so I couldn't focus on it. He interested me far more than the aging pensioners and bald managers in the book. Zakuro: Do you like reading, Mamiya-kun? Mamiya: Eh? Didn't I say that earlier? Zakuro: Oh, yeah. You did... Ahahaha. Mamiya: I mostly tend to keep to myself, which is probably why I like books so much. Zakuro: You mostly keep to yourself? Mamiya: Pretty much. Zakuro: That's the bell. Mamiya: Class is over. Zakuro: Oh, yeah... Mamiya: Ah... Zakuro: Huh? "Nii-san..." Zakuro: Nii...san? Mamiya: What is it? You two don't come up here very often. Zakuro: ... You two? What did he mean by saying, 'you two'? I only saw one person... I looked at the girl standing in front of Mamiya-kun. Does she go to a different school? That's not our uniform... Though she looks a bit younger than us too. She must be his little sister. Putting that aside... I really don't understand why he said 'you two'... "...A friend?" Mamiya: O-Oh.. * We just happened to both be up here. She's the girl from the next class, uh..."* Zakuro: Takashima Zakuro... And you are? Hasaki: Hasaki... I'm Mamiya Hasaki. Zakuro: Mamiya-kun's little sister? Hasaki: Yes... Zakuro: I see... She's really cute. I don't want to bother them. She came all the way here to visit him, after all. Zakuro: Well then, I should be going. Mamiya: Oh, sure. Zakuro: Goodbye, Hasaki-san. Hasaki: Bye. Zakuro: Oh, what about this book? Mamiya: You haven't finished it, right? Zakuro: Yeah... I-I'm a slow reader. Mamiya: Then keep it until you finish. Mamiya: It's a children's story by a man who wrote a book called The Grammar of Fantasy. It definitely has a lot more to it than most children's books. I think you'll like it. Zakuro: O-Okay... I turned and ran off. What is this feeling? It's like I'm embarrassed, but also very happy. I couldn't stand still, so I ended up dashing off. Kimika: Zakuro? Huh? You skipped again? Zakuro: Ah, yeah... Kimika: Hmm, I see... That's rare. Kimika laughed shortly. Kimika usually only laughs when she's angry, but this time it seemed different. Megu: Takashima! Let's get something to eat. Zakuro: Oh, okay... Kimika: Me too... Satoko: I'm broke. Megu: What do you mean? When did that happen? Satoko: I'm totally broke... I need some money. Megu: Why don't you have any? Satoko: I don't know. I never have any money at the end of the month. Megu: But it's not even close to the end of the month. Kimika: But still, her job pays on the 25th, and she gets her allowance on the 30th... This time of month is pretty rough. Satoko: Isn't there an easy way to earn money? Megu: Don't ask me. If there was, I'd be doing it too. Satoko: Isn't your family stupid rich? Megu: That doesn't mean I'm rich. My parents only give me 30,000 yen a month for my allowance. Satoko: I'm telling you, that's a ton of money. Megu: How is that a lot of money? I hear that all the girls at that rich kids' school get 100,000 a month. Satoko: Those girls are on a different level, though. Megu: But I don't have any money. It's because I'm always paying for shit for you guys. Satoko: I really appreciate it, though! Megu: Money, huh * It's easy if you have someone to give it to you, but earning it yourself is a pain in the ass."* Satoko: And I hear you can get in big trouble for selling yourself. Zakuro: What are you selling? Kimika: Zakuro... Do you have to try to be that stupid, or does it come naturally? You're kind of ticking me off. Zakuro: N-No, I didn't mean to... Satoko: You're so stupid. I'm talking about prostitution. Megu: But it's really a pain to do, isn't it? Satoko: Isn't there a more creative way we could earn money? Zakuro: Creative? Megu: Isn't there? Haven't you heard? You can even make money blogging and stuff like that. Satoko: You can make money blogging? Megu: They were talking about it on TV. Satoko: Then why don't we start a blog? Megu: How? Satoko: Dunno... I'm not really sure. Making money with a blog... How would they do that? No one would care about their blog anyway, since they know nothing about the Internet and have no particular knowledge or skills. Megu: There has to be some way we can earn money fast. Kimika: I don't think there is a way to earn money fast. Megu: Takashima, you draw manga, right? Zakuro: Ah, yes... Megu: Can't you make money with that? Zakuro: I'm not that good... I don't think I could get anything for it. Kimika: Akasaka-san... Why don't you try writing a novel? Megu: A novel? Kimika: I heard they're looking for novels. The kind you write on your phone. Megu: Cell phone novels! Satoko: Yeah, I heard about one that got made into a movie. They're making tons of money. Megu: That's it! Zakuro: Can you write a novel? Megu: Won't know 'til I try. Satoko: Anyway, let's try writing one during the next class. Kimika: Anyway, shouldn't we get something to eat? We're running out of time here. Megu: That's right! Kimika: It's not worth getting that worked up about. A cell phone novel, huh... I read part of one before, but it was really strange. It used lots of weird slang I didn't understand... Actually, I think I read a book that started out kind of like that. At the beginning, the writer seemed incredibly dumb, but as he got smarter and smarter, the writing got better and more sophisticated. Though cell phone novels are kind of dumb the whole way through. What kind of story was that... ... Maybe Mamiya-kun has a copy... There were lots of books in his secret room. He might have it. A novel, huh? Zakuro: I ended up borrowing this... "Stories Written on a Typewriter." What a bizarre title. I'd never heard of this before. When I looked at the table of contents, there were several other short stories included along with the main story. Each individual story is really short... I guess that makes sense, since children would get bored if they were too long. I started reading the story from the title and... Huh... This old man... He didn't have anywhere to go, so... he turned into a cat. The old man is the protagonist of the story. He turns into a cat and plays with all the other cats at the beginning of the story. Hehehe... What a silly story. It really is the kind of story I like. It was really interesting. The author was Gianni Rodari... I'd never heard of him before. So he knows all about stuff like this. I've heard of "book sommeliers" before, but does that word really describe someone like Mamiya-kun? A sommelier is a person who picks out wines to match a customer's tastes... It's just like Mamiya-kun. I really liked the book Mamiya-kun lent me. When he gave me this book, he kind of looked like a sommelier offering his finest wine, too. Though I don't know anything about sommeliers... It seems like it fits. I stared out the window, lost in thought. Zakuro: I wonder if Mamiya-kun is in his secret room right now. Zakuro: That's right... I should go see him later. Zakuro: He said I could come back whenever I wanted... Zakuro: I-I hope he doesn't get mad at me. Zakuro: ... Zakuro: It's pitch black. It's a little scary... I waited for a moment until my eyes adjusted. Zakuro: I wish I had a lighter or something... Zakuro: It's so dark... I walked along the wall. Huh? Zakuro: This... There were scribbled red letters hanging in the dark. The letters scrawled childishly on the wall said... Zakuro: Why aren't you a virgin? Zakuro: Die, you slut. When I looked closer, there were scribbles all over the walls of the reservoir tank. They were all... Zakuro: Kind of... Zakuro: A little scary. ... I quickly left the reservoir tank. Why... He seemed so intelligent before. Why would he write that? Mamiya: Ah, Takashima-san! Mamiya: Wh-Why are you here? Were you in my secret room? Zakuro: ... Mamiya: H-Hey! Mamiya: What's wrong? I ran from that place. It was kind of scary. Mamiya-kun seems like a different person when he's here. Zakuro: Hmm? I ate dinner at a silent table and returned to my room. I didn't have anything in particular to do, so I opened my phone to get on the Internet. Zakuro: Another message... It must be another message from some random guy. I felt depressed as I opened my messages. Zakuro: Ugh... The person from yesterday. "I saw you didn't accept my friend request yet. Did I say something to offend you?" "I'd like to apologize if I did." No, not really. That's not it... Zakuro: Haa... I went ahead and accepted his request. I don't like to accept friend requests from people I don't know, but I had no choice. Zakuro: Huh? There was another message... Were there two of them? I opened the other message. ―――――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/03 22:01 from: Usami Subject: I've finally made contact with you. ―――――――――――――――――――――――――― I'm not sure if I should say... nice to meet you. ** "The battle at the stone tower." ** Please respond when you remember the significance of these words. ** Also, you will probably experience a large change. It will probably be a good thing. Zakuro: ... Zakuro: What... is this? The battle at the stone tower... Is that from a game... or maybe a novel? Or maybe even a manga? Why would that phrase be significant? I've never heard that before. Zakuro: Haa... Do I just naturally attract weird people like this? Maybe it's because I'm so gloomy... Maybe they can tell just by reading my journal online... Zakuro: Ah... This is the worst. I should just go to sleep. Hmph. I love the sound that comes out when I fall into bed. The sheets always feel good, too. I put my blankets in the drier while I was eating. It makes a big difference. That's probably a good thing. Zakuro: They felt sweaty yesterday, but now they're nice and soft. That's the only "large change" that could happen in my life. Especially if we're talking about good things that could happen. Zakuro: Though there have been plenty of bad changes. Oh well... Time to sleep. Ah... I have to brush my teeth... And wash my face. ... A black shadow... draped over the sky. An dreary black shadow that stretches into the infinite. Like the world's twilight... A dreary scene. A dream I've never had before. But one that seems so familiar. Maybe... it was a dream from long ago. The dream made me sad... Then it disappeared.
It's Saturday... School lets out early today. Despite that, I couldn't stop myself from skipping class after first period. Before, I never even considered skipping... I went up the stairs as the bell for second period rang. I went up the stairs and left that place where I didn't belong behind me. Up and up. I was expecting him to be there. His beautiful hair fluttered in the wind. Long, straight, carefully combed hair. Pretty eyes... Even God himself would be enthralled by that sight. That's why... Mamiya: Hmm? Zakuro: Oh, g-good morning. Mamiya: Huh? Who are you? He had a smile on his face as he asked me that. Zakuro: Wh-Why can't you remember it? I'm Takashima Zakuro, from the class next to yours. Mamiya: Takashima... Zakuro... Oh, you skipped class yesterday. Wait, what are you doing right now? Zakuro: Skipping class. Mamiya: Really? Zakuro: Yes. I sat down next to him. Maybe a little too close... Zakuro: Oh, here. I gave him the book I had borrowed. Mamiya: Oh, Rodari. Did you like it? Zakuro: Yeah, it was really interesting. Mamiya: Then I'm glad I lent it to you. Zakuro: ... Zakuro: What country is the author from? Mamiya: Which do you think? There are hints in the story if you think about the places and buildings that show up... Can you remember? Zakuro: Uh, there were lots of old Roman ruins in the story... Mamiya: Largo di Torre Argentina. Zakuro: Yeah, and there was also... Venice, the Garibaldi Bridge, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Does that mean he's from Italy? Mamiya: Exactly. Gianni Rodari was a writer of children's stories in Italy. Zakuro: You know a lot about writers, don't you? Mamiya: Not at all. It's just easy to remember the authors you like, don't you think? Zakuro: Yeah... Zakuro: What are you reading today? Mamiya: Oh, nothing new... It's the same book as yesterday. Zakuro: The same book as yesterday? Zakuro: The cover is different... and it's not even the same size. Mamiya: I was just curious, so I tried it. Zakuro: Curious about what? There were unfamiliar words printed in book he held up in front of me. Beside him he had a notebook and... Zakuro: A French dictionary... F-French?! Mamiya: Oh, well... I'm probably not understanding much of it. I was just curious. Zakuro: Mamiya-kun, can you read French? Mamiya: Of course not. I just like to study it in my free time once in a while. Zakuro: But there are translations in your notebook... Mamiya: Oh, that's just because I've read it so many times before. With a dictionary, I can at least translate a few of the lines. Mamiya: But really, it's not a big deal. He hid the book away. ... Zakuro: Cyrano... de... Mamiya: Cyrano de Bergerac? Zakuro: Yeah... Do you think I could read it? Mamiya: Can you read French? Zakuro: Oh, that's not what I mean. The one you were reading before. Mamiya: Oh, like I said, anyone who's graduated from middle school could read that. Have you finished middle school? Zakuro: Of course I have! Mamiya: Do you want to read it? Zakuro: Yes... Mamiya: Okay, then... Here. He gave me the book from yesterday. Zakuro: Cyrano de Bergerac... Mamiya: It's an excellent, flowing translation. Zakuro: Thank you. Mamiya: So that book caught your eye? Well, it's the book you were reading so intently... Though I could never say that. Zakuro: It sounded really interesting when I heard you talk about it. Mamiya: It really is a good book. Zakuro: Yeah... Zakuro: You've read this book quite a few times, then. Mamiya: Well, it's a play, so it's not as long as it looks. I just ended up reading it over a few times. Zakuro: Not because you particularly like it? Mamiya: I wonder... I'm not sure, but there definitely aren't many other books that have made me want to read the original text. Zakuro: Have you done that for other books? Mamiya: Just a few pages. I always give up after a while. Mamiya: I guess, in a way... I do really like it, since I've filled up a couple notebooks translating it as I read. Zakuro: I see... He said it was a story about an ugly man... Why was Mamiya-kun so captivated by this play? And he said it was about unrequited true love... Does that mean... Zakuro: Mamiya-kun... Have you ever experienced unrequited love? Mamiya: ...Where did that come from? Zakuro: Oh, nevermind... I'm sorry. Mamiya: You mean maybe that's why I like this book? Zakuro: Oh, no... Uh... Maybe I was too straightforward... I must seem stupid... Does he like a book about unrequited love because he's experienced it... That was a stupid question. My face must have been beet red. Mamiya-kun looked at me and laughed... and then... Mamiya: I'm still human, you know? Of course I've experienced unrequited love. Mamiya: A one-sided love that never reaches the object of one's affections... I've experienced that before. Zakuro: ... I kind of... Felt a little... jealous. Mamiya: Well, let's drop that subject. It's kind of embarrassing. Zakuro: Oh, sure... I'm sorry. Embarrassing... It really was embarrassing. Mamiya: The way you said that makes me wonder... Are you interested in it because of your own experiences with unrequited love? Zakuro: Eh? Y-Yes! Wait, why did I answer that question? Am I stupid? Mamiya: I see. That must be tough... though it can be fun in its own way. Zakuro: Yes... ... He can probably see straight through me. Jeez, it's like... Just... what is going on? Today I borrowed another book from Mamiya-kun. But today, unlike yesterday, it's one of Mamiya-kun's favorite plays. Zakuro: Maybe I can get a little closer to Mamiya-kun... Maybe not. I can read it during the next class. The Classical Literature teacher does nothing but write on the blackboard and talk in a monotone. He won't even notice me reading in his class. Zakuro: Yeah... It's interesting. It didn't seem like an old book at all. He said it was criticized for being old and dated when it was first published... and yet reading it after all these years, it didn't seem old at all. The protagonist, Cyrano, was kind of like Mamiya-kun. Though Mamiya-kun isn't ugly like Cyrano. He seems more like the beautiful man in the story, Christian (though I don't know what Christian would have actually looked like, since it's just text). Cyrano is very ugly, but also intelligent and reliable. Mamiya-kun is intelligent and reliable, but also very handsome. Zakuro: His vocabulary is really good. That could be said of both Cyrano and Mamiya-kun. Zakuro: The beautiful heroine, Roxanne, was captivated by Cyrano's voice, but... Listening to an intelligent person speak definitely is captivating... That happens to me when I listen to Mamiya-kun. But... Mamiya: It's just... it bugged me how the heroine in this manga wasn't a virgin, so I was gonna burn it and upload the video. Sometimes he's like that. When he talks like that, he just seems pitiful. His voice is so beautiful, but what he's saying... I can't even think of that as the same person. Zakuro: Why would Mamiya-kun say something crude like that? Zakuro: He burnt it because the girl wasn't a virgin... That's terrible. That was when we first met. Which means... maybe he was trying to deceive me... Maybe he was intentionally acting like that... Oh, actually... Zakuro: Come! Take it, and change... Zakuro: That was a line in Cyrano de Bergerac. Zakuro: It was a line from the scene where Cyrano suggests that he could write love letters for Christian to send to Roxanne. The protagonist, Cyrano... He was a genius, but also incredibly ugly. He fell in love with a beautiful, intelligent woman named Roxanne. But a beautiful woman would never fall in love with such a hideous man. A love that could never be requited... That's what he thought. He met a man named Christian, whose only virtue was that he was incredibly handsome. He too had fallen in love with Roxanne, but a brilliant woman like Roxanne would never fall in love with a constantly tongue-tied man like him just because he was handsome. Then Cyrano came up with a plan. Christian would profess his love with the words that Cyrano had written. When he suggested it to Christian, this is what he said: Zakuro: Come! Take it, and change... Then... when Mamiya-kun acted like that... Maybe it wasn't really him... Maybe he was telling me, 'Take it!'... Zakuro: Ahahahaha... Reality could never be that sweet. It couldn't be... After that, he said, "feigned love-words into true." That would make the strange, pitiful Mamiya-kun the real one. Zakuro: That wouldn't be good at all. Mamiya-kun's favorite play, Cyrano de Bergerac... A story about an ugly genius and a beautiful idiot working together to seduce a woman... Cyrano has the soul and Christian has the body... By the way, Christian was the kind of man who got so flustered in front of the woman he loved that he could barely even speak. If you think about it like that, the intelligent Christian with Cyrano's soul, and the stupid Christian without it... It's just like the intelligent Mamiya-kun and the strange one. Huh? Could there be... two of him? Maybe there's a stupid yet handsome Mamiya-kun and an ugly but smart Mamiya-kun. Zakuro: That's impossible, huh... In Cyrano de Bergerac, Christian's voice changed when Cyrano talked. Of course, it was like someone else was dubbed in over his voice. But Mamiya-kun's voice didn't change. They both sounded like Mamiya-kun. Their voices were the same, but the words they used were so different... Completely different. ... Zakuro: Though, I've... Zakuro: Been thinking about Mamiya-kun all day... Zakuro: Ahahahaha... It has to be love. This is unrequited love. Yep. ... Yeah... That's right. Totally unrequited love... One-sided... Zakuro: Because... We could never be together. Mamiya-kun, with his handsome face and his vast intellect, is more like Roxanne than Christian or Cyrano. Zakuro: Then I'm... I'm not smart or beautiful... I'm neither Christian nor Cyrano... I'm no one. That's why... Zakuro: My love could never be requited. Zakuro: That's right. Everyone looks at me with disgust. Until a few months ago, I was bullied. Recently, the bullying has stopped, though. I don't understand why. They bullied me so much, then one day, it suddenly stopped. That's why I'm always on edge. I'm always worried that I'll be plunged back into that hell. I'm always cautious not to offend anyone. Trying not to annoy anyone... Trying to fit in... That's all I can think about. Zakuro: Ahaha... I'm like a stalker... When I saw Mamiya-kun reading alone on the rooftop... I took a picture. Zakuro: He would probably hate me if he found it. Zakuro: But... Why is he so cool when he's up there? He's completely different from any other time I see him. Zakuro: Why is he so smart and cool? Ahahaha. I didn't even realize until a moment later that I was rolling around in bed, unconsciously clutching his picture to my chest. Zakuro: This really makes me seem like a stalker, but tomorrow's Sunday... It should be fine. That excuse doesn't really make sense. I know that. But I won't be able to see Mamiya-kun tomorrow. Though I do have the book he lent me. Zakuro: Huh? That's right... This is Mamiya-kun's book. It's something he touched... Zakuro: W-Whoa! Zakuro: Next time I take a bath... I won't wash this hand. Though doing that might just confirm me as a stalker. Zakuro: Ahahaha. That's a joke. I just met him. There's no way I could fall in love that quickly. Zakuro: Yeah, he's just really interesting, that's all. Zakuro: There's no way I could become a normal girl. Only a normal girl could fall in love like that. ... That's right... Nothing good has happened in the past when I started to feel like that about someone. I should just stay in my room and keep my feelings to myself. I'll just pretend it's a joke... I'll just keep it to myself... That's good enough for me.
Sunday... I didn't have anything in particular to do, but I got on the train anyway. It's not really something unusual for me. There was just one surprise that made my heart beat about three times faster than normal. Why did it end up like this? No... I doubt there's any particular reason. I just got on the train to go buy a new CD from my favorite voice actor and sat in an open seat. Then... Mamiya: ... Zakuro: ... Mamiya: Um, you're... Zakuro: ... Mamiya: Ah... The exact same reaction as when he was on the rooftop. I could feel my face growing so hot that I just wanted to push him over and run out the doors. Though, why would I need to push him over to do that? I took a deep breath and said, very naturally... Zakuro: O-Oh... If it isn't Mamiya-kun." <- Not at all natural That's what I said. Mamiya: Ahahaha... What are you doing here? After that, I managed to speak a little more calmly... This is becoming a daily ritual every time I meet him. Zakuro: I-I'm Takashima Zakuro. Mamiya: Ahahaha, r-right. I'm sorry. Mamiya: Where are you going, Takashima-san? Zakuro: What about you? Where would you happen to be going? Mamiya: Me? Ahahaha... I haven't actually decided yet. Zakuro: Ahahaha... Really? M-Me too. Nice one. I'm surprised I was able to say that so smoothly... I'm doing really good today. Sorry, but my favorite voice actress is going to have to wait until tomorrow. Mamiya: The weather is nice... I was just going to ride the train until I knew where I wanted to go. Zakuro: O-Oh, really... M-Me too! W-Would you like to go somewhere together? That's what I wanted to say... Instead, I just whispered it in my heart. What I said in reality was... Zakuro: Ahahahaha... I just smiled, like if someone had spoken to me in a foreign language and I didn't know what to say. I have to do something... Mamiya: Huh? Aren't you getting off here? This is Suginomiya. Zakuro: Oh, yeah... What about you? Mamiya: Like I said, I'm not going anywhere in particular... I wouldn't mind getting off here, but it might be nice to keep going, too. Zakuro: I see... Mamiya: So you really don't have anywhere to go either, huh? Zakuro: No... Also, could you call me Zakuro, instead of just saying 'you'? Mamiya: Huh? Why? Zakuro: I think that's the reason you can't ever remember my name. You never call me by it. Mamiya: Ahahaha, does it really matter if I don't remember? Zakuro: That's for me to decide, not you. I want you to remember it. Mamiya: Ahahahaha... All right. Zakuro: Oh, I'm sorry. That was rude. Mamiya: No, not at all. You're right. Zakuro: ...Then please call me Zakuro. Mamiya: Ah... Mamiya: I don't think I could get used to that. Zakuro: But we've talked so much lately... Maybe I'm the only one who feels like that, though... From the way he reacts to me... it's like I'm nothing more than an acquaintance. I wish I could talk to him more often. Maybe then he would remember my name... Maybe not... Just thinking that is probably ridiculous. Mamiya: Do you like to read books, Takashima-san? Zakuro: Eh? Yes, sort of... Mamiya: Do you read anything other than Lewis Carroll? Zakuro: Sometimes, but I'm not that well read. I just read simple stuff. I like short stories. Mamiya: Eh? Like what? Zakuro: Like Atouda... and of course Tsutsui Yasutaka. I like Hoshi Shinichi too... Mamiya: Oh, I read those when I was younger too. I really loved Tsutsui Yasutaka. Oh, and Hoshi Shinichi and Atouda Takashi were great too. Zakuro: R-Really? Mamiya: Atouda was a bit much for me when I was a grade schooler, but maybe that was a good thing. They were so exciting, I always climbed under the covers when I read them. Zakuro: Ahahaha... Under the covers... I felt my face flush... That's right. Atouda's books had a lot more sexual illustrations in them. I would've liked to have seen Mamiya-kun reading them as a child. Mamiya: Yeah, I still like short stories. Oh, that's right. Next time, I'll lend you another book. I think I know one you'll like. Zakuro: Huh? What kind of book? Mamiya: It's a book by another Italian author, Buzzati. I thought it was really fascinating when I read it. Zakuro: Italy... That's the same as the author that wrote the story about the cat. You know a lot about Italian authors, huh? Mamiya: Oh, not at all. I just happened to have read them recently. If you had asked me a couple weeks earlier, I probably would've recommended you something different. Ahahahaha... Zakuro: Like Marquez? Mamiya: You know about Gabriel Garcia Marquez? Zakuro: Ahahaha, it just seemed like something you would like. I read it because my father recommended it to me. Zakuro: One day I couldn't sleep. My father was in the living room, and when I told him I couldn't sleep, he told me to read _Chronicle of a Death Foretold_ . Mamiya: And then? Zakuro: I couldn't sleep at all. It was too interesting! Mamiya: Ahahaha, yeah, it is. Isn't it really short, though? Zakuro: But still, I couldn't stop thinking about it after I finished it. Mamiya: I know what you mean. Zakuro: Hehehe... It's so different... Completely different. Completely different... from my life before I met him. I've never felt this way before. I've never had such a dazzlingly wonderful time as today. It makes me think... I wish I could keep talking to him for all eternity. I might never have this much fun talking to anyone else in my entire life. I just wish this moment would never end. Though that wish could never come true. Zakuro: Oh, the next... Mamiya: The next? Zakuro: The next station is the last stop. Mamiya: Oh... We're already at the last stop. ... It's already over. It was so fun, and... It's over... Mamiya: Where's the last stop? Zakuro: It says it's an amusement park... Mamiya: An amusement park, huh? I guess I don't have any reason to go there. Maybe I should ride it back to the beginning. Zakuro: ... Mamiya: Well then... Huh? I silently pulled on Mamiya-kun's hand. I was bold... or maybe I was just confused. I grabbed his hand and descended onto the platform with him just before the doors closed. I didn't want the wonderful time I spent with him to end so anticlimactically, so I... Crunch, crunch... Crunch, crunch... Mamiya: Shaved ice is great in the summer. Zakuro: I'm sorry... Mamiya: Eh? Why? Zakuro: Well, I dragged you off the train and made you come here. Mamiya: Really? I don't mind. I didn't have anything to do anyway, and I got a nice treat out of it. Zakuro: Oh... I'm sorry. Mamiya: Like I said, you don't need to apologize. Zakuro: Really? Mamiya: There are a lot of people here for such a run-down amusement park... It must be busy because it's Sunday. Zakuro: You shouldn't say that. Mamiya: I mean, I heard most of the smaller amusement parks had to shut down. They're definitely doing a good job of attracting customers, at least. Zakuro: Maybe that just means it's more fun than any of the other amusement parks? Mamiya: You could be right. Zakuro: It's my treat. Let's have fun, okay? Mamiya: You don't have to pay. But yeah, let's have fun... I haven't been to an amusement park in years. Zakuro: Sure! Ahahahaha. I'm such a weird girl. What am I doing? Last night I decided to keep my feelings inside... And I ended up forcibly dragging him along on a date... Wait! Zakuro: A d-date?! Mamiya: Hmm? Zakuro: Ah, i-i-i-it's nothing! Mamiya: Really? I was just thinking, coming here together on Sunday like this kind of feels like a date. Zakuro: Ah! Mamiya: Huh? Would you rather I didn't put it like that? Zakuro: P-Please, go right ahead! It's an honor, really. I don't mind at all! Mamiya: Ahahaha... It's not a big deal. Noo! Why am I getting so flustered?! He must think I'm strange! He must think I'm weird! He must think I'm a freak! Mamiya: You're a little weirder than I thought you were. Zakuro: Ah! Crap! Come on, it was all going so well! Now he knows I'm a freak! Now he won't look at me the same way... He must think I'm gross. Mamiya: I guess that's why... Zakuro: Oogh... That's why... Mamiya: That's why I feel like I can relax, even though I don't usually like other people. Look, he said it. He thinks I'm disgust―What? Huh? Huh? Huh? Relax? Mamiya: I'm pretty strange myself... I can't usually relax around other people, but I can when I'm with you. Zakuro: Eh... Mamiya: Hmm? Zakuro: Uh... Uh... Mamiya: What's wrong? You haven't said anything in a while, and your face is all red... Are you feeling all right? He worriedly put his hand on my forehead... Wait, his hand?! Zakuro: N-No, that's not it! Ah, I slapped his hand away! Mamiya: Oh, okay... Aaah, I'm sorry, Mamiya-kun! The truth is I wanted you to touch me, but I couldn't think and... Now it feels awkward... Because I slapped his hand away. Ah, what should I do? Maybe I should grab his hand and stick it up my skirt? No, that would only make me happy. Mamiya-kun wouldn't like it at all! If I did that, I really would be a freak! Ahh... I'm so confused... Uh... Uh... Zakuro: U-Um... Mamiya: What is it? Zakuro: I-I'm sorry... I don't have a fever or anything like that. Zakuro: I-I just haven't ever done this with anyone before, so I'm really nervous. Mamiya: You've never walked around like this with someone? Ahahahaha, you're such a shut-in. No! That's a misunderstanding! I mean with a boy!! Mamiya: I'm the same, though. Zakuro: Eh? But Mamiya-kun, you said you go out like this a lot. Mamiya: I just like to go someplace on my free days so I don't have to talk to anyone. I guess I'm not a shut-in, but I am pretty reclusive. Zakuro: Really? Mamiya: Yeah, I guess so. Mamiya: Most people who like books don't like people. People who are good at everything, who like books, people, are good at sports, and who are really smart on top of all that just creep me out. Zakuro: Aren't those people to look up to? Mamiya: I guess so. I think people like that are creepy, though. Zakuro: ... I couldn't help myself. I grabbed his hand. He seemed surprised when I did that, so I immediately... Zakuro: Look there, Mamiya-kun. That looks like fun! I tried to play it off like that. It's like I can't hold myself back when I'm with him. Mamiya: I see... You like the screamers, huh? Zakuro: A-Aha, aha... Actually, I hate them. I just pointed at the first thing I saw, and it was a screamer. But to keep up the ruse, I had to rise to the challenge. And now... I feel like I'm going to hurl. Mamiya: A-Are you all right? You don't look too good. Zakuro: Ahahaha... I might've overdone it. Mamiya: Would something a bit more relaxing be better? Zakuro: Something relaxing? Mamiya: Yeah, like that... Zakuro: Wh-Wh-What?! That's a haunted house! How is that relaxing?! Mamiya: Oh, well, you can walk around on your own legs, so I figured it would be more relaxing than the last one... and it's dark. Zakuro: The dark makes your blood pressure rise! Mamiya: That's not true. Everyone's blood pressure would go up at night if it was. My blood pressure definitely goes up when I'm lying in bed! That's a little vulgar, though... I can't say that. Oh, this is no good... I should stop reading vulgar books. My internal jokes are becoming too crude. Zakuro: I guess so... Mamiya: Then what would you prefer? Zakuro: Could we just walk around for a while? Mamiya: Oh, sure... I don't mind at all. Zakuro: Ah... Mamiya: What is it? Zakuro: Oh, I just remembered... There are boats here... Mamiya: Boats? Oh, do you think that would be relaxing? Zakuro: Eh? You wouldn't mind? Mamiya: Huh? Mind what? Everything! The two of us alone on a boat... That's the classic way of ending a date. Mamiya: I hope you're not thinking that I wouldn't be able to row the boat. Zakuro: N-Not at all... But you don't mind? Mamiya: If you'd like to, then I'd be more than happy to help. Zakuro: ... He waved his hand, inviting me on like a gallant prince. He really understands a woman's heart, which means he must have been on dates with other women before. I've never seen anyone who was this good with the ladies. He seems like a total playboy... Actually, it seems like only another woman could understand women this well. But... It doesn't matter whether he's a playboy or even if he's a girl. Zakuro: L-Let's go. Creek... Creek... Creek... Creek... Zakuro: You're really good. Mamiya: Really? I don't think I'm that good. Zakuro: Have you taken a lot of girls on boat rides like this? Mamiya: Why would I do that? Besides, I don't think you can really be exceptionally good or bad at this. Zakuro: I wonder about that. But I think you can be exceptionally good or bad with women. Mamiya: Are you all right? You're not feeling seasick, are you? Zakuro: Oh, I'm perfectly fine. I feel great. Mamiya: That's good. Zakuro: It really feels good out on the water. Mamiya: That's right... If there was a bit of shade too, I'd forget that it's summer at all. Mamiya-kun brushed his hair back after a breeze came across the water. His movement was incredibly graceful... I felt drawn to the exposed white skin of his neck. Zakuro: I-I'm sorry for making you row. Mamiya: Wh-Whoa, it's fine. That's dangerous! I tried to take the oars from him. The boat tilted back and forth, and Mamiya-kun got mad at me. Floating on the surface of the water with just a few pieces of wood like this... It felt like we had left reality behind. Maybe we really did, right when our feet left the shore. And what's more, the person sitting in front of me was Mamiya-kun. I felt nervous. Zakuro: I-It feels nice, but at the same time... I feel kind of uneasy out here. Mamiya: Why's that? There wasn't a reason... I just said it. I was just talking about how I felt. Zakuro: The surface of the water looks like the sky in the world of mirrors... It feels like we're on the precipice. Mamiya: I see what you mean, but I think it's nice. It's like we're sailing through the clouds. Mamiya-kun touched the surface of the water with his fingertips. Every time he touched the water sky... it warped and distorted. Zakuro: I wonder if it would feel good to walk through the clouds. Mamiya: Who knows? I've never done it, so I couldn't tell you. All I know is that I feel good right now. Zakuro: I see... I moved to touch the surface of the water too, but I stopped once I realized I was tipping the boat. Zakuro: The sky reflected in the water might not be the real sky, but maybe the real sky is too far for us to grasp. Mamiya: The real sky? Hehe... What's the real sky? Zakuro: Eh? I'm just talking about the sky reflected in the water and the sky above our heads... Mamiya: That's true, but the sky I see is simply reflected in my eyes. Mamiya: You might not be able to say that the sky in the water is fake... or that the real sky is too far. Mamiya: The sky that you think of as so far is actually reflected in your eyes. Zakuro: ... Mamiya: The sky is only far because we assume it so... Otherwise, everything would be far off... Everything would be out of reach. The words he said were too hard for me to understand... I couldn't grasp the meaning behind his words. But they gave me courage. Creek... Creek... Creek... Creek... Mamiya: ... Zakuro: ... Zakuro: Hehe. Mamiya: Hmm? What is it? Zakuro: Oh, nothing. I was just thinking, maybe for you, the sky really is within reach. Mamiya: Huh? Why's that? Zakuro: Well, that's how I understood your words. Mamiya: The sky is within reach, huh? I guess so. Mamiya: Just like this. He raised his hands up toward the great blue sky. Mamiya: Am I touching the sky? Or am I not? Zakuro: Hehehe. Who knows? Mamiya: You know, I think that's just like the blue bird. Zakuro: The blue bird? Mamiya: Yes, the mystical blue bird... A blue bird that no one could ever hope to catch... But I think it's actually really easy to catch it. Zakuro: ... After he said that, he laughed. As I looked at his face, I... Ah... This is bad... That's what I thought. ...... ... Mamiya: ...♪ Zakuro: ... The train home. It felt nice. Our languid spirits swayed back and forth with the movement of the train. And then... Music. Mamiya-kun let me listen to his music. After watching my expression as he played a few songs for me, he focused on one genre. He picked out songs he thought I would like... Classic songs that I wasn't sure whether I had heard before. Bright, jovial music. He told me the recording was from a New Year's concert they hold every year in a foreign country. A conductor who was lauded as a genius, leading the most famous philharmonic in the world. Waltz. Polka. March. A dancing melody. The swaying of the train seemed to match the rhythm of the songs. He put his hand on the music player, and I silently moved my hand on top of his. Fittingly, the name on the screen was Vergnugungszug, 'Journey Train.' This was just a ride across town, not a journey, but the relaxed feeling was the same, and the song almost made the scenery outside look like it was glowing. Our hands moved ever so slightly, tapping out the rhythm of the song. The instant I felt the warmth of his hand, the music seemed to grow even more lively and beautiful. Zakuro: You really know a lot. Mamiya: Well, my mother used to be really strict, and she made me practice the piano. Zakuro: You can play the piano, then? Mamiya: Yeah, a little bit. Not very well, though. Zakuro: What can you play? Mamiya: I'm not sure, but I guess the last thing I played was a piece by Liszt. It was really hard. Zakuro: Play it for me next time. Mamiya: No, I definitely can't play Liszt anymore. Maybe something else, though... What composers do you like? Zakuro: Eh? I don't know much about classical music, but what about La campanella? Mamiya: No... The piano version of La campanella was by Liszt, so only virtuosi can play it. Zakuro: R-Really? Mamiya: How about something a little easier... How about Twinkle Twinkle Little Star? Zakuro: Oh, that would be nice. Mamiya: Oh, uh... That was a joke. You weren't supposed to go along with it like that. Zakuro: I told you, I don't know anything about classical music. Mamiya: I wonder... What would be good... Mamiya: Well, if anything comes to mind, I'd be happy to play it for you. Zakuro: Hehehe... Okay. That might be nice. ... Zakuro: Thank you for everything today. Mamiya: Huh * Why are you thanking me?"* Zakuro: Oh, uh... I was the one who dragged you along into the amusement park... Mamiya: Like I said, I didn't have anywhere to go. Besides, it was a lot of fun. Zakuro: Huh? What did you say? Mamiya: I said it was a lot of fun. Zakuro: R-Really? Mamiya: Really. I wouldn't've stuck around if it wasn't. I might not look like it, but I really don't get along with most people. Zakuro: O-Oh, really... Well, I'm glad you had fun... I really am. Mamiya: Yeah, so I should be thanking you. Zakuro: Um, that store... Mamiya: Hmm? What is it? Zakuro: Ah... Uh, nothing. Mamiya: Oh, okay.. * Do you want to get something to eat?"* Zakuro: Y-You don't mind? Mamiya: Of course not. We've been together all day. Zakuro: Then I'll pay. Mamiya: No way. This time it's my turn to treat you * Now then, what should we eat? Japanese? Chinese? Italian? Beef bowls? French is too expensive though, so I'll have to veto that."* Zakuro: That's okay. I've never had French anyway. Mamiya: Then maybe we really should eat French. Zakuro: Hehehe... You don't need to do that. Mamiya: Then what about the place I always go to? Zakuro: Where's that? Mamiya: It has Japanese, Chinese, Italian, beef bowls, whatever you want. Zakuro: Like a bistro or something? Mamiya: You'll see when we get there. Don't be shy now. Let's go. Zakuro: Oh, okay. Zakuro: Ah... Mamiya: What do you think? Zakuro: ...Eh? Isn't this a bar? Mamiya: Don't worry about that. Come on, sit here. Zakuro: Oh, there's a piano. Mamiya: That's right. They have a piano. Zakuro: Wow... Mamiya: Actually, I have a job here playing piano. Zakuro: Y-You do? Mamiya: Yeah... This store's master has helped me out since I was a child. Mamiya: But more importantly, what would you like to hear * Oh wait, you hadn't decided, right?"* Zakuro: No, I've decided now. Mamiya: Oh, you have? Zakuro: Yes, it's, well... Mamiya: What is it? Zakuro: Play every song that you thought about playing for me. Mamiya: What?! Master: Oh, Yu-... No, wait, Mamiya-chan. Mamiya: Ah.. * Hello..."* Master: You don't have a shift today. Are you a customer? Mamiya: Of course I am. Zakuro: But you'll still play, right? Mamiya: Ugh... I guess so. Master: Oh, really? So you brought your girlfriend along after a date to show off? Master: And you brought her here. Haha. Mamiya: What are you laughing about? Master: Oh, you're awfully mouthy today. I guess that's because your girlfriend's here? Zakuro: U-Um, well, uh... Ah... He keeps saying girlfriend... Why would he do that... Mamiya: Now wait a second. She's just a friend from school, and we just happened to see each other. She's not my girlfriend! Zakuro: Ah. Aha... Ahaha... That's right, isn't it... But it kind of stings when you say it like that, Mamiya-kun. Zakuro: Ah... Y-Yes, I'm just a girl that goes to the same school as Mamiya-kun. Master: Really? But she's so pretty. Zakuro: Wh-What, no I'm not. Everyone says I'm ugly... Oh, wait, that was a compliment, wasn't it? Master: What's she talking about? Is she stupid? It's not like I have any reason to give a girl a compliment. Mamiya: She doesn't seem to get along well with most people. Don't bully her too much, Master. Master: Oh, she doesn't? Sounds just like you. Zakuro: Really? He doesn't seem that way to me. Master: That's right. He just plays the piano, never talks to anyone. He's not attractive at all. Mamiya: That so? I like to think of myself as very attractive, actually. Master: Well, sometimes you are, but... Anyway, what do you want to eat? Zakuro: Oh, can I get a menu? Master: There's no menu. I can make whatever you ask for. That's how this shop works. Mamiya: The rice here is pretty good. Master here is a fag, but everything else about this shop is really good. Master: Come on... I don't know how to respond when you insult me and then compliment me in the same sentence. Mamiya: Anyway, I'll take chicken ramen with eggs and celery on the side. Oh, and if you could get me the key to the piano, too. Master: Sure, sure... Master took the key from his pocket and threw it to Mamiya-kun. Master: But don't play any depressing songs. Mamiya: Oh, don't worry. I'm not in that kind of mood. Zakuro: ... As Mamiya-kun stood in front of the piano... he looked incredibly cool. Mamiya: Well... First, we'll start off with something simple. He slowly spread his fingers over the keys. He closed his eyes for a moment and then... His fingers danced. As he struck the keys, layers of different tones flowed out of the piano. The music wove a tapestry of good cheer. It was a happy rhythm. Bright. Ornate. And somehow nostalgic. It felt simple and candid. Zakuro: I've heard this song before. Mamiya: What's the song called, and who wrote it? If you get it right, I'll play another one for you. Zakuro: Um... Master: It's Satie... Piccadilly, right? Mamiya: I wasn't asking you! Zakuro: Yay, one more! Mamiya: But you didn't answer... Zakuro: I'm sorry. Master: Don't be cheap. Play her another one. Mamiya: Shut up. Zakuro: You don't want to? Mamiya: No... It's not that I don't want to... Master: I won't charge you for your meal, so play her another song. Mamiya: Seriously? You mean it's free? Master: Like I said, play her something. Play something moody for her. Mamiya: You know moody basically means the same thing as depressing... Master: I don't care what the word means. You know what I'm trying to say. Mamiya: I'm not sure I do. Master: What? What are you trying to say? Mamiya: Oh, nothing... Well, let's forget about that. Now, about that song... Mamiya: Takashima-san... Zakuro: Eh? Mamiya-kun looked at me. Mamiya: That's right... I'll play a song that reminds me of you. Zakuro: A song that reminds you of me? Mamiya: Yeah, a song that captures the image you conjure in my mind. Zakuro: Sure. Mamiya: Well then... He faced the piano and closed his eyes again. Then he spread his hands across the keys, and... The music began. What is this song? I've never heard this before... It's like... the sky. Or maybe the ocean. I'm not sure, but it feels like someone is moving through something transparent. The melody made me feel strange... He seemed to be tracing an outline on the keyboard... No, the outline was wholly shapeless. It was more akin to a texture. Like something fantastical... Like something in a dream... The feeling of touching blue... An incredibly cold, pleasant blue. The blue sensation filled my body. The piano's sound changed into texture, and the tone changed into a translucent color. The endless, endlessly extensive blue inevitably melds with the red, the orange, the purple, and eventually the sky turns blue. His sounds turned to color. The colors turned to ocean, then to sky, then again to ocean. Then the sky turned to a much greater celestial sphere. The timbre of the celestial sphere. It is heard not by the ears but by the body. Like a creature in the water... feeling the water with its entire body. The world within the celestial sphere. Everything is subsumed within it. It has a nigh endless scope. The blue sky. The blue ocean. The white clouds. The white waves. It's just like the world. It's just like... a dream. It's just like... Mamiya: What is it? Zakuro: ... Mamiya: Eh? D-Didn't you like it? Zakuro: Oh... I'm sorry. U-Um, I was so moved that... Mamiya: Then you liked it? He never did tell me what song that was... All I knew was that Mamiya-kun played a song he liked for me. And in the end... Mamiya: What do you mean, it's not free?! Master: Like I said, only the chicken ramen and the celery was free. Mamiya: Wait, you mean only mine was free?! Master: That's right. I'm already doing you a favor. Chicken ramen isn't cheap. Mamiya: You can buy ramen for 60 yen. Master: Shut up and pay me for the margarita pizza, the caesar salad, and the Russian tea. Zakuro: U-Um, I can pay for it. Master: Shut up. The man is supposed to pay for this, so let him pay. Zakuro: O-Oh... I'm sorry... Master: And please stop apologizing all the time. Master: I find it kind of hard to believe you actually think you're ugly, but I'll go ahead and say it just in case. Master: There are a lot of brats who hate people just for being different. They only say that about you because you're so beautiful and you have such a nice body. Master: Once you grow up, everyone will be hitting on you. You're not ugly at all. Zakuro: A-All right... Master: And you. Hurry up and pay me already. Mamiya: Jeez...
Zakuro: Ah... Mamiya-kun. Mamiya: Oh, hello. Zakuro: Are you wasting time again today? Mamiya: Well, something like that, but, uh... Zakuro: Yes, yes. I'm Takashima Zakuro. Mamiya: Ahahaha, no. I remembered it this time. Zakuro: Really? Mamiya: I was just thinking about asking what's going on today. That's a big package. Zakuro: Oh this? This is... Mamiya: Hmm? A lunchbox? Zakuro: Yes. Would you like to eat it together? I haven't had lunch yet. Mamiya: It's not even lunchtime yet. Zakuro: Did you have other plans? Mamiya: No, I was just going to buy some bread at the store.. * You sure you don't mind?"* Zakuro: If you don't like it, I won't make you eat it. Mamiya: Oh? That's an awfully lavish lunchbox... This looks like Thanksgiving, not an early lunch. Zakuro: Really? Is there a problem? Mamiya: There's no problem. It looks great, though. I hope it tastes good, too. Zakuro: I wouldn't know. Why don't you try it? Mamiya: Well then, I'll take you up on your offer. The test. I'm pretty confident in my cooking... though no one but my parents has ever eaten it before. They always say it's good, but maybe their taste buds are just malfunctioning. What if everyone else thinks it's terrible? That kind of thing happens all the time in manga... His chopsticks went to the fried food first. Oh no! I never tasted them to see if they would still taste good after a few hours had passed! I only tasted them when they were fresh! And the spring rolls too... Maybe the spring rolls taste terrible if you let them cool down... Aah. If I had just made plain ones I wouldn't have to worry. But plain ones would probably go bad since it's so hot out. Oh, what should I do... Aah! He's eating it, he's really eating it! I'm getting too excited! Come on, I sound like a girl in some eroge! But that isn't what I should be worried about right now! Mamiya: ... Zakuro: U-Um...? Mamiya: Hmm... Amph... Hmm, mm... Zakuro: Ah... He's just eating. He's not saying anything... Does that mean it's all right? No! When I eat something I don't like, I just eat it as fast as possible so I don't have to taste it. Is that what he's doing? If so... Zakuro: A-Aha... You don't have to force yourself. Mamiya: Eh? What do you mean? Zakuro: Oh, uh, if you don't like it, you don't have to eat it. Mamiya: Does it look like I don't like it? Zakuro: Oh, well... I'm not sure. How is it? Mamiya: Honestly, I was surprised... This is really good. It feels like I'm eating out at a nice restaurant. Zakuro: Eh? R-Really? Mamiya: Yeah, I was really surprised. It all tastes good, and there's a lot of variety. Zakuro: Really? I'm glad you like it. Mamiya: he spring rolls are amazing. They're stuffed with cheese, aren't they? Zakuro: I thought they might not be any good after they cooled down. Are they really still good? Mamiya: No way, they're really good. Zakuro: That's Camembert cheese. My father always liked that kind of cheese... Mamiya: Your father? Oh, the same person who recommended Garcia Marquez to you? Zakuro: Yeah, he really likes to read... though he usually reads science fiction and mysteries. Mamiya: Sounds like he has some good taste. I'd like to see his bookshelf. Zakuro: Oh, it kind of looks like yours. Though there aren't any light novels or manga... Mamiya: Eh? My bookshelf? Mamiya: How do you know about my bookshelf? Zakuro: Eh? Um, in the secret underground room... Mamiya: Secret underground room? Zakuro: Oh... I-It's nothing! Mamiya: Um, you mean... Why doesn't he remember it? He really can't remember something from just a few days ago? It didn't really look like he was playing dumb... He acted like he really didn't remember. Zakuro: Oh, besides that. The atmosphere is heavy... I have to change the topic. Zakuro: What was the song you played for me the other day? Mamiya: Like I said, I can't tell you that. That's for you to figure out. Zakuro: O-Oh, I see... Every time I talk to him... I just find more questions. The way he talks, his personality, and his knowledge... It seems to change all the time. Maybe it's just depends on what mood he's in? Or maybe he's just playing with me... I've heard some strange rumors about him too. There were so many different rumors about him that it was hard to even believe that they were all talking about the same person. At first, he was bullied, just like I was, but now no one even thinks about bullying him. At the very least, I heard about one famous incident involving him. It involved people from this school as well as some gang members from another school, and he was at the center of the incident. He was clearly acting in self-defense, since several people ganged up on him. That's the only reason he wasn't expelled. Apparently all the people that tried to fight him ended up in the hospital. Apparently they instigated it, and he was just the victim. People think that he's the most violent and dangerous person in the school. Everyone is afraid of him... And yet... Why is he so peaceful and calm right now? He reads French plays on the rooftop... and at night he plays the piano at a bar. He knows all sorts of stuff... and he's always kind... If there ever was a perfect, Renaissance man in the world, he would be it. But... He... Sometimes he seems incredibly weak and bitter... and afraid. Just like me. And the writing on the wall underground looked almost demonic... That was really scary, and honestly kind of disgusting. And still other times... he's a violent man that everyone in the school fears... Which one is real? Mamiya: Hmm? What is it? Zakuro: Oh, I-I'm sorry! It doesn't matter which one is real... I just want to be with him a little longer, just the way he is right now... That's all. I just want to get closer to him... That's all. He happily ate all the food I made for him. He really is a kind person. I wish I had been born as such a wonderful person. Zakuro: Ah... Kimika... Kimika: Zakuro... Was that Mamiya Takuji? Zakuro: Uh, yeah... Kimika: Mamiya Takuji, huh... What, have you been getting along with him lately? Zakuro: Oh, uh, it's not like that... Kimika: It's not like that, huh... Even though you made him lunch? Zakuro: Umm... Kimika: Well, whatever you say... Still, you should be careful around him. Zakuro: ...Yeah, I know that. Kimika: Hmm... So even you can figure that much out. Zakuro: What? Kimika: Well, it's just a rumor... I don't really know anything about him. After saying that, Kimika walked away. That was an awfully candid conversation. Tachibana Kimika. She's a strange person. I was in the same class as her in elementary school. But I transferred to a different school... I didn't see her again for a long time. After that, I changed schools a few more times, and then I ultimately got into Kita High, where I ended up in the same class as her again. I was so happy to see her that I tried to make friends with her again. Maybe I shouldn't have done that... Ever since then, I've been bullied too. I guess Kimika was originally the target of most of the bullying here... and when I showed up, I became the new target. I haven't talked to Kimika one on one like that in a long time... What should I do? Should I just let it go? I'm not really sure what she's thinking... When she walked off just now, her attitude seemed to be screaming, "And don't follow me!" Maybe she was angry about something? Now that I think of it, back when Kimika was being bullied... she always got angry at me for talking to her. Back then, I didn't understand why. She must have been mad at me for being so stupid. Zakuro: Um... I forgot something... Zakuro: Eh? I-Is someone there? Kimika: ... Zakuro: U-Um... Are you staying late and studying? I slowly moved toward the noise I heard. Kimika: Don't come near me... Zakuro: Eh? That voice... Kimika: Right now... I want to be alone... Zakuro: Wh-What happened? Kimika: I-I said get away! Kimika was curled up in the corner of the classroom... She was completely soaked... and for some reason she wasn't wearing any clothes... Why would she be naked in a place like this? Kimika: You shouldn't get involved with me. It has nothing to do with you. Zakuro: Wh-What do you mean nothing to do with me... What happened? Kimika: I got wet in the rain, so I set my clothes out to dry... and then the wind carried my clothes off somewhere. Zakuro: What? That's impossible. It didn't even rain today. Kimika: It did rain, but just on me. Is that good enough for you? Now leave me alone... Achoo. Zakuro: Th-That's no good. You're sneezing. You're going to catch a cold. Kimika: I'll be fine. Leave me alone... I want to be naked for a little while longer. Zakuro: Huh? Why? Kimika: Who knows... Maybe I'm an exhibitionist... I love the thrill when I don't know whether someone's going to see me or not. Zakuro: But now I've seen you... Kimika: Then forget it. Pretend it never happened. We'll start over from scratch. Zakuro: Besides, why are you wet? I don't think an exhibitionist would do that... Kimika: Th-That's... because I feel like a dirty girl when I'm all wet, you know? Zakuro: But you're dirty, too... That must have been water from a mop bucket. Kimika: Shut up, shut up! Just shut the hell up, Zakuro! Zakuro: Huh? Okay... Kimika: You know, Zakuro... I keep telling you, nothing good will come of associating with me. Stay away from me. Zakuro: That's not the problem right now... Uh, where are your clothes. I looked for Kimika's clothes. They weren't anywhere in the classroom... Wait, of course they aren't. If they were here, Kimika wouldn't be sitting there naked. Zakuro: Um... Oh. The window sill behind her was wet too... That was probably where they dumped the water on her. Which means... Zakuro: Um... Um... I looked out the window and surveyed the schoolyard... There was a good chance someone threw her clothes out this window. Kimika: Zakuro, that's enough... Zakuro: Th-There they are! The wind carried them for a little while and dumped them in a flower bed by the school. Kimika: Zakuro... You're overdoing it. I don't want you to do that. Kimika said something, but I was already running out the door to get her clothes. If I didn't hurry, they would get blown away. Zakuro: Your clothes aren't wet, at least. Kimika: They made me take them off before they dumped the water on me. Zakuro: That's good. Kimika: It's not good at all. Zakuro: Eh? Kimika: Do you know what's going to happen if you keep doing this? Zakuro: Doing what? Kimika: Everyone in the class has always ignored me... except for one stupid girl who transferred in. You keep breaking the taboo. Zakuro: What's going to happen? Kimika: You'll definitely get bullied too. Zakuro: ...Will I? Kimika: That's right... In this classroom, I'm nothing more than a worm. Zakuro: You don't look like a worm to me. Kimika: ... Kimika: Idiot... Kimika: ...Guilt. Zakuro: Huh? Kimika: You've never thought about that, have you? You're too stupid to understand that word. Kimika: If you get bullied too, I'll feel guilty, and then I'll just... Kimika: ...Die. Zakuro: Huh? What do you mean? Kimika: I'm joking, but.. * Well, sometimes a smile can be crueler than a fist. Remember that."* Zakuro: O-Okay... Kimika: It's especially cruel for people like me... People who aren't used to kindness... Kimika: So stay away from me. Zakuro: Oh, okay... The result was just as expected. It was just like she told me. I started to get bullied just like her. The two of us were almost always bullied at the same time. But they didn't bully me nearly as badly... Kimika always tried to make the bullies mad so they would focus on her instead of bullying me. She tried to draw their attention to herself. Kimika was always mad about that. And I can't blame her... My presence didn't alleviate any of the bullying she received. I actually made it worse for her. Now that I think of it, back then... When Akasaka-san tried to throw away the doll Kimika gave me as a present... she was angry about that too... Megu: Come on, get rid of that thing already. Zakuro: I-I can't throw it away. This is... Megu: It matches with Tachibana's right? Zakuro: Eh? No... Megu: It does! Look, this is the same as the one Tachibana always used to carry around! Megu: Though she never puts it on her phone strap anymore, ever since you got that one. Y-You're misunderstanding something. Kimika gave this to me... It's the same one Kimika had before. It's a rare version, so I was jealous, and then... she slipped it into my bag one day. It's supposed to be a panda, but for some reason it's all black... like someone painted it black. It's cute even though the color is a bit odd. Megu: You're such a bitch, Tachibana. The two of them kicked Kimika as she laid on the ground. Akasaka is always a lot meaner to Kimika than to me. Kimika: Hehehe... That's right. I'm a bitch. That should be obvious by now... right, Zakuro? Zakuro: Huh? N-No, not at― Megu: This doll is the reason why everyone in the class started ignoring you too, Takashima... You're such a dumb bitch. Kimika: That's not true... Zakuro isn't dumb, she's just too kind. Megu: Huh? Unlike me, Kimika never gives in... She never backs down even when they're bullying her. Back when they first started bullying me, she probably could've turned around and bullied me alongside them. Then she would've been released from this hell, but her attitude never changed at all. Though she didn't act friendly toward me either. Back then... they didn't take the panda doll away from me because Kimika butted in and drew the attention to herself. Akasaka-san believed that Kimika had painted it black... though it was black from the very beginning. Her memory isn't so good, is it? The topic of the panda doll came up several other times after that, and Akasaka ultimately threw it off the rooftop. She suddenly took it from me and threw it. She did it so quickly that I immediately reached out to grab it when she threw it. I lost my balance and fell from the rooftop. My injuries took two months to heal. It really hurt... I broke a few bones, and it was boring in the hospital. It was a major hassle all around. But thanks to that incident... the bullying stopped. I have a long history with that doll. I don't want anything like that to happen again, so I don't take it out of my room anymore. I still have it, though. While I was in the hospital... Kimika found it for me, and she came to give it to me while I was still recovering. She always gets mad at me, but she really is a nice girl at heart. She can be cold, but still... she's very kind. She's the only one who never treats me differently. Maybe she's a bully, but... I love her. Zakuro: U-Um... Kimika. Kimika: Don't follow me. Zakuro: B-But... Kimika: Oh, and let me give you some advice. Kimika didn't even turn to face me as she spoke. Kimika: The two of us shouldn't be alone together... At least for now, you should be careful about that. Zakuro: Huh? Why? Kimika: You really are stupid.. * You're a shit. You're just shit. You're such shit, Zakuro... Hehehe."* Zakuro: Why would you say that? Kimika: I think Akasaka Megu and Kitami Satoko have been planning something lately... Kimika: I bet they'll get suspicious of us. If they see the two of us together... Zakuro: Eh? Really? Kimika: You should be careful.. * But you're a bit thickheaded, so you probably won't listen anyway."* Zakuro: Wh-What do you mean thickheaded? Kimika: You are... You're super, super, super friggin' thickheaded. Zakuro: Th-That's mean... Kimika: Super, super, super, super, super, super, super, super, super thickheaded. Zakuro: You don't need to say it that many times. Kimika: Hehehehehe... Super x 1,000 + thickheaded = Zakuro. Zakuro: Why would you say that? Kimika: Who knows? Maybe it's because I hate you? Zakuro: You're mean... Kimika: If that's what you think of me * then don't follow me."* Zakuro: Hmph... Fine, then. Kimika: I told you before, Zakuro. Zakuro: Before? Kimika: Guilt... Planting the seeds of guilt is much crueler than simple bullying could ever be... and that's what you did to me. Zakuro: Ahahahaha... It turned out just like you said, didn't it... Zakuro: It didn't even alleviate any of the bullying you received. I just got added on as a side dish. Kimika: Yeah, now I just have more stuff to worry about. Zakuro: To worry about? Kimika: It's a pain how I have to worry about you instead of just myself. Zakuro: I-I'm sorry... It's true. She always tries to stop them from bullying me, even when it makes it worse for her. Kimika: Hehehe... If you want to apologize, you should probably get down on your hands and knees. Zakuro: I-If that's what you want, then... Kimika: You're always like that.. * Why don't you just do what you think is right for a change?"* Zakuro: But I really do feel bad for you. Kimika: Then get down on your hands and knees and lick my feet. Zakuro: Huh? Wait, seriously? Kimika: No. Zakuro: O-Oh... Good... Kimika: Why would you take that seriously? Has your brain rotted away or what? Zakuro: Of course not. I'd die if that happened. Kimika: Who knows, maybe you wouldn't. Zakuro: Eh? Why? Kimika: Because you're an idiot. Zakuro: Th-That's mean... Kimika: Your head is so messed up that you wouldn't even notice a difference. Zakuro: Y-You don't need to explain it! Kimika: You shouldn't go along with everything anyone else says. You have to make up your own mind and get away... Otherwise, bad things can happen. Zakuro: Eh... Okay... Kimika: Well, whatever.. * You seem like you're finally enjoying life, after all."* Zakuro: E-Enjoying life? Kimika: I mean you look like you're actually happy now. Zakuro: No, I know that, but, what do you mean? Kimika: Shut up... Shoo, shoo, get away from me with that stupid smile of yours. Zakuro: Stupid smile? Wait, Kimika! Kimika: You've been grinning all the time lately. It's really creepy. Zakuro: Eh? Really? I was smiling? Kimika: Yeah... You've looked really happy for the past few days. It makes your face look creepy. Zakuro: Creepy? My face has always looked like this... Kimika: Hehehe... That's not what I mean. That's why people always pick on you, Zakuro. Zakuro: Wh-What are you talking about? Kimika: You don't know? The real reason so many people bully you is because you're cute. Zakuro: Huh? Why do you think that? Kimika: I was the first one, though. Zakuro: What do you mean? Kimika: Do you know Shiroyama Tsubasa? Zakuro: Um, he skips class... and the rumors about him are really scary. Kimika: Shiroyama and Akasaka Megu are dating. Zakuro: Oh, that's right. So then, what about it? Kimika: Shiroyama Tsubasa said I was cute in front of Megu... and then when he saw you, he said the exact same thing. Zakuro: Eh? R-Really? But what does that have to do with the people bullying us? Kimika: They're jealous, you know * Well, either way, Akasaka Megu is super rich, and Kitami Satoko is the most violent girl in the school... Now that they've picked us out from the pack, there's nothing we can do."* Kimika: Though I'm a stupid girl who doesn't care what those bitches think, and you're an airhead who doesn't know the difference... I guess we reap what we sow. Zakuro: What does that have to do with anything? Kimika: Well, whatever.. * Zakuro."* Zakuro: Hmm? Kimika: You should go ahead and be happy. Don't come back to me. Zakuro: Come back? Kimika: Be careful you don't attract the attention of those two girls again. Kimika: Yeah, that's it. Zakuro, you should go on and live a happy life. Kimika: Then my guilt will disappear too. Zakuro: Guilt? But I― Kimika: It's my fault you ended up falling from Building C... If you had never talked to me, that wouldn't have happened to you. Zakuro: But that was... Kimika: Just shut up. We've talked about that enough. Zakuro: A-All right... Kimika: I'll take the initiative. I'll try to draw their attention. All you have to do is run. Zakuro: I-I can't do that. Kimika: Just shut up, you dumbass. Zakuro: Th-That's mean... You don't have to say it like that. Kimika: I said it because you wouldn't shut up... I'm just trying to tell you to shut your trap and listen to me for once. Zakuro: B-But you said I shouldn't go along with everything anyone else says... and now you're telling me to shut up and do what you say... Kimika: For once * you make a good point, Zakuro."* Zakuro: Ow! Wh-Why did you hit me? Kimika: Jeez, you have to do that all the time. If you say what's on your mind, people won't take advantage of you. Zakuro: So then why did you hit me? Kimika: Because you don't fight back against anyone but me. Zakuro: Th-That doesn't make sense... Kimika: It does... I hear that's what happens when you date a guy, too. You get knocked around just like that. Zakuro: Where did you hear that? I don't think that's normal. Kimika: Damens Walker! Zakuro: Like I said, that's not a good source of information. Kimika: Better than those Cobalt Magazine books you read... Zakuro: Sh-Shut up, jeez. Kimika: ... Zakuro: Ow... Kimika suddenly kicked me... and then pushed me into an empty classroom. Zakuro: K-Kimika, that was mea― My mouth snapped shut. Kimika glared daggers at me, telling me to shut up. I put my hand over my mouth and didn't say another word. Megu: Oh, if it isn't Tachibana. We were looking for you. Satoko: So this is where you were. Kimika: Yeah, this is where I was. Megu: We're going to skip the next class. Come with us. Kimika: Yeah, I'll go with you guys... Kimika is protecting me... again... Why does she always protect me like this? She's kind of mysterious. I returned to the classroom after that. I'm glad I got to talk to Mamiya-kun again today. I wish these days could go on forever. Those thoughts filled my head.
Megu: Ah, Takashima. Zakuro: Eh? What? Megu: We were talking about going to karaoke after school today. Zakuro: Oh... Sure... Megu: I wonder if they have that new song I was listening to the other day. Zakuro: Yeah... Though the CD just came out, so I doubt they have it yet. Megu: Oh, that's right, what about those concert tickets I was asking you about before? Zakuro: Oh, yeah... Here they are. Megu: Wow, thanks. Zakuro: No... It's nothing. Satoko: Megu, how did your cell phone novel turn out? Megu: I gave up. I'm no good at writing. That's probably why my grades in Japanese are so bad, too. Zakuro: Writing something like that must be hard. Satoko: Do we really have to write it? Couldn't we express ourselves some other way? Megu: Yeah, that would be great! Satoko: I guess it would. The life of a worm... That lifestyle suddenly came to a close. On that day, after the accident, my life as a worm ended. Now everyone talks to me like normal, and we go out to karaoke or get fast food together sometimes. They don't mind if I hang out with them. But... maybe that's even scarier than the way it was before. I always have to watch their expressions closely. I always try to be cheerful around them. Satoko: Oh, you got a new phone, Megu. Megu: Yeah, isn't it cute? Satoko: It has a really nice screen. Kimika: Didn't you just get a new one? Megu: What, you got a problem? Kimika: Not really... It's cute. Megu: Isn't it? Look, Tachibana, I'll take a picture of you. Kimika: A picture? Megu: Smile for the camera. Kimika: Sure... Megu: I said smile! Kimika: Smile, smile... L-Like this? Megu: That's great. You look really cute. Satoko: That's right. Smile for the camera, Kimika. Kimika: Ah... Akasaka-san was taking pictures, and behind her, Kitami-san was recording us with a video camera. Zakuro: ... What are they doing? But... I couldn't ask. There's no way I could ask "What's that?"... If I asked, they would probably... Satoko: Oh, that's great, Kimika-chan. Kimika: U-Um... Megu: What? Kimika: Why do you have a video camera? Megu: Who cares about that? Kimika: U-Um... Satoko: Don't worry about it. Just smile. Kimika: ... Kimika looked toward me for an instant. Satoko: Now then... Why don't you lift up your skirt? Kimika: M-My skirt? Megu: Kimika-chan, what kind of panties are you wearing? Kimika: Eh? Uh, normal ones... Satoko: What's normal? Kimika: Ah, uh... Satoko: Come on, why don't you lift up your skirt for a second? Kimika: Eh? Um, r-right here? Megu: Don't worry, don't worry. We're in the back. No one's looking this way. Zakuro: ... Even if we are in the back... The restaurant is full of people... What are they trying to do? It's the same feeling as when they used to bully me. This is... Kimika: U-Um, what is this... Megu: Hey, Tachibana! Kimika: Eh? Megu: How about... Akasaka-san's mouth moved right next to Kimika's ear. Then she whispered something to her. Satoko: Takashima, why don't you get a hamburger or something? Zakuro: Oh, okay... Kimika: You won't record my face, right? Megu: Of course. Kimika: ... Megu: I'm telling you, you're overthinking it. Right, Satoko? Satoko: Eh, what? Akasaka-san pointed the camera toward Kitami-san next. Megu: Satoko, you look great. Satoko: Yay! Megu: Give them a little fan service. Satoko: Just a little. Oopsie! Megu: Oh, you have nice legs. Satoko: Now let me see the camera for a second. Megu: Oh? Megu: Ooooh? Kitami-san took the camera from Akasaka-san and jammed it up her skirt. Megu: Ow, ow, ow, knock it off, ahahahaha. Satoko: And those were Megu's panties. Megu: Ahahahaha... It was probably too dark to see anything on camera. Megu: Jeez, give it back already! Satoko: Oh, fine... Megu: Satoko, lift up your skirt a bit. Satoko: Eeh, like this? Megu: Oh, that's great. Megu: Come on, give us a little more. Satoko: No waaay. What are they doing? This is strange. This is almost like...
My body quivered in fear. Defying them would mean... Kimika glanced toward me again. She was trying to give me a signal with her eyes... Her eyes were yelling at me to run away. But then she looked back at the camera and gave them a big smile so they wouldn't notice. Megu: Come on, Tachibana. Kimika: Um, like this? Megu: Oh, that's sexy. Kimika: Aha... You think so? This is embarrassing. Megu: Come on, just a little more. Kimika: ... Her expression hardened. Kimika: Ahahaha... Maybe just for a second. But then she smiled again. She's not acting normal... There's no way she would give in that easily. Kimika: I'll take the initiative. I'll try to draw their attention. All you have to do is run. She's doing this so I can run away. What should I do? But I can't leave Kimika behind... I could never run off and abandon her... But at this rate... Zakuro: ... I can't go along with what they're trying to do. At this rate... it'll end up just like before... No, that's wrong. Even if I go along with them... I won't be bullied like I was before. If I just act like they want, I won't have to go through the same experiences as before. They won't trample me like a worm, they won't tear me in half, they won't laugh at my suffering. But... That's the worm speaking. That's me from back then. My life as a worm... If I go along with them... I'll be no better than a worm. Do I really want to go back to being a bug trampled underfoot? The worm writhing on the other side of the mirror... That's not me... That's a worm writhing somewhere in the distance. But the truth is... it's no different. The worm writhing within the mirror... is me. No, it's not even writhing within the mirror. It simply reflects my pitiful state. That is all I am. Zakuro: That's why... My form... reflected in the mirror. The heart of a worm... I am a worm... A bug... But... I am a swordsman... I am a poet... I am a philosopher. I am... I am... I am... I am not a worm... ... I can change... After all... Zakuro: What say you? Zakuro: It is useless? Satoko: Huh? Kimika: Huh? Megu: What's she saying? Zakuro: Ay, I know... Zakuro: But... who fights ever hoping for success? Zakuro: I fought for lost cause, and for fruitless quest! Megu: What is it, Takashima? Satoko: What? She's talking to herself. That's creepy... Zakuro: You there, who are you! ―You are thousands!... Ah! I know you now, old enemies of mine! Satoko: Old enemies? Megu: Wh-What's wrong with her? Zakuro: Falsehood! Zakuro: Have at you! Ha! and Compromise! Prejudice, Treachery!... Zakuro: Surrender, I? Parley? No, never! You too, Folly,―you? Megu: Seriously, that's creepy. Knock it off... Satoko: What's her problem... Zakuro: I know that you will lay me low at last; Let be! Yet I fall fighting, fighting still! Megu: Takashima! Zakuro: I'm sorry! I just remembered I have somewhere I need to be! And I need to talk to Kimika! Kimika: Eh? Satoko: Huh? Zakuro: Gotta go! Megu: Wait a second! I forcibly pulled Kimika by the arm and ran away. She almost tripped and fell as we ran... She yelled something at me, but I couldn't hear her. I could think of nothing more than putting one foot in front of the other. I recited the lines from the play I borrowed from Mamiya-kun. I repeated them and repeated them... like I was praying for something. I whispered the lines as I ran. That's Mamiya-kun's favorite play... Mamiya-kun's... Zakuro: Ha, ha, ha... Kimika: Ha, ha, ha... You know... Zakuro: Ahahahaha... We got away. Kimika: Ah! Kimika: You dumbass! What have you done?! My left cheek stung. Oh, I was slapped. Which means... Huh? Why is Kimika angry? I'd never seen this expression before. It didn't look like she was angry. It looked more like she was... crying? Ahahahahaha... I guess I did something silly again. All I did was upset her, huh... She wanted me to run away while she distracted them. She would've been happy being bullied if it meant I got away... But... But that's wrong, Kimika... Zakuro: I did this through my own will, Kimika. Kimika: Huh? Zakuro: I didn't want to go along with what they wanted, so I thought about what I could do. Kimika: E-Even so! Zakuro: Even I could understand what they were doing... They wanted to film us doing nasty things and sell it. Kimika: I know that... That's why I― Zakuro: What are you saying, Kimika... You're the one being stupid now. Zakuro: I wouldn't want that... I wouldn't want to be saved if it meant you had to go through that. Kimika: Z-Zakuro... Zakuro: Starting tomorrow, they'll probably bully us like they used to, but... I think that's better than leaving you behind. Zakuro: You were the one who said it, Kimika. Zakuro: Guilt... Guilt is crueler than any bully. I don't want to be saved if it means sacrificing you... I would never want that. Zakuro: Even if I was saved, I would die of regret... It would be more painful than anything a bully could ever do to me. Kimika: You're so stupid, Zakuro. Kimika: It's going to be hell tomorrow... Zakuro: Yeah, that's fine. Kimika: Haa... You're such an optimist... Kimika: ... Kimika: ...Zakuro, you've changed. Kimika: You really have changed in the past few days. Kimika: When you were a kid, and later when we met up again at Kita High, you were always too timid to speak up when someone did something you didn't like... and now you're brave enough to do what you just did. Zakuro: H-Have I really changed that much? Kimika: And... what were you saying earlier? I sounded like you were reciting an incantation or something. Zakuro: It wasn't an incantation... It was a quote from a play called _Cyrano de Bergerac_ . Kimika: A play * Oh, I see. So it really was because of Mamiya Takuji."* Zakuro: Eh? Uh, I guess... Kimika: Oh well.. * Anyway, you should be careful... though it's probably futile at this point."* Zakuro: Yeah, you too. Kimika: Haa... Kimika turned and looked away from me. Then, when she was leaving... Kimika: Thanks... for saving me... She said that, and then she left. Wednesday night... The shopping district was still full of people. Kimika and I went our separate ways. Tomorrow will be hell. That's what Kimika told me. But... I'm not scared. Though I was scared for a little while there, I'm not anymore. After that, I went up to the department store roof. Maybe I wanted to look at the sky... or maybe I couldn't stand being in the crowd. Maybe I just wanted to find a quiet place to sit. I'm not sure. Maybe I was expecting something... Since this is where I met him. I found my conviction as I stood under that sky. I'm not afraid. I'm not afraid at all. Zakuro: Ah... Mamiya: ... Zakuro: Mamiya-kun... Mamiya: Um... Zakuro: You forgot again... Mamiya: Ahahaha... Not at all. You're the person I lent that book to. Zakuro: My name... Mamiya: Um... Zakuro: Takashima Zakuro. Mamiya: That's it! Zakuro: Of course it is... I wish you would remember it. Mamiya: Ahahahaha... Are you thirsty? Zakuro: Huh? Mamiya: Do you want this? Zakuro: Ah... Mamiya-kun held a can of pop out toward me. Mamiya: You look like you're sweating... Shouldn't you replenish your fluids? Zakuro: Ah, sure... I took the can from him. This is... an indirect... Mamiya: What are you doing here at this time of night? Running a marathon? Zakuro: Eh? No one would run a marathon in their school uniform... Mamiya: But you were running. Zakuro: Yeah... Well, it's not important. Mamiya: ...I was wondering. Zakuro: Yes? Mamiya: You're in the same year as me, right? Zakuro: Yes. Mamiya: Why is your speech so formal? Zakuro: I'm not sure... Mamiya: Have you always talked like that? Zakuro: Hehe... You should be able to remember that. Zakuro: Oh, and... you're smoking again. Mamiya: Yeah... I guess I am. Zakuro: That's not good for you. Mamiya: That's not entirely true. You see, it's not good for your brain... Zakuro: That's what I'm saying... Mamiya: But it is good for your spirit. Zakuro: Really? It seems like it would be bad for your spirit too... Mamiya: Let me amend that statement. Smoking is good for the spirit that's not good to begin with. Zakuro: That doesn't make any sense... Mamiya: Or maybe it does... Zakuro: Um, that play... Mamiya: Oh, Cyrano? Zakuro: Yeah... It was really good. Mamiya: You already finished it? You're really fast. Zakuro: Ahahaha... You're the one who said you kept reading it over because it ends too soon. Mamiya: So you liked it? Zakuro: Yes, it was really good... and it gave me courage. Mamiya: Courage? Zakuro: Yes... Mamiya: Courage, huh... Zakuro: A-Ahahaha... That's kind of strange, isn't it? Mamiya: Why? Zakuro: Uh, um... Zakuro: Oh, uh... I just meant, maybe you think I'm a pathetic girl because of that... Mamiya: Pathetic? Hahahaha... I guess so. Mamiya: There's not a single person that isn't pathetic. People just hide their pain. Zakuro: Wh-Whose words are those? Mamiya: Mine. Zakuro: A-Ahahaha. Mamiya: If you're pathetic, then so am I. You could even call me a bit pitiful. Zakuro: You're not really... Oh, but... Mamiya: But what? Zakuro: If even you are pathetic, then... what kind of person isn't? Mamiya: That's a good question, and the answer is... Zakuro: The answer is? Mamiya: I've never met anyone that wasn't, so I wouldn't know. Zakuro: Hehe... Mamiya: I wonder where that person is hiding. There has to be a wonderful person like that somewhere in the world, right? Zakuro: ...Yes. Mamiya: Cyrano's words have a certain rhythm to them... Zakuro: Yes. Mamiya: Anyone capable of reason would be encouraged by his panache. Zakuro: Panache? Mamiya: Yeah. At the end, Cyrano screams out the word 'panache' as he dies. Zakuro: Yes... 'You strip from me the laurel and the rose!' Mamiya: 'Take all! Despite you there is yet one thing I hold against you all, and when, to-night, I enter Christ's fair courts, and, lowly bowed, Zakuro: Sweep with doffed casque the heavens' threshold blue, one thing is left, that, void of stain or smutch, I bear away despite you.' Zakuro: 'My panache!' Mamiya: You remembered the whole thing. Zakuro: I read it over and over... Mamiya: The last thing he tried to take with him was 'mon panache'... In other words, his white plume. Zakuro: A white plume? Mamiya: Yeah, the white plume on his hat. Zakuro: Really? Mamiya: Apparently the word came to mean something closer to 'A flamboyant manner.' Mamiya: In other translations you'll see the final line translated as 'My white plume.' Zakuro: I see. Mamiya: He says those words as death takes everything else from him. Isn't that cool? Mamiya: It gives me chills to think of him crying out the three syllables of 'Mon panache!' at the moment of his death... Mamiya: If the kind of person who could witness his final moments without feeling something, the kind of person who would call you pathetic for doing so... Mamiya: If that's the kind of person that isn't 'pathetic,' then I'd rather be pathetic. Zakuro: Yeah... Zakuro: U-Um, Mamiya-kun... Mamiya: What? Zakuro: C-Could I borrow it... for just a little while longer? Mamiya: Eh? I don't really mind, but... why? Zakuro: I want to read it again. Mamiya: ...I guess so. Zakuro: I've memorized some parts of it. Mamiya: Yeah, you just recited that one part. You must have read it a lot. Zakuro: Ahahaha... It's really powerful. Mamiya: But the prose is really beautiful, isn't it? Cyrano is a poet, after all... Zakuro: The way he talks is really cool, isn't it? Mamiya: Hahaha... That's right. It's really cool. Zakuro: ... Zakuro: Now that I think about it... Why are you here at this time of night, Mamiya-kun? Mamiya: Huh? There's no reason, really... Zakuro: I see you on the rooftop a lot. Mamiya: I guess you're right... I feel like I'm suffocating when I'm inside. Zakuro: Like you're suffocating... Mamiya: Yeah. The higher the ceiling, the better... Zakuro: The higher the ceiling, the better... Mamiya: Yeah, the higher the better... and it feels best when it's infinitely high, you know? Zakuro: Infinitely high... Mamiya: What? Am I boring you? Zakuro: N-No, that's not what I mean... Mamiya: At first, I hated the endless sky... People really change, huh? Zakuro: You used to hate it? Mamiya: Yeah, I used to like the rain. I loved rain clouds. Zakuro: Really? Then how did that change? Why do you like the endless sky now? Mamiya: Who knows... A lot of people tell me I ramble on about a lot of boring stuff, so I tend to frustrate them. Zakuro: That's not true. The endless sky. That sounds nice. Mamiya: Hahaha... Thanks for saying that. Mamiya: Sometimes when someone says something ridiculous like that, he's actually serious. Zakuro: Mamiya-kun... I drank from the can that he gave me. The sweet, carbonated flavor filled my mouth. I escaped from that place... And that's how I came to stand here... Looking at the eternal sky with Mamiya-kun. The two of us... looking at the night sky... I looked at his face. He was still looking up at the sky. I might lose everything I have, but... But if I can hold onto my panache... Zakuro: ... Mamiya: What's wrong? Zakuro: Eh? Uh... Mamiya: Are you crying? Zakuro: Oh, no... Not at all... Zakuro: That's not... I ran away... From those people... From that place... Something might happen tomorrow... But still... Zakuro: Ah!
I wanted to leave, but... But... My body was frozen in place. Defying them would mean... Kimika glanced toward me again. She was trying to tell me something, but I couldn't understand. Even if I had understood, I was frozen. I couldn't do anything. When I didn't react, Kimika sighed and looked back toward the camera. She gave them a large, unnatural grin. Megu: Come on, Tachibana. Kimika: Um, like this? Megu: Oh, that's sexy. Kimika: Aha... You think so? Megu: Come on, just a little more. Kimika: Eh? L-Like this? Megu: Oh, that's great... What color are your panties? Kimika: You sound like a perverted old man. Megu: They must be really cute, right? Kimika: Well, they were pretty expensive. Megu: Oh, really? Come on, show us a bit more! Kimika: Eh? Then why don't you get yourselves on camera, too? Megu: Sure. Come on. Kimika: Wow... Just a little, all right? Megu: Oh, you look great. I got a good picture. Satoko: That's great. Let's zoom in... Kimika: N-No way. Satoko: And here are her panties. Megu: Get a closeup of this. Satoko: It'll be fine, it'll be fine. They're really beautiful. Did you just buy them? Kimika: Y-Yeah... I don't like where this is going. This is bizarre. Satoko: By the way, Zakuro-chan, what kind of panties are you wearing? Megu: What kind of panties do you have on? Zakuro: Eh? Satoko: Hey, Zakuro. Zakuro: I-I'm, uh... Megu: Oh, that's great, Tachibana. How far can you open your legs? She wasn't only reservedly opening her legs like before, but rather opening them as far as she could so the camera could see everything. Kimika... Are you doing this to protect me? It was just like when I used to get bullied... Whenever it seemed like their attention would shift to me, she would offer herself up to them. She was trying to give me a chance to escape. And yet... I was too scared to do anything. I couldn't even move. What should I do? Kimika: Ah... U-Um, what is this? Megu: How is it? It's a portable backrubber. Kimika: O-Oh... Then it's not designed to be used here, is it... Megu: Don't worry about it. It's for massaging. What's it matter where you use it? Satoko: What's that? Megu: It's a back massager. I bought it at the store. Satoko: No, this has to be a sex toy. Megu: Don't ask me. I just thought I would try it like this, since it doesn't really work on my back. Kimika: U-Um... It kinda hurts, but... A-Ah! Megu: Your voice sounded really sexy just now, you know? Kimika: No, that's not it. It's just... It's kind of ticklish, ah! Satoko: That's not what it sounds like. Kimika: W-Wait a second, ah, ah! Megu: They're gonna hear if you keep moaning like that. Kimika: Eh? Satoko: Look, that guy over there is looking at you. Kimika: Eh? Ah! Satoko: You sound really turned on. Kimika: N-No... Satoko: Come on, hold still. Kimika: I am holding still. Megu: Takashima. Zakuro: Eh? Megu: Go get us three Bikkuri Mugs. Zakuro: Huh? Satoko: Hurry up. Zakuro: Ah, okay... What is it all of a sudden? I didn't understand why they said that, but I did as they told me. And why would they want three Bikkuri Mugs? That's going to take a while. The cashier gave me the receipt like it was perfectly normal. I was told to wait at my seat because they would take a while to make. Megu: Oh, Takashima. Zakuro: I brought the receipt. Megu: Oh, so you didn't wait for our drinks? Zakuro: Huh? Kimika: ...Ah... Satoko: I don't think you can hold out much longer, Tachibana. Megu: Why don't you do it like this? Zakuro: Ah... Satoko: The waiter's coming. Kimika: ... Satoko: Act like nothing's happening. Kimika: Ah! Waiter: Order number 74. Kimika: ... Satoko: Oh, over here. Waiter: You wanted three Bikkuri Mugs, correct? Megu: Yeah. Waiter: Here you go. Kimika: ... Even as the waiter was standing right at the table, Satoko kept pushing the massager into Kimika's crotch. Kimika was trying to act like nothing was happening, but her body was still shaking. So this is why they ordered three Bikkuri Mugs. There's no way they would be able to serve those right away... Satoko knew a waiter would have to bring them over to the table. Which made me into an accomplice. Kimika had to stay quiet so he won't notice, which meant Satoko could do whatever she wanted... And Kimika had no choice but to endure it so the waiter and the people nearby wouldn't notice. Megu: Hey, waiter. Waiter: Yes? Megu: I'd like some water. Waiter: Water? Megu: Yeah, I'm kinda broke after getting three of these. Waiter: You did get three, after all. Megu: I'm kinda hungry. How about you, Tachibana? Kimika: Ah... Ah... Yes... Waiter: Hmm? Satoko: Why does your voice sound so strange, Tachibana? Megu: Come on, Tachibana. Kimika: Ah... S-Sure... Ah! Waiter: I-Is she all right? Megu: Huh? Waiter: Her face is bright red. Megu: Oh, that. We're having an endurance competition. Kimika: Wha―?! Waiter: Endurance competition? Megu: Yeah, an endurance competition. Waiter: What kind? Kimika: A-Akasakaaa, aah, uh! Megu: Can't you tell from her voice? Isn't it hot? You should be able to tell what she's enduring. Waiter: Wait... What? Waiter: Y-You don't mean?! Satoko: Ahahahahaha, what did you imagine? Her stomach just hurts cause she's on her period. Waiter: Her period? Megu: Hahahaha... She's gonna take some medicine, but she needs some water. Hurry up. Waiter: Ah, okay... Kimika: Ah, ahh... Megu: It's not over yet... That waiter is gonna bring you some water. Finish up before he gets back. Kimika: Finish? Megu: You know what I mean. Hurry, hurry. Kimika: Th-There's no way I could do that here. Megu: Really? You won't know until you try. Megu: I'm gonna keep going until you cum. He was already suspicious. Don't you think he's going to figure it out next time? Satoko: Couldn't that be bad for us too? Megu: That's why I'm telling her to hurry up! Kimika: Ah, ah... Megu: And touch your chest, like this... and pull your panties down, so the camera can see. Kimika: Ah... Kimika gave in and put the vibrator up to her crotch. Kimika: Ah... She just laid it there, but the vibrator made a wet sound. Megu: What, you're already wet? You like that back massager that much? Kimika: Ahh... No, I'm not... I doubt that she really liked it... She just had to do it or they wouldn't let her go. Kimika understood that... That's why she was really masturbating in a place like this. Her hand moved to her breast, massaging it and grabbing the nipple. And her other hand pushed the vibrator in, pushing her labia apart and showing the swollen red color of her vagina. She was desperate to finish it quickly. Satoko: Whoa... Tachibana, you're going crazy over there. Do you want everyone to see you moving your hips like that? Kimika: No... Th-That's not it... Aaaahh! Clear liquid dripped from her crotch, throwing drops everywhere as she moved her fingers. The floor beneath her was wet. The room was filled with the smell of it. Satoko: Whoa... They're all staring at us. This could be bad. Do you think they can tell? Kimika: Th-Then maybe... aahhh. Megu: No, hurry up and finish. It's not like they can see your pussy, right? Kimika: B-But... Aah... Satoko: Everyone's watching us... Megu: No, look over there. Satoko: Hmm? Megu: The people who can actually tell what we're doing aren't looking at us. Satoko: You think? Megu: Look... The people who are looking can't tell what we're doing. The ones who can tell are too embarrassed to look, you see? Zakuro: Ah... She was right... Most of them were looking at us suspiciously. The ones who could actually tell didn't want to look straight at us. They weren't looking directly at us, but they were still watching us out of the corners of their eyes. Megu: The only ones who have figured it out are the student over there studying and that old salaryman there. The rest of them can't tell. Satoko: You're right. Megu: So hurry up and cum, Tachibana. Kimika: Ahh. Megu: Who knows, though. You stink to high heaven. Don't you think they're all going to smell it pretty soon? Kimika: Ahh! No, you can't let that happen... D-Don't... Megu: Not my problem. Hurry up, like I said. If you don't, we'll leave you here naked, so you better get to it. Kimika: Haaa... Aah... Akasaka-san showed Kimika the time on her cell phone. It ticked away the seconds with cruel precision. Megu: It's already been a minute. The waiter's gonna be back soon. Kimika: Ahh, no... No! Ahh, ahh! She moved her finger rapidly and cried, focusing on nothing else. Her hips moved quickly and rhythmically, shaking the chair. Megu: You're still not cumming? He's gonna be back soon, you know? Kimika: Aahh! Noo! I can't take it! Akasaka-san constantly teased her... and Kimika madly moved her finger in and out while rubbing her clitoris simultaneously. Satoko: Ah... This is getting pretty shady, don't you think? Kimika: Ahhh! Ah! Noo! No, nooo! Satoko: Whoa... Do you think they can hear us? Kimika: Haaa! Ah, no... Megu: Why don't we gag her and make her fuck the waiter, then? He's a guy, after all. Kimika: No, don't do that. No! Her juices foamed, sticking to the vibrator and her fingers. Maybe it was because she was rushing, but she couldn't cum even after all that. Kimika: Ahhh, I have to cum, quick... Aaah, ah! She shook and ground her hips against her arm, covering herself in juice. The scent wafting out grew even stronger. Satoko: Shouldn't we get outta here? Megu: That's right... If you don't cum soon, we might have to make you fuck the waiter. Kimika: Aaah! Ah! A-Almost, I'm almost there... Her entire body moved in tremors... and she finally felt the pleasure come over her. Megu: Whoa, he's almost here... He just came up the stairs. Kimika: Aah, ah, ah! I'm coming, I'm coming! Ahh, ah, ah! Megu: Five meters... Four meters... Kimika's hips moved in time with Megu's countdown. Drool hung from her mouth and dripped onto her blouse. Kimika: Ahhh! I can feel it, it's coming! Megu: Three meters... Kimika: Aah, ah, ahh... Kimika: Ahhhhhh! Kimika clenched her jaw as her body trembled. Waiter: W-Water is fine, right? Kimika: Ah... Y-Yes... Waiter: A-Are you okay? Kimika: Y-Yes... I'm fahne... Waiter: Well then... Satoko: Close call. Megu: Great job. You're awesome, Tachibana! Kimika: I-I'm not... awesome... Megu: My heart was racing. Kimika: Then you two will do it too, right? Megu: No way. I'm the cameraman. Satoko: I'm the director. Kimika: D-Director of what... Zakuro: ... At this rate... Satoko: Now what? Megu: Anyway, can we go somewhere else? Megu: We shouldn't do anything more here. Zakuro: ... Megu: So, where should we go? Satoko: Karaoke sound good? Kimika: Haa... Why would you make me do something like that before we could go to karaoke. Satoko: Well, I guess... Kimika: What are you trying to do? Megu: I told you yesterday, didn't I? Kimika: Told me what? Megu: A creative way of earning money. Kimika: Creative? Megu: Yeah, I had a spark, and now I must be an artist. Kimika: Sure... and this is your brilliant idea... Megu: The moment I first held a camera, I recognized it. Kimika: Recognized what? Megu: My own talent. Satoko: So we want to make a movie. Kimika: A movie... Just a movie, huh? Megu: Yeah. Kimika: And what's it about? Megu: I'm not sure. I'm not a genius scriptwriter. I'm just a genius cameraman. Satoko: I'm in charge of the script. Kimika: So what kind of script is it? Satoko: It's kind of like, there's this old professor whose body is made of gears and springs, and he spends his last moments in the depths of the forest with the fairies. That's the plot. That doesn't make much sense, but I think I've heard something like that before. Maybe they're ripping off some manga... Kimika was already disgusted. Satoko: We're following the latest trends... It's like young adult fiction, but with a bit of Visual K added in for taste. I got the idea from a shoujo manga I was reading. Wouldn't you just call that a ripoff? Kimika: I see... So what's this part? Why are you filming right now? Satoko: Don't ask me. Megu is in charge of filmography. Megu: The story will come together on its own if Takashima just does her best. Zakuro: U-Um... Megu: Oh, I got an idea! Kimika: What now? Megu: We'll give her a manicure. Kimika: Huh? A manicure? Megu: We have to give her red nails. Kimika: Why? Megu: Wouldn't she look good with her black hair... her white skin... and red nails? Satoko: What then? Megu: And then.. * if she masturbated for us?"* Satoko: You're crazy. Zakuro: Eh? Um... Megu: Doesn't it sound dirty? Satoko: That again? Megu: I told you, it just came to me in a flash of inspiration. We have to give her a manicure, the red will go great with her white skin. Kimika: And where are you planning on doing that... While we're singing karaoke? Megu: Nah... Isn't the setting sun sexy? Isn't this perfect? Satoko: Ha, I think she's got a screw loose, lol. Zakuro: U-Um, I... Kimika: Zakuro, let's go home. Zakuro: Eh? Satoko: Hey! Tachibana, what did you just say? Kimika: Didn't you get enough footage earlier? I thought you just wanted to make some money? Satoko: The fuck did you say? Kimika: You're gonna sell that at some shop, right? Upskirt shots sell for a pretty penny, don't they? That's why you were filming in the school earlier too. Zakuro: Huh? Y-You think? Kimika: They were probably filming the whole time. I could tell Akasaka-san was holding her bag weird. Satoko: What are you trying to say? Megu: You got it all wrong... What are you getting so serious for? It's just a game. It's not like it's a porno or anything. Call it a documentary. Kimika: Either way, you don't need to get Zakuro involved. You already got plenty of me. Satoko: You think you're the one who gets to decide that?! Kimika: Then what do you think, Zakuro? Do you want the same thing to happen to you that just happened to me? Zakuro: Th-That's kind of... Satoko: Zakuro, I'm sure you don't mind, right? Aren't we friends? Megu: Haa... I told you Tachibana would be a pain in the ass if we brought her along. Well, I guess it was worth it since we got a nice one of her. Kimika: Then we'll be going... Zakuro, let's go. Zakuro: Ah... Ow! Kimika: Ow! Kimika tried to take me by the hand and leave, but Kitami-san grabbed my other arm so I couldn't move. Satoko: What are you talking about? I told you, we don't need you anymore... Get out of here. Kimika: Even after the accident, you still haven't learned. Satoko: Learned? What accident? I don't know what you're talking about. Kimika: You've forgotten already, huh * I'm talking about the time Zakuro fell from Building C because of one of your stupid plans."* Megu: Huh? What are you talking about? That was an accident. It's her own fault. Kimika: Why are you playing dumb for? It was your bullying that caused it. Satoko: No way. That's ridiculous. What bullying? Kimika: You don't think there was any bullying? Satoko: It was a game. A game, you know? You and Takashima were there of your own consent, weren't you? Kimika: You call that consent? Megu: Oh, fine. I'm tired of you... Satoko, beat her up. Satoko: Gotcha... She's pissing me off too. You know, we were doing you a favor, since you had no friends. We sympathized with you... Satoko: Anyway, I'll have to teach you a lesson. Satoko: Ah! Zakuro: Eh? Megu: Wha―?! Kimika: A cornered rat will bite the cat. Haven't you ever heard that one? Megu: Wh-Why you... Satoko: A-Ahh... I couldn't believe my eyes... Kitami Satoko had crumpled and fallen in front of Kimika. Kimika: I made up my mind last time Zakuro got hurt... If you ever try to do something like that again, I will stop you, even if it means I have to kill you both. Kimika: I'm glad I brought this along. It's a 31 inch high carbon steel baton... You'll be feeling that one in the morning. I had no idea what was happening. Suddenly, there was a long steel rod clenched in Kimika's hand. Megu: S-Satoko? Satoko: D-Damn it... Apparently it was an extendible steel rod. It extended on its own when Kimika swung it at Kitami-san. Kimika: Tch... You got off light because it wasn't fully extended. I was trying to break your ribs. Kimika: Doesn't matter, though. I'm going to make sure you two feel all the pain you've inflicted on Zakuro. Satoko: ... Apparently Kitami-san is really strong in fights... She's like the bodyguard for Akasaka-san, who has all the money. But there's nothing they can do against someone with a weapon like that. They could tell it wasn't a toy in her hand... It was a real weapon, capable of killing someone if necessary. What's going on... Why is this happening? Megu: Ts-Tsubasa! Kimika: Sh-Shiroyama... Shiroyama: What are you doing, Megu? You said we were gonna have some fun. Is this what you were talking about? Megu: You're late, you dumbass! Shiroyama: What? Satoko: Tachibana has a weapon, and she's fighting back... Shiroyama: A weapon? Oh, what's that? That's pretty cool. Kimika: D-Don't come near me! Shiroyama: Hehehe... What's that, Tachibana? You know, if we have some girl swinging a weapon at us, no one's gonna be able to blame us for fighting back. Kimika: H-How do you figure? Megu: It's just self-defense! Yeah, it's self-defense! Tsubasa, beat the shit out of her! Shiroyama: Beat up a girl? Seriously? I'm not into that shit. Megu: I'll give you something nice later. Shiroyama: What'll you give me? Megu: If you come to the karaoke place with us, you'll see. Just tell them you're with Akasaka. Shiroyama: Are you talking about what I think you are? Really? I thought you were jealous when I was checking out Takashima. Megu: Sh-Shut up. I'll forgive you for today, so beat her the fuck up. I don't want to see her face in school for a month. Iida: That stick looks like it would fucking hurt, though... She could knock you out with one good hit. Megu: I-I'll let you guys fuck her too. Just go! Iida: Wait, really? I don't think we can just rape her, though. Megu: It'll be fine! I'll make sure it's all consensual. Eh? Wh-What are they talking about? Wh-Why are they talking about me? What do they mean, consensual? Consent for what? Nishimura: You can do that? That's great! I can't wait to lose my virginity! Iida: Oh yeah, I forgot. You're a virgin, huh? Nishimura: Well, yeah, but not for much longer! Kimika: Like I'm gonna let you do that! Nishimura: Shut up. You have nothing to do with it! Nishimura: Ah! When he carelessly moved toward Kimika, he was knocked to the ground in one hit. She didn't hesitate to hit him right in the neck. Maybe she was aiming for the head... She's serious... Iida: Oh my, poor Nishimura-chan got knocked on his cute little ass... What are we gonna do now? Shiroyama: Use your backpack as a shield. Numada, we'll rush her at the same time. Iida: Okay, that works. Shiroyama: Megu, you promised me... Don't forget it. Megu: Y-Yeah, but just this one time! Shiroyama: One time is plenty, right Numada? Iida: Oh, uh, I'd like to do it as many times as I can... Do you mind? Megu: Why would I care? Do it as many times as you want. Takashima's not gonna stop you. Zakuro: U-Um, I, uh... Megu: Don't worry * You just come with us, Takashima."* Zakuro: N-No... Kimika: Z-Zakuro! Kimika let her guard down for a moment when she saw me being taken away. Shiroyama: Take this! Kimika: Ah! Zakuro: Kimika! She was knocked over. Iida: Agh! But she still fought back desperately. Shiroyama: Damn it. This stick is fucking dangerous! Megu: Hurry up, before someone calls the cops! Just beat her up, quick! Satoko: And if you're gonna rape her, don't do it here. Take her to some hotel, or your house! Iida: How the hell would we get her in a hotel? Shiroyama: We'd have to knock her out, wouldn't we? Iida: I dunno if I wanna fuck a girl when her face is all bloody and shit... Shiroyama: So just finish her off and then fuck Takashima! Right, Megu? Megu: I heard you! I'll take care of Takashima! Kimika: Ugh * No fucking way!"* Shiroyama: All right... Anyway, we'll take care of this crazy bitch. Megu: Yeah, I'm counting on you. Iida: This hurts like a bitch! Nishimura: I'm alive! Iida: Oh, Nishimura-chan, I thought you were dead. You weren't moving at all. Nishimura: Damn it, Tachibana! You've crushed my dreams! I'll kill you! All I fucking wanted was to lose my virginity! Shiroyama: Nishimura's back, I guess. You want to let him in on the action too? Megu: Yeah, sure. Sounds great. Just take care of the other one. Kimika: Zakuro! We were powerless against them. They closed in on her. After a while, her blows stopped connecting, or started connecting with their bags instead of flesh. Zakuro: K-Kimika! Kimika: Zakuro! Akasaka-san and Kitami-san took me away. I wanted to fight back too, but my body wouldn't move. I was led away, powerless to resist. Zakuro: U-Um, will Kimika be... Megu: That's her own fault... She's the one who pulled that fucking baton on us. Satoko: That's right. We just wanted to have some fun. Zakuro: B-But... Megu: So you should just be a good little girl for the camera... Zakuro: Camera? Megu: I told you, we're making a movie. You're the star. Satoko: That's right. If we can finish this up quick, Tachibana might get off easy. Megu: Yeah, she might. There's no reason for her to get hurt once we finish up. Zakuro: R-Really? Megu: Don't you agree? Zakuro: B-But, a movie... Megu: Oh, that was just a joke earlier. I'm not gonna make you do anything with them. Don't worry about that. Satoko: Yeah, we're not gonna do anything crazy like that. We're not making a porno. Photo shots like this are really popular nowadays, haven't you heard? Zakuro: Like what? Megu: It's like, you have your models still clothed, but just doing some erotic poses or taking sensual videos. It's really artistic and stuff. Zakuro: O-Oh, really? Satoko: Yeah, I've heard about that. All the big names are doing that now. It's not a problem at all. Megu: It's not like we're making a porno. Don't worry, we're not gonna make you fuck some guy or anything. Zakuro: B-But still, a video sounds kind of... Megu: Don't worry, I just told you everything... And here, take this medicine. Zakuro: Medicine? Megu: It's special. You just need to suck it up your nose with this straw. Zakuro: What's it for? Megu: Huh? You haven't heard of this * It's really popular right now. It'll improve your bloodflow and make your skin look better. It's for the camera."* Satoko: We're the creators, so we want it to come out as good as possible. We're just worried about you. Zakuro: Y-Yeah, all right... You won't do anything bad to Kimika if we finish up quickly, right? Megu: Of course not. If you'd like, I could call them right now and make sure they don't hurt her. Zakuro: Kimika won't get hurt, then? Megu: Yeah, I'll call them right now... Uh... Megu: Hello, Tsubasa? I have a favor to ask. Satoko: Look, Megu's doing her best. You have to show us you're serious about this too. Zakuro: Oh, sure... If you won't hurt Kimika... I just had to do the same thing they made Kimika do. I couldn't make Kimika go through all the bad stuff for my sake... I had to help her. Megu: Oh, and this drug is really strong, so you just need to do it once. Zakuro: Oh, okay... I used a straw to suck the powder out of a small bottle and into my nose. I'd never heard of taking medicine like this. Megu: Now then! Let's have some fun. Zakuro: Oh, sure... What? It's like... something is weird... Maybe it's just my imagination... The light is awfully bright. It's like everything is shining. Satoko: Now then, let's go somewhere a bit sexier. Megu: Yeah! Well, there are a lot of people here. That would be kind of hot in its own way. Satoko: Don't worry, I thought of that ahead of time. Megu: Oh, good, hehehe... All right, I'll leave it up to you. Her face broke into a smile, and she patted Kitami-san on the shoulder. Satoko: Hehehe. Well, this could be fun. My body is weird... I'm sweating so bad... It's not that hot out... And my pulse is faster than usual... Megu: Here, drink this juice, Takashima. Zakuro: Huh? Juice? Megu: Yeah, when you do drugs like this, you get super thirsty. Zakuro: Oh, okay... She's right... My throat is dry... Those drugs... I shouldn't have taken those. Uh... Why am I sweating so bad? My heart is beating fast... It's all so bright. Uh... My thoughts started slipping... I was still there, but my thoughts went off track. Megu: Come on, Takashima, let's go. You're the star, so look pep. Zakuro: Ah, okay... Akasaka-san grabbed my arm hard, and Kitami-san pushed me from behind. Satoko: Come on, walk already! Zakuro: Ah, okay... Umm... That was probably something bad, which is probably why they made me take it... That's why it's so bright, and why my heart is beating so fast. And... uh, what? How did this happen, uh... Right, to save Kimika... And, uh... After that, uh... That's right! We have to make a video to save Kimika. So they're gonna film me... One of them was the director, and one of them was the cameraman... So who was writing the script? Um... We need a script, after all. And some other stuff... I think there was some more... We have to have it all... so I can save Kimika... Is there still stuff we need? Um... My thoughts were flying, but I still couldn't figure it out. What am I supposed to be doing... Something I have to do... I'm sweating so bad... I can't think straight... Something I need to do... Megu: Oh, that's right! I'll go ahead and give this to you now. Why was she smiling when she handed me that... Zakuro: Huh? Um... This is that thing they were using on Kimika... They said it was a back massager, but... She gave it to me because she wants me to use it. It's a back massager, so on my back... No, that's wrong. That's not how Kimika used it. I have to do it just like Kimika. Yeah, that's what I'm supposed to do now. The exact same thing as Kimika. Kimika shouldn't be the only one who has to go through this... I have to do it for her sake. Megu: Hey... Are you sure about this? Wasn't that an awful lot for a beginner? It looks like her brain melted... Satoko: You're the one who made her do it. Megu: She probably won't fall. I didn't tranquilize her or anything. Satoko: But it's a downer, right? Megu: Of course. What else would I give her? We're gonna make her do some crazy stuff later. Satoko: Those are really strong... Once someone takes one, they'll do anything. They're talking about something... Downers and stuff. Lots of words I don't know... Megu: Hey Takashima, let's go! Zakuro: Huh? O-Okhay. Satoko: Hahaha, listen to her, lol. She's so high right now. Megu: Listen, when people snort this stuff, they think they're acting perfectly logically. They don't get it at all. Satoko: Oh wow. Megu: And she's still trying to act normal, lol. Her eyes are scary, though. Look at her pupils... Satoko: And she's talking to herself... Satoko: All right, this place looks good. They brought me, tottering along, over to a place by the traffic light in front of the station, in a bit of a blindspot. They're really gonna film here... Maybe the people passing by won't see us if we're careful doing it here, but... I have to do this for Kimika's sake... I'll do everything they tell me. Megu: All right, here's the camera. Satoko: Zakuro-chan, lift up your skirt, slowly. Zakuro: M-My skirt? Um, uh... The video camera focused in on my lower body. I lifted up my skirt, just like they told me to. Satoko: That's great, that's great! Yeah, move your hands just like that! I lifted my skirt. I saw the camera zoom in when I showed them my panties. Satoko: Hmm... She always acts like such a nice girl, but her underwear is really sexy. That's kind of surprising. Megu: Do you think we should bring some panties for her to wear next time? Satoko: Heh, you have a lot of panties that can hardly be called underwear. Satoko: That pair that's nothing but string. That would be perfect. Megu: Those are designed to make a guy wanna fuck. They have their own purpose. Don't make fun of them. Satoko: Makes perfect sense to me. Megu: It works like a charm, ahaha. I couldn't understand what they were talking about... I was more worried about all the people I could hear in the train station. Why are there so many people around? I can hear all their voices and footsteps, clear as day. It's all too loud... Satoko: Oh, sorry, don't worry about us. Keep going. Megu: Yeah! Put your skirt in your mouth, so you can use your hands. Zakuro: Um, that's... Zakuro: ...Like this? I bit the end of my skirt, just like they told me. My panties were completely revealed, and my hands were free. Satoko: That's great. Megu: Hehehehe... It's so surreal. Satoko: Who cares about that? Get to it. Megu: Oh, right. Next, turn on the back massager I gave you earlier. The back massager started vibrating. The sound echoed in my brain. Megu: What are you waiting for? You know what to do next... Do it just like Tachibana did earlier. What Kimika did earlier... My finger moved on its own, turning the switch back off. Megu: The fuck did you do that for?! Satoko: Hey, I can't guarantee anything about Tachibana if you do that... Th-That's right... I have to do what Kimika did... I have to do the same thing if I want to save her... Zakuro: Haa... I sighed as I turned the switch on. The long, elliptically shaped back massager came back to life. Satoko: All right, now the props are all set to go. Satoko: We won't be able to guide you anymore. Just do it like you always do at home. Zakuro: Ah... Like I always do at home? I don't do that... I only do it once in a while... Megu: And I'll get all your cute reactions on tape! Don't hold back, now. Zakuro: Okay... This is for Kimika's sake... Kimika's sake... Kimika's sake... Kimika's sake... To save Kimika... To save Kimika... To save Kimika... To save Kimika... To save Kimika... To save Kimika... Satoko: Quit talking to yourself, damn... Megu: Don't blame her. She's never done drugs before... She'll calm down once she gets into it. Satoko: Yeah, she looks like she's sick or something. It's creepy. Let's get her going with that vibe already. I have to do my best...? Zakuro: Hmm, hmm... Ah, ha, hmm... When I put the vibrator up to my pussy from over my underwear, my legs shook from the sudden, new sensation. Megu: Pretty good reaction, huh? Satoko: Yeah... It's pretty nice. I had my skirt in my mouth, so at least I couldn't moan very loudly... Zakuro: Haa... Ah, ah... My underwear's probably going to feel wet and nasty after this, but if I just get through this without anyone seeing us, then there'll be no problem, no problem at all. Ahh... But if I can hurry up and cum without getting too wet... Kimika might...? Zakuro: a, ahh... Mmm~~?! This is scary. Wh-Why does it have to be in a place like this? I can't... My head isn't, isn't working, my head, my head's not, it's, ah... Aaah. Why? Why? Why? I'm barely touching it, but I'm jumping, jumping, jumping, jumping, jumping every single time I touch myself. Zakuro: Haa, ah, ahh, mm... Th-This is... I've really never done anything l-like this... Zakuro: Haa, ahh, haaa... ah... Megu: Whoa... She just started and she's already doing this. Satoko: We've never been sober when there were other people around doing drugs. Megu: We always take 'em when other people do too... I've never been sober enough to watch anyone else. Satoko: Hehehe, this is just the start. We have a lot more planned. Zakuro: Haa, ah, mm, ahh... Satoko: Takashima, if it feels so good, why don't you pull your panties down? Zakuro: Ahh, ah, ahh... They said something. Can't respond. My brain was taken by pleasure... Everything was gone... Megu: Come on! Drop 'em already Zakuro: O-Okay. I quickly pulled my underwear down. They fell to the ground. Zakuro: Hhtherre, thheeere,... ah, ahh, ahh... My eyes were spinning. It's so different when I do it directly... So different, too different... And more, more importantly... I have to calm, calm down, just calm down a little, little bit so I can... Huh? Um...? What am I doing here? This could be bad. I can't be doing this right now... No way. Zakuro: No wwhay, no whaay,... Ah, ahh, haa... Why am I doing what Akasaka-san told me to? She said I could do it with my underwear on... Ahh... Why? Zakuro: Hhhhhway, waahyy? Aahhh. I can't believe I'm naked in a place like this... Why am I smiling? I would never do this... My eyes can't focus, I'm sweating... Wow, I'm sweating so much, and that's not all... It's like all the fluids are running out of my body. Megu: Whoa, that's crazy, Takashima... You have a talent for this! Zakuro: Th-Thankkhshh... Y-Yeaauh... Satoko: What's she doing? Megu: She's happy, since I said she was good at it. She's the kind of girl who works off compliments. Satoko: Heh, great... Regret? But I'm happy because she complimented me?? Happy? Why? This place, no, should I be happy? No, what if someone sees? Someone I don't know? Eh? There are people watching me? Watching what? Watching what I'm doing? Right now? Megu: Takashima, are you happy? Zakuro: Yhesh... ah, ahmm, mmm, ah! When I put it directly on my pussy... No, wh-what's this feeling, like my head is splitting open, no, someone's gonna see me, I'm moaning too, stop. Zakuro: Ahmm, ah, mm, aaah! I'm sweating so bad... And my thighs and the ground underneath me are all drenched. It's so wet that I could easily slip and drop the vibrator. I can't tell what's going on... What should I do? Is my head broken? Here? Doing this? This? Huh? Doing this? Zakuro: Ahhh, ah, aah, aahhmm... Megu: Ahaha, this is really gonna be a great video. Satoko: I can smell her. Wow, that's crazy. Megu: These drugs are amazing... Satoko: Well, when you mix it with annaka, it makes you feel even better. Megu: But I've never seen anything like this... Satoko: Ahaha... There are some people looking over here, but I don't think anyone's gonna call the police. Megu: We can just run if they do. Satoko: Yeah, pretty much... Zakuro: Haaa, mm, mmm... ...Hey, K-K-Kimika... I-I'm just fine... I-I-I'm j-just fine... Kimikaa, just a little longer... Satoko: All right, Takashima's trying her best. We have to do our jobs too, right? Megu: Absolutely! Satoko, get to it. Satoko: Aye aye. I was about to lose consciousness from the pleasure coming over me. I put the vibrator up to my hard clitoris and... Akasaka-san yelled orders at Kitami-san, who came up to me and extended her hand to my skirt. Zakuro: Haa... Aah, ah? Kitami-san quickly took my skirt off, pulling it down forcibly... Satoko: Come on, get your leg up. I can't get it off like that. Zakuro: Aah, okay... I was confused by the sudden commotion, so I just went along with her when she threatened me. I couldn't think straight. I was overcome with pleasure. N-No, no, I can't, I can't do that... Satoko: There, how about that? Megu: Oh, it's perfect! Kitami-san took my clothes and went back over by Akasaka-san. I tried to calmly take in my situation. My underwear, my skirt, my blouse... I have nothing on. Everyone can see. Ah, aaaah, no, no, no, no way. Why are they doing this? This is a crime. Everyone will see. Who's watching? What are they looking at? Zakuro: Ah, ah, no, no, noo, ahh... mm, ah, aaah, no... I have to stop, I have to stop this... But there's nothing I can do. Someone might see. The cops might catch us... Zakuro: No, they're gonna see, they're gonna see, no, no, you can't do that... Aaah, ah, aaah. What? I don't understand it... What if someone sees? We'll get arrested. The cops will come, and we'll be on the news. No, my parents will be so sad... Aaahh. I put the nasty, vibrating tip of the back massager up to my pussy, feeling the sensation on my hard clitoris. My eyes were empty, I was drooling, and Akasaka-san got it all on camera... Aha? This feels kind of good... Satoko: You must be willing to talk by now. Tell us, how does it feel? Eh? Tell them? How it feels? Huh? How it feels? What's it matter to them if it feels good? They want me to say something? Megu: Come on, say something, anything... How does it feel to do something nasty like this in public? Zakuro: N-Noo, I don't want to do this. Megu: But you are. Zakuro: Y-Yesh... I am. I'm doing it right heeere. Megu: This is a crime, you know? Zakuro: A crime, I shouldn'hth do this, I can't do thiiissh, no, I can't... Megu: But you're doing it. Zakuro: No, noo, it'th not like thaatt. Megu: Does it get you hot because someone might see? Zakuro: Noo, thaht would never happhen... Haa, no... Megu: But you're still doing it... Where does it feel the best? Zakuro: Ahh... I-It h-has to bee... my cliiitt... Megu: Huh? The mic on the camera must be broken. We didn't get that. Satoko: Come on, Takashima. Say it again, so everyone can hear! Zakuro: All hrirght! My clihtoriss... It's sho goodd...? Haaaann, mm... After admitting it, my hand unconsciously moved to push the vibrator up against my swollen clitoris. Zakuro: Aaahha! Haaa, ah, aaahh~ I moved it around my pussy and shook my hips. Satoko: Wow, she looks like such a slut. Zakuro: Haa, aah, ah, ah... Zakuro: Haa, ha, ah... Megu: Now she's getting into it! Satoko: This is great! She always looks so polite, but just look at her now. I can just imagine the guys jerking off to her. Zakuro: Haa, ahh, ahh... I realized that I was putting the vibrator up to my anus as well. Zakuro: Wow, wow, wooow, aah, ah, mmmm... Megu: She's bleeding... Did she put it in her ass without any lotion? Satoko: Oh, don't worry about it. That just means it feels good. Megu: Well, I guess everything feels good when you're on that stuff. Male Student: What's going on over there... Male Student: Quick, get your camera! Satoko: Whoa?! Megu: What?! It was like a peal of thunder on a clear day. A few men saw us in the blindspot and started making a commotion. They probably heard my moans and came to look. Zakuro: Ahh, haa, ahh... Male Student: Hey, what's going on here? Are they filming a porno or something? She's totally naked. Male Student: Seriously? They're really doing it outside, too. I could hardly make out his shocked face through the overflowing tears clouding my vision. But my hand wouldn't stop... Satoko: Shut up, you fags! If you don't go on your merry way, we'll tell the police you raped her. Male Student: Wh-Why would you do that? Megu: Come on, Satoko-san... The audience makes it feel more realistic, don't you think? Satoko: But they're annoying... and they kind of look like nerds, you know? Megu: All the better. Male Student: That's rude. We're not nerds. Megu: The fuck did you say? If you don't shut your trap, we won't let you watch. Male Student: Oh, I wanna watch, I wanna watch. Megu: Then come over here and get a better look? Male Student: Really? Wow. Zakuro: Nho, hwhy? Nnho, no, ahh, ahh, ahh... Ah! Aah, haa! Male Student: Wow... Does she like people watching her? Male Student: I've heard of that. They're called exhibitionists. Zakuro: N-Nho, nhoo, I, I, aaah, ah! The place I'd never shown anyone else in my life... was being ogled by men I had never seen before. How did this happen? I don't understand... I just... Zakuro: Dhon't, dhon't look! Noo, don't, thtop, ahh! Male Student: Why don't you tell us where you don't want us to look? Where? That's obvious, the place no one should ever see... Male Student: Come on, where! Hurry up and say it! Zakuro: D-Dhon't look therhee, don't look therhe, nhoo... Male Student: Where do you mean? Go on, say its name. If you don't, we can't understand you. Megu: He's a fucking genius, lol. Satoko: We have a real prodigy on our hands, lol. Zakuro: R-Rhighht hhere! Don'hth lookh hhere! It'th my pushy, don'hth lookh at my pushy, ifh you do, I, I, ahh. Male Student: What'll happen if we look? Zakuro: I can'ht geth mahried! I can'hth do zhis... Ahh, mm, noo, stop... Ah! Zakuro: Noo, don'th look... Aah, ah, auuh, ah! Zakuro: Hmm, ha, aah, it feelth so good in therhee~ Zakuro: Mm, mmm, ah, aaah~ I could see the bulges in their pants. Zakuro: Aaah, ah, ah! Mm, mm... What? What? Why am I getting turned on by this? Come on, Takashima Zakuro-chan... You're not a dirty girl like that, are you? Zakuro: Haa, it feelth so good! My pushy ith tingling! Megu: Keep it up, Takashima! This is gonna be great, keep it up! Zakuro: Ohhkayh... Ih'll tryrh... Aah, ah, aah! The camera lens zoomed in again... It was focused on my drooling face. It must have been pathetic, but there was nothing I could do to hide it. Satoko: Now then, Takashima, why don't you cum for us? The camera's batteries are running low. Zakuro: Ohkayh... Ih'm gohnna cum~! You don't need to order me around... Ahaha... Hehehehe... Zakuro: Ih'm cummhing, ah, mmm, here it comhes! Nnnooo― ...Look... My whole body feels light... Zakuro: Haa, haaa, Ih'm cumming~! Zakuro: Ah... Haa... Satoko: She came. She just came, didn't she? Zakuro: Haaa, ha... Ehehe... I'm surprised. This is too amazing... Megu: All right, I got it all. Satoko: This'll turn out great. What should the title be? Megu: Let's see, uh... How about 'A Single Raindrop... The Mecha Angel who Descended upon the Station'?! Satoko: That doesn't make any sense. Haa... Zakuro: Haa, haa... ah! Haa, haa... ...Now Kimika will be safe, right? Zakuro: Haa, haa, haa... ...Yuck... I can still feel it in my stomach... Megu: All right, let's get out the backup battery. Zakuro: Haa, haa... What did I just do... in front of all these people... I, uh... Zakuro: Haa... Haa... Ahaaa... Oh no... My vision is getting blurry... Zakuro: Ah... All the strength left my body. Satoko: Whoa, Takashima! Are you all right? Is she gonna be all right? Megu: Wait a sec... Zakuro: ... Megu: Her heart's still going. She should be fine. I don't think she overdosed. Let's just get her to the karaoke place and let her sleep. Megu: It's probably not the drugs. I guess it's cause she just came. Satoko: Makes sense... Don't scare me like that. I was freaked out! Megu: Well, it's probably no good for her heart. We should let her rest a bit. ......... ...... ... I was conscious the whole time, but my body wouldn't move. Time advanced quickly after that. The sun moved across the sky faster than I've ever seen it. Light in my eyes, sound in my ears. Everything in the world moved so fast. As I lay in the karaoke box, my pulse calmed and slowed. While I rested, they sang karaoke. Watching them having so much fun, I started to get happier as well... Why's that... Satoko: Oh! She's awake. Satoko: Hey, Megu! Stop singing. Takashima's up. Megu: Come on, I was just getting into it... Couldn't you wait a minute? Akasaka scowled at me, then grabbed the remote control and stopped the song. The room was silent... All I could hear was the thumping of music in another room. Megu: Let's have Takashima sing the next one! Satoko: Hell yeah! Zakuro: ...Me? Satoko: So get out there and sing! Dance too! Megu: That's why we came here. Satoko: Let's have some fun! Zakuro: Fun... Fun... The second I heard that word, it was like my brain absorbed it, and I was instantly having fun. Fun... Fun... Satoko: Yeah, have some fun! Zakuro: Fun... Fun... What is this... I'm having fun... It's kind of fun... Zakuro: Kinda... fun... Megu: Yeah, it's a lot of fun! We're all happy here! Zakuro: Yeah... Happy... Megu: Hey, let's have a blast! Satoko: Yeah, go for it! Dance and sing! Zakuro: Oh, okay... Satoko: Come on, Takashima. Stand on the sofa. Zakuro: Huh? Why? Megu: Because you're the heroine! Look, you're an idol! Zakuro: I'm... an idol... Zakuro: A singing... idol. I took off my shoes and stood on the sofa, holding the microphone in both hands. I'm getting kind of excited. This is kind of fun. Then the intro played... Zakuro: Oh, I know this song! Satoko: Yeah, get into it! Zakuro: Y-Yeah! Megu: Come on, you're an idol. Say 'yay.' Zakuro: Yay! Megu: Yeah, you're happy, right? * ――――♪♪* * ――♪♪* Zakuro: ...I look up at the big blue sky♪ Here on the usual road♪ Zakuro: And the summer sunflowers♪ All bloomed just for me...♪ Before, whenever I would get sad... this song would play on my MP3 player. So I really like this song... Love, happiness, happiness, happiness... It's such a happy song. It's just... My head feels like... I'm too happy... Zakuro: And the hills ♪ I saw that day~♪ Zakuro: I see them reflected on my eyelids― Ah?! While I was looking at the TV, Kitami-san came up beside me. Satoko: Hehehe... She grabbed the edge of my skirt and laughed. Zakuro: Every little moment is precious♪ Then she took advantage of the fact that I wasn't moving by flipping up my skirt and showing off my panties a few times. Zakuro: Every fleeting second...♪ Zakuro: The little moments every― Ah, um?! Satoko: Don't worry about me. Keep going. Zakuro: Ah... I want to walk beside you...♪ I was confused by her prank, but I started singing again. Zakuro: Forever...♪ Always and now...♪ Zakuro: Holding hands♪ And laughing all the way♪ As I sung, Kitami-san slowly pulled up my skirt. Zakuro: Next to you♪ Side by si― Ah?! She kept going, this time reaching for the fastener on my skirt. Zakuro: Here in the sun♪ On this road... Stop that! By the time the chorus was over, my skirt was laying in a pile at my ankles. Then Akasaka-san's camera zoomed in on my crotch. Satoko: Just focus on singing and being cute. Megu: We'll take care of the rest. Zakuro: ... Ahaha... So I have to do this again... But... Maybe because they already filmed everything... I didn't really care anymore... * ――♪♪* Zakuro: ...And before you know it♪ The evening sun is setting♪ I can sing better than this... Zakuro: It lights our path♪ A bath of red and scarlet♪ That's perfect... I'll just focus on singing my favorite song. This is so great. I don't need to think about anything else... Zakuro: The sights of yesterday♪ Zakuro: Become the memories of today...♪ I felt something on my legs, and then the pressure on my crotch disappeared. I looked away from the screen for a second and saw Kitami-san twirling my panties on her finger. Zakuro: We said goodbye and waved goodbye♪ It's a past we share♪ Zakuro: The warmth of your hand♪ Is all the proof I need♪ Why do they always do this? Zakuro: I want to be with you foreve―Ah, ah! When we got to the second chorus, Kitami-san grabbed my chest through my blouse. Megu: Oh, that's sexy! Zakuro: Forever...♪ Now and forever...♪ Zakuro: Never leave my side♪ Sit and be my guide♪ Zakuro: Forever...♪ Now and forever...♪ Zakuro: Never leave my side♪ Sit and be my guide♪ Zakuro: I look into your eyes...♪ Kitami-san groped me without a hint of restraint, even as I was trying to sing. Satoko: Sorry to keep you all waiting! Now it's time to have some fun. Megu: The camera's ready. Zakuro: I'm walking with you... Ah! As I focused on singing, Kitami-san carefully removed my blouse, making sure not to interrupt me. Megu: I'll be needing your bra too~ Zakuro: I think of you...♪ Satoko: All right... Wait, whoa, her boobs are huge. Zakuro: Your smile is my... Ah! Wh-Whoa! Kitami-san took the blouse off and threw it toward Akasaka-san. Zakuro: You give me water. It makes me―Ah! Megu: Oh, they bounce too! She put her hand on my bra, pulling it off with one hand and fiddling with the hook with the other. Zakuro: I'll try everything for our life...♪ When I got to the interlude, I looked down at my own body, and... I was completely naked except for my socks. Megu: And your nipples are nice and pink too... God damn. Zakuro: No, please stop... Satoko: Hey, don't hide 'em! Megu: Yeah, even we can tell how beautiful you are. Zakuro: But... But! Satoko: We'll put a mosaic in. Don't worry. Megu: Yeah, we'll hide the important bits, so keep going! Zakuro: Ah... Ah... Time ruthlessly advanced forward, ending the interlude... Um... Umm... They'll just put a mosaic in, right? And I was getting really hot from singing so much... So I just needed to take it all off. That should help me cool down, right? * ――♪♪* Zakuro: I whanth 'o walhk nexht 'o you~♪. Huh? It's so much easier to sing without any clothes... Megu: That's great, Takashima! Keep swinging your boobs! Zakuro: Fhorevher... Nhow and fhorevher...♪ Akasaka-san pointed the camera at me and urged me to keep going... And Kitami-san was taking pictures with a cell phone. Satoko: Her camera takes really high resolution pictures... They look great. Megu: I think your phone is just old. Satoko: Maybe... Zakuro: Holhding hanths♪ An' laughin' a' hthe hway♪ And I can finally talk straight... Ehehe, this is great! Male Waiter: Sorry to keep you waiting. I have the chocolate waffle and ginger ale you ordered. Zakuro: Nehxt 'o you♪ Sihde by sihde♪ Male Waiter: Well then, excuse me― Ah?! Zakuro: Hthethe ehverlahsting feehlings... Oh, great! The waiter let out a shocked voice when he looked up and saw me singing like an idol. Male Waiter: Eh... Ehh?! * ――♪♪...* Zakuro: Ehehehe~ Yay, Kimika, I finished the song! Male Waiter: Wh-Wh-Wh-What's going on here?! Satoko: Sorry, Mister. She always gets carried away like this. Male Waiter: But this is too much― Megu: I got your face on tape too. You're an accomplice now. Satoko: So close the door and come over here. Male Waiter: ...Are you threatening me? Zakuro: Ahaha~ Satoko: She gets excited when strangers look at her. Megu: If you don't sit your ass down, we'll tell the police you raped her in here. Male Waiter: What?! Satoko: Like I said, just sit there and watch. Megu: Yeah, and look, she's hot as hell. Zakuro: Haa~? Male Waiter: ...W-Well, yeah. Megu: Okay, next song! Satoko: Are you ready, Takashima? Zakuro: Yheah. Male Waiter: Hmm... I guess I'm stuck. The young attendant murmered a few words and then sat down next to Akasaka-san. ...Well, what's one more person? Satoko: I put the next song on. Megu: Takashima, do something cute! Zakuro: Ohkhay! I held out my hand, smiled, and took a pose... Perfect! Male Waiter: Jeez, what am I doing... * ――――♪♪* * ――♪♪* Zakuro: ...and then thime passes♪ Zakuro: We made a lah' of memories...♪ I'm so lucky! This song is one of my favorites, so I know it really well. Zakuro: Hand all the kihnd words from my thime with you♪ Zakuro: Come rahshing bahck to meee♪ I have to do what I can... so Kimika will be safe... Satoko: Damn, she has such a nice body. What do you eat? Zakuro: Let's talk a walk on the beach♪ Megu: And her skin's so soft. You must be surprised too, huh? Male Waiter: Oh, well, yeah... Zakuro: Hand the shun will right our way♪ Satoko: Hey, Mister, why don't you clean under the table? Megu: I hope you don't mind! She left all the candy wrappers under there from earlier! Zakuro: Shank yoou for this beauchifuw blue thky♪ Satoko: And you'll be able to see her pussy clear as day from down there! Zakuro: A happhy liifee♪ Megu: That's a virgin pussy! You're missing out if you don't get a good look. Zakuro: Hand ihn the darhkness♪ Male Waiter: Jeez, look at all this trash... Zakuro: And you're right here♪ Male Waiter: You shouldn't get the karaoke booth so dirty. Megu: Ahaha, don't say that! The attendant has to keep the room clean. Zakuro: By mhy siide♪ Male Waiter: Whoa... He glanced up at me several times as he cleaned under the table... Zakuro: Ahh♪ Satoko: All right, Takashima. Keep it up. You gotta cheer on our hardworking waiter. Megu: You don't need us to tell you what to do, right? I heard him gulp, even over the music. Zakuro: An' rhat's whyy♪ ...I moved my empty hand to my crotch. Zakuro: Hafther shcool, hall the shtreetsh are shihning♪ I stuck my middle finger in my pussy and started moving it back and forth. Male Waiter: Wow... Aha... This is nothing compared to earlier... My body is so sensitive today. Megu: Hahaha, you came at just the right time, Mister. Zakuro: Ah' rahmembah it chlearly... When I felt the pleasure radiating out from my crotch, I smiled and started getting into it. I could feel myself getting wet, and there were lewd, wet sounds mixed in with the music. Zakuro: Two setsh ofh footprintsh...♪ ...Huh? Why are my cheeks wet...? I'm having fun... I'm not sad at all, right? Satoko: Takashima, hold it open so we can all get a good look. Zakuro: Tha reezon why I cry, ahh! I did as they told me... No, I wanted to do it myself. I put my fingers on my labia and pulled it open. I felt myself getting wet, with lines of juice running down my legs. Zakuro: Whipe my tearsh with yourh shakhing handsh♪ My body twisted and turned from the intense pleasure, and the song lyrics I was trying to sing grew more and more distorted. Aha~ I feel so warm down there~ Zakuro: Ifh I loohk hup at tha blue shky~♪ I can't believe how turned on I am... Maybe I really do get excited when people are watching. Aha, I wonder if that's true~? Zakuro: Daays pash by♪ My clitoris swelled up when I started rubbing it, wiping my mind blank and leaving me drooling. He's staring at me... He's staring right between my legs, where I pee... Zakuro: I whant to dream with yhou♪ I stuck my middle finger halfway in and then started moving my hand rhythmically, just like I had read about in a dirty girl's magazine. Zakuro: Evhen when tha shkies aren't blue♪ Aha~~! This is great. I'm so happy... Oh no~ What it would it be like if it was a guy's dick instead of my finger? Zakuro: Whe walkhed side by shide.♪ Nyahahaha~ Kimika's missing out~~! Zakuro: I love you... Yes... I love you, Mamiya-kun... Mamiya-kun, I love you... so much... Zakuro: I have a dream... Ahh, no more!! I collapsed onto the sofa, gasping for air. Zakuro: Ahh... Ah, ah! But the finger between my legs kept moving, leaving my free hand to play with my breasts. Zakuro: Ahh, ahh, ahh! Haa... I don't care anymore. The sofa was sticky and wet... I promise I'll clean it up later, so please forgive me... Zakuro: Ahh... It feels so good, ah, ahh... Megu: Yeah, keep going, just like that! Zakuro: Hehehehe~... Ah, ah, ah! I wanted to push my finger all the way in, but I resisted the urge. But in exchange, I moved my hand on my breasts like it was a man's hand. Ahamm... I pinched the nipple, trying to pull the milk out of it... Zakuro: Ah, ah, it's so hot... Ah, I shouldn't be doing this... Zakuro: Ah, ah, ah... I can't breathe. I'm gonna die. It felt like I had just run a marathon. I could feel my ragged pulse through the hand on my breast. But the heat never rose to my head... In the darkened room, the lights glittered like treasure... Zakuro: Haa... Ahh... My pussy is so hot. Ah, ah, ahh! Male Waiter: Whoa... Satoko: Hehehe, you can't help yourself, huh?! Male Waiter: Ah... Why would such a cute girl do this? I don't believe it... Zakuro: Ahh, ah... Ehehe, thank you... No way... A man said I was cute. That made me feel really good, in a different way than the masturbation. If only it was Mamiya-kun saying that... Ah, my pussy is so wet... Megu: Hey, Takashima. You seem to be having a lot of fun over there, but it's about time for you to cum and finish up, all right? Satoko: Huh? You don't have any more batteries? Megu: No, I do. I just want to make this a two part film. This is the end of the first part. Satoko: Oh, sure. Sounds perfect. Megu: So cum for us real good, Zakuro-chan. Zakuro: Ah, ah, I'm gonna cum... All right, got it... Zakuro: Ah, mm... Ah, ah, ahh― I can't hold out any longer... I have to cum now... Zakuro: Ah, ahh―Ah, ah~~ I pressed on my clitoris hard and simultaneously played with my breasts. I felt a warmth building in my stomach. My pussy was so sensitive that I felt hot waves of pleasure every time I moved my finger. Zakuro: Ahh, I'm cumming, I'm cumming― Ah, here it is... I'm gonna fall, it's like I'm gonna fall... Zakuro: Ahhmmm~~!! I climaxed harder than I thought possible. A bubble popped inside me. My brain boiled over, and all the energy left my body. Megu: Okay! I got a pretty good video. Everything I saw melted, and they all started clapping for me, applauding my performance. Zakuro: Haa... Hehe, hehehe... ...It's like I'm dreaming about Wonderland... Ahaha, I never thought I could do this... Zakuro: Haa, haa... Hehehe... Maybe I should try it one more time... Megu: All right, now it's your turn, Mister! Go fuck the brains out of her! Male Waiter: What?! Wouldn't that be going over the line? Satoko: Just look at her. She's gonna get the room even dirtier if you don't do something to satisfy her, and then you'll just have more work to do. Zakuro: Haa, ah, mm... Aha, ah... I still felt the waves of pleasure throughout my body. I started playing with my pussy and stimulating my breasts again... Male Waiter: ...Gulp. The front of his pants was bulging as he looked down at me... At this rate... I might have sex with him... Zakuro: Aah, ah... ...Well, maybe it'll be all right― It's so easy to lose your virginity... "XXX Why aren't you a virgin?! XXX" Huh?! "XXX Die, you slut! XXX" Zakuro: Ahh?! That's right. To Mamiya-kun, girls are nothing but trash once they give away their virginity. Zakuro: Ah... Ah... Satoko: Huh? She just started shaking. I'm going to have sex here― Megu: Oh, she's awake again... You know, the fast ones feel really good, but the come down sucks ass. Satoko: You mean the drugs wore off? Megu: No, it's still a bit early for that. I'm going to lose my virginity to a complete stranger― Megu: Well, it'll be fine. Not like she's gonna die. Then Mamiya-kun won't ever love me! Zakuro: Noo! No, no! I won't do it! Zakuro: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, forgive me! Satoko: What is it all of a sudden? I stopped masturbating, crossed my hands over my chest, and grabbed my shoulders, holding myself and shaking as I yelled. Megu: Hmm, she's such a nice masochist. Satoko: She's the kind of girl that gets off on being bullied. Zakuro: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, anything but that! Zakuro: I'll do anything else, please! Megu: You need to learn a lesson, I think. You don't have the right to say no. Satoko: We didn't even have to worry about tracking down a sexy actor. But... But I can't―!! Zakuro: 'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I got on my hands and knees and begged her, still completely naked. Zakuro: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'll do great if you just let me do something else! And I'll get you those tickets, no problem! Zakuro: If you tell me to lick my shoe, I will. If you tell me to go find an old man to sell my panties to, I will! ―As long as I don't have to do "that," it doesn't matter if my pride is hurt. Megu: Oh wow, you're awfully assertive today, aren't you? But I love him so much―I found something to protect! Zakuro: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!! Male Waiter: U-Um, I don't think we should be doing this. Satoko: Huh? What do you mean? I put my head to the ground, begging and listening to the two of them talking about me. Male Waiter: Look, I'm not gonna tell your parents or anything... Megu: Huh? Are you trying to lecture us now? Satoko: You don't wanna fuck her? She really is a virgin, you know? Male Waiter: Well, if I was being perfectly honest... Megu: Then stop pussyfooting around and do it. Zakuro: Ah! Ah... Male Waiter: Um, I really can't afford to lose this job. I need the money, and there's nowhere else I can really work. He warded off their glares as he tried to dissuade them. So he wasn't even really worried about me as much as his job. Male Waiter: And we should delete the video you already took. That stuff is dangerous. But still, I wanted to thank him for what he was doing. Megu: Hmph. Satoko: You're such a loser. Male Waiter: Haha... Ahaha... Megu: Man, I'm bored as hell. Satoko: Me too. That left a bad taste in my mouth, goddamn it. Akasaka-san reluctantly threw her video camera back in its bag. The moment I heard the clasp shut, I felt a calm wind blow through my heart. Thank goodness... I'm so relieved... Zakuro: ... I still have my purity, Mamiya-kun... You're proud of me, right, Mamiya-kun? Megu: Hey, how long are you gonna be bawling? Zakuro: But... But... She was in a foul mood, so she rapped me on the head. Satoko: Dumb bitch... Megu: What a pain in the ass, seriously... Male Waiter: W-W-Well then, I'll be going! The waiter fled from the room, opening the door quickly and dashing out. Satoko: ...What are we gonna do now? Megu: Let's go to the arcade or something. I feel like shit. Satoko: Yeah, they might have new prizes. Megu: Hey, Takashima, get dressed already. Zakuro: Oh, sure... I took a few tissues and wiped around my crotch, then desperately pulled on my clothes before they got mad at me again. Megu: We'll pay for the booth. Satoko: You should be grateful. It's not cheap. Zakuro: ... Megu: Are you dressed? Let's go. Satoko: Jeez, she's so useless. They looked at me with cold eyes and insulted me, then turned and left. Zakuro: Ah, wait a second! ...I was scared to be left alone there... ...Even though I hated them so much... ......I was too weak and pathetic. The only thing I could do was follow after them. ...... ... Megu: I wonder what happened with Tsubasa and them. Satoko: Do you have your phone? Megu: Yeah, haven't heard a thing. Satoko: You don't think Kimika won, do you? Megu: Nah, she would've come running to the karaoke place if she had. Satoko: Then what happened? Megu: Hmm, I'll call him... Satoko: Sure, whatever... And you, Takashima. Zakuro: Eh? Satoko: You consented to everything today, right? Zakuro: Huh? Um... Satoko: It's not like I was threatening you or anything, right? I just led you along. Megu: And you were so wet. Zakuro: B-But... Satoko: Don't get any dumb ideas in your head... I'm gonna block out your face in the video, but if you do something stupid, that might just change. Zakuro: Oh, okay... Megu: Now then... Well, I guess that's enough for today. Satoko: Thank you for your cooperation in producing today's feature film. Zakuro: Huh? A movie? Th-That was one? Megu: Yeah, softcore is where all the great directors get started. Satoko: Yeah, this is a real work of art. Don't worry about that. Zakuro: Oh... Sure... Can you really call something like that a feature film? Or a softcore video? Even a dunce like me could tell they were lying. They were gonna sell that to some company... They did try not to get my face in the picture... It's not like they were being malicious... I'm not sure why, but after I took those drugs, I couldn't make rational decisions anymore. I just got caught up in the moment. Anyone watching probably wouldn't think I was forced to do it. What was that drug? And what happened to Kimika? I tried calling her a few times already. I haven't been able to reach her. What's going on... I glanced up at the clock. Zakuro: Oh, right... I looked at the text message I got earlier. ―――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/03 22:01 from: Usami subject: I've finally made contact with you. ―――――――――――――――――――――――― I'm not sure if I should say... Nice to meet you? ** "The battle at the stone tower." ** Please respond when you remember the significance of these words. Also, you will probably experience a large change. ** It will probably be a good thing. ... How is this a good thing? There definitely was a big change, though... They started bullying me again... Something definitely happened, but it was a terrible thing. They probably don't even think of it as bullying. They're just doing it to make money... And now I pissed them off... Zakuro: What's going to happen tomorrow? Zakuro: It's because of these stupid messages... ―――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/08 23:10 to: Cheshire Cat subject: re: I've finally made contact with you. ―――――――――――――――――――――――― Nice to meet you. I'm the Cheshire Cat. ** I read your message, but I have never heard those words. ** I'm sorry. Though I was a bit curious... What is this large change that's going to happen to me? You said it would be something good, but I was curious. * >I'm not sure if I should say... Nice to meet you?* * >"The battle at the stone tower."* * >Please respond when you remember the significance of these words.* * >Also, you will probably experience a large change.* * >It will probably be a good thing.* Flipping out on her won't help... Zakuro: I can't take it. I wish today could be a dream... and tomorrow, then everything could go back to normal. I hate this... ...... ... A black shadow... draped over the sky... A dreary black shadow that stretches into the infinite. Like the world's twilight... A dreary scene. A dream I've never had before. But one that seems so familiar. Maybe... it was a dream from long ago. The dream made me sad... Then it disappeared.
I wanted to leave, but... But... My body was frozen in place. Defying them would mean... Kimika glanced toward me again. She was trying to tell me something, but I couldn't understand. Even if I had understood, I was frozen. I couldn't do anything. When I didn't react, Kimika sighed and looked back toward the camera. She gave them a large, unnatural grin. Megu: Come on, Tachibana. Kimika: Um, like this? Megu: Oh, that's sexy. Kimika: Aha... You think so? Megu: Come on, just a little more. Kimika: Eh? L-Like this? Megu: Oh, that's great... What color are your panties? Kimika: You sound like a perverted old man. Megu: They must be really cute, right? Kimika: Well, they were pretty expensive. Megu: Oh, really? Come on, show us a bit more! Kimika: Eh? Then why don't you get yourselves on camera, too? Megu: Sure. Come on. Kimika: Wow... Just a little, all right? Megu: Oh, you look great. I got a good picture. Satoko: That's great. Let's zoom in... Kimika: N-No way. Satoko: And here are her panties. Megu: Get a closeup of this. Satoko: It'll be fine, it'll be fine. They're really beautiful. Did you just buy them? Kimika: Y-Yeah... I don't like where this is going. This is bizarre. Satoko: By the way, Zakuro-chan, what kind of panties are you wearing? Megu: What kind of panties do you have on? Zakuro: Eh? Satoko: Hey, Zakuro. Zakuro: I-I'm, uh... Megu: Oh, that's great, Tachibana. How far can you open your legs? She wasn't only reservedly opening her legs like before, but rather opening them as far as she could so the camera could see everything. Kimika... Are you doing this to protect me? It was just like when I used to get bullied... Whenever it seemed like their attention would shift to me, she would offer herself up to them. She was trying to give me a chance to escape. And yet... I was too scared to do anything. I couldn't even move. What should I do? Kimika: Ah... U-Um, what is this? Megu: How is it? It's a portable backrubber. Kimika: O-Oh... Then it's not designed to be used here, is it... Megu: Don't worry about it. It's for massaging. What's it matter where you use it? Satoko: What's that? Megu: It's a back massager. I bought it at the store. Satoko: No, this has to be a sex toy. Megu: Don't ask me. I just thought I would try it like this, since it doesn't really work on my back. Kimika: U-Um... It kinda hurts, but... A-Ah! Megu: Your voice sounded really sexy just now, you know? Kimika: No, that's not it. It's just... It's kind of ticklish, ah! Satoko: That's not what it sounds like. Kimika: W-Wait a second, ah, ah! Megu: They're gonna hear if you keep moaning like that. Kimika: Eh? Satoko: Look, that guy over there is looking at you. Kimika: Eh? Ah! Satoko: You sound really turned on. Kimika: N-No... Satoko: Come on, hold still. Kimika: I am holding still. Megu: Takashima. Zakuro: Eh? Megu: Go get us three Bikkuri Mugs. Zakuro: Huh? Satoko: Hurry up. Zakuro: Ah, okay... What is it all of a sudden? I didn't understand why they said that, but I did as they told me. And why would they want three Bikkuri Mugs? That's going to take a while. The cashier gave me the receipt like it was perfectly normal. I was told to wait at my seat because they would take a while to make. Megu: Oh, Takashima. Zakuro: I brought the receipt. Megu: Oh, so you didn't wait for our drinks? Zakuro: Huh? Kimika: ...Ah... Satoko: I don't think you can hold out much longer, Tachibana. Megu: Why don't you do it like this? Zakuro: Ah... Satoko: The waiter's coming. Kimika: ... Satoko: Act like nothing's happening. Kimika: Ah! Waiter: Order number 74. Kimika: ... Satoko: Oh, over here. Waiter: You wanted three Bikkuri Mugs, correct? Megu: Yeah. Waiter: Here you go. Kimika: ... Even as the waiter was standing right at the table, Satoko kept pushing the massager into Kimika's crotch. Kimika was trying to act like nothing was happening, but her body was still shaking. So this is why they ordered three Bikkuri Mugs. There's no way they would be able to serve those right away... Satoko knew a waiter would have to bring them over to the table. Which made me into an accomplice. Kimika had to stay quiet so he won't notice, which meant Satoko could do whatever she wanted... And Kimika had no choice but to endure it so the waiter and the people nearby wouldn't notice. Megu: Hey, waiter. Waiter: Yes? Megu: I'd like some water. Waiter: Water? Megu: Yeah, I'm kinda broke after getting three of these. Waiter: You did get three, after all. Megu: I'm kinda hungry. How about you, Tachibana? Kimika: Ah... Ah... Yes... Waiter: Hmm? Satoko: Why does your voice sound so strange, Tachibana? Megu: Come on, Tachibana. Kimika: Ah... S-Sure... Ah! Waiter: I-Is she all right? Megu: Huh? Waiter: Her face is bright red. Megu: Oh, that. We're having an endurance competition. Kimika: Wha―?! Waiter: Endurance competition? Megu: Yeah, an endurance competition. Waiter: What kind? Kimika: A-Akasakaaa, aah, uh! Megu: Can't you tell from her voice? Isn't it hot? You should be able to tell what she's enduring. Waiter: Wait... What? Waiter: Y-You don't mean?! Satoko: Ahahahahaha, what did you imagine? Her stomach just hurts cause she's on her period. Waiter: Her period? Megu: Hahahaha... She's gonna take some medicine, but she needs some water. Hurry up. Waiter: Ah, okay... Kimika: Ah, ahh... Megu: It's not over yet... That waiter is gonna bring you some water. Finish up before he gets back. Kimika: Finish? Megu: You know what I mean. Hurry, hurry. Kimika: Th-There's no way I could do that here. Megu: Really? You won't know until you try. Megu: I'm gonna keep going until you cum. He was already suspicious. Don't you think he's going to figure it out next time? Satoko: Couldn't that be bad for us too? Megu: That's why I'm telling her to hurry up! Kimika: Ah, ah... Megu: And touch your chest, like this... and pull your panties down, so the camera can see. Kimika: Ah... Kimika gave in and put the vibrator up to her crotch. Kimika: Ah... She just laid it there, but the vibrator made a wet sound. Megu: What, you're already wet? You like that back massager that much? Kimika: Ahh... No, I'm not... I doubt that she really liked it... She just had to do it or they wouldn't let her go. Kimika understood that... That's why she was really masturbating in a place like this. Her hand moved to her breast, massaging it and grabbing the nipple. And her other hand pushed the vibrator in, pushing her labia apart and showing the swollen red color of her vagina. She was desperate to finish it quickly. Satoko: Whoa... Tachibana, you're going crazy over there. Do you want everyone to see you moving your hips like that? Kimika: No... Th-That's not it... Aaaahh! Clear liquid dripped from her crotch, throwing drops everywhere as she moved her fingers. The floor beneath her was wet. The room was filled with the smell of it. Satoko: Whoa... They're all staring at us. This could be bad. Do you think they can tell? Kimika: Th-Then maybe... aahhh. Megu: No, hurry up and finish. It's not like they can see your pussy, right? Kimika: B-But... Aah... Satoko: Everyone's watching us... Megu: No, look over there. Satoko: Hmm? Megu: The people who can actually tell what we're doing aren't looking at us. Satoko: You think? Megu: Look... The people who are looking can't tell what we're doing. The ones who can tell are too embarrassed to look, you see? Zakuro: Ah... She was right... Most of them were looking at us suspiciously. The ones who could actually tell didn't want to look straight at us. They weren't looking directly at us, but they were still watching us out of the corners of their eyes. Megu: The only ones who have figured it out are the student over there studying and that old salaryman there. The rest of them can't tell. Satoko: You're right. Megu: So hurry up and cum, Tachibana. Kimika: Ahh. Megu: Who knows, though. You stink to high heaven. Don't you think they're all going to smell it pretty soon? Kimika: Ahh! No, you can't let that happen... D-Don't... Megu: Not my problem. Hurry up, like I said. If you don't, we'll leave you here naked, so you better get to it. Kimika: Haaa... Aah... Akasaka-san showed Kimika the time on her cell phone. It ticked away the seconds with cruel precision. Megu: It's already been a minute. The waiter's gonna be back soon. Kimika: Ahh, no... No! Ahh, ahh! She moved her finger rapidly and cried, focusing on nothing else. Her hips moved quickly and rhythmically, shaking the chair. Megu: You're still not cumming? He's gonna be back soon, you know? Kimika: Aahh! Noo! I can't take it! Akasaka-san constantly teased her... and Kimika madly moved her finger in and out while rubbing her clitoris simultaneously. Satoko: Ah... This is getting pretty shady, don't you think? Kimika: Ahhh! Ah! Noo! No, nooo! Satoko: Whoa... Do you think they can hear us? Kimika: Haaa! Ah, no... Megu: Why don't we gag her and make her fuck the waiter, then? He's a guy, after all. Kimika: No, don't do that. No! Her juices foamed, sticking to the vibrator and her fingers. Maybe it was because she was rushing, but she couldn't cum even after all that. Kimika: Ahhh, I have to cum, quick... Aaah, ah! She shook and ground her hips against her arm, covering herself in juice. The scent wafting out grew even stronger. Satoko: Shouldn't we get outta here? Megu: That's right... If you don't cum soon, we might have to make you fuck the waiter. Kimika: Aaah! Ah! A-Almost, I'm almost there... Her entire body moved in tremors... and she finally felt the pleasure come over her. Megu: Whoa, he's almost here... He just came up the stairs. Kimika: Aah, ah, ah! I'm coming, I'm coming! Ahh, ah, ah! Megu: Five meters... Four meters... Kimika's hips moved in time with Megu's countdown. Drool hung from her mouth and dripped onto her blouse. Kimika: Ahhh! I can feel it, it's coming! Megu: Three meters... Kimika: Aah, ah, ahh... Kimika: Ahhhhhh! Kimika clenched her jaw as her body trembled. Waiter: W-Water is fine, right? Kimika: Ah... Y-Yes... Waiter: A-Are you okay? Kimika: Y-Yes... I'm fahne... Waiter: Well then... Satoko: Close call. Megu: Great job. You're awesome, Tachibana! Kimika: I-I'm not... awesome... Megu: My heart was racing. Kimika: Then you two will do it too, right? Megu: No way. I'm the cameraman. Satoko: I'm the director. Kimika: D-Director of what... Zakuro: ... At this rate... Satoko: Now what? Megu: Anyway, can we go somewhere else? Megu: We shouldn't do anything more here. Zakuro: ...
I'm getting kind of excited. This is kind of fun. Then the intro played... Zakuro: Oh, I know this song! Satoko: Yeah, get into it! Zakuro: Y-Yeah! Megu: Come on, you're an idol. Say 'yay.' Zakuro: Yay! Megu: Yeah, you're happy, right? * ――――♪♪* * ――♪♪* Zakuro: ...I look up at the big blue sky♪ Here on the usual road♪ Zakuro: And the summer sunflowers♪ All bloomed just for me...♪ Before, whenever I would get sad... this song would play on my MP3 player. So I really like this song... Love, happiness, happiness, happiness... It's such a happy song. It's just... My head feels like... I'm too happy... Zakuro: And the hills ♪ I saw that day~♪ Zakuro: I see them reflected on my eyelids― Ah?! While I was looking at the TV, Kitami-san came up beside me. Satoko: Hehehe... She grabbed the edge of my skirt and laughed. Zakuro: Every little moment is precious♪ Then she took advantage of the fact that I wasn't moving by flipping up my skirt and showing off my panties a few times. Zakuro: Every fleeting second...♪ Zakuro: The little moments every― Ah, um?! Satoko: Don't worry about me. Keep going. Zakuro: Ah... I want to walk beside you...♪ I was confused by her prank, but I started singing again. Zakuro: Forever...♪ Always and now...♪ Zakuro: Holding hands♪ And laughing all the way♪ As I sung, Kitami-san slowly pulled up my skirt. Zakuro: Next to you♪ Side by si― Ah?! She kept going, this time reaching for the fastener on my skirt. Zakuro: Here in the sun♪ On this road... Stop that! By the time the chorus was over, my skirt was laying in a pile at my ankles. Then Akasaka-san's camera zoomed in on my crotch. Satoko: Just focus on singing and being cute. Megu: We'll take care of the rest. Zakuro: ... Ahaha... So I have to do this again... But... Maybe because they already filmed everything... I didn't really care anymore... * ――♪♪* Zakuro: ...And before you know it♪ The evening sun is setting♪ I can sing better than this... Zakuro: It lights our path♪ A bath of red and scarlet♪ That's perfect... I'll just focus on singing my favorite song. This is so great. I don't need to think about anything else... Zakuro: The sights of yesterday♪ Zakuro: Become the memories of today...♪ I felt something on my legs, and then the pressure on my crotch disappeared. I looked away from the screen for a second and saw Kitami-san twirling my panties on her finger. Zakuro: We said goodbye and waved goodbye♪ It's a past we share♪ Zakuro: The warmth of your hand♪ Is all the proof I need♪ Why do they always do this? Zakuro: I want to be with you foreve―Ah, ah! When we got to the second chorus, Kitami-san grabbed my chest through my blouse. Megu: Oh, that's sexy! Zakuro: Forever...♪ Now and forever...♪ Zakuro: Never leave my side♪ Sit and be my guide♪ Zakuro: Forever...♪ Now and forever...♪ Zakuro: Never leave my side♪ Sit and be my guide♪ Zakuro: I look into your eyes...♪ Kitami-san groped me without a hint of restraint, even as I was trying to sing. Satoko: Sorry to keep you all waiting! Now it's time to have some fun. Megu: The camera's ready. Zakuro: I'm walking with you... Ah! As I focused on singing, Kitami-san carefully removed my blouse, making sure not to interrupt me. Megu: I'll be needing your bra too~ Zakuro: I think of you...♪ Satoko: All right... Wait, whoa, her boobs are huge. Zakuro: Your smile is my... Ah! Wh-Whoa! Kitami-san took the blouse off and threw it toward Akasaka-san. Zakuro: You give me water. It makes me―Ah! Megu: Oh, they bounce too! She put her hand on my bra, pulling it off with one hand and fiddling with the hook with the other. Zakuro: I'll try everything for our life...♪ When I got to the interlude, I looked down at my own body, and... I was completely naked except for my socks. Megu: And your nipples are nice and pink too... God damn. Zakuro: No, please stop... Satoko: Hey, don't hide 'em! Megu: Yeah, even we can tell how beautiful you are. Zakuro: But... But! Satoko: We'll put a mosaic in. Don't worry. Megu: Yeah, we'll hide the important bits, so keep going! Zakuro: Ah... Ah... Time ruthlessly advanced forward, ending the interlude... Um... Umm... They'll just put a mosaic in, right? And I was getting really hot from singing so much... So I just needed to take it all off. That should help me cool down, right? * ――♪♪* Zakuro: I whanth 'o walhk nexht 'o you~♪. Huh? It's so much easier to sing without any clothes... Megu: That's great, Takashima! Keep swinging your boobs! Zakuro: Fhorevher... Nhow and fhorevher...♪ Akasaka-san pointed the camera at me and urged me to keep going... And Kitami-san was taking pictures with a cell phone. Satoko: Her camera takes really high resolution pictures... They look great. Megu: I think your phone is just old. Satoko: Maybe... Zakuro: Holhding hanths♪ An' laughin' a' hthe hway♪ And I can finally talk straight... Ehehe, this is great! Male Waiter: Sorry to keep you waiting. I have the chocolate waffle and ginger ale you ordered. Zakuro: Nehxt 'o you♪ Sihde by sihde♪ Male Waiter: Well then, excuse me― Ah?! Zakuro: Hthethe ehverlahsting feehlings... Oh, great! The waiter let out a shocked voice when he looked up and saw me singing like an idol. Male Waiter: Eh... Ehh?! * ――♪♪...* Zakuro: Ehehehe~ Yay, Kimika, I finished the song! Male Waiter: Wh-Wh-Wh-What's going on here?! Satoko: Sorry, Mister. She always gets carried away like this. Male Waiter: But this is too much― Megu: I got your face on tape too. You're an accomplice now. Satoko: So close the door and come over here. Male Waiter: ...Are you threatening me? Zakuro: Ahaha~ Satoko: She gets excited when strangers look at her. Megu: If you don't sit your ass down, we'll tell the police you raped her in here. Male Waiter: What?! Satoko: Like I said, just sit there and watch. Megu: Yeah, and look, she's hot as hell. Zakuro: Haa~? Male Waiter: ...W-Well, yeah. Megu: Okay, next song! Satoko: Are you ready, Takashima? Zakuro: Yheah. Male Waiter: Hmm... I guess I'm stuck. The young attendant murmered a few words and then sat down next to Akasaka-san. ...Well, what's one more person? Satoko: I put the next song on. Megu: Takashima, do something cute! Zakuro: Ohkhay! I held out my hand, smiled, and took a pose... Perfect! Male Waiter: Jeez, what am I doing... * ――――♪♪* * ――♪♪* Zakuro: ...and then thime passes♪ Zakuro: We made a lah' of memories...♪ I'm so lucky! This song is one of my favorites, so I know it really well. Zakuro: Hand all the kihnd words from my thime with you♪ Zakuro: Come rahshing bahck to meee♪ I have to do what I can... so Kimika will be safe... Satoko: Damn, she has such a nice body. What do you eat? Zakuro: Let's talk a walk on the beach♪ Megu: And her skin's so soft. You must be surprised too, huh? Male Waiter: Oh, well, yeah... Zakuro: Hand the shun will right our way♪ Satoko: Hey, Mister, why don't you clean under the table? Megu: I hope you don't mind! She left all the candy wrappers under there from earlier! Zakuro: Shank yoou for this beauchifuw blue thky♪ Satoko: And you'll be able to see her pussy clear as day from down there! Zakuro: A happhy liifee♪ Megu: That's a virgin pussy! You're missing out if you don't get a good look. Zakuro: Hand ihn the darhkness♪ Male Waiter: Jeez, look at all this trash... Zakuro: And you're right here♪ Male Waiter: You shouldn't get the karaoke booth so dirty. Megu: Ahaha, don't say that! The attendant has to keep the room clean. Zakuro: By mhy siide♪ Male Waiter: Whoa... He glanced up at me several times as he cleaned under the table... Zakuro: Ahh♪ Satoko: All right, Takashima. Keep it up. You gotta cheer on our hardworking waiter. Megu: You don't need us to tell you what to do, right? I heard him gulp, even over the music. Zakuro: An' rhat's whyy♪ ...I moved my empty hand to my crotch. Zakuro: Hafther shcool, hall the shtreetsh are shihning♪ I stuck my middle finger in my pussy and started moving it back and forth. Male Waiter: Wow... Aha... This is nothing compared to earlier... My body is so sensitive today. Megu: Hahaha, you came at just the right time, Mister. Zakuro: Ah' rahmembah it chlearly... When I felt the pleasure radiating out from my crotch, I smiled and started getting into it. I could feel myself getting wet, and there were lewd, wet sounds mixed in with the music. Zakuro: Two setsh ofh footprintsh...♪ ...Huh? Why are my cheeks wet...? I'm having fun... I'm not sad at all, right? Satoko: Takashima, hold it open so we can all get a good look. Zakuro: Tha reezon why I cry, ahh! I did as they told me... No, I wanted to do it myself. I put my fingers on my labia and pulled it open. I felt myself getting wet, with lines of juice running down my legs. Zakuro: Whipe my tearsh with yourh shakhing handsh♪ My body twisted and turned from the intense pleasure, and the song lyrics I was trying to sing grew more and more distorted. Aha~ I feel so warm down there~ Zakuro: Ifh I loohk hup at tha blue shky~♪ I can't believe how turned on I am... Maybe I really do get excited when people are watching. Aha, I wonder if that's true~? Zakuro: Daays pash by♪ My clitoris swelled up when I started rubbing it, wiping my mind blank and leaving me drooling. He's staring at me... He's staring right between my legs, where I pee... Zakuro: I whant to dream with yhou♪ I stuck my middle finger halfway in and then started moving my hand rhythmically, just like I had read about in a dirty girl's magazine. Zakuro: Evhen when tha shkies aren't blue♪ Aha~~! This is great. I'm so happy... Oh no~ What it would it be like if it was a guy's dick instead of my finger? Zakuro: Whe walkhed side by shide.♪ Nyahahaha~ Kimika's missing out~~! Zakuro: I love you... Yes... I love you, Mamiya-kun... Mamiya-kun, I love you... so much... Zakuro: I have a dream... Ahh, no more!! I collapsed onto the sofa, gasping for air. Zakuro: Ahh... Ah, ah! But the finger between my legs kept moving, leaving my free hand to play with my breasts. Zakuro: Ahh, ahh, ahh! Haa... I don't care anymore. The sofa was sticky and wet... I promise I'll clean it up later, so please forgive me... Zakuro: Ahh... It feels so good, ah, ahh... Megu: Yeah, keep going, just like that! Zakuro: Hehehehe~... Ah, ah, ah! I wanted to push my finger all the way in, but I resisted the urge. But in exchange, I moved my hand on my breasts like it was a man's hand. Ahamm... I pinched the nipple, trying to pull the milk out of it... Zakuro: Ah, ah, it's so hot... Ah, I shouldn't be doing this... Zakuro: Ah, ah, ah... I can't breathe. I'm gonna die. It felt like I had just run a marathon. I could feel my ragged pulse through the hand on my breast. But the heat never rose to my head... In the darkened room, the lights glittered like treasure... Zakuro: Haa... Ahh... My pussy is so hot. Ah, ah, ahh! Male Waiter: Whoa... Satoko: Hehehe, you can't help yourself, huh?! Male Waiter: Ah... Why would such a cute girl do this? I don't believe it... Zakuro: Ahh, ah... Ehehe, thank you... No way... A man said I was cute. That made me feel really good, in a different way than the masturbation. If only it was Mamiya-kun saying that... Ah, my pussy is so wet... Megu: Hey, Takashima. You seem to be having a lot of fun over there, but it's about time for you to cum and finish up, all right? Satoko: Huh? You don't have any more batteries? Megu: No, I do. I just want to make this a two part film. This is the end of the first part. Satoko: Oh, sure. Sounds perfect. Megu: So cum for us real good, Zakuro-chan. Zakuro: Ah, ah, I'm gonna cum... All right, got it... Zakuro: Ah, mm... Ah, ah, ahh― I can't hold out any longer... I have to cum now... Zakuro: Ah, ahh―Ah, ah~~ I pressed on my clitoris hard and simultaneously played with my breasts. I felt a warmth building in my stomach. My pussy was so sensitive that I felt hot waves of pleasure every time I moved my finger. Zakuro: Ahh, I'm cumming, I'm cumming― Ah, here it is... I'm gonna fall, it's like I'm gonna fall... Zakuro: Ahhmmm~~!! I climaxed harder than I thought possible. A bubble popped inside me. My brain boiled over, and all the energy left my body. Megu: Okay! I got a pretty good video. Everything I saw melted, and they all started clapping for me, applauding my performance. Zakuro: Haa... Hehe, hehehe... ...It's like I'm dreaming about Wonderland... Ahaha, I never thought I could do this... Zakuro: Haa, haa... Hehehe... Maybe I should try it one more time...
Satoko: All right, this place looks good. They brought me, tottering along, over to a place by the traffic light in front of the station, in a bit of a blindspot. They're really gonna film here... Maybe the people passing by won't see us if we're careful doing it here, but... I have to do this for Kimika's sake... I'll do everything they tell me. Megu: All right, here's the camera. Satoko: Zakuro-chan, lift up your skirt, slowly. Zakuro: M-My skirt? Um, uh... The video camera focused in on my lower body. I lifted up my skirt, just like they told me to. Satoko: That's great, that's great! Yeah, move your hands just like that! I lifted my skirt. I saw the camera zoom in when I showed them my panties. Satoko: Hmm... She always acts like such a nice girl, but her underwear is really sexy. That's kind of surprising. Megu: Do you think we should bring some panties for her to wear next time? Satoko: Heh, you have a lot of panties that can hardly be called underwear. Satoko: That pair that's nothing but string. That would be perfect. Megu: Those are designed to make a guy wanna fuck. They have their own purpose. Don't make fun of them. Satoko: Makes perfect sense to me. Megu: It works like a charm, ahaha. I couldn't understand what they were talking about... I was more worried about all the people I could hear in the train station. Why are there so many people around? I can hear all their voices and footsteps, clear as day. It's all too loud... Satoko: Oh, sorry, don't worry about us. Keep going. Megu: Yeah! Put your skirt in your mouth, so you can use your hands. Zakuro: Um, that's... Zakuro: ...Like this? I bit the end of my skirt, just like they told me. My panties were completely revealed, and my hands were free. Satoko: That's great. Megu: Hehehehe... It's so surreal. Satoko: Who cares about that? Get to it. Megu: Oh, right. Next, turn on the back massager I gave you earlier. The back massager started vibrating. The sound echoed in my brain. Megu: What are you waiting for? You know what to do next... Do it just like Tachibana did earlier. What Kimika did earlier... My finger moved on its own, turning the switch back off. Megu: The fuck did you do that for?! Satoko: Hey, I can't guarantee anything about Tachibana if you do that... Th-That's right... I have to do what Kimika did... I have to do the same thing if I want to save her... Zakuro: Haa... I sighed as I turned the switch on. The long, elliptically shaped back massager came back to life. Satoko: All right, now the props are all set to go. Satoko: We won't be able to guide you anymore. Just do it like you always do at home. Zakuro: Ah... Like I always do at home? I don't do that... I only do it once in a while... Megu: And I'll get all your cute reactions on tape! Don't hold back, now. Zakuro: Okay... This is for Kimika's sake... Kimika's sake... Kimika's sake... Kimika's sake... To save Kimika... To save Kimika... To save Kimika... To save Kimika... To save Kimika... To save Kimika... Satoko: Quit talking to yourself, damn... Megu: Don't blame her. She's never done drugs before... She'll calm down once she gets into it. Satoko: Yeah, she looks like she's sick or something. It's creepy. Let's get her going with that vibe already. I have to do my best...? Zakuro: Hmm, hmm... Ah, ha, hmm... When I put the vibrator up to my pussy from over my underwear, my legs shook from the sudden, new sensation. Megu: Pretty good reaction, huh? Satoko: Yeah... It's pretty nice. I had my skirt in my mouth, so at least I couldn't moan very loudly... Zakuro: Haa... Ah, ah... My underwear's probably going to feel wet and nasty after this, but if I just get through this without anyone seeing us, then there'll be no problem, no problem at all. Ahh... But if I can hurry up and cum without getting too wet... Kimika might...? Zakuro: a, ahh... Mmm~~?! This is scary. Wh-Why does it have to be in a place like this? I can't... My head isn't, isn't working, my head, my head's not, it's, ah... Aaah. Why? Why? Why? I'm barely touching it, but I'm jumping, jumping, jumping, jumping, jumping every single time I touch myself. Zakuro: Haa, ah, ahh, mm... Th-This is... I've really never done anything l-like this... Zakuro: Haa, ahh, haaa... ah... Megu: Whoa... She just started and she's already doing this. Satoko: We've never been sober when there were other people around doing drugs. Megu: We always take 'em when other people do too... I've never been sober enough to watch anyone else. Satoko: Hehehe, this is just the start. We have a lot more planned. Zakuro: Haa, ah, mm, ahh... Satoko: Takashima, if it feels so good, why don't you pull your panties down? Zakuro: Ahh, ah, ahh... They said something. Can't respond. My brain was taken by pleasure... Everything was gone... Megu: Come on! Drop 'em already Zakuro: O-Okay. I quickly pulled my underwear down. They fell to the ground. Zakuro: Hhtherre, thheeere,... ah, ahh, ahh... My eyes were spinning. It's so different when I do it directly... So different, too different... And more, more importantly... I have to calm, calm down, just calm down a little, little bit so I can... Huh? Um...? What am I doing here? This could be bad. I can't be doing this right now... No way. Zakuro: No wwhay, no whaay,... Ah, ahh, haa... Why am I doing what Akasaka-san told me to? She said I could do it with my underwear on... Ahh... Why? Zakuro: Hhhhhway, waahyy? Aahhh. I can't believe I'm naked in a place like this... Why am I smiling? I would never do this... My eyes can't focus, I'm sweating... Wow, I'm sweating so much, and that's not all... It's like all the fluids are running out of my body. Megu: Whoa, that's crazy, Takashima... You have a talent for this! Zakuro: Th-Thankkhshh... Y-Yeaauh... Satoko: What's she doing? Megu: She's happy, since I said she was good at it. She's the kind of girl who works off compliments. Satoko: Heh, great... Regret? But I'm happy because she complimented me?? Happy? Why? This place, no, should I be happy? No, what if someone sees? Someone I don't know? Eh? There are people watching me? Watching what? Watching what I'm doing? Right now? Megu: Takashima, are you happy? Zakuro: Yhesh... ah, ahmm, mmm, ah! When I put it directly on my pussy... No, wh-what's this feeling, like my head is splitting open, no, someone's gonna see me, I'm moaning too, stop. Zakuro: Ahmm, ah, mm, aaah! I'm sweating so bad... And my thighs and the ground underneath me are all drenched. It's so wet that I could easily slip and drop the vibrator. I can't tell what's going on... What should I do? Is my head broken? Here? Doing this? This? Huh? Doing this? Zakuro: Ahhh, ah, aah, aahhmm... Megu: Ahaha, this is really gonna be a great video. Satoko: I can smell her. Wow, that's crazy. Megu: These drugs are amazing... Satoko: Well, when you mix it with annaka, it makes you feel even better. Megu: But I've never seen anything like this... Satoko: Ahaha... There are some people looking over here, but I don't think anyone's gonna call the police. Megu: We can just run if they do. Satoko: Yeah, pretty much... Zakuro: Haaa, mm, mmm... ...Hey, K-K-Kimika... I-I'm just fine... I-I-I'm j-just fine... Kimikaa, just a little longer... Satoko: All right, Takashima's trying her best. We have to do our jobs too, right? Megu: Absolutely! Satoko, get to it. Satoko: Aye aye. I was about to lose consciousness from the pleasure coming over me. I put the vibrator up to my hard clitoris and... Akasaka-san yelled orders at Kitami-san, who came up to me and extended her hand to my skirt. Zakuro: Haa... Aah, ah? Kitami-san quickly took my skirt off, pulling it down forcibly... Satoko: Come on, get your leg up. I can't get it off like that. Zakuro: Aah, okay... I was confused by the sudden commotion, so I just went along with her when she threatened me. I couldn't think straight. I was overcome with pleasure. N-No, no, I can't, I can't do that... Satoko: There, how about that? Megu: Oh, it's perfect! Kitami-san took my clothes and went back over by Akasaka-san. I tried to calmly take in my situation. My underwear, my skirt, my blouse... I have nothing on. Everyone can see. Ah, aaaah, no, no, no, no way. Why are they doing this? This is a crime. Everyone will see. Who's watching? What are they looking at? Zakuro: Ah, ah, no, no, noo, ahh... mm, ah, aaah, no... I have to stop, I have to stop this... But there's nothing I can do. Someone might see. The cops might catch us... Zakuro: No, they're gonna see, they're gonna see, no, no, you can't do that... Aaah, ah, aaah. What? I don't understand it... What if someone sees? We'll get arrested. The cops will come, and we'll be on the news. No, my parents will be so sad... Aaahh. I put the nasty, vibrating tip of the back massager up to my pussy, feeling the sensation on my hard clitoris. My eyes were empty, I was drooling, and Akasaka-san got it all on camera... Aha? This feels kind of good... Satoko: You must be willing to talk by now. Tell us, how does it feel? Eh? Tell them? How it feels? Huh? How it feels? What's it matter to them if it feels good? They want me to say something? Megu: Come on, say something, anything... How does it feel to do something nasty like this in public? Zakuro: N-Noo, I don't want to do this. Megu: But you are. Zakuro: Y-Yesh... I am. I'm doing it right heeere. Megu: This is a crime, you know? Zakuro: A crime, I shouldn'hth do this, I can't do thiiissh, no, I can't... Megu: But you're doing it. Zakuro: No, noo, it'th not like thaatt. Megu: Does it get you hot because someone might see? Zakuro: Noo, thaht would never happhen... Haa, no... Megu: But you're still doing it... Where does it feel the best? Zakuro: Ahh... I-It h-has to bee... my cliiitt... Megu: Huh? The mic on the camera must be broken. We didn't get that. Satoko: Come on, Takashima. Say it again, so everyone can hear! Zakuro: All hrirght! My clihtoriss... It's sho goodd...? Haaaann, mm... After admitting it, my hand unconsciously moved to push the vibrator up against my swollen clitoris. Zakuro: Aaahha! Haaa, ah, aaahh~ I moved it around my pussy and shook my hips. Satoko: Wow, she looks like such a slut. Zakuro: Haa, aah, ah, ah... Zakuro: Haa, ha, ah... Megu: Now she's getting into it! Satoko: This is great! She always looks so polite, but just look at her now. I can just imagine the guys jerking off to her. Zakuro: Haa, ahh, ahh... I realized that I was putting the vibrator up to my anus as well. Zakuro: Wow, wow, wooow, aah, ah, mmmm... Megu: She's bleeding... Did she put it in her ass without any lotion? Satoko: Oh, don't worry about it. That just means it feels good. Megu: Well, I guess everything feels good when you're on that stuff. Male Student: What's going on over there... Male Student: Quick, get your camera! Satoko: Whoa?! Megu: What?! It was like a peal of thunder on a clear day. A few men saw us in the blindspot and started making a commotion. They probably heard my moans and came to look. Zakuro: Ahh, haa, ahh... Male Student: Hey, what's going on here? Are they filming a porno or something? She's totally naked. Male Student: Seriously? They're really doing it outside, too. I could hardly make out his shocked face through the overflowing tears clouding my vision. But my hand wouldn't stop... Satoko: Shut up, you fags! If you don't go on your merry way, we'll tell the police you raped her. Male Student: Wh-Why would you do that? Megu: Come on, Satoko-san... The audience makes it feel more realistic, don't you think? Satoko: But they're annoying... and they kind of look like nerds, you know? Megu: All the better. Male Student: That's rude. We're not nerds. Megu: The fuck did you say? If you don't shut your trap, we won't let you watch. Male Student: Oh, I wanna watch, I wanna watch. Megu: Then come over here and get a better look? Male Student: Really? Wow. Zakuro: Nho, hwhy? Nnho, no, ahh, ahh, ahh... Ah! Aah, haa! Male Student: Wow... Does she like people watching her? Male Student: I've heard of that. They're called exhibitionists. Zakuro: N-Nho, nhoo, I, I, aaah, ah! The place I'd never shown anyone else in my life... was being ogled by men I had never seen before. How did this happen? I don't understand... I just... Zakuro: Dhon't, dhon't look! Noo, don't, thtop, ahh! Male Student: Why don't you tell us where you don't want us to look? Where? That's obvious, the place no one should ever see... Male Student: Come on, where! Hurry up and say it! Zakuro: D-Dhon't look therhee, don't look therhe, nhoo... Male Student: Where do you mean? Go on, say its name. If you don't, we can't understand you. Megu: He's a fucking genius, lol. Satoko: We have a real prodigy on our hands, lol. Zakuro: R-Rhighht hhere! Don'hth lookh hhere! It'th my pushy, don'hth lookh at my pushy, ifh you do, I, I, ahh. Male Student: What'll happen if we look? Zakuro: I can'ht geth mahried! I can'hth do zhis... Ahh, mm, noo, stop... Ah! Zakuro: Noo, don'th look... Aah, ah, auuh, ah! Zakuro: Hmm, ha, aah, it feelth so good in therhee~ Zakuro: Mm, mmm, ah, aaah~ I could see the bulges in their pants. Zakuro: Aaah, ah, ah! Mm, mm... What? What? Why am I getting turned on by this? Come on, Takashima Zakuro-chan... You're not a dirty girl like that, are you? Zakuro: Haa, it feelth so good! My pushy ith tingling! Megu: Keep it up, Takashima! This is gonna be great, keep it up! Zakuro: Ohhkayh... Ih'll tryrh... Aah, ah, aah! The camera lens zoomed in again... It was focused on my drooling face. It must have been pathetic, but there was nothing I could do to hide it. Satoko: Now then, Takashima, why don't you cum for us? The camera's batteries are running low. Zakuro: Ohkayh... Ih'm gohnna cum~! You don't need to order me around... Ahaha... Hehehehe... Zakuro: Ih'm cummhing, ah, mmm, here it comhes! Nnnooo― ...Look... My whole body feels light... Zakuro: Haa, haaa, Ih'm cumming~! Zakuro: Ah... Haa... Satoko: She came. She just came, didn't she? Zakuro: Haaa, ha... Ehehe... I'm surprised. This is too amazing... Megu: All right, I got it all. Satoko: This'll turn out great. What should the title be? Megu: Let's see, uh... How about 'A Single Raindrop... The Mecha Angel who Descended upon the Station'?! Satoko: That doesn't make any sense. Haa... Zakuro: Haa, haa... ah! Haa, haa... ...Now Kimika will be safe, right? Zakuro: Haa, haa, haa... ...Yuck... I can still feel it in my stomach... Megu: All right, let's get out the backup battery. Zakuro: Haa, haa... What did I just do... in front of all these people... I, uh... Zakuro: Haa... Haa... Ahaaa... Oh no... My vision is getting blurry... Zakuro: Ah... All the strength left my body. Satoko: Whoa, Takashima! Are you all right? Is she gonna be all right? Megu: Wait a sec... Zakuro: ... Megu: Her heart's still going. She should be fine. I don't think she overdosed. Let's just get her to the karaoke place and let her sleep. Megu: It's probably not the drugs. I guess it's cause she just came. Satoko: Makes sense... Don't scare me like that. I was freaked out! Megu: Well, it's probably no good for her heart. We should let her rest a bit. ......... ...... ... I was conscious the whole time, but my body wouldn't move. Time advanced quickly after that. The sun moved across the sky faster than I've ever seen it. Light in my eyes, sound in my ears. Everything in the world moved so fast.
Kimika: Haa... I should've seen this coming. Zakuro: ...A vase of flowers on my desk. Kimika: I don't know whether to call it a classic... or just say they have no creativity... Don't worry about it, Zakuro. Zakuro: O-Okay... They looked at us differently. The moment we entered the classroom, the atmosphere changed. Akasaka-san and Kitami-san sat in the back, smirking. No one would defy them... Even the guys in the class were afraid of making them mad. Kitami-san is incredibly strong for a girl... and Akasaka-san is rich, plus her boyfriend is supposed to be a thug. His name is Shiroyama Tsubasa... He hangs out with three other lowlifes. It takes pretty high test scores to get into this school, so thugs like them stand out from the rest of the students. No one thinks well of them, but at the same time no one dares to defy them. No one wants to get involved with them... That's the surest way to avoid conflict. Satoko: Morning... Tachibana. Kimika: Good morning. You look cheerful this morning, Kitami-san. Just like always. Satoko: What did you say? Kimika: ... Satoko: Are you trying to say I'm some ditz who always has a stupid smile on her face? Kitami-san grabbed Kimika by the collar... Kitami-san was tall for a girl, and Kimika was petite, so Kimika had to stand on her tiptoes so she wouldn't get choked by her collar. Satoko: You all heard her. She was trying to pick a fight just now, wasn't she? Megu: Yeah, she was... You all heard her, right? "..." No one answered. No one could possibly answer them. Satoko: This is slander, you know? They're not making any sense... She just said hello. Why do they think she was trying to pick a fight? But Kimika just laughed. Kimika: I just said hello. Are you really going to use that as a pretext? Satoko: What'd you just say?! Megu: Hehehehe... Are you misunderstanding something just because we were nice to you for a while? Do you know what happens to people who make Satoko mad? Kimika is in the track and field club. So she should be fairly strong... but in reality she's not at all. She joined the track and field club because she was so unathletic and wanted to improve. She might be even weaker than me... In contrast, Kitami-san is tall, and I heard she's been studying martial arts since she was a child. Though she doesn't study them anymore. I heard she used to be in a biker gang and wore crazy outfits before she came to this school. She's changed since she came to this school, especially since she met Akasaka Megu. Akasaka Megu cleaned her up and made her look much more feminine. But she hasn't changed at all inside. If Kimika got in a fight with her, she wouldn't last a minute... There are rumors that Kitami-san was famous for fighting dirty back when she was in that biker gang. She never lost a fight. She was especially cruel to the people she beat because she had never experienced a loss herself. After she beat someone up so badly that they had lost their will to fight, she would make them strip naked and burn their clothes. She would carry around a pair of hair clippers so she could cut the hair off girls she beat. It was common for her to shove baseball bats and cans of pop up other girls' vaginas for amusement. People say she cut off a girl's nipples with a knife once, too. Once, Akasaka-san asked her why she did that... and her answer was shocking. Satoko: I'll never lose, so why should I care what it feels like to be the loser? Ahahahaha. That's how Kitami-san thinks... Akasaka-san felt fear and disgust when she heard that, but at the same time she found it refreshing. How can she be so confident... Is there anything that she does fear? But Kimika didn't budge an inch when confronted by Kitami Satoko. She looked almost at ease. Satoko: Your face doesn't look so good... and class hasn't even started. Kimika: Ugh! Kimika's body suddenly flew through the air. It took a few seconds for me to even realize Kitami-san had struck her. Kimika's body flew through the air and knocked over a few desks. Satoko: Maybe we should have her, you know, accidentally fall down the stairs. Then she can spend the rest of the day in the infirmary. The stairs? Is that the lie they're going to tell the teacher? Kimika: ... Zakuro: K-Kimika! Kitami-san slowly moved toward Kimika, still sprawled on the floor. Satoko: Now then... I'll punch you till you puke. Kimika: Bitch... Why don't you try it out for once, see what it feels like... Satoko: Agh! An unnatural sound. A strange sound I had never heard before. Kimika: A 90,000 volt stun gun... It's really powerful for how small it is. It hurts, doesn't it? Zakuro: Th-That's a stun gun? Kimika: That's right, a stun gun. And.. * the product description said this was a stab-proof vest, but getting hit with this on still really hurts."* Satoko: Stab-proof? Kimika: It's stab-proof all right... I bought it just in case you pulled a knife on me. Satoko: Th-That's why it felt weird when I punched you... Kimika: Probably... Did it hurt? But you were stupid and ignored it out of pride, since you've never lost before. And that's how you ended up in this mess... You let your guard down. Satoko: Tch! Kimika: Unlike you, I'm weak... I'm desperately trying to protect myself... Kimika: I'm so desperate.. * I might just kill you."* Megu: T-Tachibana! Kimika: Don't move.. * I wouldn't want to injure the rich bitch. It would be a pain to deal with, for both of us."* The classroom was silent. It was hard to believe it was homeroom... No one spoke a word. No one even dared to move... Zakuro: Ah... Zakuro: Kimika! Kimika: O-Oh crap... Kimika quickly hid the stun gun in her bag. Satoko: Tch... Megu: ... The two of them hurried back to their seats. Senagawa: Good morning, everyone. Senagawa: In homeroom today, we're going to... Megu: Um, Mrs. Senagawa. Senagawa: Huh? Akasaka-san? What's wrong? Megu: Someone's brought something dangerous into the school. Kimika: ... Senagawa: Something dangerous? Megu: Yes, it's some kind of electric shocking thing. Senagawa: Haa, who would bring something like that to school... Megu: No, it's not a toy... It's a real weapon. Senagawa: A weapon? Senagawa: Huh? What's that sound? Kimika: Oh, I'm sorry... I dropped my pencil case. Megu: Th-That's some crap! You just broke it, didn't you? Kimika: Eh? What are you talking about? Megu: Mrs. Senagawa, she has a stun gun! Shouldn't she be suspended for bringing something like that to school? Senagawa: A stun gun? Megu: That's right. Look in that bag! Senagawa: Tachibana-san... Would you show me what's in your bag, please? Kimika: Y-Yes... The teacher took out the contents of her bag... and found some electronic parts and pieces of broken plastic. Senagawa: Tachibana-san.. * what is this?"* Kimika: I'm sorry... That's my cell phone. Senagawa: Your cell phone? Kimika: I'm sorry for bringing it to school. I know I'm not supposed to have it in class, but it's broken, so... Senagawa: Why do you have a broken cell phone? Kimika: There's a soldering iron in the science room, so I was going to use that to fix it. I don't have anything like that at home, so I thought I could use the one at school. Senagawa: But... it's in pieces. Kimika: Yes... That's why I thought it wouldn't be a problem if I brought it to school. Megu: Y-You're lying! Kimika: Eh? Why would I do that? Megu: There's no way that's a cell phone! That was a stun gun! Kimika: Hehehe... Why's that * Can you think of any particular reason why I would need to bring a stun gun to school?"* Megu: Ah! Kimika: Why would I need to bring a weapon to school to defend myself? Megu: .. L-Like I would know that." Kimika: Then please don't make stuff up... That's ridiculous. Megu: Wh-What?! That's a good idea... If she asks them why, there's only one answer. 'Because there's a chance that she'll need to defend herself from violence.' That fact wasn't convenient for Akasaka-san. She couldn't answer Kimika's question. They glared at each other, but neither said anything. Senagawa: Haa... I don't really understand what's going on * but either way, I'll be confiscating this."* Kimika: I'm sorry about this. Senagawa: Anyway, please don't cause any more problems * Jeez..."* Homeroom continued like normal after that... The moment of unnatural tension was soon painted over with a facade of normalcy. But it was nothing more than a facade. Akasaka-san and Kitami-san glared at Kimika all throughout homeroom... Their eyes burned with hate. Will Kimika be all right? After that incident, she lost her only weapon. If the two of them went after her again, Kimika wouldn't have any way of fighting back. What's she going to do? Zakuro: K-Kimika! Kimika: Hmm * What is it, Zakuro?"* Zakuro: U-Um, will you be okay? Kimika: Why? Zakuro: You lost your stun gun... and now that you did that... Kimika: Oh, that.. * Here, take this."* Zakuro: Eh? What's this? Kimika: It's not quite as powerful as the stun gun I had before, but it's small enough to fit in your pocket. Zakuro: What is it? Kimika: It's pepper spray... It's pretty strong. Zakuro: Y-You still have more... Kimika: Of course. If I'm going to fight against those two, I have to go all out. Zakuro: Fighting... Kimika: ...This is war. Zakuro: War? Kimika: That's right. It might just be a game for them, but for the ants underneath the magnifying glass, it's war. Kimika: But I don't want to get you involved, so please don't come near me. Zakuro: I-I can't do that. I'll fight too. Kimika: You can't just run headlong into a fight without a plan * Don't worry. I'm always carrying around weapons to protect myself."* Satoko: Hey... Tachibana. Kimika: Oh, hello... How are you feeling? Satoko: What did you say?! Are you mocking me? Kimika: Hehehe.. * I'm not mocking you. I came prepared, didn't I?"* Kimika: And besides, I noticed you didn't grab me by the collar this time... Are you scared? Satoko: The hell'd you say?! Megu: Knock it off, Satoko... Megu: Really.. * let's stop this, Tachibana... This is dangerous."* Kimika: Stop it, huh.. * Stop what?"* Megu: You still have more, don't you? You have to, if you're acting like that. Kimika: I wonder. Maybe? Megu: We won't come after you anymore, so knock it off, all right? Kimika: Knock what off? I'm not going to do anything.. * so long as you two don't."* Megu: Like I said, we won't do anything to you. Kimika: So what are you trying to say? Megu: You should stop carrying around dangerous stuff like that... Kimika: I'm not.. * carrying anything around..."* Megu: Is that really true? Kimika: Why wouldn't it be? Satoko: You bitch! Quit acting so full of your― Kimika: I wish the guard dog would stop barking. Satoko: Wh-What? Kimika: I don't care if you used to be a gangster or whatever, just knock it off with the barking... Are you a dog or something? I could see her face light up with anger. But... Megu: Satoko, just shut up! Satoko: M-Megu... Megu: What are you hiding, Tachibana... Kimika: Who knows? What am I hiding? Megu: You're hiding something... You've had your hand in your pocket this whole time. You look like you're about to pull something on us... Kimika: Whatever do you mean? Megu: You know what I mean... Megu: You know damn well what I mean... Stop playing tough. Megu: I don't know what you have in your pocket, but you should know this isn't going to end here. Kimika: I guess so.. * It doesn't look like it's going to end here at all, does it?"* Megu: Hmm... So you understand * You know damn well what you're doing."* Kimika: Yeah, it's not like I didn't learn anything in all the time you two bullied me... I know very well what you two are capable of. Megu: All right then... We've made ourselves clear. We'll have fun, at least. This is a game for us. Kimika: Yeah, you go ahead and have fun * but I'm fighting for my life."* Megu: Of course.. * since you're just a worm."* Kimika: That's right... I'm a worm. But did you know? Megu: Know what? Kimika: Do you know what animal has killed the most humans? Megu: What are you going on about? Kimika: The mosquito. Megu: The mosquito? Kimika: It's a carrier for infectious diseases.. * It carries everything you could imagine. Malaria, filaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, West Nile virus, Chikungunya fever, and encephalitis too..."* Megu: Ha! Are you a mosquito now? Kimika: I'm just a worm.. * Though a wasp would be fine too."* Megu: Well, whatever you want... Give it your best shot * I'll be showing you what hell looks like pretty soon."* Kimika: Yep, I'll be giving it my best shot all right. Satoko: Tch... Zakuro: K-Kimika... Kimika: A... Ah... Aah... Zakuro: Eh? Kimika: Th-That was really close... That could've been bad. Zakuro: Eh? Kimika: Ahahaha * the truth is... I'm totally defenseless right now."* Zakuro: Y-You are? Kimika: I gave the pepper spray to you, so I didn't have anything... That was scary. Zakuro: R-Really? Kimika: It was a bluff. My heart is beating so fast. Zakuro: So you were scared... I couldn't tell at all. Kimika: After my main weapon broke, I didn't feel safe with just my backup weapon. I was just about to go get another one. Zakuro: This pepper spray was your backup weapon? Kimika: That's right... Ahahahahaha, I made the same mistake as Kitami. I got overconfident just because I won once. Zakuro: But they fell for it... That's amazing. Kimika: Though bluffing was just my last resort.. * Well, I guess it worked out, since they fell for it."* After that, Kimika retrieved several suspicious objects from the track and field club's locker room. I couldn't even tell they were weapons. Zakuro: There's some kind of liquid in here, isn't there? Kimika: Yeah... Make sure you don't break it open. Zakuro: What is it? Kimika: A weapon. Zakuro: How can a liquid like this be a weapon? Kimika: Don't underestimate it... There are a lot of liquids that are way more dangerous than a blade or a club. Zakuro: This... is a petri dish. Kimika: Oh, that's a culture. Zakuro: A culture? Is it a weapon? Kimika: Of course... A biological weapon can be more powerful than a nuclear missile. Zakuro: Eh? A nuclear missile? I-Is this really that dangerous? Kimika: No way... There's no way I could get my hands on anthrax. Kimika: But naturally occurring bacteria are far more effective poisons than any manmade poison. Clostridium botulinum, for instance. Zakuro: I-Is that what this is? Kimika: No way... The police would arrest me for that in a flash. Zakuro: Then what is it? Kimika: It smells really bad. There's one that makes people itch, too... I have a few different ones. Zakuro: O-Oh, I see. Kimika: Yeah, I have a few to pick from. We went back to the classroom... The moment we entered, the classroom went silent and everyone stared at us. Zakuro: Eh? Kimika grabbed my hand as I was going back to my seat. Kimika: Let's see... For some reason, Kimika put her foot on my chair. Zakuro: Eh? What? Zakuro: Eh? Eh? Wh-What's this? Kimika: They loosened the bolts... Or rather, they removed the bolts all together and put wire in instead. Kimika: And I bet... Kimika looked inside my desk. Kimika: Hmm... I was right. It didn't look like there was anything unusual inside my desk, but Kimika stuck her hand in and pulled out several of my textbooks. Zakuro: Eh? What's this? Kimika: Just what it looks like... Your books are ruined. You really shouldn't have left them here in between classes, though. Zakuro: Ah... Thinking back on it, Kimika brought her bag with her when she left the classroom. I thought it was just because she was going to retrieve her weapons, but... she was also protecting her property. Kimika: Akasaka-san. Megu: What is it, Tachibana? Do you have something to say to me? Kimika: No, not really.. * But I was thinking, your family might not be so pleased to hear about this."* Megu: What do you mean... Are you trying to pick a fight with me? Kimika: Not really... But you know, your father is on this school's board of directors, so things might not all go the way you want them to. Megu: Huh? What are you talking about? Kimika: Nothing... I'm just saying. If this got out to the media, it would be a problem for your parents as well, wouldn't it? Megu: Wh-What's that? Kimika: Hmm, it's a picture.. * What do you think?"* Megu: Huh? Kimika passed the camera to Akasaka-san and showed her the picture. Megu: Wha―?! Kimika: How about that... Akasaka-san's face went pale as she looked at the picture... I wondered what it was... Kimika: You probably shouldn't be doing this. You might be thinking that the people on the board will protect each other, but... Kimika: But someone famous like your father could lose everything if he got caught up in a scandal like this, you know? Megu: You bitch... So you're threatening me now? Kimika: Threatening you * No way... Why would I do that? I'm just trying to tell you that you're not special."* Kimika: If you want to pull something, you'd better think it through. Hehehe... Otherwise, you'll just end up digging your own grave. Teacher: Come on, what are you standing around for? Class is starting. Kimika: Uh, my chair is broken. Teacher: Your chair? Kimika: Yes, it's broken... By the way, could you touch my chair as well? Teacher: Huh? Touch your chair? Kimika: Yes, just touch it with your hand... Teacher: What do you mean... Whoa, what?! Teacher: Wh-What's going on?! Kimika: It's exactly what it looks like. Teacher: A-Are you trying to pull a prank on me? Kimika: Oh? Why would you think that? Why on earth would I mess with my own chair if I was trying to pull a prank? Kimika: If I was trying to pull a prank on a teacher, there are tons of easier ways to do it. Teacher: Th-That's true, but... Then what is this?! Kimika: I think it's exactly what it looks like. Teacher: What it looks like? Kimika: Somehow the chair ended up like this, where it would break if anyone sat down on it... Do you understand what I'm trying to say? Teacher: Um, in other words... Kimika: Hehehe... Teacher: R-Really? I guess the chairs must be getting old. Kimika: Hehehe... If that's what you think, then I guess that must be it. Kimika: So I trust you won't mind if I go retrieve a chair from an empty classroom? Teacher: Oh, sure. Go ahead... Come back quickly, though. Kimika: All right. Oh, and I know you wouldn't count me as tardy because of this, right? Teacher: J-Just hurry up and go. Kimika: All right * Zakuro, I'm going..."* Zakuro: Oh, okay... Zakuro: Kimika, how did you know? Kimika: Yeah, I figured they would probably try to do something to our desks, so I sprinkled calcium carbonate on them earlier. Zakuro: Calcium carbonate? Kimika: Uh, it's one of the ingredients they use to make chalk.. * It's so common in the classroom that no one even noticed... Or at least those idiots didn't."* Kimika: And I could see a hand print in the calcium carbonate, so I knew someone had touched our desks. Zakuro: And you did all that just this morning? Kimika: Yeah, it comes in a spray can... It comes out like perfume. Zakuro: K-Kimika, you're really amazing... Why have you always been bullied if you could do this? Kimika: It was actually because I got bullied that I imagined all the things I could do. I've been researching this stuff for years... I never thought I would actually do it, though. Zakuro: Then why? Kimika: Because of you. Zakuro: Eh? Me? Kimika: Because I dragged you into this... Kimika: Humans are funny creatures... When they're suffering, they start to go numb. After a while, they can't tell whether their experiences are terrible, or if they're just going through the same stuff everyone else goes through. Kimika: The first time I understood my situation was when you got dragged into this.. * Looking at you was like looking at myself in the mirror, I guess?"* Zakuro: S-So that's what it was.. Kimika: Who knows... I can't speak for other people, but that's how it is for me. I can't really grasp my own situation. I can't tell if I should be upset about something or if I should just let it go... Not at all. Kimika: And the lines you recited... Zakuro: Lines? Kimika: You said they were from a play or something? Zakuro: Cyrano? Kimika: Yeah, that. You declared war on them when you said that... and there's no way I could leave you to fight alone, you know? Zakuro: I-I see... So really I dragged her into this... Kimika: If you're thinking that you were the one that dragged me into it, don't. Zakuro: Eh? Kimika: I had to fight this battle at some point... You weren't the one who got me into this. Zakuro: ...Kimika. Kimika: In a way, I'm even grateful to you, Zakuro.. Zakuro: O-Oh... Zakuro: Oh, by the way, what was that picture you showed to Akasaka-san? Kimika: O-Oh, that was, uh... this. The image was really fuzzy... It was just a picture of a foreigner in the park at night handing something to Akasaka-san. Zakuro: Wh-What's this? Kimika: She's giving him money, and he's giving her a key. Zakuro: Why? Kimika: After that, she went to a specified location and got the drugs she paid for... That's the next picture. Zakuro: A coin locker? Kimika: Yeah, they divide the drugs up and put a bit in each locker... They can't sell it casually like they used to. Kimika: I spied on her for a few days because I heard she was buying drugs from someone. Zakuro: S-So she really was buying drugs. Kimika: If I wanted, I could just send these pictures to the police, but... Zakuro: But? Kimika: If I could get evidence on all of them, that would be perfect... If they weren't all arrested, then, well... Zakuro: What would happen? Kimika: They would probably try to kill me... If I send this to the police, that's it, I have no more ace up my sleeve. Kimika: The rumors say that the people dealing drugs in this school are Akasaka's boyfriend Shiroyama, Numada, Nishimura, and Iinuma... as well as Mamiya Takuji. Zakuro: Eh? Mamiya-kun? Kimika: That's right. So be careful around him. He hangs out with those guys... Or rather, he's the leader. Zakuro: The leader? Mamiya-kun is their leader? Kimika: Yeah. Well, I've only heard rumors, though... I'm not actually sure just how Mamiya Takuji is related to the rest of them. I heard he was being bullied, too... Zakuro: He's the leader, but he's being bullied? Isn't that the complete opposite? Kimika: Like I said, he's an enigma... Either way, you shouldn't let your guard down around him. Kimika: He might end up being one of our enemies too. Kimika: This school always covers up any incidents that happen... You saw how the teacher reacted just now, didn't you? Zakuro: The teacher... You mean the physics teacher? Kimika: He pretended like he didn't understand that we were being bullied... It's probably not convenient for them to admit there's a bullying problem here. Zakuro: I-I see... Kimika: So most teachers probably won't be any use to us. Senagawa knows about everything that's happened up until now... Zakuro: How would she know? Kimika: Because I told her directly. Zakuro: O-Oh, you actually told Mrs. Senagawa. Kimika: I told her Akasaka and Kitami were bullying me. What do you think she did when she heard that? Zakuro: I don't know... What happened? Kimika: 'I checked with Akasaka-san and Kitami-san, and they said that nothing of the sort was happening.' That's what she told me... More than anyone else, I really want to kill that woman. Kimika: She asked the perpetrators if they had done anything, and they said no... Is she really that fucking stupid? Zakuro: S-So that's what happened... Kimika: And of course nothing happened when I told her it was getting worse... I really started to wonder if I should just kill myself and get it over with. Zakuro: But you didn't. Kimika: It would've been stupid for me to kill myself after seeing you being bullied too. Zakuro: What do you mean? Kimika: Looking at it from afar, I had to think... why should the person who's suffering die while they get to go on with their lives like nothing happened? I couldn't stand it. Zakuro: Oh, I see... Kimika: After all, the law will protect us, since we're still young. Kimika: If it's so bad that I would kill myself, I might as well kill them instead... That's the conclusion I came to. Zakuro: O-Oh, I never knew you were thinking about anything like that. Kimika: Well, it's not like I've talked to you about it. Zakuro: But you were prepared to go that far... I couldn't do that at all. Kimika: Oh, don't worry about it. That's just your personality. You should just keep living your life, oblivious to the rest of us. Zakuro: What do you mean by oblivious?! Kimika: You're always spacing out... Especially lately. Zakuro: Th-That's... Kimika: Well, putting that aside * these pictures are our only trump card... If possible, I'd like to end this whole mess with just these."* Zakuro: Do you think we'll be able to? Kimika: No, it probably won't be that simple... Akasaka has too much pride to just let us go... We'll have to do something else. Zakuro: O-Oh... Kimika: Ah! Zakuro: Eh? What's wrong? Kimika: Crap... It was a trap. Zakuro: Ah! Shiroyama: Oh, there they are... So that's where you were hiding. Iida: Oh wow, they really are walking around the halls during class. Zakuro: Wh-What is it? Nishimura: Oh, if it isn't Takashima Zakuro and Tachibana Kimika... Good, good. Kimika: Wh-What do you want? Shiroyama: Oh, nothing. We just want to talk to you... How about you two come with us for a while? Kimika: Don't you think we could talk here? Shiroyama: Oh, that's right... Kimika: Hmm... So what do you want with us? Shiroyama: Follow us and you'll find out. Kimika: Oh... Well then... Zakuro: Oh? Kimika covered my eyes with her hand. The next moment. Shiroyama: Agh! Iida: Wh-What? Nishimura: My eyes, my eyes! Kimika: Zakuro! Zakuro: Eh? Ah, sure... Kimika grabbed my hand and took off running. Shiroyama: D-Damn it! Get the hell back here! Zakuro: Wh-What was that? Kimika: It was a xenon flashlight! Zakuro: What's that? Kimika: Well, you just need to know it's a really bright kind of flashlight. It won't blind someone permanently, but it'll mess with their vision if they look directly at it. It's perfect for running away. Shiroyama: You bitch! Kimika: Whoa! They're already starting to recover! Kimika pulled my hand and ran. Kimika: Take this! Kimika threw something that looked like a test tube at them. It must have been really thin glass, since it broke instantly when it hit one of them. Shiroyama: The fuck is this shit?! God damn, it smells like shit! Nishimura: Wh-whoa... What the fuck... Is this nattou? Shiroyama: N-Nattou?! Fuck, it smells so bad. Iida: It probably is nattou... It's like rotten nattou. Zakuro: Wh-What was that? W-Will they be all right? Kimika: It'll be fine. They won't die from it. Zakuro: B-But they were yelling... Was that poison? Kimika: It's not poison. It's just Bacillus nattou. Zakuro: Nattou? Kimika: Yeah, it's just a sticky liquid made from cultured nattou bacteria * But those bacteria are really amazing. They're super resistant to heat, salinity, and antibiotics!"* Zakuro: Wh-What do you mean? Kimika: Once they're on your clothes, it's over. Even if you wash your clothes in boiling water for two hours, the bacteria won't die. Even ultraviolet rays can't kill them * And benzalkonium chloride won't do anything!"* Kimika really does know a lot about this stuff... She keeps saying words I've never heard before. Zakuro: A-Anyway... It's really amazing, isn't it? Kimika: Yeah, yeah. And I used the bulb from a fluorescent lamp so it would break easily. I even cut notches into the bulb and heated it up so it would break even easier. Kimika kept explaining as she ran. That's probably why... Kimika: Haa, haa... C-Can we take a break, Zakuro? Zakuro: Oh, sure... She ran out of stamina around the time we passed through the school's front gate. Kimika: Haa, haa... Zakuro, you're a pretty fast runner. Why don't you join the track and field club? Zakuro: Y-You think so? That can't be true. I'm the fourth slowest runner in our class. Kimika: Haa, I'm pooped.. * Oh, we forgot to grab your stuff!"* Zakuro: It'll be okay... My textbooks are already ruined, and I have a lock on all the stuff in my locker. All that stuff should be okay. Kimika: You know I can open a school locker in a few seconds? That's hardly even a lock. Zakuro: But you're the only one who can do that. There's no way they could manage to do it. Kimika: They could do it in half a second with a crowbar. I hear you can even open safes with a good crowbar. Zakuro: I see... Still, it'll be fine. We can't really go back for it now anyway. Kimika: But what are we going to do tomorrow? It'll pretty much be the same whether we go back now or wait until tomorrow. Zakuro: No, we really shouldn't go back now... Doesn't it smell really bad in the hallway right now? Kimika: Well, I guess so... Zakuro: If we're wandering around the halls, the teachers might figure out it was us. Kimika: I guess... Zakuro: Anyway, do you mind if I photocopy your textbooks? Without a textbook, I can't even go to class. Kimika: I don't mind at all, but you really don't need to go get anything out of your locker? Zakuro: No. I can order more textbooks at school if I need to. Kimika: Oh... All right, gotcha. Zakuro: Ah! Takuji: Eh? Zakuro: Mamiya-kun! Mamiya: ...Who are you? Zakuro: Y-You forgot again? Takashima Zakuro. I'm Takashima Zakuro! Mamiya: Takashima Zakuro... Zakuro... Zakuro: U-Um, you really don't remember? You lent me one of your books. Mamiya: A book? Now that you mention it.. * Oh, right. I remember, or I guess I should say, I understand."* Mamiya: Takashima Zakuro... The girl whose clothes I stole and had to give back, huh... Zakuro: Huh?! U-Um... Kimika: Mamiya... Takuji, was it? Mamiya: ... Kimika: What do you mean stole? Mamiya: I'm not sure what you mean... What are you asking me? Kimika: Does that mean you were bullying Zakuro too? Zakuro: Ah, n-no, that's not it! Uh, Kimika! Mamiya: Hehehehe... Not that I care, but you really do have a lot of those, don't you? Kimika: You.. * Wh-What are you talking about?"* Mamiya: You should think a little harder about which hand you're using to hold the bag and which hand you're using to pull something out... Kimika: Why, you! Zakuro: Mamiya-kun! She struck out. But he easily avoided it. Mamiya: Simultaneously extending the baton and striking with it. That's what I thought... Well, an amateur wouldn't be able to dodge that, but... Kimika: Tch! Zakuro: K-Kimika, what are you doing?! Mamiya-kun isn't our enemy! Kimika: He just said he stole your clothes! He's one of Shiroyama's cronies! Mamiya: What a pain... Kimika: Ah! Kimika: A-Ahh... L-Let go! Zakuro: Mamiya-kun, don't! She didn't mean to do that! Mamiya: I don't see how you could accidentally whip out a baton and try to hit someone with it. Kimika: D-Don't touch me in weird places! Zakuro: W-Weird places?! Mamiya: Huh? You mean the boobs you don't have? Kimika: I do have boobs! They're just average! Mamiya: Really? Aren't most girls a bit bigger? In magazines and stuff they're always... Kimika: Are you fucking stupid?! Those girls are practically made in photoshop! No one actually looks like that! Zakuro: No, that's a bit of a stretch, Kimika. Mamiya: Whatever you say... Kimika: ... Mamiya: So then, what do you want? Why did you two show up and suddenly start attacking me? Zakuro: Eh? Y-You're misunderstanding. That's not what this is about! Kimika: It's because you're deceiving Zakuro! Mamiya: Deceiving? Kimika: That's right. You're one of Shiroyama's goons, but you keep saying nice things to Zakuro... What are you trying to pull? Mamiya: By Zakuro, you mean... this girl here, the one with bigger boobs than you? Kimika: Wh What did you just say?!" Zakuro: Ah, ah, wha―Mamiya-kun! You can't say that! Kimika: I'll kill you! I'll put you ten fucking feet under! Zakuro: K-Kimika! That's a knife! Mamiya: What's wrong with you.. * Hey, Takashima, what's going on here?"* Zakuro: Eh? Uh, this is a misunderstanding! Kimika, stop! Mamiya: Isn't she your friend? Kimika: Take this! And this! You! Little! Mamiya: It's not that I really care, but that is a very nice knife... What is it? Kimika: It's the famous Extreme Ratio BF2 Tactical Tanto! And don't you forget it! Mamiya: Hmm. Kimika: Ow! Mamiya: Oh, wow... This is really cool. Kimika: Eh? Where's my knife? Mamiya: This is too dangerous for you. I'll be confiscating it. Kimika: Wh-What?! I saved up my allowance forever to buy that! Mamiya: Oh, really? What a strange woman... Why would you buy a knife? Kimika: L-Like it matters to you! Mamiya: Then I won't give it back... Kimika: Y-You can't do that! Mamiya: How much was it? Kimika: It was over 20,000 yen. Mamiya: Oh, really.. * Then I'll be taking it off your hands."* Kimika: You can't do that * And besides."* Kimika: Do you really think I'm just gonna let you take it? Mamiya: You really think there's anyone blind enough that they wouldn't see you fishing around for that pepper spray? Kimika: Behind me? Mamiya: I don't know what your problem is, but... I'll let you go for today in exchange for this knife. Go home. Kimika: As if I could go home without my Extreme Ratio! Mamiya: Haa... Sure, sure * Hey Takashima, could you say something to her."* Zakuro: Eh? Wh-What should I say? Mamiya: Isn't it dangerous for a girl to be carrying something like this around? Besides, someone's going to get hurt if a violent woman like this has a knife. Zakuro: U-Um, there's a good reason for all this... Mamiya: No, I'm sure everyone has some kind of excuse. That doesn't mean I'm gonna let her go around pulling knives on people. Zakuro: Of course, but... Wh-What is it... Today, he's different from normal... He's not even close to the same amazing person I know... but he's nothing like the Mamiya-kun that's always in his underground room, either... Kimika: So you really are our enemy, Mamiya Takuji! Mamiya: Enemy * The hell are you talking about..."* Kimika: Look! This is what he's really like, Zakuro! He's the kind of villain who would steal my knife! Zakuro: Uh, but you did suddenly attack him with... Kimika: He said I had a flat chest! Zakuro: H-He didn't quite say that... Mamiya: No, that would probably be the best way to describe it. Kimika: The hell did you just say?! Mamiya: There's really no reason for you to even wear a bra if you're that flat... You know? Wouldn't you be fine just using a couple bandaids? Kimika: Wh-Wh-Wh-What? * That's what you fucking say after groping a maiden's chest?! There's no way I'm letting you go now!"* Mamiya: Wha―?! Mamiya-kun was completely at ease before, but this time he was surprised. Kimika pulled out a pistol. Kimika: Die! Mamiya: A-Are you stupid? That hurt! Mamiya: How stupid are you?! Kimika: Ah! Mamiya: I didn't expect you to pull out an airgun... I thought it was pepper spray again, so I let my guard down. Zakuro: An airgun? Mamiya: I was wondering why you were backing away from me... I can't believe you had an airgun in there too. I'll be confiscating this as well. Kimika: Aaah * A-At least let me keep that! Some of the parts in that gun are authentic!"* Mamiya: I don't care... Anyway * I'll be taking this knife and this airgun as reparations."* Zakuro: U-Um... Mamiya: What? Is there a problem with that? Zakuro: Um, no... She did attack you with a knife, so we should really be glad that you're not calling the police. Zakuro: B-Besides... Mamiya: Besides? Zakuro: Today, you kind of seem different from normal, Mamiya-kun. Mamiya: From normal * Oh, that's right... I like to lay low at school. That's probably why I seem different."* Zakuro: I-I guess so... But last time I met him outside of school, he wasn't like this... Mamiya: Oh, wait... You're talking about the times when I read lots of books? Zakuro: Ah, yes. Mamiya: Then you don't need to worry... Pretty soon, you won't be able to meet any Mamiya Takuji other than that one. Zakuro: Eh? Wh-What do you mean? Mamiya: What do I mean? There's no meaning.. * Think of it as a change of personality. I'd like to be a bit more diligent and studious from now on."* Zakuro: Oh, th-that's why you're always reading on the rooftop? Mamiya: Yeah. Zakuro: But that's weird. Mamiya: Weird? How so? Zakuro: I wouldn't call a person diligent and studious if they were skipping class. Mamiya: I guess you're right.. * Not that it really matters."* Zakuro: U-Um, thank you for lending me _Cyrano de Bergerac_! Mamiya: Cyrano? Oh, the play. Oh, he does know... Maybe he really is the same Mamiya-kun that I met on the rooftop? Mamiya: What, you like stuffy books like that? Zakuro: Eh? Kimika: Stuffy like a stuffy nose? Zakuro: No, he's talking about sophisticated literature.. * Books that are aimed at intellectuals and high society... Stuff like that."* Zakuro: Hey, wait! You were the one that recommended Cyrano to me, Mamiya-kun! Mamiya: Maybe I did. Did you like it? Then don't mind me. Zakuro: B-But Mamiya-kun, you said you liked it too! Mamiya: Like I said, that's when I'm at school. Zakuro: Th-Then you don't like it? Mamiya: Dunno.. * Why do you care about that?"* Zakuro: Eh? Mamiya: Would you change your opinion and say you liked something just because someone else said they liked it? Zakuro: Th-That's... Mamiya: It doesn't matter whether I like it or not. Zakuro: That's true, but... Kimika: Who cares about that? Give me back my weapons! Mamiya: No way. I'm holding onto these. Kimika: Why, you... Zakuro: S-Stop. If you keep going, he's just going to take more of your weapons away. Mamiya: That's right. You should listen to her. There's no point in fighting me. Kimika: I-I have to try! Mamiya: Are you dumb.. * I thought you hated people like that."* Kimika: Wh-What do you mean? Mamiya: You're not the type to run headlong into a fight without a plan, are you? Mamiya: You're incredibly weak, even for a woman. Your reflexes are slow, too... Kimika: Th-Thats.. * Just how the hell would you know what type of person I am anyway?!"* Mamiya: I can tell. It's a simple deduction. If I see a person who's incredibly weak carrying around that many backup weapons, it's obvious that they're the type to plan ahead. Mamiya: A lot of people like that fail to actually act when the time comes, though... but I can see that you're not one of them. Mamiya: Either way, you came and picked a fight with me... Kimika: You're so cocky. You act like you're some famous swordsman or something... Mamiya: I wouldn't say that * but you know what kind of person I am. You said I was one of Shiroyama's cronies, after all."* Kimika: You're the one pulling Shiroyama and Numada's strings, aren't you? Mamiya: Who knows... I couldn't tell you that. Anyway * I'll let you go for today.* * If this happens again, I'll be taking more of your toys!"* He laughed and slowly walked off. Completely unflustered... Kimika: If this happens again, you'll be going home in a wheelchair! Mamiya: Hahahaha... I'm looking forward to it. Why is his personality so different every time I meet him? Is he really just acting when he's at school? Then what on earth could he have been pretending to be when I met him in that underground room? The more I learn about him, the more mysterious he seems.
Haa... ...I always feel bad in the mornings. But this morning was way worse than usual. After getting a night's sleep, everything that happened last night seemed like a dream... It didn't feel real at all. I've never even dated anyone, I've never had sex with anyone, and I haven't even had my first kiss... But then yesterday... Zakuro: Ah! I wish it was just a dream... I wish it was all a lie... I don't want to believe that I'm the kind of a person who would do that. Zakuro: Please... Please just let today be peaceful I looked around a few times and then walked toward my classroom, trying not to make eye contact with anyone. I just want to disappear. Kiyokawa: Oh, Takashima-san! Zakuro: Ah! When the teacher from the next class over said something to me, I jumped and squealed in surprise. Kiyokawa: Huh? Wh-What's wrong? I didn't mean to scare you... Zakuro: Oh, no... It's nothing. I'm sorry. Shoot... I can't believe I freaked out. Zakuro: U-Um, what is it? Kiyokawa: Mrs. Senagawa was looking for you. Zakuro: What? Mrs. Senagawa was Mrs. Senagawa is my homeroom teacher... Why would she be looking for me? She couldn't have found out about yesterday, right...? Kiyokawa: She seemed a bit upset at you, so you should probably go see her right away. Zakuro: Huh? Sh-She was upset? Kiyokawa: I don't know what you did, but if you just apologize, I'm sure everyone will forgive you... Go on. Zakuro: Oh... S-Sure... She had a big smile as she passed me, a great contrast to the unease I was feeling. She was upset? And she was looking for me? Could that be... About what happened yesterday? Did the school find out about what happened at the station, or in the karaoke box? Zakuro: Wh-What should I do? If they ever found out about those videos, I would definitely be expelled... What do I do now? This is the worst thing that could've happened... It's all over now... ......... ...... Zakuro: Um, Mrs. Senagawa... Senagawa: Oh, Takashima-san. Good morning. Zakuro: G-Good morning... Just like Kiyokawa warned me, her face looked pretty severe. Senagawa: know you've always been a good student, but there are several people who said they saw you... Zakuro: ―! They really did... Someone saw me... Of course they did... I can't believe I was naked out there... I wish that had just been a dream, but it's all real. It's all over... Zakuro: Um, I... Senagawa: Haa... It looks like you know what I'm talking about. Zakuro: Yes. I'm terribly sorry... Senagawa: So then, why on earth did you dump all that red ink in the old pool? Zakuro: Well, uh... What? Ink? Ink? What do you mean, ink? Senagawa: Haa... When I got here in the morning, the janitor said there was a big ruckus about the ink in the old pool. Zakuro: Huh? O-Oh, really... Senagawa: I'm really disappointed that you would pull a prank like that. Senagawa: Several witnesses said they saw you throwing red ink all over the pool, like a madman. Zakuro: B-But, yesterday, I was... Senagawa: What about yesterday? Zakuro: Ah! I can't say that... I can't tell her what I was really doing yesterday evening. Zakuro: Um... Witnesses? Senagawa: Akasaka-san and Kitami-san... But there were a few other boys who also said they saw you. Senagawa: I didn't think a nice girl like you would do that either, but there are quite a few people who saw you... I have to take their word over yours. Zakuro: O-Okay... Senagawa: You were the one who did it, right? Zakuro: Um, I... When I tried to tell her I didn't do it, she looked at me sharply, as if she didn't want to hear it. I didn't know who did it, but I couldn't admit what I was doing last night either... I just froze. She just glared at me, not saying a word... ... We stood in silence for a moment. I was too weak to protest... I picked the safest option. I just wanted to get away from her, and away from the uncomfortable silence. Zakuro: I-I'm sorry... I did it. I gave up, just like that... I realized... I had gone back to my old self. I was finally starting to feel like I was stronger than this... I thought that I was stronger thanks to Mamiya-kun... But in reality, I was wrong. I'm still the exact same person. I haven't changed at all. I just let other people decide things, and I let them do whatever they want. I can't even fight back. Senagawa: But, to be honest, I didn't think you had it in you. She gave a sardonic laugh as she told me that. She was so sure I was the culprit before, too. Adults are always like this... I know what's happening. I've experienced this before. Not just in the real world, but over the Internet too. I've seen this same thing happen so many times before. Adults just close their eyes and look away from the truth, so they can come up with an explanation that's more convenient for them. Adults are always like that. They push their views on anyone weaker than them the second they get a chance. And it's the weaklings like me that have to suffer for it. Even teachers do it... No, teachers do it more than anyone else... Senagawa: Well, I heard it's water-soluble, so it shouldn't be hard to get it off. Zakuro: Yes, thank you... I weakly replied, trying to be polite. The same acquiescent response I've shown every time I met conflict. I just need to say I'm sorry, or say thank you... If I just do that, the problem will go away. Senagawa: You still have some time before first period starts. Go clean it out with the hose. You don't need to come to homeroom. Zakuro: Understood. Senagawa: Get going. She didn't even ask why I did it. She just waved and sent me on my way. She didn't want to think about it any longer... Or maybe she just hates me... She's always had a pretty nasty attitude toward me. I kind of feel like... she doesn't like me. If you were my age, you would be bullying me too, wouldn't you? She's so confident and decisive. She would probably just think I was disgusting and pathetic... I know what it feels like to be hated, and I can tell that adults are just as petty as children. An ugly bitch is just an ugly bitch. Apparently bullying can happen after you get a job, too. I heard bullying at the workplace was actually very common. They probably do it too. I bet some of the teachers bully the weaker ones. That's why it wouldn't surprise me to hear Mrs. Senagawa hated me too. Zakuro: What's this? I changed into my swimsuit in case I got wet, but when I saw what happened, I was stunned. Just like Mrs. Senagawa said, the old pool was absolutely covered in red ink. Zakuro: It looks like blood... I wonder if this is what it would look like if a skydiver's parachute malfunctioned and he landed in the pool, spraying blood everywhere... Or, for example, if someone jumped off the roof... Zakuro: But they wouldn't be able to jump this far... They'd probably fall in those bushes and break their legs. There is concrete directly under the lip of the roof, though. If someone fell and landed on the sidewalk, they'd probably get blood everywhere... I shouldn't be wasting time like this. Zakuro: I'm so pessimistic today. Of course I was pessimistic after what happened yesterday. But I can't think like that. Zakuro: I-I'm really glad it wasn't oil-based paint. I tried to force a smile. I just have to count my blessings, keep my spirits up... As I unreeled the heavy cleaning hose, I started to feel a little better. I connected the one end of the reel to the water supply, and pulled the other out to the pool. Zakuro: Getting some exercise is a good way to start off the morning. I was having trouble turning the heavy metal knob, when― "...It was a good idea to pick this spot." "...I couldn't sleep last night, I was so excited." Zakuro: What?! When I looked up, I saw a bunch of men standing there... The ones from last night... Why are they here? Shiroyama: Good morning, Takashima Zakuro... It sure is a nice, sunny day, isn't it? Zakuro: Good... Good morning... Th-These are the men who had Kimika surrounded... They were thugs that Akasaka-san knew... Shiroyama: What happened here? It's so dirty... Iida: Why are they making you clean it? What are they talking about? They're the other witnesses Mrs. Senagawa mentioned, so they know damn well... Zakuro: U-Um, is there something I can do for you? Nishimura: Ehehe... You look good in that swimsuit, hehehe... Zakuro: Ah! Shiroyama: Woah, Nishimura, you don't wanna creep 'em out. Iida: Yeah, you have to play nice. Gotta be nice, man... Hehehe. Zakuro: U-Um! Shiroyama: What? Zakuro: Kimika... What did you do to Kimika?! Shiroyama: Kimika? Oh, that crazy bitch? Zakuro: I called her over and over last night, but no one ever answered, and― Shiroyama: Look at this bruise, right here. My shoulder looks like a fucking grapefruit... Nishimura: Yeah, I thought she was gonna fuckin' kill me. Zakuro: So where is she? Shiroyama: Who knows... We're nice guys, you know? She's probably fine. Zakuro: What do you mean, probably? Nishimura: More importantly, I have to say, your tits are huge, ahaha. Zakuro: Ah?! N-No! When they all looked right at my chest, I moved both my hands to cover it. Iida: I told you, you're being too obvious. It's your fault she's all scared now. Shiroyama: Yeah, gotta play nice.. * That's lesson #1."* Zakuro: ... They grinned and started walking toward me. I backed up... Shiroyama: Are you scared of us? That's awful... We're all nice guys, you know? Iida: You wanna smoke? I can give you a cig if you want. Zakuro: No, I'll pass... Iida: Really? These ones taste damn good... He smiled and produced a small box of cigarettes, then returned them to his pocket when I refused them. Shiroyama: But that's terrible, Takashima... I can't believe they're making you scrub the pool first thing in the morning. Zakuro: Y-Yeah... Shiroyama: I know you don't like tobacco, but you should at least take a few of these. They'll help you work. Shiroyama pulled a package of pills from his pocket. Zakuro: Wh-What is that... Shiroyama: It'll make you feel better... You'll feel great. Zakuro: I don't need any drugs like that... Iida: Huh? What, you think this is something dangerous? Tons of people get this prescribed by their doctors, you know. It certainly did look like the packaging he would get if he had it prescribed. Nishimura: Ehehehe... Why is he laughing? It's scary... Zakuro: ... Shiroyama: You don't need to be on guard around us, y'know! Hey, are you listening?! Zakuro: Ah...! Iida: What, we're being so nice to you and you won't even take it? What's up with that? Come on, you wouldn't do that, right? His voice made it clear he was getting frustrated. He was still smiling, but the tenseness in his body made me feel like he was about to hit me... Zakuro: Oh, no, I didn't mean it like that... Shiroyama: Then take it. You'll feel better, I promise. Zakuro: ...! Shiroyama: Go on, just one's fine. They were wrapped individually. I'd taken pills wrapped like this before... So it must have been prescribed by someone's doctor... It couldn't be a really bad, illegal drug like before. I just had an awful experience with drugs yesterday, though. Akasaka-san lied to me, saying it would make my skin look better... Whatever that was, it made me feel like an entirely different person, like I was excited all the time. Even if it did look like real medicine, it was still scary. There's no way that was anything good. But at the same time, I didn't know if I could run away... They would catch me in a second. Zakuro: Ah! ... Maybe over there... I could see the manhole out of the corner of my eye. I couldn't outrun them for long, but if I could get in there, maybe I could get away... Yeah, just calm down... Calm down. If I just act calm, I should be fine. It'll be fine... Zakuro: U-Um... Anyway, I have to get rid of all this ink before homeroom ends. Otherwise, Mrs. Senagawa will get mad at me again. Zakuro: So could you just wait until I finish up with this? It'll just take a minute, I promise. Zakuro: I feel perfectly fine right now, so maybe I should take it after I get done, when I'm really tired! Doesn't that sound good? I spoke all those words in one breath, then stood and waited for their reaction. Shiroyama: Well, I don't want any teachers out here asking why it's taking so long to clean the pool... Iida: Yeah, we don't want any teachers to see. Nishimura: Fine, whatever. You have three minutes, get going! Zakuro: All right! As I turned the knob on the hose, they started pulling cigarettes out of their pockets, and then they turned away from me while they smoked. I ran, stretching the hose out as far as I could. Then I feigned like I remembered something I had to do and dropped the hose. They were still smoking, so they didn't notice that I had run away. Zakuro: There we go. The manhole that led underground. It was pretty hard to open it by myself, but there was no other way I could get away. Zakuro: Mm, ha... I pulled as hard as I could to pry open the manhole cover. Once I was inside, I clenched my teeth and pushed to put the cover back in place. I was in complete darkness as I clung to the ladder. Shiroyama: ...Huh? Hey, Takashima's gone! Nishimura: What? No way, really? Iida: Whoa, did she hide somewhere? She's still in her swimsuit, so there's no way she just went back to class dressed like that... Shiroyama: Anyway, find her, quick! Check behind the diving board, and over by the fence. I heard their angry voices from above, traveling straight through the steel lid and piercing into my ears. Zakuro: Ugh! Nishimura: Hey, Takashima! Shiroyama: Don't yell, you dumbass. One of the teachers will hear you. Nishimura: But I bought condoms and everything... Shiroyama: She ran away because you were eyefucking her. Iida: Who needs condoms? Just cum inside. Zakuro: C-Condoms? They mean contraception? Then they were going to... Now that I think of it, Akasaka-san did say something like that when Kimika was fighting back... So they were definitely trying to... Zakuro: Th-That's not funny... Yesterday was so awful... I can't let that happen again... Shiroyama: Is she over there? Iida: She's gone... Disappeared in a puff of smoke... Give up and leave, please... Zakuro: ...Ow. The steel rungs were biting into my skin, and my arms were shaking from fatigue. Iida: She's really gone. Nishimura: You think? Where the fuck did she go... Shiroyama: Jeez, what's going on? That bimbo got away from us... Zakuro: ... Please, just leave... I can't hold on any longer... Shiroyama: Whatever... Let's go. I don't want any teachers to see us on school grounds. They'll probably make us clean the pool next time... Iida: Yeah, let's get the hell out of here. Nishimura: What? You're giving up already? Shiroyama: Don't act so disappointed. Either way, Megu isn't a liar, so just chill. What's that supposed to mean? ...... ... Zakuro: Haa, haa, haa―! I had to press my back against the manhole and push with my legs to dislodge the cover a second time, but I finally managed to get back out. Zakuro: Ha, haa... I'm so glad they left. Zakuro: Th-Thank goodness... I was so relieved that I just laid on the cold concrete for a moment. The beads of cold sweat running down my cheeks and between my thighs felt really good. Zakuro: Th-That was really close, but thanks to Mamiya-kun, I got away. If not for that manhole, I wouldn't have been able to escape. Zakuro: Oh, homeroom is starting... But Mrs. Senagawa said I didn't have to go to homeroom. Zakuro: I have to finish cleaning. I quickly turned the knob and directed the water at the ink in the bottom of the pool. Just like she said, the water-soluble ink washed away easily when I sprayed it. Zakuro: I need to change and get to class... Zakuro: Huh? What? When I went back to the locker room and started changing... Zakuro: My underwear isn't here? I didn't have any underwear to put on at all. Zakuro: H-How... could this happen... Wh-Who would do that? Akasaka-san and Kitami-san? Or maybe those thugs from before... Zakuro: Why would they do this? Well... fine... I still had my P.E. uniform in my locker, so I could just wear the bloomer bottoms instead of panties... Zakuro: I'll have no underwear until I get to my locker, though... It's not that far from here... That should be no problem, right? It felt uncomfortable and breezy without any panties. As long as my skirt didn't get flipped up, no one would see. Zakuro: ...No... Why? How? I was just starting to feel like things were going to work out, but then this. Zakuro: Why isn't my P.E. uniform here? Did I forget to bring it to school? No way... It should definitely be here. But no matter where I looked in that cramped locker, I couldn't find either part of my P.E. uniform. That's strange... I usually have an extra, even. Zakuro: What should I do? I'm gonna have to go to class without any... I didn't have any time to go back and put my swimsuit on underneath, either... And there's something else that was really strange. I had a sewing kit in my locker before... I usually keep a portable sewing kit around just in case, but I couldn't see it anywhere. I hate to think what someone would do with my P.E. uniform, but it's just bizarre that someone would steal a sewing kit. Zakuro: ...Don't think about it too much... It's not like worrying about it was going to make it any better. My spirits were low as I trudged back to the changing room. When I grabbed the swimsuit I had left behind... Zakuro: Ah! Class is about to start... I have to run to class! I held my skirt down as I ran. ......... ...... ... Male Teacher: The current of the flowing river does not cease, and yet the water is not the same water as before. The foam that floats on stagnant pools... Zakuro: ... Even as the teacher read a famous section from Houjouki, I had to endure the unpleasant sensation of my privates resting on bare wood. At first it was cold, but it slowly warmed up from my body heat. It stopped feeling so unpleasant after that, but it's kind of embarrassing to admit that I got used to it. Male Teacher: You all passed the entrance exam for this school, so I'm sure you know who wrote this... You, answer the question! Male Student: Huh? Um, was it Tezuka Osamu? Male Teacher: You... Do you think that's funny? Male Teacher: It's from Houjouki, and it's written by Kamo no Choumei. It's a famous essay written in the Kamakura period, an autobiographical account of the world's transiency and impermanence. At first I was nervous, but the class was perfectly normal. It was so boring that for a while I forgot I wasn't wearing any underwear. It's not like anyone can see when I'm sitting normally. This must be another one of Akasaka-san's pranks. I wanted to figure out for sure who did this, but... at the same time, I didn't want to go near either of them after what happened last night. I'm really scared of them. Snip, snip. Zakuro: ...Eh?! Snip, snip, snip. I felt a cold sensation on my leg, and then I heard an unpleasant sound from below. I heard someone giggling when I started to turn. Kojima-san, another quiet girl in my class, though not as quiet as me, sits behind me. Zakuro: ...H-Huh? When I turned my head, I noticed Kojima-san sitting in a different seat than usual. So then...? Snip, snip, snip. So then the person behind me, cutting my skirt with scissors, was...? Zakuro: ...! I suddenly remembered that the seat Kojima-san was sitting in was Akasaka-san's seat... Megu: Hehehe... I heard her muffled giggles as the strange cold sensation made its way up my leg. She was cutting my skirt with scissors and then pulling the two sides apart, so people could see. I can't believe someone would do that... I guess I ended up making them mad last night. I did everything they asked... so why are they doing this? Zakuro: ... But I can't tell her to stop... and I can't yell out either. If I make a scene, I'll look like the pervert. And I don't know what they'll do to me later if I fight back... Zakuro: ... Kojima-san should go back to her normal seat in the next class. I just have to endure it until then... I know that fighting back will just make it worse. That's what my past experiences with her have taught me. So I just let Akasaka-san do what she wanted and tried to minimize the damage. Then, after class, I can go to my locker and get my sewing kit―?!" Zakuro: Oh, that's why... They stole my sewing kit ahead of time so they could embarrass me like this... Megu: Hehehe... She laughed, like she could tell exactly what I was thinking. She's ridiculing me... Female Teacher: And that's why hydrogen sulfide is a very dangerous gas... When the first period ended, I rotated my skirt 120 degrees, so the cut was over my left thigh... I used my left hand to hold the cut closed, so the people around me couldn't see. I wished I had a safety pin or hairpin today... I have no luck at all. Then that bitch Akasaka-san went back to her seat, where Kojima-san had been sitting before. Female Teacher: It smells like rotten eggs, so turn on the ventilation immediately if you smell it... I was so frustrated and depressed that I couldn't pay attention to class. And the reason they stole my P.E. uniform was so I couldn't change out of this... These people are the worst... Snip, snip, snip. Zakuro: Huh?! I felt my skirt being pulled again, and the same ruthless sound of scissors reached my ears. Snip, snip! Zakuro: Ah... Stop, please, just stop―! I looked at Akasaka-san, who I thought must have been doing it again. Then I saw Kojima-san, sitting in yet another seat that wasn't hers, and I was struck speechless. ...It was Kitami-san's seat. Instead of going back to Akasaka-san's seat, she went to Kitami-san's instead. Then... Snip, snip, snip! "...All right, looks good." ...... ... Zakuro: Like a crappy China dress... I turned my skirt again, so that both the slits were covered by my thighs and my crotch was still covered. Then I held both of the cuts closed, and I put my head down on my desk. I don't even know what class this is anymore, and I don't really care. Anyway, once we get to lunch, I can hide the cuts and go to the teacher's lounge. I should be able to borrow a sewing kit or something to fix my clothes. They probably won't ask what happened... They're all convinced there's no bullying in this school. Mrs. Senagawa doesn't want to dig her own grave... Snip, snip... snip. The scissors started cutting again... There was no way I could turn my skirt without the cuts showing... Elderly Male Teacher: Takashima-san, translate the third line on page 174. Zakuro: ......... Elderly Male Teacher: Takashima-san, did you hear me? Zakuro: Ah! Yes, u-um, page 174, line 3, right? The teacher suddenly called on me. I wasn't ready for it at all, so it was like I had just had a bucket of cold water dumped on me. Zakuro: Umm... Sam tried to stop the visitors who were going to the swamp. Elderly Male Teacher: Takashima-san, please stand and translate. Zakuro: U-Um, well... If I stood up and everyone looked at me, there was no way my skirt would protect my modesty... Elderly Male Teacher: What's wrong? Is there some reason why you can't stand? He raised his voice and gave me a harsh look. Ah... There's nothing I can do... I have to stand up. Zakuro: As I was saying... Sam tried to stop the visitors who were going to the swamp. Please, there is a ferocious crocodile in the swamp... Zakuro: He warned them that they shouldn't go near it, especially not out of mere curiosity. They had never seen Mother Nature in her full fury before, since they had lived their entire lives in the city... Female Student: ...Hey, look... Male Student: Whoa, are you serious... Female Student: ...Does she have any common sense? Just as I had expected, everyone started whispering to each other the second I stood up. I felt like crying... But I couldn't cry now, not here. I continued translating, holding back my tears. Zakuro: They looked down upon Sam and laughed. We have guns. There's nothing left for us to be afraid of! Zakuro: You fools. You'd be lucky to kill a goose with those pistols... Elderly Male Teacher: All right, that's enough. Well done. I knew you wouldn't mix up ducks and geese. I collapsed back into my seat, burying my face in my notes and trying not to listen to all the whispering around me. Male Student: Damn it, let her go a little longer... So they all saw... They must have thought that I cut these slits into my skirt myself... Who would do something dumb like that? Elderly Male Teacher: Please, everyone, quiet down! Zakuro: ... I guess the teacher couldn't see... I can be happy about that, at least. It's still way too breezy. I can't wait for lunch. I'll hold down my skirt and run to the teacher's lounge once this period is over. That's my only choice... Elderly Male Teacher: That's enough for today. That was quick. I quickly got up and left... I was worried about where the boys were looking, but all I could do was hold down my skirt. "Hey, wait up!" Zakuro: Wha―?! When I got out into the hallway, someone grabbed my hand from behind and stopped me. Akasaka-san and Kitami-san were standing there, smiling. They knew I would run... They chased me the second they saw me get up. Satoko: I'm really sorry about today, Takashima. I was just thinking... maybe we overdid it. Zakuro: Huh... What do you... Ah! Megu: Anyway, let's go back to the classroom, all right, Takashima? Zakuro: N-No! Satoko: Hey... Your face is in that video. You know what'll happen if we put it up on the Internet. Zakuro: What? Megu: We won't hurt you... Just come over here. Satoko: Didn't you take ballet, Takashima? Zakuro: Uh, yes... I reluctantly answered her question. I'm like a frog cornered by a snake... Satoko: Megu has been into dancing lately, but there's something she doesn't really understand... Megu: Yeah, I learned all the basics from a DVD. Megu: I just figured I should work on my fundamentals. Zakuro: Sure... Satoko: And you have experience with ballet. It's perfect! Zakuro: Huh? Megu: Ballet is all about those pretty spins, you know? Like, round and round you go! Satoko: Yeah, yeah, those are really beautiful. Zakuro: Ah! If I did a spin with this tattered skirt, everyone would obviously be able to see. That's why they were so eager to have me demonstrate. Satoko: Does that sound fine, Takashima? Zakuro: I-I can't do that! Megu: What do you mean? We're friends, aren't we? How are we friends... These people are scum. Satoko: Hmm, so you're saying... you don't mind if we upload that video everywhere on the Internet? Zakuro: Ugh! Megu: You'll just be embarrassed for a day if you get this over with, but if that video gets out onto the Internet, it might never go away. Zakuro: Y-You cowards! Megu: Why won't you just cooperate? We'll really do it, you know? Zakuro: B-But... Satoko: This is a pain. Why don't we just upload it? You can do it from your phone, can't you? Megu: That sounds good... You think I should put it up in the personals? Zakuro: I-I'm sorry! I-I'll do it. Megu: Really? It's not like we're trying to force you. If you don't want to, we're not making you do it, all right? They're the worst... But I didn't have the will to fight back anymore. Zakuro: No... I want to do it. Please, let me demonstrate. Megu: Really? Well, if you insist... Right, Satoko? Satoko: Wait a sec, I'll make some space. Satoko: Here we go, there we go! They had me trapped, and I still couldn't get to the teacher's lounge. It was lunchtime, and Kitami-san started moving desks to make space for me to dance." All the students around me knew what had happened to my skirt... People laughing... People averting their eyes... It looked like most of the boys in our class were interested, but I guess they didn't want to be associated with the bullying. They just stood to the side and watched it unfold. Megu: Show me the turn. The one where you spin around. Zakuro: Yes... All right. Satoko: You don't mind, right, Takashima? Zakuro: No... This is fine... Satoko: Oh, she's getting into it. It's kinda creepy, like we're making you doing it or something. Zakuro: No... Not at all. Megu: Well then, tell everyone you're just doing it because you love to dance. The worst... She's the absolute worst... Zakuro: I'm doing this... because I want to... Satoko: What? I can't hear you! Say it louder! 'Takashima Zakuro is going to dance ballet! Everyone, please watch closely!' Just like that! Despair. Endless despair... That's all I can say. The bullying last time was awful, but it wasn't like this. That video is the reason... If I had completely refused that video... They would have just bullied me with violence and rejection, like before... I would have preferred that, rather than having it end up like this. But now that they had the video, there was nothing I could do. I inhaled deeply, desperately... Zakuro: Takashima Zakuro is going to dance ballet! Everyone, please watch closely! The classroom was utterly silent... Everyone was completely focused on me. No one came to save me... Oh, that's right... What happened to Kimika? She didn't get hurt, since I cooperated, right? But if she didn't get hurt, then why didn't she come to school today? The answer is simple. Everything's useless. All my suffering is just a game, something to amuse them. I give up... I'm... ―A worm― Megu: Okay, Takashima, show me a good one. Zakuro: All right... This is a basic turn... I pretended I was alone in my world of white as I took position to do the En Dehors. There are lots of movements in ballet, and each one has its own specific name, but I've forgotten all that trivia, and they probably don't care to hear it anyway. I moved my other leg like an axle, then opened my arms wide and held my balance. Finally, I curved my leg like a flamingo and spun― Zakuro: How was that? Megu: Don't stop. Keep spinning so I can see how it works. Zakuro: ... I started crying. I just wanted to run away. But I couldn't even do that. I had to do what they said. I had no courage left. That's why it ended up like this. If I had a bit of courage... Just a little bit of courage... Satoko: Hurry up and do it! Zakuro: Y-Yes! Megu: Oh, you're even better than I thought. Satoko: Yeah, don't underestimate Takashima. I didn't have my ballet shoes, so I couldn't spin as quickly, but they made me spin as well as I could. Satoko: Un, deux, trois! Un, deux, trois! Zakuro: ... I spun as she yelled out the numbers, occasionally making small adjustments to hold my posture. Both my eyes were peeled open, but that was just to help me keep my balance. My eyes were open, but they didn't see anything... I didn't want to look at anything, so I didn't. Satoko: Un, deux, trois! Un, deux, trois! Female Student: ...Hehehehe. Female Student: Wow, is she retarded? There were several quiet, giggling voices mixed in with Kitami-san's jubilant orders. Of course they were watching... My skirt was torn wide open for everyone to see. Satoko: Un, deux, trois! Un, deux, trois! And without any underwear on underneath, I was completely exposed. Male Student: Whoa, she's not wearing anything? Male Student: I know how you feel, but you shouldn't get involved with the girls' bullying. Male Student: Yeah, we'll be accomplices... Let's finish up and go outside. One of the boys who was enjoying the show was quickly hushed by his peers. I never expected anyone to stop this farce for my sake anyway. Satoko: Un, deux, trois! Okay, stop! Zakuro: Huh?! Kitami-san suddenly stopped the rhythm and ordered me to stop. I had to lift my leg way into the air to stop myself from tumbling from the momentum. "Hehe, ahahahaha!" I froze in my position, with my leg in the air, and the entire gallery of onlookers burst into laughter. Megu: Wow, how beautiful. Satoko: Yeah, I was really moved by your performance. Then Akasaka-san and Kitami-san crouched down and came over to me, looking directly at my exposed genitals. Zakuro: ...Ah! I managed to endure it before, but when they did that my face was instantly flushed dark red. Female Student: Ahaha! This is great! Male Student: ... I've heard that people can be crueler to their own gender. The girls looked at me and laughed openly, but the boys tried to act like they weren't looking (even though they all wanted to see). Not that it really made a difference at that point. Satoko: Okay, you can lower your leg. Zakuro: Was I... able to help? Megu: Yeah, it was perfect! Thanks, Takashima. Satoko: Yeah, it was great. You're really something. Zakuro: Oh... I see. Satoko: ... Zakuro: Good to hear... I suppose. ......... ...... ! ... Once the humiliating dance was over, I took cellophane tape out of my desk and taped my skirt. Then I left and hid in a stall in the bathroom. I wanted to hide until school was over, but I was afraid that would just make Akasaka-san and Kitami-san mad. Maybe I just don't care what they do to me anymore... Female Student: ...Hehehehehehe. Zakuro: ...Huh? When I dragged myself back into the classroom, everyone started giggling as if on cue. ...What? I expected some of them to react, since they just saw that spectacle, but I didn't expect them to react like this. I couldn't tell what they were thinking. They just looked at me, then at the blackboard, then back at me... Ah?! Zakuro: Wha-?! When I looked at the blackboard, I instantly understood. Zakuro: Ah! I jumped and grabbed the white cloth on top of the blackboard. Zakuro: ...That's awful. Then I shoved the white scrap―my panties―into my pocket and then grabbed the eraser. On the blackboard in big letters... "Buy my panties☆ They're still warm!" That's what it said... Female Student: ...Hehehe. I endured the ridicule as I marched back to my seat, my head down so I didn't have to look anyone in the eye. And then, completely fed up with it―If you want to look, then go ahead and look―I put my panties back on... Zakuro: Huh? What's this... Would someone actually do that? My thoughts were calm, but... I couldn't believe that a human could be so cruel. What a roundabout, annoying, perverse way of bullying someone. The crotch of my panties had been cut out with scissors. Zakuro: Die... You fucking cockroaches... I ground my teeth and murmered that curse to myself, then I put my panties on regardless of the hole. Female Student: ...Hehehe... Male Teacher: All right, class is beginning... Hmm, what are you laughing at? When the familiar feeling of compression on my lower body returned, a middle aged teacher came into the classroom and heard the girls laughing. Male Teacher: What? What is it? Is there something on my face? Female Student: ...Hehehehe... Megu: It's nothing. Go ahead, you can start class. Satoko: Yeah, we don't want to waste any time. Start the class, please. Male Teacher: Huh? You two have never been interested in school before. What, is today a holiday?! Male Teacher: In that case, I'm going back home. But wait, you're all here too... Ahaha! Megu: That's a dumb joke. Male Teacher: Hahaha, well then, I'll be starting class. Open your books to page 85... Zakuro: ... What... are they? What is this place? What is that man standing and laughing? What are all these people who are sitting and laughing at me? Where am I? The people in this classroom... can't be human... That's the one thing I'm sure of. ......... ...... ... Zakuro: ... I ground my teeth and watched the students file out of the classroom. They all left in an instant... Those cockroaches... Why couldn't they all just die? Die. ...The long, difficult day was nearly over. Nothing good had happened since this morning... During afternoons classes, I just kept my head down and prayed for time to pass quickly. I planned out a different path I could use to walk home over and over in my head, as well. The usual road home would be dangerous. I have to be careful I don't run across any of them in the future either. In a way, the classroom is a safe zone. Zakuro: ...Everyone's gone... I need to run home right now. Satoko: Huh? Isn't your skirt ripped, Takashima? Zakuro: Ah! When I grabbed my bag and stood up, Kitami looked at me and feigned surprise, like she only just noticed. Satoko: That's awful! You couldn't focus in class at all, could you? Zakuro: ... Satoko: Oh no, this is just terrible~ Megu: Whoa, that really is terrible. I can't stand to look at it. Satoko: That skirt will just fall apart if you get hit by a strong breeze. Kitami approached me under that pretext and reached out to my skirt, which was barely being held together with tape. Satoko: Come on, take that thing off! Zakuro: Wha―?! I had breathed a sigh of relief and let my guard down when school ended, and that was precisely when Kitami struck. She deftly unfastened the hook on my skirt. Zakuro: Wait, give that back! Satoko: Don't worry, we'll fix it for you. Zakuro: No way! Then she circled around behind me and lifted me, forcibly removing my skirt. Megu: Whoa! Your panties are cut up too. Satoko: Ouch, that's awful * We'll fix those up too, so take 'em off!"* Zakuro: Ah, no― Kitami held me in place while Akasaka took my panties off. Zakuro: Stop! Stop, you bitch! Go die! Go fucking die! Satoko: Come on, don't struggle... And don't tell us to die. We're your friends, you know? Zakuro: You're not my friends! Let me go! Don't touch me! Satoko: Ahahaha... Quit your yapping.. * We'll fix them up, good as new. Just wait till tomorrow."* Zakuro: Die! Die! Die! I fucking hate you! Just go die! I fought back with all my power, but I couldn't do anything to Kitami. I thrashed and fought with them, cursing them the entire time, but they just laughed at my pitiful display. They enjoyed watching me squirm... Zakuro: Die! Die! Die! Die! Die! Die! DieDieDieDie... Die... I yelled until my voice was hoarse. A great laughing shadow... Massive ears... Blackened paws... Like beasts tearing their prey into pieces. My vitriol, the screams of the dying. To the beasts... it was nothing more... Than a bit of light music to listen to while they ate. Despair is the melody. Lyrics torn from a crushed windpipe. A heart, ripped to shreds and devoured. The two beasts laughed. Jubilantly... Their teeth tearing into the fruit... Satoko: See ya tomorrow, Takashima! Zakuro: You cockroaches... Go die... Megu: Ahahaha, cheer up! See ya! There wasn't anything left to cover my lower body. And there was nothing I could do about it. Satoko: Don't look so down. We're friends, right? Zakuro: ... ...... ... Zakuro: ...... Zakuro: ... Zakuro: Ah... I spaced out for a little bit in the classroom, but soon I realized how dangerous that was and ran to the bathroom holding my bag over my crotch. Zakuro: ...This is the worst. I went into one of the stalls, closed the door, fastened the lock, and then sat on the toilet and put my head in my hands. Then... my tears broke the dam and rushed out. The only sound I could hear was that of my own sobbing... This is just hell... This place is hell... There's no salvation... just despair... I sat alone in the bathroom stall and weeped. Zakuro: Haa... The sun had already long since set, and the teachers had probably gone home... I felt a little more at ease. Zakuro: For now... let's go home.. I went back to the deserted classroom and squinted to find the cleanest dust cloths I could. It's really pathetic, but... I had no choice but to fashion a skirt out of rags and some tape. Zakuro: I'd rather use a curtain, but... Even after all that, I didn't have the courage to pull down one of the curtains. No one would notice if these cloths went missing, but it would be obvious something was missing if I took one of these curtains. The rags were smelly and damp, but I couldn't afford to be picky given the situation. I tried to pick out the ones that didn't smell too bad. I found enough to at least cover myself. Zakuro: This is the worst... I put on the smelly, improvised skirt and left the building. Zakuro: ...I'm glad there aren't many people around... It was worth waiting a few hours... There was hardly a soul to be seen on the road home. I just hope I don't cross paths with anyone on my way home... It would take me more than ten minutes to walk home. It's not usually a long walk, but it felt like an eternity to me. Zakuro: It's falling off again... Tape isn't very good for holding fabric together, and it didn't help that some of the cloths were damp. The only good thing I could say is that it was better than nothing. The ragged skirt only held up until I got to the gate, and then it started to disintegrate as gravity pulled it down. Zakuro: It's not even staying on my waist. I wouldn't even call it a skirt at this point. Zakuro: If I cover my front side with my bag, this skirt should at least cover my back side... I didn't feel upset about the situation anymore. I just hoped no one would see me and report me to the police... That's all I wished for. "Oh, Takashima, found you!" Zakuro: Wha―?! The second I thought things were going to be okay, someone yelled my name out from behind, making me cringe. "So that's where you were... We were looking all over for you." I was still only barely covering my front side with my bag as I turned around and saw the two of them walking toward me. Zakuro: Wh-Why... are you here? Megu: What's wrong? Zakuro: You know damn well what's wrong! How much do you have to bully me before you'll be satisfied?! Megu: Huh? What're you talking about? Zakuro: What... You two... Satoko: Whoa there, think we're gonna mug you or something? Megu: We promised, didn't we? Zakuro: Promised? Megu: Yeah, we were gonna fix up your skirt, good as new... Zakuro: Ah... Akasaka held my skirt up in the air. The cut parts had all been sewed up. Megu: It was a promise... We said we were gonna fix it, didn't we? Satoko: We went to school looking for you and you were gone. Zakuro: Y-You went back to school...? Megu: Yeah, we felt kinda bad... Like, maybe we overdid it, you know? We never thought you would go outside without a skirt... Sorry. Satoko: Really, we're sorry... We didn't think about our actions at all. Zakuro: Just... give it back... Megu: Yeah, of course. I snatched the skirt from her hand, threw away the rags, and put on the skirt. Megu: You must've caught a cold walking around like that. Even if it's summer, that's crazy. Here, take one of these, you'll feel better. Zakuro: ...What? Megu: Don't backtalk me. Just swallow it already! Zakuro: ...This is―?! The pill in Akasaka's hand was the exact same kind that they had tried to make me take this morning... Zakuro: ...Don't fuck with me! I'm not falling for that! Zakuro: Do you think I'm fucking stupid?! Satoko: Tch! Satoko: ...Will you quit beating around the bush already? Megu: What... Do you have a problem with my plan, Satoko? Satoko: She's not falling for it at all. Megu: That's weird. I was sure she was gonna cry and thank us, so it would be easy to make her take it... Satoko: Whatever, we'll make it work. Zakuro: Ah―Ow! Kitami grabbed me by the hair. Zakuro: Ggh... When I tried to resist, she used her knee to deliver a painful blow between my legs. "Oh, so we're just gonna do it by force?" Zakuro: Y-Youu... Satoko: Shut up! Quick, get her in the car! Shiroyama: Gotcha. Zakuro: C-Car? Ah?! Mmgh―! He stuffed a rag in my mouth so I couldn't yell for help. Zakuro: Mm, mmh, mmgh―! I tried to yell for help as they dragged me off... There was a white van parked nearby. Iida: Hurry up! Zakuro: Ahmm, mm― Hhelmph― Shiroyama: There you go, Princess, your carriage awaits you. Megu: We're headed for the Royal Ball! Zakuro: Mmgh, mmm―! The van door snapped shut. It smelled like gas inside. I struggled and thrashed in the back of the van, but all I managed to do was bruise my arms and legs. Iida: Hurry up! Shiroyama: Yeah, knock her out for now. Several men punched me repeatedly in the darkness. I guess... they wanted to make me lose consciousness... I just wanted to escape the pain... It wouldn't have been so bad if I had just died right then and there... But I had to endure a lot of pain before I lost consciousness... * ――――――* * ――――* * ――* "You need to try cumming inside her too!" "Ahahaha, this is amazing." Voices in the distance. How long have I been like this? My whole body is tingling... It feels good... My thoughts were running astray... The only thing I knew was... that the exact same thing was being repeated, over and over. Shiroyama: Zakuro-chan, how does your cunt feel? Shiroyama traded places with Numada, looking down on me and smiling as I gasped for breath. I faintly glanced down at my lower body... It was covered in blood. Oh... So that's what it was... My mind was blank. Iida: Oh, look at her hands... Here, grab this. Shiroyama: Looky here, Zakuro-chan, this is a penis~ Two of them forced their penises onto me from both sides... and I didn't have the willpower to resist... My entire body was numb, like it was floating in midair, and for some reason I wasn't scared at all... Everything just felt numb and tingly... Iida: Ahaha~! Look, Zakuro-chan is grabbing my dick. She looks like she's having so much fun! Shiroyama: Don't worry, Zakuro. I'll give you some more ice so it doesn't hurt. Shiroyama took out a small vinyl container and stuck his pointer finger in, getting a bit of white powder on the tip. Shiroyama: This is great. My dick wouldn't fit at all before, but now it just slides right in. Then he rubbed that white powder on my lower body... My mind instantly went blank. When he spread it on my privates, the pain disappeared, leaving only waves of pleasure to crash into my body. Shiroyama: Okay, here goes... He ignored my feeble screams and shouts of resistance as he pushed the tip in. Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― I screamed. But I couldn't hear myself screaming... There was no scream of pain, sadness, or anger... Just weak gasps of air rushing through my vocal cords... My soul had been rendered irrelevant... It was just my body reacting to the artificial pleasure of the drugs... Iida: Wow... She really likes it. Shiroyama: I told you, this stuff can make any girl moan. Zakuro: ―――――――― Iida: Whoa, you must be having a blast... Hey, try saying this: 'My pussy feels so good.' Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――――――― Shiroyama: Gyahahahaha, look at her face. She looks retarded! Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Iida: It's like that's the only thing she even knows how to say, ahahaha. As he thrust his hips forward, I felt a burning lump searing my insides... His penis swelled inside me, but that swelling only sent waves of searing pleasure to my brain. Zakuro: ―――――――― Iida: How many times have you cum? Shiroyama: No idea... Iida: Ahahaha, Nishimura is such a dumbass... I can't believe he's missing out. Shiroyama: Not my problem. I guess his old man beat him for taking his car. Iida: He didn't need to go put it back. Why the hell'd he head home? Shiroyama: He thought his parents wouldn't find out if he got it back in the garage before they noticed. He called me, bawling his fucking eyes out. Iida: And he was the one that put this whole thing together, too. Shiroyama: Not my problem. It's his destiny! Destiny... And this is my destiny... If there is a God... then this is my destiny... God is omnipotent... He knows everything. He knows everything. He's the one who made this happen. He probably did it... because I'm just a cockroach... To him, I'm no better than a worm dying on the side of the road... I'm no better than a worm... Shiroyama: Mngh, mm, ahh! Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――― Shiroyama: Haa... Her pussy is pretty wet now... Iida: Don't you think her pussy is getting loose? Shiroyama: Yeah... I've got a good idea... Shiroyama: Takashima, I'm gonna let you go, so just hang onto Numada, all right? Zakuro: ――――― Shiroyama: Ahaha, good girl... Hey, Numada, stick your dick in. Iida: Sure thing! Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――― Shiroyama: And while Numada's doing that, I'm gonna have some fun down here... Iida: What's that, lotion? You're actually gonna stick it in there, huh? Shiroyama: Of course. I like this hole way better... Oh, could you give me some of that ice? Iida: She's had enough. We don't wanna make her overdose. Shiroyama: Cheapskate... Iida: It's not about the money. We'll be fucked if she dies... Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――――――――――― Shiroyama: Ahhh, this is great... Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Shiroyama: Ahhh... Hehehe, it's all the way in. I think I'm actually touching your dick, Numada. Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Iida: Whoa, I can actually feel something hard! Shiroyama: Okay, I'm gonna get moving, so follow my lead and fuck her good. Iida: Gotcha. Let's do it! Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Shiroyama: That's great. Her face looks so hot... She always looks like such a damn nice girl, too. The kind of girl we'd never be able to fuck. This is really hot. Zakuro: ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Shiroyama: Does it feel good getting fucked by two guys at once? Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Zakuro: ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Shiroyama: Oh wow, you came already. Iida: I started first. Shiroyama: Sure, sure. You lasted longer than I expected anyway... I'll keep going. Shiroyama: Ahh. This is, mm, pretty good! I'm gonna cum too... I can't hold it in. I had no soul. It was just an ugly pile of flesh laying there... That wasn't me... I wasn't the one laying there... I... I... The moment I awoke. The moment time began to move. Everything felt distant. Is it that way for everyone? Or just me? What was the first thing that came into sight when I awoke? I always forget that. A drop of water fell in the distance. I heard the sound of a drop of water breaking somewhere in the distance. That which is broken imparts its moisture upon the earth. Only through breaking can it grant its blessing. Because once broken, the blessing is able to soak into the earth. A hazy scene. A hazy texture. A hazy memory. Everything is hazy, but... there's just one thing I do know. My spirit is unreasonably calm, For no reason at all, I can calmly observe all phenomena. In this hazy world, the only thing that is clear is my unnaturally calm heart. Zakuro: ... I felt a slight chill as I opened my eyes. An unfamiliar ceiling... This isn't my room... Zakuro: ...A bed. Zakuro: Money... Zakuro: One 5,000 yen bill... Zakuro: Two 1,000 yen bills... Zakuro: One 500 yen coin. Zakuro: Three 100 yen coins... 7,800 yen in total. There was a flyer tucked under the money. It said, "Rooms for as little as 7,800 yen!" The money for one night's stay brought me back to reality. Zakuro: ...All of that actually happened... I calmly took stock of my situation. Then I showered. I didn't really care anymore... I just felt like taking a shower. The pungent smell in the back of my throat wouldn't go away, no matter how much water I gargled. The disgusting smell on my skin wouldn't disappear, no matter how much I scrubbed. When I left the building... I was in a familiar place. Zakuro: It was a love hotel in Suginomiya... When I came back to this familiar place... it calmed me down... Every world returns to its daily routine... Those words flashed through my mind. Zakuro: Is this the same scene that was always here? I mumbled that question, as if I was asking an unseen companion. And then... Zakuro: Ah! Zakuro: ...Ukgh. Zakuro: Uegh... Uhhhgheh... I felt something coming up my throat, and then a second later I vomited right there on the sidewalk. Zakuro: Ehfgh, egh... My stomach suddenly spasmed, like it was being squeezed hard by something. I was in so much pain that I collapsed. Zakuro: Ahhg, oough, ugh... But no matter how hard my stomach tried to push everything out, very little vomit actually came up. It was incredibly painful... My face was distorted with pain and covered in rolling tears. Zakuro: Ough... Agh, ah... Zakuro: Oughwhaaaaaa―――!! ......... ...... ... I heard someone's phone... Oh wait... That's mine... A text? Why... Couldn't everyone just leave me alone for now... It was just a message from that nasty guy. Fucking worm... Just leave me alone. Just... ... ...... Zakuro: ... When I woke up, I checked my phone. Oh, that's right... There was one thing that I was still curious about. Though now I had realized how ridiculous that whole thing was. Zakuro: What do you mean, something good... What do you mean, a change? That's stupid... I still had those messages in my inbox. Zakuro: Let's see just what that 'something good' could be... Zakuro: ... Zakuro: Yeah right... Zakuro: A big change, huh... Something good, huh... There was nothing... I didn't experience any big change, and nothing good has happened. I'm just a worm... That's all I'll ever be... Even after going through all that, I'm still not dead... and I don't have the courage to go to the police... I can't even talk to my parents about it... Zakuro: ... 2012/7/09 23:01 from: Usami subject: Thank you for your response. Thank you for your response. Now that I've received your message, I can confirm it. You are certainly our ally. ** "The battle at the stone tower" ** You say you don't remember these words, but that's not a problem. ** And the large change we predicted would happen to you is a change to your cognizance. ** The 'good thing' is a person's death. ** Soon, one of your problems will disappear. Zakuro: ... Zakuro: What's this? Zakuro: What? Is she stupid? Zakuro: A change to my cognizance? And the good thing is someone's death? Is she stupid? Zakuro: What, does that mean someone's going to die? Just one death won't change anything... Maybe if all the men who raped me died... and if those two bitches died too... Zakuro: Oh, wait... That's what it is... Zakuro: Just one death... That must mean my own death... Zakuro: She's right... If I die, all my problems will be solved. Zakuro: So I'm going to die... Of course, it has to be suicide, right? Zakuro: That's it... Zakuro: Ahahahahaha... Zakuro: What change?! Zakuro: I'm just a worm! Zakuro: I exist to be trampled underfoot! Zakuro: Trampled, stepped on, crushed, destroyed, erased... Zakuro: Ahahahahahaha... Zakuro: Isn't it a worm's fate to be crushed and ground into the concrete? Zakuro: Isn't it?! Zakuro: Isn't it?! Isn't it?! Isn't it?! I at least wanted my first time to―! Zakuro: ...Ahahahahaha... Zakuro: Even a worm like me... wanted my first time... to be with someone I loved... someone who would kiss me tenderly... someone who would hold me close and tell me they loved me... Zakuro: Even if it wasn't romantic... Even if it was just a plain old day... I wanted my first time to be with someone I loved... Zakuro: Mamiya-kun... I wanted it to be Mamiya-kun... Zakuro: I... I―! Zakuro: And it was rape... Rape! Rape! Rape, rape, RAPE, RAPE, RAPE! Zakuro: What the fuck is that?! Zakuro: My skirt and underwear torn to pieces, my body covered in blood! What the fuck is that?! Zakuro: I just had one little dream, and this is what I get?! Zakuro: What the fuck did I do deserve this, God?! Zakuro: Don't you have any blessings for the worms living on this Earth?! Zakuro: Is it a sin for a worm to dream? Zakuro: Hahahahaha... I understand... Zakuro: That's it, huh? I'm just a fucking disgusting, fat, dumb bitch, so why the fuck did I think I had the right to dream?! Zakuro: I understand! I understand perfectly! I pissed you off, huh?! I'm too disgusting for words, aren't I?! Zakuro: You wanted to shut me up. I'm just an ugly bitch who needed to be put in her place, right, God?! Zakuro: That's it, isn't it? Rape is just what an ugly slut like me deserves... I deserved to be raped, huh... Zakuro: I was just conceited, wasn't I? I should've just... stayed out of everyone's way, living my life cowering in fear, right? Zakuro: A worm has to be content with a worm's fate... If I just kept my head down and never piped up, everything would've been just fine, right? Zakuro: Ahahahahahahaha... That's logical. That's the truth. That's God's will! Zakuro: Don't fuck with me! Zakuro: Don't fuck with me... Zakuro: I... want to be human... I don't want to die... Zakuro: Why... I won't cause anyone trouble anymore... I won't fall in love again... So please, just leave me alone... Zakuro: I've had enough... I understand... I know my place... So forgive me... Zakuro: I... don't want to die...
"You need to try cumming inside her too!" "Ahahaha, this is amazing." Voices in the distance. How long have I been like this? My whole body is tingling... It feels good... My thoughts were running astray... The only thing I knew was... that the exact same thing was being repeated, over and over. Shiroyama: Zakuro-chan, how does your cunt feel? Shiroyama traded places with Numada, looking down on me and smiling as I gasped for breath. I faintly glanced down at my lower body... It was covered in blood. Oh... So that's what it was... My mind was blank. Numada: Oh, look at her hands... Here, grab this. Shiroyama: Looky here, Zakuro-chan, this is a penis~ Two of them forced their penises onto me from both sides... and I didn't have the willpower to resist... My entire body was numb, like it was floating in midair, and for some reason I wasn't scared at all... Everything just felt numb and tingly... Numada: Ahaha~! Look, Zakuro-chan is grabbing my dick. She looks like she's having so much fun! Shiroyama: Don't worry, Zakuro. I'll give you some more ice so it doesn't hurt. Shiroyama took out a small vinyl container and stuck his pointer finger in, getting a bit of white powder on the tip. Shiroyama: This is great. My dick wouldn't fit at all before, but now it just slides right in. Then he rubbed that white powder on my lower body... My mind instantly went blank. When he spread it on my privates, the pain disappeared, leaving only waves of pleasure to crash into my body. Shiroyama: Okay, here goes... He ignored my feeble screams and shouts of resistance as he pushed the tip in. Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― I screamed. But I couldn't hear myself screaming... There was no scream of pain, sadness, or anger... Just weak gasps of air rushing through my vocal cords... My soul had been rendered irrelevant... It was just my body reacting to the artificial pleasure of the drugs... Numada: Wow... She really likes it. Shiroyama: I told you, this stuff can make any girl moan. Zakuro: ―――――――― Numada: Whoa, you must be having a blast... Hey, try saying this: 'My pussy feels so good.' Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――――――― Shiroyama: Gyahahahaha, look at her face. She looks retarded! Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Numada: It's like that's the only thing she even knows how to say, ahahaha. As he thrust his hips forward, I felt a burning lump searing my insides... His penis swelled inside me, but that swelling only sent waves of searing pleasure to my brain. Zakuro: ―――――――― Numada: How many times have you cum? Shiroyama: No idea... Numada: Ahahaha, Nishimura is such a dumbass... I can't believe he's missing out. Shiroyama: Not my problem. I guess his old man beat him for taking his car. Numada: He didn't need to go put it back. Why the hell'd he head home? Shiroyama: He thought his parents wouldn't find out if he got it back in the garage before they noticed. He called me, bawling his fucking eyes out. Numada: And he was the one that put this whole thing together, too. Shiroyama: Not my problem. It's his destiny! Destiny... And this is my destiny... If there is a God... then this is my destiny... God is omnipotent... He knows everything. He knows everything. He's the one who made this happen. He probably did it... because I'm just a cockroach... To him, I'm no better than a worm dying on the side of the road... I'm no better than a worm... Shiroyama: Mngh, mm, ahh! Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――― Shiroyama: Haa... Her pussy is pretty wet now... Numada: Don't you think her pussy is getting loose? Shiroyama: Yeah... I've got a good idea... Shiroyama: Takashima, I'm gonna let you go, so just hang onto Numada, all right? Zakuro: ――――― Shiroyama: Ahaha, good girl... Hey, Numada, stick your dick in. Numada: Sure thing! Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――― Shiroyama: And while Numada's doing that, I'm gonna have some fun down here... Numada: What's that, lotion? You're actually gonna stick it in there, huh? Shiroyama: Of course. I like this hole way better... Oh, could you give me some of that ice? Numada: She's had enough. We don't wanna make her overdose. Shiroyama: Cheapskate... Numada: It's not about the money. We'll be fucked if she dies... Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――――――――――― Shiroyama: Ahhh, this is great... Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Shiroyama: Ahhh... Hehehe, it's all the way in. I think I'm actually touching your dick, Numada. Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Numada: Whoa, I can actually feel something hard! Shiroyama: Okay, I'm gonna get moving, so follow my lead and fuck her good. Numada: Gotcha. Let's do it! Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Shiroyama: That's great. Her face looks so hot... She always looks like such a damn nice girl, too. The kind of girl we'd never be able to fuck. This is really hot. Zakuro: ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Shiroyama: Does it feel good getting fucked by two guys at once? Zakuro: ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Zakuro: ――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Shiroyama: Oh wow, you came already. Numada: I started first. Shiroyama: Sure, sure. You lasted longer than I expected anyway... I'll keep going. Shiroyama: Ahh. This is, mm, pretty good! I'm gonna cum too... I can't hold it in. I had no soul. It was just an ugly pile of flesh laying there... That wasn't me... I wasn't the one laying there... I... I... The moment I awoke. The moment time began to move. Everything felt distant. Is it that way for everyone? Or just me? What was the first thing that came into sight when I awoke? I always forget that. A drop of water fell in the distance. I heard the sound of a drop of water breaking somewhere in the distance. That which is broken imparts its moisture upon the earth. Only through breaking can it grant its blessing. Because once broken, the blessing is able to soak into the earth. A hazy scene. A hazy texture. A hazy memory. Everything is hazy, but... there's just one thing I do know. My spirit is unreasonably calm, For no reason at all, I can calmly observe all phenomena. In this hazy world, the only thing that is clear is my unnaturally calm heart. Zakuro: ... I felt a slight chill as I opened my eyes. An unfamiliar ceiling... This isn't my room... Zakuro: ...A bed. Zakuro: Money... Zakuro: One 5,000 yen bill... Zakuro: Two 1,000 yen bills... Zakuro: One 500 yen coin. Zakuro: Three 100 yen coins... 7,800 yen in total. There was a flyer tucked under the money. It said, "Rooms for as little as 7,800 yen!" The money for one night's stay brought me back to reality. Zakuro: ...All of that actually happened... I calmly took stock of my situation. Then I showered. I didn't really care anymore... I just felt like taking a shower. The pungent smell in the back of my throat wouldn't go away, no matter how much water I gargled. The disgusting smell on my skin wouldn't disappear, no matter how much I scrubbed.
...... Kimika: Good morning, Zakuro! Zakuro: Ah?! Someone behind me suddenly called out to me. Zakuro: O-Oh, Kimika... You surprised me. Kimika: Why are you so surprised * We agreed to meet here, you know? You shouldn't be surprised when I actually show up..."* Zakuro: Uh, a lot happened yesterday... Kimika: But it all worked out fine. There's no need to be on edge like that. Zakuro: Maybe you can say that, but you're a lot stronger than me. Kimika: And I'll protect you, Zakuro, so don't worry! Zakuro: Whoa. Kimika hugged me as she said that. Zakuro: Wh-Why are you squeezing so hard? It hurts. Kimika: Ahaha, sorry. Just looking at you makes me want to protect you. I couldn't help myself. Zakuro: Eh? Kimika: Hmm? Why are you getting all red? Zakuro: Oh, uh... It's nothing... Kimika: Huh? Wh-What was that just now? My heart skipped a beat... Uh, but that's... Zakuro: I was surprised because someone suddenly called my name from behind me... Look, my heart is racing. I put her hand on my chest. Kimika: Ohh, your chest, huh... Zakuro: Wh-What is it? She suddenly sighed in exasperation. Kimika: Nothing, it's just.. * Do you really need to show your chest off? Are you trying to say, hey look at me, my chest is bigger than yours?"* Zakuro: Why would I do that?! Kimika: All of you keep talking about boobs, boobs... You, and him yesterday. Zakuro: Oh... Are you still upset about what Mamiya-kun said yesterday? Kimika: Wh-Why would I care about him?! Zakuro: I only said the word chest once, and then you said something about yesterday... Kimika: Hmph! Kimika got bright red in the face and looked away. Zakuro: H-Huh? Did... Did I upset you? Kimika: O-Oh, really... So you think I care about anything that jerk said.. * That's what your pretty little mouth is trying to say, huh?"* Zakuro: Aah! Zakuro: Ah, ah, that hurts! Thtop! Thtop pinthing me... She laughed like it was all a joke, but she pinched hard enough that it really hurt. Zakuro: That was mean. That really hurt! Kimika: Then you shouldn't say things that don't need to be said. Kimika: Jeez, and you don't need all this fat, either! Zakuro: Ah! Kimika: What's with these boobs? You don't need all this fat! Why do you have all this fat in one spot? Is this where you store all that water for when you're crossing the desert? Zakuro: Wh-What are you talking about?! Are you talking about a camel's hump? Kimika: You don't need all this fat if you're not storing water! Zakuro: I-It's not like I chose to make them this way! Kimika: Jeez! This is a democracy! We should all be equal! In a way, you've been hogging all the nutrition that should've gone to my chest! Give me at least half! Zakuro: What are you talking about? Wait, Kimika! Ah, ah, aah! Kimika: Ah! Kimika suddenly stopped groping my breasts. Like she just realized what she was doing... Zakuro: Wh-What is it? Kimika: A-Ahaha... Nothing. I just figured I could help you relax. That should be enough. Zakuro: Y-You don't need to do that to help me relax! Kimika: Ahaha... Maybe you could say I took a load off your chest? Zakuro: Jeez... You're acting like a perverted old man. Kimika: Ahaha... I'm just a nasty little girl, after all. Kimika: Well, whatever. Let's go to school. Zakuro: Yeah. Let's go. Though I really didn't want to go. The classroom seems like a battlefield... Though, now that I think about it, it's always kind of felt like a battlefield. There were always so many landmines I could step on if I said the wrong thing... I always had to be careful and pick just the right words. Watching their reactions... If I'm not careful, I'll step on one of the mines. That's what the classroom has always been like for the two of us. Though now the landmines and bullets might be real. Someone could actually end up getting hurt. There's no guarantee we'll be safe at the end of the day. So, honestly... I just want to run away. But... Zakuro: I won't run any longer. Zakuro: But... 'Who fights ever hoping for success?' Zakuro: 'I fought for lost cause, and for fruitless quest!' Kimika: Is that more Cyrano? You sure like that play. Kimika said that resignedly. Kimika: Literature won't help you defeat your enemies... You need chemistry and physics to do that! Zakuro: Hehehe, but literature never loses. Kimika: Never? Zakuro: Literature won't help you win, but it can ensure that you'll never lose. Zakuro: That's why I can still fight today. Kimika: ... Kimika looked at me blankly. Her cheeks looked kind of red, too. Zakuro: Wh-What is it? Say something. Kimika: Oh, uh.. * I was just thinking, you haven't fought at all yet, so why are you saying all that..."* Zakuro: Ahaha... I guess you're right. It's just been you protecting me so far. I don't have the right to say anything like that. Kimika: But... Zakuro: But? Kimika: You were the one who gave me the conviction to fight. Kimika: If you hadn't taken my hand and run... I would've never been able to fight. Zakuro: Kimika... Kimika: So... You're exactly right. Kimika: I don't like pompous crap like literature or poems or whatever, but it was really cool listening to you say that to them. Kimika: But... 'Who fights ever hoping for success? I fought for lost cause, and for fruitless quest!' Zakuro: Eh? You memorized it too? Kimika: Oh, no * just that one part. I was sort of interested, so I flipped through it when I went to the library."* Kimika: I was interested in the book you liked so much... or rather, the book Mamiya Takuji picked out for you, so... Zakuro: You still don't trust him? Kimika: Of course not. He's my enemy. Zakuro: But... Kimika: No buts... He's an enemy. I have to fight him. Zakuro: Kimika... ...... ... A moment after she started walking, her face hardened and she looked down, as if she was thinking intently about something. I held her hand and guided her since she wasn't looking where she was going. Kimika: Last night, I was thinking about what would happen today. The teachers will probably search the students' belonging... She was silent for a moment, and then she looked up at me. There wasn't the slightest hint of cheer in her face. Zakuro: Because of what happened yesterday? Kimika: Yeah. Senagawa confiscated my stun gun, remember? Kimika: I told her it was a cell phone, but if a teacher who knew anything about electronics saw it, they would be able to tell what it was instantly. Zakuro: Oh... I see... Kimika: So we can't bring weapons in through the front gate. Zakuro: Yeah... Got it. Just as expected, we couldn't pass through the gate like normal. There were several teachers searching the bags and pockets of all the students coming into the school. Zakuro: So then, will you be all right, Kimika? Kimika: I expected this to happen, so I didn't bring anything that's obviously made to be used as a weapon. What about you? Zakuro: Me? The only thing I have that might be a weapon would be... a foot long acrylic ruler? Kimika: Okay, good. I don't know what we would've done if you had brought something to defend yourself with. As expected, the teachers all tensed up as we approached the school gate. Several of them looked at each other, and then they took me and Kimika aside to search us. Male Teacher: Hmm... She doesn't have anything unusual on her. Okay, you can go. Zakuro: Thank you. I opened my bag and showed them the inside, then turned my pockets inside out to show I didn't have anything in them. I got through the gate surprisingly easily. The real problem was Kimika, who was surrounded by several teachers... It's hard to imagine that she would come to school empty-handed after the fight with Akasaka-san and Kitami-san yesterday. She said she saw this coming, but will she really be okay? Kimika: This is everything. Or would you like to feel around in my skirt pockets too? Male Teacher: No, we won't go that far... How's her bag look? Female Teacher: There's nothing here that she wouldn't be able to bring into the school... Hmm. It's like they were aiming for her from the beginning... They seemed disappointed since they hadn't found any evidence. Kimika: So can I go now? Male Teacher: Yeah, but don't make any trouble. Thankfully, she was released. She smiled and ran toward me. She mouthed the words "fooled them," silently announcing her victory. Kimika: Jeez, those pacifists don't understand anything. Zakuro: But Kimika... if you made it through, does that mean you don't have anything to defend yourself with? Kimika: It'll be fine. I thought ahead. You don't need to worry about anything. Kimika: But more importantly, look. Kimika frowned and looked up at the school building. I followed her gaze. Zakuro: Ah. In the spot where Kimika was looking... Akasaka-san and Kitami-san were looking down at us from above. Kimika: I'll show them. They won't be able to look down on us like that for much longer. Their eyes were cold and ruthless, but their mouths were curved in disgusting smiles, like they were anticipating the festivities that were about to start. Zakuro: Hmph! But I glared right back at them. I won't give in to them... I'll fight. Kimika: Ahaha.. * That's the first time I've ever seen you glare at someone. So you can put on a scary face too."* Zakuro: Of course I can... I'm human too. Of course I can feel anger. Kimika: That's right. Kimika smiled joyfully. The moment we entered the classroom... It instantly went from noisy to as silent as the grave. And... sharp gazes were leveled at us. Much worse than yesterday... It felt incredibly uncomfortable. The classroom wasn't just a metaphorical battlefield. It had transformed into a literal one after yesterday's events. So it would be a lie to say I was unaffected, but nevertheless, I walked toward my seat unflinchingly. Kimika: Oh, wait a sec. Zakuro: Huh? When I was about to pull the chair out and sit down, Kimika stopped me and started checking the desk and the chair. Kimika: Okay, looks fine. Zakuro: Thank you. After she made sure my seat was safe to sit in, she checked her own seat and then sat down. ...... Megu: Hey, everyone, do you smell that? Satoko: You're right. It smells awful. Megu: Yeah, friggin' stinks. I wonder what smells. Satoko: I wonder, I wonder. We need to put a lid on whatever it is. The other students were frozen like statues. Megu and Satoko exaggeratedly held their noses as they walked around the classroom. Megu: Whew, it stinks. This isn't funny. Satoko: This is totally rotten... Ugh, it's stinging my nose. Megu: Does anyone have rotten bread in their desk? Zakuro: ... Kimika: ... They held their noses like pigs and walked around... Then, as if they were planning it from the beginning, they moved toward our desks. Kimika: Oh, sorry... This might be what stinks... Kimika's relaxed voice echoed in the strained atmosphere of the classroom. Kimika smiled as she stood up and pulled a test tube from her bag. Megu: Ah! In that instant, they stopped in their tracks. Megu: Wh-What is that... Wait. There wasn't any smell coming from the test tube at all... Of course not. They were just making it all up. Their faces grew paler and paler by the moment. Kimika: Who knows, what could it be... Haven't you already heard from Shiroyama? Megu: Ah... You mean, that's... Kimika: What a brilliant deduction * Naturally, you would be sensitive to his body odor, since you're his girlfriend."* Megu: Ugh... Megu looked like she was about to jump on Kimika, but she didn't. She kept her distance since she knew what was in the test tube. Kimika: Oh, I'm terribly sorry. This stinks so bad, you must not have been able to fuck your boyfriend last night, huh... Hehehe, sorry about that. Kimika: How mad was he that he didn't get any last night? He must be pissed... Oh, scary, scary. Satoko: Don't get cocky, you little― Megu: Knock it off, Satoko. You really don't want to get that stuff on you. Satoko: Ugh! After Megu told her to stop, Satoko didn't dare get any closer to Kimika. She just stood next to Megu, looking disgusted. Megu: They searched all your stuff at the gate this morning... How did you get that in? Kimika: Oh, that. You've spent so much time with me, and you still don't know anything about me * That's too bad..."* Kimika: You know, I'm in the track and field club, but I'm also the leader of a club that was nearly abolished. Oh, that's right... I haven't ever heard of the club doing anything, so I forgot, but Kimika's in two clubs. I never knew she was the leader, though. Megu: Wh-What do you mean? Kimika: Tachibana Kimika, the 39th leader of Kita High's Science Club... And don't you forget it * Hehehe."* Satoko: Science Club? Kimika: Why would the teachers be surprised that someone in the science club had a test tube? Do you really think they would confiscate a test tube with decarbonated, deaminated protein in it? Megu: Wh-What are you talking about? Kimika: Would you understand if I said they were rotten amino acids? Megu: R-Rotten? Kimika: Maybe sulfuric or hydrochloric acid would, but there's no way amino acids would attract undue attention. They won't hurt anyone. They just stink... It's the smell of rotting meat. Megu: ... The two of them glared at her vehemently as they stood there. Kimika: Now then, there's something else that passed inspection over here. Kimika: It looks like nothing more than a bottle of disinfectant spray! Kimika: It's easy to carry, and the spray nozzle has to be turned before it can be sprayed, so it's not likely to leak. Kimika: But.. * say the contents happened to be highly alkaline sodium hydroxide..."* Megu: Sodium hydroxide? Kimika: Yeah, sodium hydroxide is traditionally stored in a plastic container... It's both a solid and a solution. It should be kept in a plastic or rubber container, not a glass one. Kimika: In other words, it would be possible to put sodium hydroxide in a container like this. Megu: So what? Kimika: Now, just what would happen if I sprayed sodium hydroxide in here... Kimika: If it got on any valuable rings or necklaces... it would eat away at the metal. Kimika: But it would be even worse if you sprayed it on a person.. * I wonder what would happen then."* Megu: Wh-What would happen? Megu's voice cracked as she asked the question. The smile disappeared from Kimika's face. Kimika: If you were to spray it in someone's shoes... the person who put those shoes on would first start to feel something slimy. Kimika: Then it would start to itch... and then it would turn into intense pain. Kimika: This is because sodium hydroxide would dissolve the keratin in your skin, turning it into a slimy substance. After a while, it'll eat away so much of your skin that it'll turn to pain... It'll eat right through your skin. Megu: ... Kimika: And if it was sprayed on someone's face... If it happened to get in your eyes, you could lose your sight permanently if you didn't get to the hospital fast enough. Kimika: The point is, if this gets on your skin, it'll fry your skin cells * Pretty scary, huh? It's not something for an amateur to play around with."* Megu: ... She happily threatened them with her explanation. The two of them couldn't say a word. When I looked around, I didn't feel the same pressure from the rest of the class either. None of them liked Megu or Satoko either, so they were all silently snickering as they watched. Kimika took another test tube from her bag. It was different from the others. There was a partition in the middle for some reason, with mysterious white powder on both sides of the partition. Kimika: Why do you think these two powders... have to be separated? Megu: Wh-What is that... You mean it would be bad if they were mixed? Kimika: Something bad, huh... I wonder if it'd be that easy to buy two substances that'd be dangerous if mixed together... After that, she chuckled to herself so silently that it was almost inaudible. Kimika: Oh, but what if it was, for instance, calcium hypochlorite... In other words, bleaching powder. Kimika: It's incredibly common here in the school, since they use it to disinfect the pool water. Kimika: And, this could be ammonium chloride. Until just recently, you could get this at any convenience store... Now you need a license to buy it, but there are still plenty of people who have some just lying around. Kimika: Ammonium chloride is used in fertilizer, as a food additive, in dyes, and plenty of other stuff, so there are plenty of people who can get their hands on it... Oh right, it's also one of the ingredients in gunpowder. Kimika: When mixed with calcium hypochlorite, it becomes an exceptionally unstable substance... With just a little shock, it goes.. * kaboom!"* Megu: Eek! Kimika: A stun gun doesn't even compare to this... The mixture of these two substances is essentially an explosive. Kimika: Oh, and it's fairly easy to acquire potassium chloride. If you boil a battery to get sulfuric acid and then combine the two... Oh, that would explode too, wouldn't it? Megu: Y-You brought all that into school? Kimika: Eh? No, I haven't.. * I thought we were just having a conversation about substances that are dangerous to mix together."* Kimika: Would you like to test out my theory? If I throw this test tube, the contents will mix, and then... Kimika: Boom! Megu: Eek! As Kimika's voice grew more and more ominous, Megu's face, caked with makeup, tightened into an ugly frown. Megu: Fuck, what were those teachers doing... They let her bring that crap in? Kimika: Well, your father is the chairman. I figured this would be the first thing you would try. I saw straight through your plan. The classroom was completely silent. All eyes were on the vial in Kimika's hand. If it really is an explosive... that means everyone in this room is in danger. A brusque voice ripped through the silence. Shiroyama: Is that bitch Tachibana here?! Kimika: Oh, so he's shown up... Megu: Tsubasa? A male student that hardly ever shows up in the classroom suddenly burst in, frothing with rage. Even his girlfriend, Megu, was visibly afraid of him. Shiroyama: I hope you haven't forgotten about yesterday! Kimika: What on earth are you talking about... Of course I haven't. My maidenhood was in danger for a second there. The other students, who were trying to ignore the tussle before, all gulped in unison when they saw Shiroyama, but Kimika didn't flinch. Shiroyama: What, you think I won't hit a fucking girl? Bitch, you have about three seconds to get over here and lick the dog shit off my shoes! His eyes lit up with anger. He looked like he was about to punch her. Kimika: Hmph, it's only natural that men are supposed to be kind to women... You're not a gentlemen at all, Shiroyama-kun. Kimika: Oh, and I have a few new toys. Would you like to try them out? I'm sure it'd be a thrill. Kimika held the tube with the divider in it up to eye level and waved it back and forth in front of him, challenging him to do something. Shiroyama: The fuck does that matter?! There's no way you're gonna hit me with that shit when I can see it coming! Female Student: Ah! Shiroyama flipped over a desk to intimidate Kimika, completely ignoring the person sitting at it. Kimika just smiled... Kimika: Quit your barking... If that's what you think, why don't you go ahead and hit me? What good does it do to flip a desk or two? Dumbass. Shiroyama: You little bitch! Megu: Whoa, Tsubasa, stop! Shiroyama: Don't get in my way. I'm gonna break her fucking jaw! Megu: All right! All right already! Shiroyama brushed Megu away and kicked another desk over. Shiroyama: You know the shit I went through yesterday because of her! Megu: I know, but please, just hold yourself back for now! He struggled with her, almost looking like he was about to hit her too, but she managed to hold him back. Megu: That test tube isn't the same as yesterday! Shiroyama: Shut up. That doesn't matter! Megu: It does! It might explode if it breaks! Megu: It'll be way worse than yesterday! It'll be way worse than a few holes in your shirt! Shiroyama: The fuck did you... When she told him that, the tension in his body slowly faded, though the look of malice never left his face. Megu: Look at her... She's not scared at all, even after all those threats. If she was bullshitting us, there's no way she would be so calm! Megu: I'm worried about you getting hurt, but more importantly, if there was an explosion here, the police would get called. Even I couldn't protect you if that happened. Do you understand? Shiroyama: ...Tch. If the police were called, it would be a blemish on our records as well, but it would be much worse for Shiroyama, since he's been arrested several times before. He hadn't given in, but he had no choice but to stand his ground and stare menacingly at Kimika once Megu let him go. Kimika: Hehehehehe... Kimika, one of the smallest people in the room, stood in the center of the tense classroom and giggled. Kimika: Dummy, dummy, ahahahaha... Shiroyama: Wha― Megu: Forget it! Homeroom is about to start, so you need to leave! Shiroyama: B-But that bitch... Megu: You can do whatever you want later. If you pull something here, you're gonna be the one who takes the fall. Shiroyama: ...Fucking hell. After she said all that... Remember this, you little shit: I'm going to kill you! He left without doing what he came for. It was a huge relief to see him him skulk off into the hallway, muttering complaints to himself. Kimika: ...Ahahahaha. Kimika's laughter echoed in the silent classroom. Everyone was afraid of the person who, until recently, had been the weakest person in the room. ...... ... Teacher: Martin Luther was a religious reformer who challenged the authority of the Catholic church... I was able to participate in class normally, since I had copied Kimika's textbook yesterday, but... Megu: ... Megu glared daggers at us throughout the entire class. Teacher: He wrote many hymnals, translated the New Testament from Latin to German, and accomplished many other things in his life... But Kimika didn't even seem to notice. She just paid attention to class, highlighting important parts in her textbook. "No matter what happens, don't let them get to you." "Even if it's just acting, you can't show them weakness." Kimika told me that over and over while we were on our way to school, but... I can't stay calm like her. She really is amazing. When morning classes ended, Megu and Satoko left the classroom. The other students started moving their desks together to eat with their friends. And of course... I probably don't even need to say it, but they all turned their backs toward us and ignored us as they ate. Kimika moved her desk over next to mine. Kimika: We survived morning classes, huh... Zakuro: Yeah, we did... Kimika: I was having so much fun showing off my toys, too. Tough crowd, though. Zakuro: Of course. They're all afraid of Akasaka-san and Shiroyama-kun. Kimika: So they ignored us? What cowards. They're not cowards... Not everyone can be as strong as you, Kimika. Not everyone has so many weapons to defend themselves from violence. Zakuro: Hey, do you want to eat somewhere else? I don't feel very comfortable here. Kimika: Yeah, that might be nice... Those bitches over there are staring at me. Satoko: The fuck did you say?! Kimika: What? Megu: Knock it off, Satoko... Zakuro: Kimika! Kimika: Oh, sorry, sorry... I guess I didn't need to say that, ahaha... Kimika: Let's go then? Kimika smiled agreeably and then moved her desk back to its original position with her skinny arms. Kimika: So where do you want to go eat? Zakuro: Somewhere no one else is. Somewhere wide open, not penned in... Kimika: The field? Zakuro: Ah, no... I was thinking about the rooftop. Kimika: Oh, the rooftop, huh? If you want, I'll follow you to the ends of the earth. Zakuro: What do you mean by that... Well, if that's fine with you, then let's go. I smiled at her and nodded. We went to the vending machine to buy some milk first, then headed to the rooftop. ...... Kimika: Whoa, it's hot! The Building A rooftop gets way hotter during the day than I thought. Kimika: Do you really want to eat up here, Zakuro? At this rate, they're going to find two dried out corpses on the roof tomorrow. Zakuro: Yeah, that's why no one else comes here. Kimika: So you knew it would be like this. Zakuro: It'll be okay... Let's go. Kimika: Go where? Kimika: Oh, wow... This rooftop is a lot cooler. Zakuro: The angle of the sun and the way the wind blows through make this spot a lot cooler. Mamiya: ...You again? Zakuro: Ahaha... Excuse me. Mamiya-kun frowned when he saw me, and then he shook his head back and forth like he was denying something. Kimika: So why are you here? Mamiya: That's my line... Why are you two here? Zakuro: U-Um... sorry, but would you mind if we stayed here for a little while too? Mamiya: Hmm, then what about her? Her attitude doesn't make me want to do her any favors. Kimika: Zakuro and I will be eating here... You need to get out. Mamiya: Why do I need to leave? I was here first. Kimika: Would you rather I forcibly removed you? I still haven't gotten you back for last time... Mamiya: So you have more toys hidden away, huh? Kimika: Yeah, I figured I'd beat you with a police baton or pepper spray, so... Zakuro: K-Kimika! U-Um, Mamiya-kun, I'm so sorry! Kimika: Why are you apologizing, Zakuro?! Zakuro: Uh, well... common sense says that we're the ones who should be apologizing right now... Kimika: He's deceiving you! Mamiya: Haa... It's not like anyone owns this spot.. * If you want to hang out, then go ahead. If you want to pick a fight with me, then I'll play along with that too."* Kimika: Hehehe... I'll take you up on that offer. Zakuro: Kimika! Kimika: Ugh! Zakuro: Apologize! Kimika: Eh? B-But, uh... Zakuro: No! You're the one at fault here! Apologize! Kimika: B-But... I-I didn't... Zakuro: Mamiya-kun, I'm so sorry... Come on, Kimika. Kimika: Why do I have to do that? I-I was doing it for your sake... Zakuro: Come on! Kimika looked like she was about to cry... And she looked so strong when she was arguing with Megu and Satoko just a moment ago, too... Kimika: Do you like him that much?! Zakuro: Eh? Kimika: You're gonna choose him over me?! Zakuro: U-Um... Kimika. Kimika: Waaah! I'm trying so hard, too! Mamiya: I can't handle this. So loud... Kimika: Shut up! Quit acting all high and mighty! This is a duel! Duel me! Mamiya: If you really want to fight, go ahead and try to hit me... I'm not going to lose to an amateur like you. Kimika: Wh-Wh-What did you say? * You cocky little brat!"* Zakuro: W-Wait, what are you doing with that?! That's the one you said would explode! Kimika: Don't stop me, Zakuro! I'm going to kill him! Mamiya: Haa... You know.. * your boobs might grow if you learn to act like a lady."* Kimika: Th-Th-The fuck did you just say?! Mamiya: I said, if you learn to act like a nice girl like Takashima over there, your boobs will probably grow too. Mamiya: Girls hormones can get messed up when they cuss all the time. That's why you don't have any boobs... Kimika: That's just superstition! You think you're all smart and shit. Go find me the book where you read that crap! Show me your data! Where's your bibliography?! Zakuro: U-Um... Kimika, calm down. Kimika: But, but, Zakuro! Zakuro: Haa... Kimika: Eh? I gently embraced Kimika. When she gets worked up like this... She looks like a little puppy. So I wondered if she would calm down if I hugged her, just like I do with puppies... Kimika: U-Um, Z-Zakuro... Zakuro: It's all right... No one ever said that he's more important than you are. Kimika: So then, does that mean you like me more? Zakuro: N-No... That's not the problem here... Mamiya: What's wrong with you two... Are you practicing some comedy routine? Are you two gonna become stand up comedians after graduation? Kimika: You're the stupid one here, not me * I'm gonna go to a first rate university! Then I'll be a mad scientist when I grow up! And if that doesn't work out, a NEET!"* Mamiya: ...Your dreams are retarded. Kimika: What? * Don't make fun of mad scientists!"* Mamiya: Why would you want to be a NEET?! Kimika: What?! Don't make fun of NEETs! Zakuro: Come on, Kimika... Let's eat already. Lunchtime is going to end if we keep this up. Kimika: Oh! You're right... Kimika: Tch.. * Fine. Mamiya Takuji, I don't want to waste Zakuro's precious time, so I'll postpone your execution."* Mamiya: Oh, really... Glad to hear it. Kimika immediately sat down and got her lunchbox out of her bag. I sat down next to her and looked over at Mamiya-kun. He didn't complain or glare, but just ignored us instead. Kimika: Hey, trade me your fried eggs for my hamburger like we did yesterday. Zakuro: Sure. Your hamburgers are really good. Mamiya: Hehehe... Mamiya-kun suddenly laughed when we opened our lunchboxes and started trading food back and forth. Kimika: What do you want? I hope you don't expect me to give you any. Mamiya: I don't want any... Hehehe. Kimika: What's so funny?! Mamiya: Nothing... I just didn't see you as the motherly type. I was laughing because you made such cute little shapes with it. Kimika: What's funny about that?! Dumbass! Zakuro: Kimika, come on... Zakuro: You shouldn't say that either, Mamiya-kun. Kimika is pretty good at cooking. Mamiya: Oh, so you're really gonna eat it? It probably has a bomb in it. Kimika: I'd be happy to put a bomb in yours... Zakuro: Kimika! Zakuro: Um, have you had lunch yet? You could have some of mine. Mamiya: No, I― Kimika: No way * Didn't your parents ever tell you not to feed wild animals?!"* Zakuro: Kimika, I just told you... You shouldn't say things like that. Mamiya-kun ignored her completely as he fished through his pocket. Mamiya: ...Oh. Then he looked disappointed. Mamiya: Tch... They're all gone. I was the one who bought those, too... It must have been Yuki. Zakuro: What were you looking for? He looked even more restless than before. Mamiya: I'm out of cigarettes. Zakuro: Cigarettes?! Y-Y-You can't do that! That's not good for you! Mamiya: Oh, really... Well, good. Zakuro: That's not good at all. Kimika: What? You want some cigarettes * Here."* As she finished chewing her food, she pulled her bag closer and grabbed a small white box. Zakuro: Eh... Eeh?! I jumped when I saw her pull cigarettes out of the last place I would've expected them. Zakuro: Why do you have those? Wait, Kimika, you don't smoke, do you? Kimika: Don't worry about it.. * So, do you want them?"* She dodged my question and held out the box to Mamiya-kun. The cigarettes all had feminine designs printed on them. Mamiya: I don't like that minty crap. Kimika: So you don't want them? Mamiya: I didn't say that... Kimika: Oh, so you do want them? Then I'll give them to you... Here. He took one cigarette from the box, put it in his mouth, and lit it with an austere metal lighter. Flick. Mamiya: Haa... His face softened as he exhaled the white smoke. Kimika: What a dumbass... You know that stuff's not good for you... Mamiya: ...You're the one who had them in the first place. Kimika: I don't smoke them... They're poison. Zakuro: Then why did you have them? Kimika: The nicotine in tobacco leaves is useful for a lot of things. Zakuro: Oh... What would you do with that? Kimika: You could put it on a desk or a doorknob... It's possible to make almost anyone confused and light headed with it. Zakuro: B-By lots of things, you just meant making people confused? Bang, flash, boom! Mamiya: Hmm?! Zakuro: Ah! The burning tobacco suddenly flared up and started exploding like a firework. Mamiya: Agh―!! Kimika: Ahahahaha. Mamiya: Owch―?! Zakuro: Wh-What's happening?! Mamiya: Pthoo! Ow, ow, ow! What the hell is this?! Even Mamiya-kun couldn't stay cool after that. It looked like he kept it in his mouth and endured the heat for a moment because he didn't want to spit it out. Kimika: Gotcha! Mamiya: I-Is this a prank? Kimika: I pulled the tobacco out of that cigarette and put nitrocellulose in the second half Kimika: And I used magnesium powder so it would flash brighter. Mamiya: I see... So the menthol was there to disguise the smell of the explosives. Now that's something... He wore an expression of utter resignation as he crushed the box of cigarettes. Zakuro: Are you okay? You're not burnt, are you? Mamiya: Well, I should've seen it coming... Mamiya: So why would you make something like this? Kimika: For you, of course... What would it accomplish if I gave these to Shiroyama? Mamiya: So what were you trying to accomplish with this? Kimika: I was trying to get revenge! Mamiya: Revenge for what? Kimika: What? * 'Revenge for what?'* * The fuck is wrong with you?! How can you say that after what you did yesterday?!"* Mamiya: What I did yesterday? What are you talking about? Kimika: Anyway, give me back my Extreme Ratio BF2 Tactical Tanto, right now! Mamiya: No way. Kimika: Why not?! Mamiya: I told you, those were my reparations. You're the one who attacked me with a knife, after all. Kimika: Then give me back my Colt Government M1911A1! Mamiya: That's part of the reparations too. Kimika: Huh * What kind of dumbass would want a Tanto and a M1911 for reparations?!"* Mamiya: The dumbass standing in front of you. Kimika: Why, you! * That's your friggin' answer?!"* Her entire body shook with anger. She took one step forward and locked eyes with Mamiya-kun. Mamiya: Well, this knife is pretty well built for a folding knife. The blade is thick and just long enough. It feels nice just holding it... Mamiya-kun pulled the knife out. Kimika: Of course! It's the one I picked out! Mamiya: What's the blade made of? Kimika: N690 Cobalt Stainless Steel. Mamiya: Oh, it's not even ATS-34? Kimika: Shut up you nouveau rich bastard! Only trust fund babies have knives like that! Mamiya: But those knives are higher quality. Kimika: They're not better! Function over form! Zakuro: ...What? Huh? What? What are they talking about? I felt really lonely, like I had been excluded from something. Mamiya: You modified that Colt with a backless rear sight, an extended thumb safety, and a straight grip stock, didn't you? Kimika: That's right. I put a lot of money into that! The grip safety is a beavertail, too! Mamiya: Hmm, I see... Those certainly are very practical modifications.. * Not bad."* Kimika: I'm not giving it to yo * just because you gave me a compliment or two!"* Kimika: I've been shooting for a long time. I love my Colt. Kimika: If I'm gonna use a gun, then it has to have a magazine and a thin frame like the M1911. She got really happy for a second when he complimented her gun, but then her face turned sour and she started yelling at him again. Kimika: Anyway, please give it back already! I put so much of my allowance into that! Mamiya: Sucks to be you, huh? I'll be sure to take good care of it for you. Kimika: Stop fucking with me * I can't sleep at night unless I have a gun and a knife under my pillow!"* Mamiya: Oh, really... Why don't you try some Vick's VapoRub instead? Kimika: I'm not a baby! Why would I need something like that to help me sleep?! Zakuro: N-Now, now... Let's calm down, Kimika. We must have gotten on his nerves. He got up and started to walk away. And I thought all three of us would be able to eat together for once. What a shame. Kimika: What? Are you running away? Mamiya: Yeah, I guess so. Kimika: And you're gonna admit it? Where are your balls?! Mamiya: Haa... You know * you really should try being a little more ladylike... You're never going to find a husband at this rate."* Kimika: What do I need a husband for?! Mamiya: Well, at this rate, you'll definitely grow old without ever finding a husband. Kimika: What? * Just how low are you gonna stoop?!"* Mamiya: Well, if that's what you want... Mamiya-kun kicked the box of cigarettes and slowly walked toward the stairs. Hasaki: H-Hello. Mamiya: Ah! Zakuro: Oh, Hasaki-chan. Hasaki: H-Hello... Hasaki-chan looked at me and bowed politely. Then she stood in front of Mamiya-kun and blocked his path. Hasaki: So you really were up here, Tomo Nii-san... Mamiya: Haa... Who are you calling Tomo Nii-san? Hasaki: Ah... Nii-san... For some reason she looked at us and then changed the way she addressed him... But now that I think of it, why would she call Mamiya Takuji-kun, "Tomo Nii-san"? Hasaki: Here, I packed lunch for you. Mamiya: ... She thrust the wrapped package at him before he could say no. Mamiya: I don't want to eat right now. Take it back home. Hasaki: Why? Mamiya: I-I'm on a diet... Hasaki: That must be it... It's because there are people around, right? Mamiya: Wh-What is? Hasaki: Nii-san, you always try to look cool, so you don't want them to see you eating your little sister's packed lunch. Mamiya: Wha― Kimika: Heh, is she right? Mamiya: As if! Hasaki: Then why? You haven't eaten yet. Mamiya: No, I ate earlier. Zakuro: He hasn't eaten yet. Mamiya: Wh-Why you, Takashima! Hasaki: I thought so... Hasaki: All right... Please, just eat it so it doesn't go to waste. Mamiya: ... Kimika: Are you gonna let a little girl talk to you like that? Mamiya: Shut up! Kimika: Wow... Did you make all of this, Hasaki-chan? Hasaki: Yes... I don't know if it tastes that good, though... The lunchbox Hasaki-chan had brought was so large and garish that we were both surprised. Our lunchboxes looked pathetic by comparison. Hasaki: If you two would like some... Mamiya: Don't feed the wild animals. Kimika: What?! Mamiya: It's the same thing you said earlier... Zakuro: Uh... Then I can't have any either? Hasaki: You don't need his permission... He didn't want it anyway. Mamiya: B-But that was... Hasaki: Okay, okay... Everyone, please go ahead and eat. Kimika: How can two siblings be so different * Why does this piece of trash have such a wonderful little sister?"* We all sat under the blue sky and shared a noisy meal together. Kimika and I had to wipe the smiles off our faces and put on stoic expressions when we walked back into the classroom. Male Student: ...... Female Student: ... It was practically expected at this point. The moment we walked into the room all conversation stopped and everyone looked uneasy. Megu: ... Satoko: ... I took a deep breath and walked to my seat. I checked the chair and the desk before sitting down, just like Kimika told me to. Nothing wrong with them... I was worried they would do something, but they didn't try anything during class. Though they glared at us all throughout the class... Kimika yawned out of boredom... Though that must be a bluff... But then... Kimika: Hmm, mmm... Zakuro: Huh?! She's really sleeping! Soon, afternoon classes ended too. Kimika: Now then... Let's go home, shall we? Zakuro: Yeah... Zakuro: Um... Kimika: Yeah, I know, I know... If they were going to come after us today, it would be after school... The walk home is the most dangerous part of the day. There are lots of places they could wait to ambush us... and if we waited around after school, it would just get darker and more dangerous. Kimika: Well, I doubt anything will happen before we leave school, at least. Zakuro: Y-Yeah, probably... They had already had plenty of chances to attack us if they wanted to do it here at school. If they were going to do something, it would happen after we left the school gates. Kimika: Which means... once we leave, you can't let your guard down even for an instant. Zakuro: O-Of course... Kimika: All right then... Let's go home. Carefully. Splat. Kimika: ...Or not... Zakuro: I guess we were wrong... As soon as we stepped outside, we heard a strange whizzing sound for a moment, and then a second later we were covered in broken eggs. Kimika: We let our guard down, huh... Zakuro: These are rotten eggs, aren't they? They must have been waiting for us to come out. Kimika: Well, an egg or two is better than a brick or a flower vase. We looked up at the roof, but we couldn't see anyone up there. Kimika: Damn it... This is the oldest trick in the book... These white uniforms are pretty expensive, so that was actually really bad... Zakuro: Anyway, let's go wash our hair and faces, then we can go change in the locker room. We can't go home like this. Kimika: Do you have a change of clothes? Zakuro: Well, my P.E. clothes... Everyone watched us as we walked over to the water supply and washed our hair and faces with soap. We went to the locker room right away when we were done. Zakuro: What?! My locker door is broken? My locker had been bent into a strange rectangular shape. Kimika: We should've been more careful... There was plenty of time for them to do this, since they didn't want to do anything to us directly after what happened this morning. Zakuro: Yeah... but I never expected them to drop eggs on us. Kimika: I should've seen this coming... This isn't just my problem anymore. Kimika: I decided I was going to protect you, so I can't mess up like this. If something happened to you, just saying sorry wouldn't fix it. Zakuro: B-But I should be able to help you too... Kimika: You dummy. You were the one who saved me... Zakuro: Kimika... Kimika: I was the one who was always bullied by everyone in the class, and you were the one who saved me. I still haven't repaid my debt to you... Kimika: So I'll protect you, no matter what happens. Zakuro: Kimika... Her locker was fine, maybe because it was locked. My locker, on the other hand, was almost comically warped, since I didn't expect them to attack us like this and never locked it. The only thing left in my locker was a swimsuit. I don't know if that was an act of kindness or yet another form of bullying. Did they want to laugh at me walking home in a swimsuit? Zakuro: Just a school swimsuit... Kimika: You have a pretty nice figure. Why don't you just wear that home? Zakuro: Why would I do that?! Kimika: I'm joking... I guess we'll have to wait until our uniforms dry. That's probably what they wanted, though... Zakuro: What they wanted? Kimika: At night, they can do whatever they want without getting caught... That's probably why. Zakuro: Then we should go home right now... Kimika: The curtain of night doesn't play favorites. They're not the only ones who can move more freely at night. Zakuro: ...Really? Kimika: Yeah, so let's wait until our uniforms dry... Besides, there's something we can do while we're waiting. Zakuro: While we're waiting? Kimika: Yeah... My locker's awfully tough, isn't it? When she opened up her locker... There was something almost the same size inside it. Zakuro: Wh-What's this? Why do you have a safe in your locker? Kimika: The locker is made of thin steel, so I put a sturdy safe inside it... Kimika: And inside of that... She pulled out a lot of different chemicals. Where does she keep her P.E. clothes? I was kind of curious about that, but... ...... ... Zakuro: It's definitely nighttime now... Kimika: But we're dry at least. Zakuro: Haa... That's right. The sun set as we hid and waited for our uniforms to dry. Kimika: Ah! Zakuro: Eh? Kimika: Haa... I was waiting for you. You must have a lot of free time. "Nah... It's totally dark outside." "What are you doing? You shouldn't be in the school this late at night... It's pitch black outside..." "We're all afraid of the dark... It's dangerous, you know?" Kimika: Hmm, that's a bit odd... Well, I was ready for this anyway... or rather... Zakuro: Huh? Kimika...? I was confused by her actions. She put her hand up her skirt and started feeling around for something on her waist. Nishimura: What? Are you going to strip naked and beg for forgiveness? Kimika: You're so naive... Nishimura: Agh, ow, fuck, ow! Kimika: It hurts, huh... Kimika: A real whip can flay the skin off your back. The whip in her hand was clearly different from the kind used to give orders to animals or the kind used in acrobatics. It was designed to be used as a weapon. She wrapped it around her waist like a belt and hid it under her clothes... Kimika: I can take you all on at once with this. Iida: Th-This could be bad... Iinuma: I heard that a real whip can cut a beer can in half. Nishimura: It hurts... It fucking hurts. Iida: Jeez, I don't doubt it... This really hurts... Kimika: Yeah, it sure looks painful! The sound of the whip cutting through the air gave Kimika courage and made the men back off warily. Shiroyama: Sure, that's scary, but either way, it's just a couple girls. Shiroyama: This should be fun. Let's see how long she can tangle with us! Kimika: ...Why, you! As Shiroyama moved forward unflinchingly... Kimika knocked him to the ground with the whip. Shiroyama: Agh! His clothes were ripped and bloody... Shiroyama: I-It's not that bad... Hey, guys! If we all go at the same time, we can get her easy! Iida: Whoa... No way, man. You're covered in blood. Nishimura: God damn it... Now you've done it, you bitch. I'll rape you, I swear! Iida: That's all you think about, isn't it... Iinuma: She only has a whip. If we all go at once, she can't stop us. We might get hurt, but it's not like we're gonna die from it. Kimika: Hah! Iinuma: Agh! Kimika: Zakuro! Run! Zakuro: Y-Yeah! The sound of the whip was the signal for me to run... and then she followed right after me. Shiroyama: You can't run for long! ...... ... Zakuro: Haa, haa― Kimika: Keep going! Get outside the school gates! Zakuro: Okay! ―Haa, haa― Kimika: Women don't like stubborn men, you know?! As I ran through the gate, I heard the sound of Kimika's whip behind me. We desperately ran. She turned around once in a while to ward off our pursuers. Kimika: Haa― haa, haa― But Kimika doesn't have much stamina. She couldn't keep this up for much longer. Zakuro: Haa, haa, haa―! I grabbed her hand and pulled her along as we ran through the night streets. There was hardly anyone around in the residential district. Kimika: Haa, haa― They're still coming― I heard the whip cutting through the air several more times, but the situation didn't improve at all. What should we do? Where should we go? Kimika: Haa, haa― Are there more people than before? Zakuro: Why are they chasing us too... Haa, haa! Kimika: It must be... haa, haa, ha, some guys Akasaka got together... The situation just got worse. Kimika: Haa, haa― Ah?! Zakuro: Ah, Kimika! As she was nearing the limit of her stamina, she tripped and fell. I went down with her, rolling several times before we regained our bearings. Shiroyama: Haa, haa... We finally caught you, and at such a convenient place, too. Kimika: Haa, haa... I wonder about that. No one will hear us here, you know? Shiroyama: That's right... No matter how much you scream, no one will hear you. I finally saw all the people who had been chasing us. As I looked at their sheer numbers and the weapons they were holding, the blood drained from my face. Shiroyama stood there, trying to catch his breath, with a wooden sword in his hand. The other men had large knives, metal bats, and even steel pipes with the ends cut off. Any of them could easily kill a person... Kimika: Haa... I guess you won't be satisfied till you see some blood, huh? Zakuro: Ah, Kimika! Kimika, her breath still ragged from running, stood in front of me to protect me. She stared down the laughing men that were eyeing us... Even though she was hardly able to stand. She took several test tubes out of her bag. Kimika: Well then... I didn't think I'd actually get to use this... Shiroyama: Hehehe... Are you sure you should be holding that up like that? Kimika: What? Zakuro: K-Kimika... When I looked closer, I noticed that several of the men were pointing airguns at Kimika. Shiroyama: Which will happen first... You throwing it, or the airguns blowing it up in your hand? Kimika: ... Shiroyama: I don't know how powerful that is, but either way, you probably won't be the only one hit by the blast. Shiroyama: The broken glass might even hit Takashima over there... Kimika: ... Kimika: Zakuro! Run away from here! Zakuro: Eh? Kimika: If any of you move, I'll throw it, but if you let Zakuro go... Shiroyama: If we do? Kimika: You can do whatever you want with me... Shiroyama: Hahahaha! That's your plan?! You must be great friends, huh... Kimika: How about it? If you don't promise to leave Zakuro alone, I'll throw it... If this hits you, you'll be in a wheelchair! Shiroyama: Oh, scary, scary... All right then. So you're prepared to do anything for her, huh... Kimika: Well? Shiroyama: All right... We won't touch Takashima. Zakuro: Kimika! Kimika: Haa... You heard him * Now run, Zakuro."* Zakuro: There's no way I could do that! Kimika: Zakuro... Don't do this.. * Ah!"* Zakuro: Kimika! Shiroyama: Hehehe... How careless of you... Several men jumped out of the bushes and pinned her down. Shiroyama: Dumbass... As if we would do that. We're the ones giving the orders here. Kimika: Ugh... Shiroyama: Now then... How about the two of you have a little fun with every single person here? Kimika: Ah! Shiroyama: You're cute when your mouth is shut. If only you'd been a good little girl and become my toy like I wanted... Too bad, huh? Kimika: Ah... Agh... Shiroyama gave a crude smile as he pulled Kimika by the hair and held her down. He brought his face so close to hers that their lips were almost touching. Shiroyama: This is what you get for fucking making. me * RUN!"* Shiroyama threw her to the ground and pushed her down into the dirt with his foot. Zakuro: Let her up! Pound, pound. I lost control of myself, punching Shiroyama in the chest several times. Shiroyama: Huh? What's she doing? Zakuro: Stop it! You can't do such horrible things! Pound, pound. Zakuro: Ough... You little... You little... Shiroyama: Is she trying to hurt me? Huh? I can't even call this a massage. Zakuro: Grrr! Shiroyama: Hey Numada, I have the right to defend myself now, don't I? Iida: Of course. She just punched you. Shiroyama: Guess I'll have to.. * do this!"* Zakuro: Ugh! Shiroyama smirked and then punched me in the stomach. My vision instantly went black and I lost my sense of balance. Zakuro: ... I couldn't breathe. My entire body was numb. I couldn't move. It was like the entire world had been shifted 45 degrees― Kimika: Ugh... Dummy... Kimika was on the ground a few feet away, looking at me and crying. Kimika and I were looking at each other at the same angle... I must have fallen to the ground. Megu: Haa... What a pain in the ass... Satoko: Jeez... Why couldn't you just give up? The hateful, disgusting, unforgettable voices of our tormentors entered our ears. They must have been giggling as they waited somewhere safe and watched us fighting for our lives. They looked at us and grinned. They looked down at us with glee, as if we were idiots for even trying to resist. But... Megu: Hahaha! How fucking pathetic! Zakuro: ... Satoko: Oh, it looks like she can still stand. I mustered all my strength to pull myself off the ground and stand on my own two feet. My head was spinning, my stomach was convulsing, and I couldn't see straight. Megu: It's too late to apologize now. Zakuro: Akasaka... Megu. Megu: The fuck do you want?! What do you want now, bitch?! As if I was possessed by all the loathing and anger that had built up within me― I forgot about the pain in my wrists long enough to lash out at Megu, but sadly she avoided my blows. Zakuro: Don't run away, you bitch! Megu: Huh? * What, has she lost her fucking marbles?"* Megu's voice and expression changed. She was honestly shocked. She had me labeled as a simple, docile sheep who could never fight back. She never expected me to act like this. That made me want to rip her face off even more― Satoko: Take this! Zakuro: Ah! I was hit in the stomach even harder than before. I collapsed like a marionette whose strings had been cut. Satoko: What? She's so weak... Zakuro: Ack! Satoko: What? Hey * Fight some more!* * Come on!* * Come on!* " Unlike Shiroyama, Satoko didn't pull her punches. Maybe people of the same sex really can be crueler to you than those of the opposite sex... Satoko pulled me back up and kept punching me. Megu: Ahahaha... This is a pretty good show. "Yeah, I love a good show..." Megu: Wha―?! "You're right... This show is great." A voice in the dark suddenly agreed with her, followed by the sound of approaching footsteps. Mamiya: This is really amazing... There are so many people, too. This is really something. Kimika: M-Mamiya... Takuji... Mamiya: By the way, could I ask who gave you permission to touch my women? Well? Kimika: Wha―?! Zakuro: Eh? Iida: Huh? These women are your property? The men who seemed so threatening a moment ago all changed their tone and looked nervously at Mamiya-kun, as if they didn't want to upset him. Mamiya: Yeah, both of them are my toys. Iida: Oh, no, I didn't say anything... Numada looked anxious and uncomfortable when Mamiya-kun looked at him. He scratched his head, laughed, and looked down. Megu: How did you know to come here?! When she saw Numada back down, she raised her voice and asked Mamiya-kun that question. Mamiya: Well... I just knew, I guess. Mamiya: They're my toys, after all. It's only natural to search for something when it goes missing. Am I wrong? Megu: Tch, you nasty fucker. Mamiya: I'd say the same about you... Megu glared daggers at him, but Mamiya-kun didn't flinch. Megu is so prideful that she hates people like Mamiya-kun. Mamiya: Anyway, would you refrain from touching my property in the future? Megu: What? Mamiya: I'm saying... I want you all to go away. You're not welcome here. Other School Student: Is this the Mamiya Takuji I heard about? Iinuma: Yeah... That's right. He kicked our asses when we went after him with like twenty people. Other School Student: Is he that strong? He doesn't look it... Iinuma: It's ridiculous... He's not normal. Kimika: You dumbass, Mamiya! Quit acting tough. This is serious! Mamiya: ...Huh? Kimika: And when the hell did I become your toy? Is this some comedy routine? Is this some stand-up routine you came up with? Mamiya: What are you talking about... You're nothing more than a toy. Kimika: Wh-Wh-Wh-What? * I'll fucking kill you!"* Zakuro: Ah... Uh... Ahh... Shiroyama: M-Mamiya! Mamiya: Oh, it's been a long time... since I've heard you call me that. Iida: Come on, Shiroyama, haven't you learned your lesson? How many times does he have to kick your ass before you learn? Megu: Wh-What are you so afraid of, Tsubasa?! He's unarmed, and he's just one guy! Look at how many people you have... A ton of people came today, look. Satoko: Th-That's right! Why are you afraid of him? Shiroyama: Th-That's right... Fuck you, Mamiya! You can't act tough when you don't even have a weapon! Mamiya: A weapon? Shiroyama: Yeah, that's right... There are fifteen of us here, and we have weapons! Nishimura: Uh... Wait, what? I only see eleven. Iida: Oh, you're right... There are only eleven. They started to panic when they realized they were missing four people. Mamiya: You know, I happened to... take care of a few people on my way. And there were a few others that ran when they saw me, you know? Shiroyama: Shut the fuck up! It doesn't matter. There are still plenty of us, and we have weapons. You don't stand a chance. Mamiya: Oh, weapons... Something like this? Mamiya-kun casually pulled a knife out of his pocket and flipped the blade out. Kimika: That's my Extreme Tanto! Mamiya: Knives are very important items for disgusting nerds like me... You know that, Shiroyama-kun... Shiroyama: Tch... Iida: Whoa, this is bad... We can't fight Mamiya-kun. We can't. Mamiya: Haa... Oh look, it's just Shiroyama-kun. No one else wants to fight. That's just boring. Mamiya: Then how about this? Zakuro: Wha― Why?! Mamiya-kun threw his only weapon into the darkness behind him. Shiroyama: You trying to mock me, you little shit?! Unsurprisingly, Shiroyama's eyes lit up with anger, like Mamiya-kun had poured oil on the fire. Kimika: Mamiya... That's just reckless! Just like Kimika, I had no idea what he was thinking. Nishimura: Heh, this might actually work out. Megu: Then go fuck him up already! It should be easy to take this guy out! Satoko: Yeah, he doesn't look strong at all. Iida: No... You two can only say that because you've never seen him fight. He threw his knife away because he's confident. Iinuma: No, if we don't get him now, we're just gonna keep getting knocked around by him for the rest of our lives! Iida: I guess so, but... Hmm. Mamiya: You shouldn't be having a strategic meeting right in front of your enemy. Make up your mind. Are you gonna do it or not... Megu: You look pathetic. Show us that you have some balls! He's fucking mocking you. Megu: Come on, Tsubasa. Don't take that shit from him! Shiroyama: Y-Yeah! Mamiya, you little fucker! Mamiya: Hurry up... I only have today left. Starting tomorrow, it looks like someone a bit more peaceful is gonna take the role of Mamiya Takuji. Today? Role? Peaceful? What's he muttering to himself about? Mamiya: Come on, if you want to get revenge on me for all the pain I've inflicted on you, now's your last chance. Shiroyama: Yeah, let's do it! We'll beat you to a fucking pulp! Mamiya: Then quit acting tough... and come at me― Shiroyama: Take thiiis! Shiroyama swung the wooden sword at Mamiya-kun before he even finished his sentence. Zakuro: Mamiya-kun! Kimika: Ah! Mamiya: Haa... Shiroyama: Agh! The downward slash of the sword carried through and struck the ground. It was a powerful attack, but it also left him open for a long time after he missed. Mamiya-kun moved his upper body just enough to dodge the attack, putting him in arm's reach of his opponent. Shiroyama: Agh! Mamiya: You need a bit more practice with that. Only an amateur would put his whole body into a single swing. Kimika: No way... Zakuro: W-Wow... Mamiya: One must fight to live... It wouldn't hurt you to remember that. He thrusted his finger into Shiroyama's throat... Shiroyama collapsed on the spot. Shiroyama: Agh, aahgh... Ah... Gguah, aaogh... Mamiya: This is a real fight, so I won't aim for any point that won't end the fight instantly. Iida: Look... There's no way we can beat him. Nishimura: Damn it! We have to attack him all at once! Iida: I'm out... Mamiya-kun, I wasn't planning on fighting you in the first place. Mamiya: Yeah, no problem... So then what about you, Iinuma? Yokoyama? Mamiya-kun looked a little disappointed―though still as intimidating as the Devil―as he asked that question. Nishimura: W-Wait, Iinuma! Kiyoshi! You guys are men, aren't you?! Iinuma: Huh? W-Well, yeah, but... Nishimura: It'll work if we all go at once... Even Mamiya can't stop us all. Mamiya: That's right, you should all attack me at once... What's there to be afraid of when you have all those weapons? Look, I'm totally unarmed. Nishimura: Since you asked so nicely, I'll go ahead and smash your face in! The frightened men regained their composure. When they signaled each other to attack― Lowlifes: Aagh! Zakuro: That's Kimika's...? Just before he was attacked, he pulled a flashlight from behind him and shined it in their eyes. Mamiya: You really believed I was unarmed? You shouldn't believe everything your opponent tells you. Nishimura: Shit, I can't see... Aaagh! I heard a loud crack, and then Nishimura, who was standing closest to Mamiya-kun, fell to the ground, howling in pain. Zakuro: Eh? Just like that? Mamiya-kun only twisted Nishimura's hands lightly, and yet Nishimura went flying through the air. And it wasn't just Nishimura. One by one, the blinded men were taken out. An unpleasant sound rang through the air every time one of them fell to the ground. Iida: This always happens... Does he study martial arts or what? Mamiya: Yeah... Something like that. I was shocked to hear his voice so calm as he cut through his enemies, knocking them to the ground one by one. Mamiya: Looks like the rest of you have your vision back... Iinuma: Huh?! Iinuma couldn't stop himself from yelling in despair. Mamiya-kun had pulled a sword from somewhere to fight the rest of his opponents. He took a flawless defensive stance as he stood in front of them. Iinuma: W-Wait a second... Is that real? That's not funny... Mamiya: Don't worry. It's real, but the blade is too dull to cut anything. Iinuma: Agh! Mamiya: Look, that didn't hurt at all, did it? Mamiya-kun slashed diagonally down onto the terrified Iinuma, knocking him to the ground in an instant. Even if it doesn't have a blade, hitting someone with forged steel that hard could seriously hurt. Iinuma's skull might have broken... Mamiya: Don't hold back now. Come get your fill, all of you... Mamiya-kun snickered and waved them closer. The men with weapons charged at him, one after another. ......... I couldn't bear to look at it. I silently looked away. ...... I could still hear the merciless sound of human bodies being broken... ... Mamiya: Hmm? It's over already? All bark and no bite, huh? The music of violence came to a stop. When I heard Mamiya-kun's dissatisfaction, I finally turned back toward him. Zakuro: Ah! Zakuro: Th-This... Mamiya: I gave Shiroyama my special treatment, but I went easy on all the others. Zakuro: But... they're all covered in blood... Mamiya: I guess so. Still, if I didn't do that... Mamiya-kun smirked. His smile sent shivers down my spine. Megu: No... No, no... No way... Mamiya: Now you two are the only ones left. Mamiya-kun strode over to the two women who were quivering in fear. His expression hadn't changed the entire time. The scariest thing of all was that he could do something like this without even cracking his veneer of elegance. Mamiya: Now what should I do with these two... He calmly put away his gleaming sword, took one look at the pale faces of Megu and Satoko, and then asked us what he should do with them. Mamiya: I could give them the same treatment as Shiroyama, or I could stuff their noses and mouths full of sticks and beat them to a pulp... Mamiya: Or maybe stuff sticks in their ears and punch them... Just remember, whichever way you fall, that's the eardrum that will be ruptured. Megu: Wha―?! Mamiya: I've never had a chance to do it, but I've always wanted to try playing that game with someone. Zakuro: ...... ...What's going on? He was calm before, but I could see his expression changing now. It made me feel like he was criticizing himself internally, calling himself useless, even as he fought and crushed all his enemies. Just looking at him... felt agonizing. I could hardly breathe. Zakuro: No, that's enough. Mamiya: ...Takashima. Zakuro: That's enough... You don't need to hurt anyone else. Mamiya: There's... no need? Mamiya: Then I have a question... Is there ever a good reason for a person to hurt another person? Zakuro: Huh? Mamiya: You've been bullied for years. You know it better than anyone... And you, Tachibana. Kimika: ...Mamiya. Mamiya: Haa... I lost my cool there, huh? Mamiya: Well, whatever. If you're satisfied, then that's good enough. Oh, and― Mamiya-kun turned around like he remembered something. Something small danced across the ground and landed near Kimika's hand. Kimika: My Extreme Tanto... That was definitely the same folding knife he stole from Kimika. But it was open when he threw it away. He must have closed it with his hand as he threw it, since it was shut now. Mamiya: It has our fingerprints on it, so we don't want to leave it laying around. Kimika: Oh, yeah. Kimika slowly reached out and grabbed it, then she put it in her pocket without a second glance. Mamiya: See ya. He had already turned away from us and started walking when he said his goodbye. Zakuro: ... Kimika: ... I should have said something back to him, but... I hesitated to say farewell. I just silently watched as his form disappeared into the darkness. Megu: Ah... Ah... Satoko: Ah... Ahhh... Megu and Satoko had fallen to the ground. They looked at the two of us, trying and failing to convince their mouths to form words. They were unharmed themselves, but they were terrified after they watched all the men fighting for them crumple like dolls. Zakuro: Kimika, can you stand? Kimika: I'm okay... Zakuro: All right. Let's go home together. She looked unsteady on her feet, so I moved closer and wrapped her arm around my shoulders. Kimika: Ooh... I was so powerless... Zakuro: What are you talking about? Kimika: In the end, I couldn't protect you... I couldn't do anything... Zakuro: That's not true... That's not true at all... I tried to soothe her as she looked away and cried. I had to stop myself from embracing her right there. I would probably just hurt her if I hugged her now, since she was injured, and I didn't want to hurt her pride either. Until now, I've always felt like my life was a living hell, as if I was about to be crushed by my perpetual fear. But now, that's all changed. I've made a wonderful friend. ......... ...... ...
Zakuro: I'm... human... I'm... human... Zakuro: I'm sorry... I'm sorry, God... Zakuro: I know I'm an eyesore... I'll try not to draw attention to myself, so... Zakuro: I know I'm an eyesore... I'll try not to draw attention to myself, so... Megu: What's with her? Is she acting like she's broken? Satoko: Whoa... I think she really is. Zakuro: Ah... I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I won't do anything... Satoko: But... couldn't this get us in trouble? Megu: How? Satoko: Just look at her... This could be bad. Megu: Like I said, what's the problem?! Satoko: If anyone finds out about yesterday... That was totally a crime. Megu: What are you talking about? We didn't do anything. Tsubasa and those idiots did it all. Besides, you saw her, that was totally consensual. Satoko: ...Yeah, it looked like she was enjoying it, but it might be a problem if someone finds out we drugged her, don't you think? Zakuro: I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I'm just... Megu: It'll be fine. She came to school and everything. Satoko: I guess so, but... she always comes to school, even if she's sick. Maybe her parents are real tightwads? Megu: Then her parents probably just think she caught a cold or something, you know? Megu: Yeah, let's leave it up to her parents. I'm sure she'll be fine tomorrow. People are surprisingly resilient, after all. Satoko: Yeah, I've heard that. Megu: Yeah, sometimes I get like crazy depressed. It just hits me like a brick and I can't do shit. Just makes me want to off myself or something. Megu: But after a few days, I get over it. Satoko: She'll be fine if she just hangs out with her friends for a few days. Megu: Yeah. My first time was with some random guy I didn't know too, but I'm still alive. Satoko: Yeah, I heard you got fucked by some of the guys in your club, right? Megu: Yeah, a whole bunch of them all at once, and I was still a virgin, too. Zakuro: I won't ask for anything again... I won't dream anymore... Nothing... I won't ask for anything... Never again... Mamiya-kun... Mamiya-kun... I... I'm worthless now that I'm not a virgin, right? I can't ask for anything... I can't ask for anything. A worm doesn't deserve anything. I won't ask for anything. I'm just a filthy bug... A pile of shit... I'm nothing more than a moist hole. I should've known I was going to get raped... Mamiya-kun will never want to touch me now... Because I'm filthy. Because I've been dirtied. Because I stink. Because I'm a whore. Because I'm diseased. Because I'm a worm. I should have never loved. I'm just here to be raped. I might as well go satisfy some other guy's sexual desires. I might as well die. I might as well rot and die. So maggots can eat my flesh. So I can rot and disappear. I should just rot... And die. A moist hole... Go die... Zakuro: No... I don't want to die... Your life has no value. Go die. Zakuro: I'm sorry, I'm sorry... I don't want to die, I don't want to die, I don't want to die... Are you still talking? Gross. You're just a hole. Go die. Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Zakuro: I don't want to die... Why me? Because you're a worm. Because you're a moist hole. Because you're an ugly bitch. Because you're a worm, because you're a moist hole, because you're an ugly bitch, because you're a worm, because you're a moist hole, because you're an ugly bitch, because you're a worm, because you're a moist hole, because you're an ugly bitch. Because your life is worthless. * Because you're gross.* * Because you're not human.* Zakuro: I'm human... I'm human... I'm human I'm human I'm human I'm human I'm human I'm I'm I'm I'm... Shut up. Gross. Nasty whore. uglycuntuglycuntuglycuntuglycuntuglycuntuglycuntuglycuntuglycuntuglycuntuglycuntuglycuntuglycuntuglycuntuglycuntuglycuntuglycuntuglycunt. ugly cunt lol * nonvirgin lol* * fleshy hole lol* Zakuro: I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I... I'm sorry... I, I, I... Zakuro: Please, God... God: What? Zakuro: I, I... God: Jesus fucking christ, what's stinking this place up? God: Is that you? God: God damn. Zakuro: I... I... I... I, I- God: I'm God. God: I'm the amazing all-powerful God. God: I can answer your questions, doubts, Copernicuses. Zakuro: I won't... I won't ask you for anything ever again... I, I... God: Oh, really? So you're done coveting your neighbors, then?! Zakuro: So, so, so... God: Then would you stop breathing in all my damn air For fuck's sake!" God: God damn! Zakuro: I don't want to die. I don't want to die... I don't want to die... I won't ask you for anything else. I don't want to die... God: Hoo boy~ God: I liiieeed, teehee, teehee~ God: What's wrong, Takashima Zakuro-chan? If you keep crying, something might pop out and GET YOU! WHEELCHAIR! RELIGIOUS REVOLUTION! God: That'll be 30 yen. Zakuro: I-I can't... I... God: If you pay me 30 yen, I'll save your soul. Zakuro: Y-You'll save my soul? God: Sow you want me to shave your soul?! God: Sell your soul, just 30 yen! God: You already sold your body! Zakuro: I didn't sell it... I didn't sell my body... I... God: You whore! Zakuro: That's not true... That's not true... I, I... That's not true... God: Yes, it's not true, is it? God: I totally agree with you. God: I would totally make a new pedigree with you. God: And by that I mean I'd have sex with you! God: And sex is a metaphor for me fucking you! God: Fuck! Come on, you love to get down, right? You're a dirty girl, love to shaaaagggg! Scream for me, tell me you want your little cunt filled! Zakuro: I don't... I hate that stuff... I don't want any of that... God: I understand. God: But you wanted to fuck Mamiya-kun, didn't you? Zakuro: I-I didn't want... I... God: You liar! God: He got your pussy nice and wet, didn't he?! Zakuro: That's not true! I just liked Mamiya-kun, that's all. I, I― God: Calm down, calm down. God: It'll all be okay. I know you're a pure girl at heart. God: I know everything. For instance, I know that your cunt smells like rotten fish right now. Zakuro: That's awful... Don't say that... I can't take it... God: Don't worry about it. I mean, anyone's cunt would smell after that. Zakuro: I don't smell... That's not me... God: Of course it smells. You had like ten guys put their dicks in you last night! It's probably the nastiest cunt in all of creation! Zakuro: Wha―?! God: You were a pure girl with a cunt that didn't smell until last night. Your cunt is probably going to reek for the rest of your life now, though. God: It's a new show, airing at 11! Takashima Zakurero, the girl with a smelly cunt! God: I liieeeed, teehee, teehee~ God: Ahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Now my entire life is... There's nothing left for me... So now I... I can't... I can't... God: That's not true! God: There's an infinite array of possibilities laid out before you. God: As God, I can assure you. God: There are unlimited possibilities within your grasp! God: 30 yen! It felt like my head was going to split open. It's because I didn't get any sleep... Because I didn't get any sleep... Because I didn't get any sleep... That's why this is happening... It's not like I'm going crazy or anything. My head... My head... My head... My head... God: 30 yen for head! 30,000 yen for the body! That's just common sense for a whore! God: The cost of living is too high! Who the heck is running this place? God: But your body only costs as much as a room at the love hotel! So cheap! Better buy now before it's gone! God: You just love to fuck! God: Why don't you try saying it? It's wool. Zakuro: I don't love to fuck... I don't love to fuck... I don't love to fuck... God: All the cool kids call it the bedtop sport for indoor types. I'll have to write that one down, GYAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. God: On the roof.. * GUESS WHO'S HERE!"* God: The sky's so far up! Smoking is so much fun! The special express is a NO SMOKING ZONE! Zakuro: Ah! Mamiya-kun! I ran over to the other rooftop. Mamiya: ...Huh? You're... Mamiya-kun looked up at me with a kind smile. Zakuro: I'm Takashima Zakuro! I love you, Mamiya-kun! Mamiya: But you're not a virgin, are you? Zakuro: Huh? Mamiya: I'm not interested in used goods. Mamiya: Someone needs to take out the trash. Mamiya: You're garbage! Zakuro: U-Um... Cyrano de... Mamiya: Oh, that book I lent you stinks to high heaven. Stinky, stinky, stinky, stinky, stinky. It smells like whore. Zakuro: N-No, I bathed over and over last night. Mamiya-kun... I washed and washed. Mamiya: Then I guess it was worth lending it to you, huh? Mamiya: Go ahead... Say Cyrano's line... Zakuro: U-Um... A poet! Mamiya: A slut! Mamiya: A whore! Mamiya: A worm... Mamiya: And... a slimy, wet hole... God: I'm God. Zakuro: Ah... Aaah... God: I can see right through you! God: You think you're special cuz you read Cyrano de Bergerac?! I bet you spend all day reading porn on your cellphone! God: I bet Cyrano's smooth, flowing prose gets you wet like a Catholic schoolgirl! Zakuro: That's not true... That's not true... I'm... I'm not... Zakuro: That's a lie, that's a lie, that's a lie... Don't say that, don't say that, don't say that... Zakuro: N-No... Nooo... "Yo, Mamiya." "Sh-Shiroyama-kun..." "What are you so scared of?" "No, i-it's nothing..." Zakuro: ... That's Mamiya-kun... Someone was bullying him. "We're friends, aren't we?" "So lend your good ol' friend a few bucks." "B-But I just gave you some money yesterday..." "Yeah... I really appreciated it too." "He was almost there, didn't you see it? Then he fell from his fucking horse. That race was totally fixed. Don't you think so?" "Uh, yeah..." "He would've won if they hadn't fixed the race... So gimme some more." "B-But, I..." There was no way for him to rebuff the bully. He couldn't do anything. He looked pathetic... Just like me. "Your buddy is having some financial trouble... You can help me out, right?" "..." "I'll give it back once I win... Haven't you heard about this baby? I bought this Rolex with my winnings last time." "What are you trying to say?" "You've, uh... been saying you were gonna pay me back for a while now." "Huh? The fuck did you say?" "Nothing, sorry, sorry, it was nothing..." "Shut up and give me the money already." "Um... Wouldn't that girl have money too? I think her name was Takashima Zakuro?" "Wow, she has stonking big tits." "She's only good for fucking. It's your job to pay up. You're my wallet." "Oh, sorry..." He's the worst... He's the same... Just like all the others... That's right... This is how they treat the one person I really like. That must be it... The fake one was the cool, smart Mamiya-kun. I couldn't make that Mamiya-kun into the real one. Just like that, weak people live their entire lives being stepped on by the strong. That's the worst... Everything here is awful... "Wouldn't it be easier if you just jumped?" Zakuro: ... "But... you should open your eyes." Zakuro: ...Shut up. "It's right in front of you. If you just open your eyes, you'll understand..." Zakuro: ... "If you don't..." Zakuro: Just... leave me alone... Zakuro: I don't care... do whatever you want... "You'll die..." Zakuro: No! Ayana: Have you opened your eyes? Zakuro: You're... Ayana: Otonashi Ayana... Zakuro: Why... Zakuro: Have I been... dreaming this whole time? Zakuro: Th-That's it... That was all a dream... It must have been. God: Stick a prick in her! Zakuro: Ah! Ayana: You don't need to listen to that... It has no power. God: I have way too much power. I am God. Ayana: It can't do anything, so it crawls inside people's hearts like that. It's completely powerless. Zakuro: Y-You're... Ayana: Otonashi Ayana. Zakuro: What is this? Am I insane? Why is he so big? He's taller than a skyscraper! How is that possible? Ayana: Who knows? I'm not a doctor, so how would I know? Zakuro: But... You can see him too, right? Ayana: Then the answer is simple... Ayana: 1... Neither you nor I is insane. Ayana: 2... You and I are both insane... Ayana: Which would you prefer? Zakuro: Don't screw with me! God: Yeah, just stick it in! Zakuro Cutter! God: Oh, it's in your pocket, by the way. Zakuro: ... When I searched my pockets, I found a box cutter. God: That's right! The infamous Zakuro Cutter can even cut through paper! What an amazing weapon! Good luck! Ayana: You can't kill someone with a box cutter. Zakuro: I never asked if you could... God: Aim for the eyes! That's the weak spot! Zakuro: Answer me! Zakuro: Why does this only happen to me?! Why?! Why?! God: And this is the Zakuro Ear! God: Extract the information from her with your Zakuro Ear! Zakuro: Zakuro Ear...? Zakuro: Why is this happening to me?! God: Maybe you should... check your inbox! Zakuro: Huh? Zakuro: I got a text. Ayana: ...Why don't you read it? ... ――――――――――――――――――――――― 2012/7/10 12:52 from: Usami subject: PS ――――――――――――――――――――――― You've probably suffered for a long time. ** But the only reason you're suffering is because your existence is correct. You suffer because you're correct. But the incorrect person who is tormenting you will die. ** Soon, one of your problems will disappear. Zakuro: This is... God: I think so too. God: You won't die because you're the one who's correct! God: Evil will be destroyed. Zakuro: ...The person tormenting me... Zakuro: The person tormenting me... Zakuro: Is really... Zakuro: It's because you're all wrong! Zakuro: All of you! Zakuro: Akasaka and Kitami... and Kimika... and Mamiya-kun, too... Zakuro: And you, Otonashi Ayana! Are you here to torment me too?! Ayana: Why would you think that? Zakuro: Just talking to you... makes me feel like I'm going insane. Ayana: But you've been like that since before you met me. Zakuro: Ah! Ayana: Didn't it all start when you got raped by those men? Zakuro: Huh? Ayana: Wasn't it because you got raped? Zakuro: ...Ra...ped... Zakuro: I... got... Ayana: Spread out on the bed like a sex doll... They could do whatever they wanted... Zakuro: Ah... Aah... God: Now! Aim for the eyes! Zakuro: NOOOOO!! Zakuro: I, I, I, I... Zakuro: That's right... I was raped... by those men, by those men... I, I, I... Zakuro: Defiled, defiled, defiled, defiled, defiled, defiled... defiled, defiled... Zakuro: Filthy, filthy, filthy, filthy, filthy, filthy, filthy... Zakuro: I... I, I'm... Zakuro: Huh?! Zakuro: What? Zakuro: What is this? Zakuro: What is this ominous thing? Zakuro: This is... God: Take a good look out the window. God: Look out the window. Zakuro: ...This is... A great, black shadow... covering the sky... An endless black gloom... Like the world's twilight... A gloomy scene... Zakuro: I've seen this before... Zakuro: In a dream once... Zakuro: Or... Zakuro: Much further in the past... God: End Sky. A silhouette fell from the sky. The shape of a human. A silhouette, shaped like a human, fell from the sky, just like that. And broke upon the ground... A terrible sound... He must have literally been full of shit. That was what it sounded like. Female Student: Aaahhh! Male Student: Someone jumped off the roof! Zakuro: He... jumped... Zakuro: Someone fell from the sky... and died. Zakuro: Fell from the sky... and splattered on the ground... Male Student: Seriously?! Zakuro: Yes, seriously... I saw it... Male Student: Huh? What happened? Female Student: Where, where? Zakuro: Everyone crowded at the window... Zakuro: Like flies to carrion... Zakuro: They're all so happy... Zakuro: They love the smell of rotting flesh... Zakuro: They're all insane... They're all so filthy... They all look like worms... Zakuro: That's why... they're all having so much fun... Zakuro: Because they're just bugs... Zakuro: Because they're the cockroaches... that are tormenting me... Male Student: That's... Male Student: Is that... Shiroyama, from class three? Male Student: That's him! That's Shiroyama! Female Student: Why did he jump? Male Student: Like I know! Zakuro: Shiroyama? Zakuro: Oh, Akasaka Megu's boyfriend... Zakuro: He died... Zakuro: So that's who... Zakuro: That's it... That makes sense... Zakuro: He was one of the people who raped me, after all. Zakuro: He was one of the people who trampled me underfoot. Zakuro: I'm the one who's correct... Zakuro: He's a cockroach... He couldn't forgive me for being better than him... Zakuro: So will the others die too? Zakuro: The ones that were with him... What about that guy called Numada? And of course, Akasaka Megu and Kitami Satoko... Zakuro: They'll all die, right? Zakuro: Hehe... Hehehehehe... Die... Die... Zakuro: Smear your brains across the sidewalk... Break every bone in your body... Not like it'll be a big loss. All you fuckers have are cockroach brains, after all. Zakuro: Your bodies are full of excrement. Zakuro: We don't need you... You just stink. 'One of your problems will disappear tomorrow.' One of my problems... He was one of my problems... But it's not enough... I have more than one problem... I have far more than that. Far more people... have to die. Far more worms have to be crushed. Zakuro: Ah... I have to send her a response. Zakuro: Um... Oh, here it is. Usami-san's message... Zakuro: Um... Zakuro: Thank you very much... Thanks to you, one of my problems has been solved. Zakuro: But I still have many more problems. Will they be solved too? Zakuro: If they aren't solved, I might just go crazy. Zakuro: I'm eagerly awaiting your next message. Zakuro: Ehehehe... Ayana: Takashima-san... Zakuro: Huh? Zakuro: You're... Otonashi Ayana-san... Ayana: Takashima-san, are you going that way? Zakuro: Where do you think I'm going? Ayana: Down the wrong path. Zakuro: Huh? What are you talking about? Now you're telling me I'm wrong too... Ayana: Shiroyama-kun's death isn't what you think it is. Zakuro: Then what is it? Ayana: Numada-kun and Shiroyama-kun always do chin-ups on the roof. Zakuro: Chin-ups? Hmm, really... Zakuro: So then... what do you think I believe about his death? Ayana: That was just an accident. It would be better if you just believed it was an accident. Zakuro: Is there such a thing as just an accident? Can't you come up with plenty of reasons leading to any accident? Ayana: If you don't stop here... everything will begin to move. Zakuro: Begin to move? Ayana: Your choice is probably... incredibly dangerous. Zakuro: Dangerous? Ayana: Yes... Your choice will affect the fate of many other people. Zakuro: So I really can influence people's fates... Zakuro: That's it. It must be because I'm different from these cockroaches. Ayana: You're wrong. Zakuro: No, I'm not. Ayana: ... Zakuro: I'm correct! Zakuro: That's why he died! Zakuro: That's it! That's why he died! I'm correct. I'm not wrong. In a world of cockroaches, only I am human. That's why I suffer. They should all die. Die painfully... Zakuro: A text... Zakuro: A text message... Zakuro: Ah! I quickly pulled out my phone. Usami had already replied to my message. Zakuro: Um... Oh, it really is from Usami... Zakuro: ... Zakuro: What's this? Zakuro: Takashima-san, you're wrong... Zakuro: Wha―?! This again... So she's... the same. ... Zakuro: ... Then I skimmed over the rest of the message. ... Zakuro: Huh? Zakuro: So that's... my mistake... Zakuro: I... So... I was mistaken... That's all... I have to meet her... I have to... meet my allies... I must. I must meet them. So that I can learn the true reason behind my mistake.
Kimika: Everyone's looking at us... Zakuro: Ahaha, they are... The atmosphere in the classroom was as uncomfortable as ever. But the hate from before had disappeared. It had been replaced with confusion and ostracization. Of course, the confusion stemmed from the incident last night. It was huge... We could only thank our lucky stars that we were alive today and that the police hadn't gotten involved. Kimika: It's different from before, but the atmosphere here still doesn't feel very good. Zakuro: Ahahaha... You might be right. It didn't feel like we were being bullied anymore, but... it was like we had become objects of fear, like Akasaka-san and Kitami-san had been before. After the two of us checked that our seats were safe to sit in, Kimika whispered in my ear. Kimika: Satoko and Megu aren't here today, huh? Zakuro: You're right... Maybe they're just not here yet? Kimika: Not yet, huh... Do you really think they'll come to school after that? Zakuro: They weren't injured or anything... Kimika: They weren't injured, but their pride definitely took a hit. They brought together all those people and they still couldn't beat one guy. Zakuro: Yeah... Kimika: Mamiya Takuji really was strong. I'd heard rumors, but... Zakuro: Yeah, but I heard rumors he used to get bullied too... Kimika: I wonder which one it is... Though, there's no way he just took up martial arts recently. He must have been practicing since he was a child to do that. Zakuro: I guess so... Kimika: Yeah... It was almost like Aikido, but Aikido isn't useful in an actual fight unless you do it for fifty years. Zakuro: Fifty years? Kimika: Yeah, no matter how talented you are, you can't use Aikido in a real fight without tons of training. Zakuro: Then what about Mamiya-kun? Kimika: He must have been doing it since he was really young... and he's obviously been in a lot of fights too. Kimika: I don't think it's possible he was ever bullied... I bet he spread that rumor himself so people wouldn't know he was such a thug. Zakuro: He spread it himself? I wonder... He definitely was strong last night, but the Mamiya-kun I've always known wasn't like that. I don't know how to describe it... Kimika: Haa... You've been thinking about him all day, haven't you? Zakuro: Eh? Kimika: No surprise, I guess... He was the one who actually saved you, after all. Of course you'd be thinking about him... Her face looked really sad for some reason. She must really hate Mamiya-kun... Zakuro: But he's a good person. He even gave you back your knife. Kimika: Yeah, I guess so. Zakuro: I don't think he was a bad person like you said. Kimika: I know, I know... I know that much. Sorry, I guess I said something weird. She still didn't have a good impression of Mamiya-kun, even after he saved us... It was like she hated him even more for doing it. Zakuro: Do you still hate him? Kimika: Hate him, huh.. * I still don't like him. I know that sounds strange, since he just saved us... and besides that..."* Zakuro: Besides that? Kimika: I'm just frustrated by my own impotence. Kimika: Oh, it's nothing... That's not important.. * More importantly, he called you his toy. He's the worst."* Zakuro: Oh, uh... That was probably just a figure of speech. Kimika: I still can't forgive him... All men are total pigs, not just Mamiya. After last night, I know that better than ever. Zakuro: Haa... Why does she dislike him so much? It always looked like they were getting along when they talked, too... Actually... is Mamiya-kun at school today? He wasn't injured after the incident last night, so there's no reason for him to skip school. Though he did say something strange. Mamiya: Hurry up... I only have today left. Starting tomorrow, it looks like someone a bit more peaceful is gonna take the role of Mamiya Takuji. Mamiya: Come on, if you want to get revenge on me for all the pain I've inflicted on you, now's your last chance. What did he mean by that? Those words seemed out of place. Why would he say it's their last chance? Kimika: ... Kimika: If you're that worried, why don't you go look for him? Zakuro: Eh? Kimika: He's probably on the roof, right? Kimika: You have a lot you want to ask him... A lot you want to talk to him about, right? Kimika smiled gently. Zakuro: Yeah... Thank you. But I wonder why her expression looks sadder every time I look at her. Zakuro: Y-Yeah... Kimika: You probably want to know what he meant when he said 'last chance,' right? Zakuro: Yeah... I can't stop thinking about it. Kimika: Ahaha... You're so honest, Zakuro. Kimika: Shouldn't you go ask him right now, then? You have to do it before it's too late. There are too many things in this world that can slip through your fingers if you don't grab them when the opportunity presents itself. Kimika: I think... there's something you need to say to him before it's too late. Zakuro: ... Kimika: Ahaha, don't look at me like that. I'm just talking in generalities. I'm not telling you to do anything. I just thought there might be something like that you wanted to say. Kimika: Anyway, you should go see him... Go talk to him. Kimika: And... Kimika: He's the one who can really protect you... There's no guarantee Akasaka and Kitami won't try to get revenge again. Zakuro: But then what about you? Shouldn't you go too? Kimika: I don't want him to save me again! I'll manage on my own! Zakuro: Ah! Kimika: Oh, sorry.. * Why did I just shout like that? Maybe I'm still on edge because of what happened yesterday..."* Zakuro: Kimika... Kimika: Anyway, just go... It's gonna be lunchtime soon. Heck, if you two want to go the infirmary for fifth period, I'll cover for you. After she said that... she looked down, avoiding eye contact with me. Why? We're finally free from the bullying... What's she so upset about? I was a bit confused... Akasaka-san and Kitami-san didn't come to school that morning... All of the students who got beaten up by Mamiya-kun were absent. I heard rumors that some of them were hospitalized. At noon, Kimika went to buy some bread. She didn't say a word to me. I decided to take her suggestion and head to the rooftop. Mamiya: ... He was reading, like always. Zakuro: Hello... I was always frightened when I talked to him before, but this time I managed to say hello in a calm voice. Mamiya: Haa... You again? He looked at me like I was a pest... He seemed like the Mamiya-kun from last night. Zakuro: Is today's Mamiya the version that's not acting? Mamiya: ...What do you want? Zakuro: I don't want anything... I just wanted to say thank you. Mamiya: I don't need your thanks. That was just a game to me. You could say that's one of my hobbies... Zakuro: That's one of your... hobbies? Mamiya: Yeah... My hobby is hurting people. Zakuro: Really? Mamiya: Yeah... Zakuro: But you didn't hurt me. You actually protected me... Mamiya: It's no fun hurting someone like you. You're already powerless... It's more fun to beat up the strongest people I can find. That's all. I looked at the book he was reading... As always, it looked like a really hard book to read. Zakuro: What are you reading today? Mamiya: What's it matter... It has nothing to do with you. Zakuro: Um... It's says, 'On Learned Ignorance'... Mamiya: Haa... Yeah, that's right. It's by Nicolaus Cusanus. Zakuro: What's it about? Mamiya: It's a theology book... Zakuro: Theology? Like Christianity and stuff like that? Mamiya: Yeah... Something like that. Zakuro: Um, are you a Christian, Mamiya-kun? Mamiya: Why would you think that? I hate religion... He spoke without a hint of emotion in his voice until he got to the word 'religion,' which he spoke with disgust. Does he really hate religion? Zakuro: Y-You hate it? Ahaha, I'm sorry... I just thought that might be why you're reading that... Mamiya: Is there any reason someone who hates religion shouldn't read theology? Zakuro: Oh, no, I don't think that at all... S-So, is it fun reading stuff you hate? Mamiya: Not at all. Zakuro: It's not? Mamiya: It's too complicated. I don't know what any of it means... Zakuro: Too complicated? But you're still reading it? Mamiya: Yeah. Zakuro: What kind of book is it? Mamiya: Just what it says on the cover... Zakuro: Then it's about learned ignorance? Mamiya: That's right. Zakuro: Is that so... This hardly even qualifies as a conversation... He keeps analyzing everything I say... He's totally different from the Mamiya-kun I met here before. How can I make this conversation work? We have to have a real conversation if I want to talk to him about anything. ...Maybe if I ask him some questions? Zakuro: Um, what parts don't you understand? Mamiya: Pretty much all of it... Zakuro: O-Oh... B-But, specifically... Mamiya: ... Mamiya-kun glared at me. Sh-Shoot... I guess I was too persistent. Mamiya: For example, let's say there's a circle on a plane. Zakuro: Okay... Mamiya: Take any point on the perimeter of the circle and expand the circle from there... What would happen? Zakuro: It would be bigger than the first. Mamiya: Yes... The edge of the new circle would look like a curved line, right? But what would happen if the circle was infinitely large? Zakuro: Eh? An infinitely large circle? Um, the curvature would gradually decrease... Mamiya: Yeah, that's right. As the circle grows larger, it comes closer to being a straight line. Mamiya: But what would happen if it was infinitely large? Zakuro: What would happen? Mamiya: Cusanus said it would become a perfectly straight line. Zakuro: Would it? Mamiya: Yeah, mathematically it has to be a straight line. If you take any two points AB on the perimeter of a circle and call the midpoint C and the point within a tighter circle D... Well, I guess it would be easiest to think of it as the curvature becoming infinitely small. Zakuro: R-Really? Mamiya: You probably learned it in class, when we learned about repeating decimals. Zakuro: Um... did we? Mamiya: Well, there are a lot of students who can't understand that 0.999 is equal to one. The teachers hate teaching it because so many students refuse to accept it. Zakuro: 0.999... is a number with an infinite number of nines, right? Is it really equal to 1? Mamiya: The theory behind it is kind of complicated, but it's not hard to understand intuitively with fractions... For instance, 1/3 = 0.333... Zakuro: Yes. Mamiya: Then 2/3 is of course equal to 0.666... Mamiya: Then if we multiply 1/3 by 3, 3/3 = 0.999... That should make sense. Zakuro: H-Huh? I guess so, but that's really strange... 3/3 is supposed to be 1. Mamiya: Then what part was wrong? Zakuro: What part was wrong... Uh... Mamiya: You won't be able to come up with anything. There's no mistake. Mamiya: If you accept that 1/3 = 0.333..., then you have to accept that 3/3 = 0.999... Mamiya: Then the only way to solve the contradiction of 3/3 being equal to both 1 and 0.999... is to accept one simple thing: that 0.999 is equal to 1. Mamiya: In other words, the repeating decimal 0.999 is in fact not slightly smaller than 1, but actually identical to it. That's what infinity means. Mamiya: Cusanus' example of a circle follows the exact same pattern if you think of it as the distance between C and D... Zakuro: I-I see... I don't get it at all... I heard his grades weren't good, but I guess he really is smart. And besides... Zakuro: When I asked you, you said you didn't understand that book at all... You wouldn't be able to give that kind of explanation if you didn't understand it. Mamiya: Yeah, you're right. Zakuro: Wh-What don't you understand about it? Mamiya: Well, I just find that stuff really interesting... He was a Cardinal, a mathematician, and a philosopher, and he had a great influence on the philosophers that came after him. Mamiya: According to him, his idea that the curvature of an infinitely large circle forms a straight line is perfectly consistent with the logic of our finite world. Mamiya: Infinity can solve any contradiction within our world. Zakuro: Within infinity, all contradictions cease to be contradictions... Mamiya: So then, this is the problem... Why was he so fascinated with infinity? What was the infinity that he spoke of? Zakuro: Um, he was a theologist. Does that mean he was talking about God? Mamiya: That's right. This book basically says there's only one God. A single infinite being... In other words, it's a book that tried to prove that God is infinite. Mamiya: Just like 0.999 is equal to one, God is one and everything... O-Oh... I don't get it. Zakuro: Um, that's kind of hard for me to understand, but... it seems like you understand it just fine, doesn't it? Mamiya: No, I don't understand it at all... Zakuro: Huh? Mamiya: For instance, Cusanus says there's one single infinity... But that's a lie. Zakuro: It's a lie? Mamiya: Yeah, there are different kinds of infinities... Georg Cantor discovered that 400 years after Cusanus' death. Mamiya: Infinities have density... It can be proven with the diagonal argument. Mamiya: Cusanus said that there is one infinite God... but in reality there are different kinds of infinity. Mamiya: And more importantly, his book doesn't even prove the existence of God. Mamiya: His claim that all contradictions cease to become contradictions within infinity doesn't prove his claim that God exists. Mamiya: And he used a triangle to prove the justice of the Trinity... Um... Um... I can't follow his explanation. He was a theologist and a mathematician, and he tried to use math to prove the existence of God... Is that right? Then what's a Cantor? Calm down... Calm down and think... First of all... Zakuro: Um, what's a Cantor? Is it some kind of software? Did you install it? Mamiya: Haa... Oh, no... He doesn't look happy... Mamiya: What do you want? I've been trying to drive you away by going on and on about stuff you wouldn't understand... Mamiya: And yet you still keep trying to continue the conversation? Zakuro: Um, do you mind if I sit next to you? Mamiya: Yes, I do. Oh, he rejected me just like that... But I won't give up. Zakuro: Then what about across from you... Mamiya: Don't sit across from me either. Zakuro: Then how about... behind you? Mamiya: Are you gonna stare at my back? That would be creepy. Zakuro: Huh? You don't mind? Mamiya: Of course I mind... That's even worse than the others. Zakuro: Um, do you really want nothing to do with me? Mamiya: Haa... You really are a stubborn woman. Zakuro: I'm sorry... I just wanted to know more about you... Mamiya: Why do you need to know more about me? Zakuro: I don't need a reason just to learn about you, do I? Zakuro: And besides, why are you reading a book you don't like? Mamiya: I don't read books I don't like... Zakuro: That's a lie! Earlier, when I asked if you were having fun reading that book, you said, 'Not at all'! When I used a much stronger tone than before, Mamiya-kun looked surprised for a moment, and then he laughed. Mamiya: Hehehe... You're a strange woman. Why are you taking me so seriously? Mamiya-kun looked up at the sky. Mamiya: All right. It might be nice to talk to someone at the end. Zakuro: A-At the end? Are you going to transfer to a different school? Mamiya: No, I'm not transferring. Zakuro: Th-Then... He shouldn't say 'the end' like that... It sounds like he's sick, or he's going to commit suicide. He shouldn't say that. Mamiya: Don't worry. Mamiya Takuji won't die. You'll probably be able to meet him any time you want... and he'll probably be much kinder than I am now... Mamiya: So nothing bad is going to happen... Zakuro: I-I don't understand what you mean. Or rather... Zakuro: I don't understand anything about you! Mamiya: You don't, huh... Zakuro: Yes, you leave me with a different impression every time we meet... Mamiya: A different impression, huh... I guess so. Zakuro: Yes, your personality, your hobbies, your actions... everything about you changes too much from time to time. Mamiya: ...I guess so. Zakuro: Now that I think of it... the Christian that Roxanne knew looked like one person, but in reality had the body of Christian and the mind of Cyrano... Zakuro: He wasn't one person... He was acted out by two different people. Zakuro: Neither the handsome Christian nor the intelligent Cyrano could attract the attention of Roxanne, who was both beautiful and smart. Mamiya: Cyrano de Bergerac, huh? Zakuro: Oh! We have our pockets full. Our lady-loves,―phantasms of our brains,―Dream-fancies blown into soap-bubbles! Zakuro: Come! Take it, and change Zakuro: feigned love-words into true. Zakuro: I breathed my sighs and moans haphazard-wise; Call all these wandering love-birds home to nest. Zakuro: Come! Take it. You'll see that I was in these lettered lines, Zakuro: ―Eloquent all the more, the less sincere! Mamiya: So you read it enough times to recite it from memory... Zakuro: Yes, I read it over and over. Mamiya: Why would you read the same book so many times? Zakuro: You read it over and over too, didn't you? Mamiya: ... Zakuro: So I wanted to find out what you were really thinking when you said you liked this book. Mamiya: I see. So you want to know what he thought when he read Cyrano de Bergerac... So I've read it over and over, huh? Mamiya: And? When you read Cyrano... what did you think? Zakuro: I thought a lot of things, but there were a ton of things that applied to you... or rather, places where you overlapped with the text. Mamiya: Overlapped, huh... Okay, for instance, what? Zakuro: There were two men who changed feigned love words into true... It was the one imaginary man who Roxanne loved. Mamiya: And how does that overlap with Mamiya Takuji? Zakuro: U-Um, do you have a twin, Mamiya-kun? Mamiya: A twin? Zakuro: Th-That happens sometimes in manga, right? It seems like there's someone who looks exactly like someone else... and it turns out it's that person's twin, for instance... Mamiya: Hehehehehe... I see, a twin, huh? So your theory is that Mamiya Takuji has a twin... Zakuro: Oh, but... The Mamiya-kun I met underground was completely different too, so that would make three of them... Zakuro: Excuse me, I want to revise my theory. Mamiya: How so? Zakuro: Are you triplets? Or maybe there's one real Mamiya-kun and two lookalikes? Mamiya: ... Mamiya: All right... Triplets, or two lookalikes. That would be pretty convenient, wouldn't it? It would make it really easy to skip school. Zakuro: Are you saying... I'm completely wrong? Mamiya: Who knows? Maybe you're on the right track... Mamiya: Okay, then... In order to get closer to the beautiful woman, Roxanne, they needed two personalities, one who was handsome and one who was intelligent. Mamiya: Hmm, I think you've convinced me... I think now I can understand why she loved reading Cyrano so much. Zakuro: She? Mamiya: That's right... Me, and her, and finally, Mamiya Takuji... Maybe it was necessary for us to accomplish something. Zakuro: To accomplish something? Accomplish something... So Mamiya-kun needed a body double to accomplish something? In other words, there's more than one Mamiya-kun. That must be it. Zakuro: Um, Mamiya-kun, do you all have different names? Mamiya: ... He didn't answer. He just looked at my face... Zakuro: Would you tell me the name of today's Mamiya-kun? Mamiya: I can't do that... Zakuro: Why? I want to know your real name. Mamiya: My real name, huh... Mamiya: Let me ask you this, since you read Cyrano so many times you can recite it from memory. Did Cyrano, who acted as Christian's mind, wish for Roxanne to know who he was? Zakuro: Huh? Mamiya: When Cyrano died, Roxanne found out that he had been the source of Christian's wit, but it was completely unexpected. It was like an accident... Mamiya: Cyrano hid it until the moment of his death. Did he wish for Roxanne to find out who he really was? Did Cyrano wish for it? ... I slowly recalled Cyrano de Bergerac's plot. Christian and Cyrano both loved Roxanne. They worked together to act out a single person and attract the attention of Roxanne. But since Christian acted as the pair's outward appearance, he was the one who Roxanne fell in love with. It's only natural... Intelligence has no physical form, whereas a handsome face does. People don't fall in love with shapeless ideas but rather physical people. Roxanne couldn't love Cyrano's immaterial intelligence. She could only love Cyrano's intelligence when it was given the form of Christian's outward appearance... Cyrano himself is immaterial... That's why Roxanne fell in love with Christian, not Cyrano. So Cyrano had to play the fool in front of Roxanne... Cyrano could never be anything to Roxanne. Even after Christian had died... He had to keep playing the fool in front of Roxanne. "I breathed my sighs and moans haphazard-wise; Call all these wandering love-birds home to nest." There's a deep significance to those words. The person who dreams and the person who acts. The fantasy is ended by action. A fantasy can exist only in its unfulfillment. Our lady loves, the phantasms of our brains, dream fancies blown into soap bubbles... It is the lover of our fantasy that we fall in love with... Cyrano's love was fantasy only because it was unfulfilled... Christian's death is irrelevant. Mamiya: Even after Christian died, Cyrano never told Roxanne that he had acted as Christian's wit... Mamiya: But the truth was revealed when Cyrano read Christian's farewell letter in front of her; though in truth, it was Cyrano's farewell letter. Mamiya: Roxanne remembered his voice reading the letters... Zakuro: But Cyrano denied his own existence... He denied that he had been Christian's intelligence. Mamiya: That's right... What do you think of that, Takashima? Zakuro: ... Cyrano's feelings... Maybe he really didn't want Roxanne to find out his true identity... He definitely acted to keep it secret from her... He always, always kept it hidden from her... Mamiya-kun compared Cyrano to himself... There's only one thing he could possibly mean by that. Zakuro: ...All right. I won't ask anymore. Zakuro: For now, at least. Mamiya: Haa... For now, huh? Zakuro: Yes, just for now. Mamiya: Hehehe... Zakuro: Wh-What's funny? Mamiya: No, it really is funny... The Takashima I knew wasn't like that. You've changed. Zakuro: H-Have I changed that much? Mamiya: Yeah, you're completely different from before... I never would've imagined you acting like this after seeing the way you were always so scared before. Zakuro: Maybe so, but... it's not like I was scared when I was talking to you. Mamiya: You weren't? Zakuro: Yes... I was nervous. Mamiya: Hehehe... Really? Zakuro: Yes, I always looked forward to coming here and talking to you. Mamiya: I see... Glad to hear it. Zakuro: What's with your reaction? I'm saying it to you! Mamiya: Oh, really... I guess you are. Zakuro: So, for now, I won't ask anymore, but... please tell me someday. Mamiya: Someday, huh... I see. Zakuro: What do you mean, you see? Please, just tell me your name. Mamiya: ... Mamiya-kun was silent. Zakuro: Now that I think of it... you said there was something you had to accomplish, didn't you? Mamiya: Yeah, I did... Zakuro: What did you mean by that? Mamiya: It's something that can't be done alone... so we took on multiple forms. That's all. Zakuro: Are you talking about Cyrano? Mamiya: Nah... I'm talking about God. Zakuro: God? Mamiya: God takes the form of the Trinity... Cusanus said that was because the triangle was the smallest polygon. Zakuro: Cusanus? That's the book you were reading, right? Mamiya: That's right... He said the triangle was the smallest constituent element of all other polygons... In other words, it is one. Mamiya: God is the Trinity because the triangle is the smallest. According to his theory, the smallest is equal to infinity. Mamiya: Even God needed three forms to accomplish something... so naturally, so do humans. Mamiya: Creation... Harmony... Rebirth... Humans also need each form. Zakuro: Are you talking about the Christian God? Mamiya: No... That's a personal matter. The Christian God doesn't have a privileged position. Zakuro: A privileged position? Mamiya: He's not privileged over others. Well, that's not important... Zakuro: Ah... Mamiya: Look, lunchtime is over. Zakuro: You're right. Mamiya: We didn't even get a chance to eat. Zakuro: Yes... We were talking the whole time. Mamiya: Here. Zakuro: Ah... He threw some bread at me. Mamiya: You can have that. Zakuro: Uh, but... Mamiya: It'll be fine. Just take it. Zakuro: Okay... Zakuro: U-Um... Mamiya: What? Zakuro: Um, what did you mean by 'the end'? Mamiya: I didn't mean anything. Forget about it... Mamiya: Tomorrow will be the same... A normal, peaceful day. See ya, Takashima Zakuro. Zakuro: Oh, uh... sure. A peaceful day... A normal day... It seems like I haven't had one of those in a long time. Lately I haven't been able to take anything for granted. That's just how we've been living recently... Zakuro: Hey, Mamiya-kun! Mamiya: What? Zakuro: Will you still be friends with me, even if our days are peaceful? Mamiya: ... He looked troubled for a moment, and then he said... Mamiya: Of course... Come here anytime you want ――――――... I couldn't hear the last words he said... But I think he said he would be happy to talk to me anytime.
This is where she told me to meet her... This is the right place, right? I looked around for her. Zakuro: I don't see anyone that could be her... Maybe I just got here early... Or... Zakuro: ...I was tricked. Tricked by the cockroaches again... Just to tease me... Zakuro: No... That's not true. There's so much grace and elegance in these sentences... Her writing is different from that of the cockroaches. I have to see through the deception. If I don't... I'll just suffer... Hahahaha... I was fooled. Those messages were just a prank. That's all... That's... Zakuro: One of my problems will disappear... I wanted to believe that it was just a coincidence. Ayana: But you came here anyway. Zakuro: You're... Zakuro: Otonashi... Ayana-san. Ayana: Good evening. Zakuro: What do you want? Ayana: Nothing... Zakuro: ... Why does she always show up in places like this? She always shows up at weird times. Now that I think of it... She was there before, too. Just before I was kidnapped. And... that time I witnessed Shiroyama's death... And now... Why is she always there? Zakuro: A demon will whisper in your ear. Zakuro: Please be careful. Zakuro: The demon will attempt to block your path. Zakuro: You must not listen to the demon's words. Zakuro: ...That's it. This person is... Zakuro: Ah! My head ached. That image again... The same image as before. This must be... Just like the letter said... My memories from the previous world? No way... That doesn't exist. That was just... That was just... what? If it wasn't my memories from the previous world... Then this person that's always following me... Zakuro: What are you? Ayana: Otonashi... Ayana. Zakuro: Who are you? Ayana: Otonashi... Ayana. Zakuro: Ah! Are these my memories?! Why is she always following me? Zakuro: Ugh! Zakuro: My head hurts... My head... Ayana: Otonashi... Ayana. Zakuro: Who are you?! Ayana: Otonashi... Ayana. Zakuro: No! That's not what I'm asking! Ayana: Otonashi... Ayana. Zakuro: No! Ayana: Otonashi... Ayana. Zakuro: No! You're―! Ayana: Otonashi... Ayana. Zakuro: You're just a― Ayana: Otonashi... Ayana. Zakuro: Demon... She's... A demon? Is that it? Then... the others must really be out there, too. The demon trying to block my path is proof that my allies really do exist. Will they really come? Will they... Will my allies... My allies, the ones who saved the world in their past incarnations, really do exist. Then this woman... Zakuro: You're... Ayana: Otonashi... Ayana. Zakuro: What are you doing here? Ayana: What are you doing here? Zakuro: I... I'm the one asking the question! Answer me! Ayana: I'm looking at you... I'm looking at your form. Zakuro: You're looking... at my form? Ayana: Yes * I'm looking at you."* Zakuro: Huh? What's that? Is that fun to you? Do you like looking at people? Or do you just like watching me suffer? Zakuro: Then I'm sorry, but my suffering is over. Ayana: Really... Zakuro: Yes, really. Ayana: So then... what are you doing here? Zakuro: What's it matter to you?! It has nothing to do with you! Ayana: Nothing to do with me... Zakuro: That's right... So go away! Ayana: Hehe... Then maybe it has nothing to do with you whether I'm here or not... Zakuro: Ah! This demon... She really is the demon... That's why she's challenging me. Then the answer... The answer is obvious. I can't rise to her challenge. I have to ignore the demon. The demon's whisper... Zakuro: ... Ayana: Have you made your decision? Zakuro: ... Ayana: The way in which you relate to the world. Zakuro: ... Ayana: Hehe... So that's it. Zakuro: Disappear... Zakuro: Demon. I closed my eyes. Zakuro: I won't listen to your lies. "Um..." Zakuro: I won't listen to your lies. "Excuse me!" Zakuro: Wha―? Huh? When I opened my eyes, Otonashi Ayana was gone. "Are you Takashima... Zakuro-san?" Zakuro: Huh?! "Y-You're Takashima Zakuro-san, aren't you?" Zakuro: Y-Yes... I am, but... who are you? Usami: Nice to meet you. My name is Sukikawa Usami. Zakuro: You're the person who sent me all those messages? Usami: Yes. She's the person who sent those texts. She's my ally from the previous world, but she just looks like a normal person. Usami: Ehehe, were you disappointed because I look like a normal person? Zakuro: Huh? D-Did she just... Usami: Did you think I read your mind? Zakuro: C-Can you actually read my mind? Usami: No. My memory from the previous world has returned, but my power has not. That's why... Zakuro: O-Oh... Usami: Ehehe, and it was written all over your face. Oh... Is it that easy to read my expressions? That's kind of embarrassing... But... But she was honest when she told me that she just read my expression, not my mind. If she was trying to deceive me, she would've claimed to have supernatural powers like mind reading... She didn't lie, though... Maybe I can trust her? Usami: If you've come here, does that mean you've recovered your memory as well? Zakuro: No... I haven't, I just read your message, and I was curious... Usami: Your memory still hasn't returned? Zakuro: Yes... Or rather... Usami: You're still doubtful, right? Zakuro: Well... Usami: No, it's a bit unbelievable, isn't it? Zakuro: ...I'm sorry. Usami: But you were curious, so you came. Zakuro: U-Um, a lot has happened since I got your first message. Usami: It looks like one of your problems disappeared, right? Zakuro: Well, I guess it has... Usami: What else? Zakuro: W-Well... Usami: You saw something, didn't you? Zakuro: Huh? Usami: You saw something, and that's why you came... Am I wrong? Zakuro: Why do you... Usami: I infused that message with my power. Zakuro: Your power? In that message? Usami: Yes. So if you're our ally, you should have experienced a change. Zakuro: ... A change... I don't know if you could call it a change, but a lot of weird stuff had happened. That man died, and I saw those images... and... Otonashi Ayana... Usami: What did you see? Was it a dream? Zakuro: Yes... I saw it in my dreams several times, but I don't really remember it all that well. Usami: Then how do you know you saw it in your dreams? Zakuro: U-Um... There was an accident at school, and someone fell from the roof... The second I witnessed that, suddenly the image from my dream... Zakuro: When I saw that image, I knew I had seen it in a dream... No, maybe it wasn't a dream. Maybe I saw it a long time ago, in a place very far from here... Usami: What kind of image was it? Zakuro: Um... There was something really big falling from the sky, and it seemed... Usami: It seemed sinister... Zakuro: What was that? "...Har Megiddo." Zakuro: Huh? Zakuro: Y-You are? Usami: Oh, Ayumi-chan. Zakuro: Um, Usami-san... Who is this? Usami: Excuse me... I'll introduce her. This is Mizuo Ayumi-chan. Ayumi: ... Zakuro: U-Um... Nice to meet you, my name is Takashima Zakuro. Ayumi: Uh, hello... Her cheeks flushed... She looked nervous. Usami: Sorry about that. Ayumi-chan isn't very good at talking. Zakuro: Not very good at talking... Ayumi: I'm... sorry. Zakuro: No, I'm not much better. Ayumi: O-Okay... Zakuro: By the way, what was that Har Megiddo you mentioned? Ayumi: ... Usami: Ayumi-chan, it seems Zakuro-san's Brain Reverse still isn't complete. Ayumi: ... Zakuro: B-Brain Reverse? Zakuro: U-Um, what's that? Usami: Oh, right.. * Ayumi-chan, what do you think we should do?"* Ayumi: ... Ayumi-san slowly pointed somewhere. Usami: Oh... That would be a good spot. Usami: Zakuro-san, do you want to go somewhere else? Zakuro: Oh, no problem... Usami: I don't want to stand around talking here... We never know who's listening. Zakuro: S-Sure... Zakuro: U-Um... This is... Usami: Yeah... For now, we can only talk in private places like this... Zakuro: Th-This is where people come to drink alcohol, isn't it? Usami: Yeah, I guess so, but they call themselves a cafe, so they have coffee and tea too. Zakuro: Oh... Sure. Usami: Do you want something to eat? Zakuro: Oh, no thanks... Being at a place like this so late at night... If my parents or the school found out, I would be in big trouble. Zakuro: ... Why do I care about that? Why should I care? They don't do anything for me... None of them ever came to save me... If I think about it, it's really ridiculous. Zakuro: Um... This... I took out my cell phone. Zakuro: To be honest, I don't understand what all of this means. Usami: You don't understand, but you still came. Zakuro: Th-There was a prediction... Usami: Rather than a prediction... I would call it a certainty. Zakuro: A certainty? Usami: Yes... You were tormented by the demon... and by the people who were manipulated by the sealed nevus' Specialized Physics Bug. Zakuro: That nevus... and the Specialized Physics Bug... Usami: Oh, before that... Here. Usami-san took out her own cell phone and showed me a picture. Zakuro: Ah! Zakuro: Wh-Why? This place... Usami: What do you think... about this place? Zakuro: I don't like it. Usami: Yeah, it must be a really awful place for you. Zakuro: How do you know that? Usami: I... We know almost everything about you Almost everything... Zakuro: Wha―?! They know what happened to me... That I was defiled in this place... That's why she showed me this picture... Usami: Please don't be afraid. Usami: We're not looking to harm you. Usami: We just want you to remember. Usami: And we want you to help us. Zakuro: ...Help you? What do I need to do? Usami: Just like I told you before, we were allies in our previous lives, fighting to save the world. Zakuro: Huh?! Zakuro: U-Um, you mean... Usami: It's unbelievable, isn't it? Zakuro: ... Zakuro: No... Not at all. Usami: Huh? Zakuro: A lot has happened since then. That man died... and God appeared before me, and the demon... Usami: God and a demon? Zakuro: Yes... God was a half naked, middle-aged man... He was several hundred times as tall as a normal person. Usami: W-Wow... Zakuro: The demon... has possessed one of the girls at my school, and now she's tormenting me... Usami: ...Yes. Zakuro: That's what you said would happen. The demon has appeared, and she's trying to lure me astray. It actually happened... Zakuro: That man's death... and I saw the image of a sky shrouded in gloom, like a terrible flashback... Zakuro: If I hadn't gotten your message before all that happened... Usami: If you hadn't... Zakuro: I would've completely broken. I wouldn't have understood anything... No one else could explain all this to me... I, I... Usami: So in the end, the Specialized Physics Bug in Tokyo's 23rd district attempted to eliminate the weakest of us, Zakuro-san... Zakuro: What's the Specialized Physics Bug? Usami: Before that... I should explain everything from the beginning. Zakuro: From the beginning? Usami: In the distant past, deep in outer space, there was a nebula cloud... and within that nebula, a planet called Elhimuro. Zakuro: Outer space... Usami: Yeah, it was an external universe... Unlike this universe, it was very peaceful. Usami: The inhabitants of Elhimuro were especially peaceful people... Usami: But regardless of that peace, the people fell to corruption, and evil lived within their hearts, ultimately calling forth a great disaster. Zakuro: A great... disaster... Usami: Athers... Zakuro: Athers? Usami: The lord of all things... The primeval chaos living within the core of infinity... The unknowable, the shapeless, the heart of darkness... The chaos that wells up from within. There are countless ways to name him. Usami: The corruption within the people's hearts woke that which was confined to the depths of chaos. Usami: When he awakes, the world will end. The world is only permitted to exist while he dreams. Zakuro: The world only exists... while he dreams... Usami: Yes, and the end of that dream is synonymous with the end of the world. Usami: But the denizens of Elhimuro, overly accustomed to the long peace, did nothing to stop it. Usami: Even with the end of the world before their very eyes. Zakuro: That's just like... Usami: Yes, just like our own world. Usami: The three of us were the only ones to stand and fight before. Usami: We were each given our own powers and titles as warriors... Usami: Angel Remover, Angel Night, and... Zakuro: And? Usami: The Crimson Hyperspace... You are... Angel Advise! Zakuro: I'm... Angel Advise... Usami: Yes... I was saved by your prodigious powers more than once. Ayumi: Me... too. Usami: I'm the Golden Light, Angel Remover, and Ayumi-chan is the Azure Twinkling, Angel Night. I'm Angel Advise... I saved Ayumi-san... I saved Angel Night... Zakuro: Angel Night, watch out! Zakuro: Ah! I was injured when I moved to cover Angel Night with my own body. Usami: Angel Advise! Zakuro: ...A-Are you okay, Angel Night? Ayumi: You fool! Why would you do that just to protect me?! Zakuro: Because... Because we're friends, aren't we? Ayumi: Angel Advise... Zakuro: It's all right. I'm fine... We have to hurry and dispense with them... Ayumi: Understood. Evil Person: It's your turn next, little lady. Ayumi: I'll never... I'll never forgive you for hurting my friend! Usami: I will defeat you... so that the denizens of this world may live in peace! Ayumi: Let's go! Golden Light, Angel Remover! Usami: Yeah! Azure Twinkling, Angel Night! Zakuro: Huh? Why? Why? This happened long in the past... I was sure I had completely forgotten the events of that day... But now I remember it like it was yesterday. The pain... The joy... Zakuro: Huh...? Zakuro: What was that? These are... Tears? Could I be... crying? For some reason... I had tears streaming down my cheeks. For some reason... the tears wouldn't stop. Zakuro: That's right... Back then, you two were really worried about me. Usami: Zakuro-san? Have you remembered it? Zakuro: A little... Just a little, but... Zakuro: You were both so worried about me when I was injured. Ayumi: The battle at the stone tower... Zakuro: That's right. That was the battle at the stone tower. I definitely saw that tower behind us. Usami: The seal is being dispelled! Zakuro: ...The seal? Usami: Yes. The great disaster feared our power after having failed in its attempt to destroy the world, so it put a seal on our souls when we were reincarnated in this world. Zakuro: Why a seal? Usami: That's because... Ayumi: Once again, Har Megiddo is... Zakuro: Har Megiddo? Usami: Yes, the final confrontation... The battle at the hill of Megiddo. Usami: We fought to prevent the world's destruction... That was a long battle, a series of tribulations... Usami: And then, in the last days... we faced Har Megiddo... Zakuro: The last days... Har Megiddo... Usami: We fought and fought, no matter how many times we were injured, no matter how many times we fell. Usami: And we saved the world from Har Megiddo. Zakuro: We... saved the world... Usami: But... its power was too strong. We failed to destroy it. Usami: The great disaster was confined in the hyperspace at the core of chaos, but... Usami: It will certainly return someday. Usami: In preparation for its revival, we chose the path of reincarnation to increase our powers, but... Usami: In the moment of our reincarnation, the great disaster cast this cursed seal upon us to frustrate our efforts. Zakuro: A cursed... seal... Usami: Yes... So that we would be reborn as powerless human girls. That's right... That powerful seal is the reason why I never remembered it before... Zakuro: But... then how can we recover our memories? Usami: That would be... the Brain Reverse. Zakuro: Brain Reverse... Usami: Oh, sorry. That's how we refer to the recovery of our past memories, but... there's a reason why the Brain Reverse isn't complete. Zakuro: But we have to recover our memories... If Har Megiddo is going to happen again... Doesn't that mean the great disaster is coming back?! In response, Usami-san and Ayumi-san both silently nodded. Zakuro: Then we have to do something! But what can I hope to do? I still haven't recovered all my memories, and I don't have any superpowers like before. Usami: We've thought the same thing for a long time, but the reality is that our power hasn't returned either. Zakuro: What?! Usami: Ayumi-chan and I have only recovered a small portion of our power. That's how we were able to find you, but we don't have enough power to save the world. Zakuro: But didn't we reincarnate in this world to attain even more power? Usami: Yes, we did... Usami: But Har Megiddo has attacked us in more ways than just the seal. Usami: The great disaster has sent its vanguard to ensure that we never recover enough power to save the world. Zakuro: Vanguard? Usami: The vanguard possesses humans in order to get close to us and plant evil thoughts within us. Zakuro: Evil thoughts? Usami: Haven't you experienced them too? Haven't you wished the world would just end, or that you could just disappear? Zakuro: Huh?! Zakuro: That's right... I've thought things like that many times... Zakuro: I thought all of those things until just yesterday. I even wanted to kill myself... Usami: You weren't the only one. Ayumi-chan and I both thought much the same until our powers returned... Zakuro: R-Really? Usami: Yes... So that's the truth... The great disaster is the reason why I had to suffer! Usami: Athers, the great disaster, was concerned that the seal wouldn't suffice. Usami: It prevented the Brain Reverse from occurring, but there's always the possibility of it happening so long as we're alive. Usami: That was the thought process behind its next move. Zakuro: ... Usami: Zakuro-san... Does some particular event come to mind? Zakuro: ...Some event? ... ...... Zakuro: NOOO! Usami: Yes, the tragedy that you would rather forget for all time... That's it. That's what it was... They were the great disaster's vanguard... Damn it! I was defiled by those bastards... Ayumi: I understand how you feel, Zakuro-chan... Zakuro: Huh?! Usami: Me too... and Ayumi-chan... We were... It happened to both of them too. Just like me... they were defiled. Usami: ... Ayumi: ... Zakuro: ... Ayumi-san grabbed my hand. In that moment, Zakuro: Th-This... Ayumi-san's memories flowed into me... Female Student: Come on, masturbate for us. Ayumi: Th-That's... Female Student: Hurry up already. Ayumi: ... Female Student: You little... Female Student: You don't want to make us angry. Female Student: We'll burn all your fucking hair down there, then make you walk home naked. Ayumi: Ah! Female Student: Hurry up and do it. Ayumi: ... Shlick... Female Student: Come on, do it for real. Female Student: No one's gonna want to watch this shit. Ayumi: Watch? Female Student: Don't worry about it. Just do it. Ayumi: ... Shlick, shlick... Female Student: Moan for us. Ayumi: Okay... Ayumi: Amm... Female Student: Ahahahahahaha. Female Student: She said 'amm.' Female Student: The fuck was that?! Ayumi: ... Female Student: Don't stop already. Ayumi: Okay... Ayumi: ... Shlick, shlick... Ayumi: ... Ayumi: Huh?! Ayumi: Th-That's my phone... Ayumi: Wh-Why are you... Female Student: I'm taking pictures. Ayumi: Pictures?! Female Student: Yeah, then we can sell them on the Internet. People pay tons for this stuff. Ayumi: B-But... Female Student: Don't worry. Female Student: We'll make sure to erase our phone numbers. Ayumi: B-But... Female Student: Shut up... Female Student: Why don't we just force her to do it? Female Student: Yeah. Ayumi: No! Female Student: What, you're getting wet too? Ayumi: No! Ayumi: Just... Just leave me alone. Female Student: Shut up. Female Student: Why you! Ayumi: Ah! Female Student: Just keep your trap shut. Ayumi: O-Ow... Female Student: I just told you! Female Student: Isn't this great? It's like BDSM. Female Student: Yeah, it kinda is. How about this... Trickle. Ayumi: Noo! Female Student: Oh? Trickle, trickle... Female Student: Wh-What's wrong with her... Female Student: She pissed herself when I stepped on her. Female Student: Quick, take some pictures. Female Student: Yeah, there are people into that shit. Ayumi: ... Trickle, trickle... Female Student: Did you get it? Female Student: It's perfect. Female Student: Ahahahaha. Female Student: Wow, Ayumi, you're going to be so popular with the perverts. You'll be their idol! Female Student: Yeah, yeah. Ayumi: ... Female Student: What should the next scene be? Female Student: Hmm. Female Student: That's it! Female Student: We'll take her virginity! How about that? Ayumi: Wha―?! Ayumi: A-Anything but that. Ayumi: Ah! Female Student: Shut up. Female Student: I wish you would just shut up and take it instead of bitching every three seconds. Ayumi: Please... Let me go... Please let me go... Female Student: So then, who's gonna fuck her? Female Student: This... Female Student: What's this? Female Student: It's the janitor's dog. Female Student: Wh-Why did you bring this thing along? Female Student: Hehehehehe. Ayumi: NOOO! Ayumi: It hurts! Female Student: Ahahahahahahaha. Female Student: This is amazing. She looks great! Female Student: Wow, wow! Ayumi: I-It hurts... Ayumi: L-Let me go... Female Student: Take some pictures. Female Student: Oh, yeah. Snap, snap... ... ...... Zakuro: ...That's terrible. I wasn't the only one... I wasn't the only one suffering... We've all suffered the same fate... But I... I thought I was the only one who had to bear this burden... Zakuro: ...I'm sorry. Zakuro: Until today, I thought I was all alone... I thought I was the only one suffering. Usami: No... It's not your fault. It's the great disaster's fault. Yes... That's right. It was all the great disaster trying to destroy the world. That's the source of all my problems. Usami: ...The great disaster wanted to seal our power away by planting its evil directly within our bodies. Usami: It succeeded in sealing our powers, but it was only through this experience that we recovered our memories... You haven't completely recovered your memories, but that's just a matter of time. It's rather ironic that the great disaster worked against itself in this case. Ayumi: Thanks to that... we finally found you. Zakuro: ...Yeah. These people are my allies. No, they're my true friends! To think that my true friends were waiting for me... I'm so happy! I've never been this happy before in my life! Yes... I was... I was born to save this world! Zakuro: Usami-chan... Ayumi-chan... Usami: Yeah... Ayumi: ... We embraced and cried together. The tears of joy wouldn't stop. Zakuro: By the way, you said there was something else you needed me to help with. Usami: ...Yes. Usami-chan wiped away the tears and began to talk. Usami: You remember when I said the revival of the great disaster and Har Megiddo was approaching? Zakuro: Yes. Usami: We want to stop it... We want to save the world! Zakuro: You want to save the world? Usami: That's right... It's true that our hearts were clouded with evil, that before we wished for this world to be destroyed, but there are many innocent people in this world. Many in this world are kind―even compassionate! Kind people... Someone like that... Zakuro: Mamiya-kun... Usami: I... I want to save those people! Ayumi: Save... those... people... Zakuro: Yeah... Yeah, that's our mission! Usami: That's right! Our mission is to save all those people! That's right... I'm the warrior, fighting to save the world! If I don't do it, then who will? Usami: And the evil people who attacked us were originally human before they were possessed... If we vanquish the great disaster, they'll return to normal! That's why... If we save the world, all those people will return to normal... Then why did he have to die? Wasn't he another person possessed by the evil? Then he should have gone back to normal once the world was saved... Why? Why? Usami: The being posessing these humans is... the Specialized Physics Bug... Zakuro: Specialized Physics Bug? Usami: A bug created from a material exempt from the laws of conventional physics. Usami: It's an insect that infests a person's mind and eats their thoughts, memories, and emotions. Zakuro: A person's mind... Usami: Yes, the people who have been possessed by this insect are no different from insects themselves. Zakuro: Insects... So that's all they are... Just bugs... Zakuro: That's why I was... Usami: Yes, it planted Specialized Physics Bugs in the people around all three of us in order to induce a low energy state in us, the three angel warriors. Zakuro: That's... why they bullied me... Usami: That's right. Usami: If a person is infested by a Specialized Physics Bug for a long period of time, their brain almost completely disappears. Usami: Yesterday, Angel Night and I used our powers to create a barrier field in Tokyo's 23rd district, thereby exterminating the Specialized Physics Bug. Zakuro: ... Usami: So the person whose brain had been eaten by the Specialized Physics Bug went mad once the bug disappeared. Usami: The person who tortured you destroyed himself. Zakuro: Destroyed himself? Usami: Yes, so you don't need to worry about that. Zakuro: But, he... He was just possessed by the evil. He wasn't originally... Usami: Yes... He was originally human. Usami: But... the bug is especially compatible with people whose hearts are already evil. The person who was infested had an evil heart to begin with, and gradually that person fused with the bug. Zakuro: Compatible... Usami: He was compatible with the Specialized Physics Bug because he was evil at heart. Usami: He fused with the bug to the point where almost all of his brain was eaten. That's proof that he was evil at heart. Usami: In a way, his death was just retribution for his sins. Usami: Even if they hadn't been infested, they would have committed some other crime eventually. Usami: And... why should they get off scot-free after defiling us? They should accept their retribution. Zakuro: They should accept their retribution... Th-That's right... That's right... That has to be it... It was their just recompense... Zakuro: That was just their inevitable retribution... Zakuro: They were evil at heart; they were beyond salvation... Usami: Yes, this is divine retribution... We couldn't have hoped to save them. Zakuro: Wait... Weren't our powers sealed away...? Right... It's our mission to save the world, but we can't do anything without our powers. Ayumi: ...There's one way to recover our powers. Zakuro: Huh? Usami: t's just as Ayumi said... There's a way to recover our Extradimensional Powers. Usami: To do it, we have to complete the ritual known as Spiral Matai. Zakuro: Spiral Matai? Usami: Yes... Spiral Matai. Usami: If we complete this ritual, we can recover our powers. Usami: But bravery is required for this ritual... Zakuro: Bravery? Usami: We reincarnated ourselves in this world in order to gain greater powers... In order to recover our powers, we have to go through an experience similar to reincarnation once again. Zakuro: An experience similar to reincarnation? Usami: We have to have a near-death experience. If we survive, we'll be able to recover our Extradimensional Powers. Zakuro: A near-death experience? Usami: Yes... That's what the Spiral Matai is. Ayumi: ... Zakuro: ... Usami: In truth, we wanted to wait until you fully recovered your memories before doing it, but... Usami: But the world's destruction, Bick Hazard, is approaching. Ayumi: July... 20th... Zakuro: What? Did she just say July 20th...? July 20th... That's just nine days from now! Zakuro: No way...?! Ayumi: ... Usami: ... Zakuro: But that's... Usami: It's true... July 20th is the day of Har Megiddo... Usami: The Bible tells of Armageddon, and Nostrodamus predicted that it would come in the seventh month of the year... Usami: It's July 20th... Armageddon is coming in just nine days... I can't believe it... I finally met my friends and now... In just nine days... Zakuro: ...When are we going to do it? Usami: Zakuro-chan.? Zakuro: Let's do it... Let's complete the Spiral Matai. Usami: You'll do it with us, Zakuro-chan? Zakuro: If we don't do it soon, we can't recover our powers! And... Zakuro: And... if we don't recover our powers, the world will be destroyed. Zakuro: If that happened... Zakuro: If the world was destroyed... Zakuro: I would... I would never see any of you again! Usami: Zakuro-chan... Ayumi: ... Zakuro: I'm ready for it. Zakuro: If we're all together, we can do anything! Zakuro: We're... We're allies. We'll always be there to help each other! Zakuro: What's more, we're true friends! Ayumi: Za...kuro... chan... Usami: That's right... We're true friends! Zakuro: When do you want to carry out the ritual? Usami: Ayumi-chan, when do you think we should do it? Ayumi: ... Ayumi-chan closed her eyes and thought for a moment. Usami: Ayumi-chan has the power to read the stars. It was through her powers that we finally found you. Zakuro: How does she have her powers...? Usami: Actually, Ayumi-chan got hit by a car a few months ago. Zakuro: A car? Usami: Yeah... Right now it's hidden by her hair, but she has a really bad scar on her head. Zakuro: O-Oh... Usami: She recovered a small part of her power after that. Usami: So she's the only one who has any power right now, and even that is just a fraction of her full power. Zakuro: But... it was that power that put up the barrier field and found me... Wow... If our full power comes back, then we could... Ayumi: The star of Ganjima... That building... The star of Mande... is appr...oaching... Zaroboi... Hiding in the shadow of... Elhimuro's... power... Zakuro: Huh? Usami: So soon... Ayumi-chan nodded silently. Usami: Tomorrow evening... We'll be most closely attuned to Elhimuro's energy at 6:42... Usami: At that time, upon this Earth... Zakuro: This Earth? Usami: Roughly the height of this building... Ayumi: A little to the right... The apartment complex next door would be... ideal. Usami: Yeah, that'll be our position. Zakuro: That's where we'll carry out the Spiral Matai? Ayumi: ... Usami: ...Yes... Zakuro: Tomorrow, at 6:42... When that time comes... My power will return, and I'll be able to save the world! Usami: ...Are you scared, Zakuro-chan? Zakuro: Scared? Why? Usami: We're going to have a near-death experience... Zakuro: That is scary... but if we don't do it, we can't save the world. Zakuro: And we'll all be together... Zakuro: If we're all together, we'll be fine, no matter what! Ayumi: Za...kuro... chan... Usami: Zakuro-chan... Zakuro: Then we'll meet here tomorrow at 6:30. Usami and Ayumi didn't say anything. They simply nodded their approval. Zakuro: We're true friends... No matter what happens, we'll stick together... That's right... I'm not wrong! The one who was wrong... The one who was wrong―! Why I was born... Why I exist at all... Today, I found my raison d'etre. Yes... I'm the warrior, sent here to save the world! Along with my allies... Allies... Friends... True friends... Usami-chan... Golden Light, Angel Remover. Ayumi-chan... Azure Twinkling, Angel Night. I've finally found my true friends. I've never been so happy before in my life. I'm as happy as any human could ever be. I wonder if anyone else has ever been this happy? I want to share this happiness with everyone... That's how happy I feel. Zakuro: Ah! I can see it clearly... The time of the world's destruction... The world will end in nine days. I can't let that happen... I just met my friends... I can't let my happiness end so soon... A great, black shadow... covering the sky... An endless black gloom... Like the world's twilight... A gloomy scene... Usami: ...Spiral Matai... Spiral Matai... If we just finish the Spiral Matai, I'll be able to recover my Extradimensional Powers! And then... Then I'll be able to save the world, and I'll be happy like this forever! Zakuro: I... Zakuro: I have to save the world! But I wonder what my Extradimensional Powers were like? Zakuro: Will I be able to shoot pink energy blasts from my hands? Zakuro: Like, pew pew pew...? Zakuro: Ahahahaha... Could I really save the world with something like that? No way... It's gotta be something really amazing... There's no way it's something boring like shooting energy blasts. Once I recover my power, I can save everyone. Then they'll all be kind to me. My mother, and my classmates, and... Mamiya-kun, too. It must have been the Specialized Physics Bug making him act like that when he was in the underground room. Once we save the world, Mamiya-kun will go back to his smart, caring self. And then... Zakuro: ... Zakuro: Kyaa! We might finally be united. Now that I think back on it... I'm pretty sure Usami-chan said something like this. Usami: The memories of that experience will never go away... Usami: But... your body can be purified. Zakuro: What do you mean? Usami: Spiral Matai allows you to transcend your physical form... You'll be able to leave your incomplete human body behind and be reborn as a full-fledged angel warrior. Zakuro: You mean... Usami: That's right. The body that they defiled will go back to normal. The only thing that will remain will be the memories. Usami: We'll know no more pain after that moment... when we're reborn... Zakuro: Reborn... Usami: Yes. Zakuro: Oh... Usami: You have someone you love, don't you, Zakuro-chan? Zakuro: Huh? H-How do you know? Usami: Before, when you said everyone would go back to their kind selves... you hesitated for just a moment. Usami: I thought you were probably remembering someone you loved. Zakuro: Th-That's, uh... Usami: Ehehehe... That's normal. Zakuro: Usami-chan... Usami: There's someone I love too... It was our fate to be united, but... Zakuro: Fate? Usami: Ahahaha, in the past world, that is. We were engaged. Zakuro: Engaged? Usami: Yeah, we were going to be married in Elhimuro... Usami: But... Usami: I had to fight the great disaster before we could be wed... and in the final battle, I gave my life to save the world. Usami: After that, he... he chased after my spirit for millions of years... Billions of years... Trillions of years he reincarnated, time and time again, searching for me... Zakuro: Trillions of years... That's longer than the universe has existed... Usami: Yeah... and we finally met again in this world, but the evil people tore us apart once again. Zakuro: The evil people... Usami: Yeah... Takanobu-kun is being tricked! It's that evil woman's fault! She's pure evil, and she seduced him! Zakuro: Oh... Usami: So... once this battle is over... he'll remember everything... Zakuro: Yeah. Make sure you invite me to your wedding. Usami: Yeah. Zakuro: You've been waiting to get married for trillions of years... We have to win this time! Usami: Yeah! Zakuro: Yeah, once this battle is over... Once everything is peaceful, then we'll get married too... Usami: We'll return to our true bodies... and be able to face our loved ones again... Ayumi: ...Yeah... we will... Zakuro: My dirty body will be clean again... Usami: I'm sure it will. Zakuro: Let's do our best. After this all ends, I'll be able to... I'll be able to face Mamiya-kun again.
Ayumi-san grabbed my hand. In that moment, Zakuro: Th-This... Ayumi-san's memories flowed into me... Female Student: Come on, masturbate for us. Ayumi: Th-That's... Female Student: Hurry up already. Ayumi: ... Female Student: You little... Female Student: You don't want to make us angry. Female Student: We'll burn all your fucking hair down there, then make you walk home naked. Ayumi: Ah! Female Student: Hurry up and do it. Ayumi: ... Shlick... Female Student: Come on, do it for real. Female Student: No one's gonna want to watch this shit. Ayumi: Watch? Female Student: Don't worry about it. Just do it. Ayumi: ... Shlick, shlick... Female Student: Moan for us. Ayumi: Okay... Ayumi: Amm... Female Student: Ahahahahahaha. Female Student: She said 'amm.' Female Student: The fuck was that?! Ayumi: ... Female Student: Don't stop already. Ayumi: Okay... Ayumi: ... Shlick, shlick... Ayumi: ... Ayumi: Huh?! Ayumi: Th-That's my phone... Ayumi: Wh-Why are you... Female Student: I'm taking pictures. Ayumi: Pictures?! Female Student: Yeah, then we can sell them on the Internet. People pay tons for this stuff. Ayumi: B-But... Female Student: Don't worry. Female Student: We'll make sure to erase our phone numbers. Ayumi: B-But... Female Student: Shut up... Female Student: Why don't we just force her to do it? Female Student: Yeah. Ayumi: No! Female Student: What, you're getting wet too? Ayumi: No! Ayumi: Just... Just leave me alone. Female Student: Shut up. Female Student: Why you! Ayumi: Ah! Female Student: Just keep your trap shut. Ayumi: O-Ow... Female Student: I just told you! Female Student: Isn't this great? It's like BDSM. Female Student: Yeah, it kinda is. How about this... Trickle. Ayumi: Noo! Female Student: Oh? Trickle, trickle... Female Student: Wh-What's wrong with her... Female Student: She pissed herself when I stepped on her. Female Student: Quick, take some pictures. Female Student: Yeah, there are people into that shit. Ayumi: ... Trickle, trickle... Female Student: Did you get it? Female Student: It's perfect. Female Student: Ahahahaha. Female Student: Wow, Ayumi, you're going to be so popular with the perverts. You'll be their idol! Female Student: Yeah, yeah. Ayumi: ... Female Student: What should the next scene be? Female Student: Hmm. Female Student: That's it! Female Student: We'll take her virginity! How about that? Ayumi: Wha―?! Ayumi: A-Anything but that. Ayumi: Ah! Female Student: Shut up. Female Student: I wish you would just shut up and take it instead of bitching every three seconds. Ayumi: Please... Let me go... Please let me go... Female Student: So then, who's gonna fuck her? Female Student: This... Female Student: What's this? Female Student: It's the janitor's dog. Female Student: Wh-Why did you bring this thing along? Female Student: Hehehehehe. Ayumi: NOOO! Ayumi: It hurts! Female Student: Ahahahahahahaha. Female Student: This is amazing. She looks great! Female Student: Wow, wow! Ayumi: I-It hurts... Ayumi: L-Let me go... Female Student: Take some pictures. Female Student: Oh, yeah. Snap, snap... ... ......
Chirp... Chirp, chirp... The sound of... birds... Y-Yeah... Morning? Is it morning already? Oh, right... Last night I was up late. I spent all night warning people on the underground message board. Zakuro: But no one would listen to the truth. Zakuro: I can't blame them, though. Zakuro: Ah... So bright...! It was morning already. It was the day when I would recover my power... The day I would be reborn. Zakuro: Mm... I hadn't felt this good in a long time. For a long time, I didn't feel anything. I never knew the morning could feel so good... It feels good. I have to protect this happiness... I have to protect this world. Zakuro: Today, I will be reborn... School... A lot has happened here... I came to school since I had a lot of time before we were supposed to meet up. Zakuro: It's Sunday, so there aren't many people here... I walked into the school building. Zakuro: Even this place, where so many bad things happened, will be given new life after the great disaster passes. Zakuro: The world will be kind again... Looking at it like that, even this school building holds a place in my heart, oddly enough. The last time I looked out this window... ... If he had been born with a kinder heart... he wouldn't have been eaten by the Specialized Physics Bug. Poor thing. He won't be born into the new world. ... This place holds my most treasured memories... All my memories of Mamiya-kun linger here. Zakuro: Hehe... Zakuro: I guess Mamiya-kun's not here now, though. Of course not... Today is Sunday after all. But... Zakuro: I guess I still hoped he would be. If we're fated to be together... It wouldn't be strange at all if we had met here today... Zakuro: Hehehe... I shouldn't be thinking about boys just before battle. I'll soon be reborn... and then I'll fight for this world. I can't waste my time thinking about the boy I used to like. Zakuro: But... Zakuro: Once it's all over... Mamiya-kun... I'll... come find you... Once this is all over... Zakuro: Then... The two of us... in the new world... Zakuro: ...Yeah. ... That's right... Zakuro: Huh?! A strange presence... I'd never felt this before. Was that the first sign of my powers returning? Zakuro: Huh... Zakuro: You're... Otonashi Ayana. Ayana: ... Zakuro: Why are you here... Why is Otonashi-san here...? Could it be... Usami: The vanguard possesses humans in order to approach us and interfere with our mission... ... Which means... Otonashi-san came here to interfere with the Spiral Matai. That's the truth of it. That has to be it! Zakuro: What are you trying to do? Zakuro: I know all about your evil scheme! Zakuro: You're here to interfere with the Spiral Matai, aren't you? Ayana: You've already chosen your fate... There's nothing I can do to change it. Zakuro: O-Of course not... I'll never let you evil people interfere. Ayana: I won't interfere. Ayana: Either way... people aren't capable of accurately distinguishing between the coincidental and the inevitable. Ayana: All swans are white... That was the truth. Ayana: Until they found one black swan anyway. Ayana: The black swan... One fact can overturn a theory that was previously thought impregnable. Ayana: Some men believe that the Sun dies at the end of every day. They pray for its rebirth every night. Ayana: They believe themselves to be the only reason the Sun rises at dawn. Ayana: No one can deny their claim... Ayana: Not so long as they continue their prayers. Ayana: So no one can deny the truth you've found. Zakuro: You can't confuse me with your nonsense. Ayana: Oh, really... But there is one thing I'd like to say. Zakuro: What? Ayana: Do your best... at the Spiral Matai. Zakuro: Shut up! Zakuro: I don't want to hear it from you! Ayana: ... I never should've come back to school... I never wanted to see this person ever again... Now she's spoiled my good mood. Zakuro: Haa... I still have time left... Zakuro: What should I do? Zakuro: Huh? That person... I recognized him. I thought I heard a voice... and I turned around... Ah... This must be fate. To think that we would meet here... just before the end... Zakuro: Mamiya-kun... Seeing him felt... incredibly nostalgic. We last saw each other a few days ago, but in the span of just a few days, we had grown so distant. No... We could still be separated until the end of time. Just like Usami-chan was... That could still happen to us. Mamiya-kun noticed me staring at him. A kind smile... That's definitely the real him. Mamiya: Takashima... Zakuro, was it? Zakuro: Yes. Hello. Mamiya: Ah, hello. Zakuro: Why are you here today? Mamiya: "Oh, uh, there's no particular reason. I was buying something, and now I guess I'm just walking around." Mamiya: I mean, for someone living near the train station, Suginomiya is the most convenient place to go shopping, right? I suppose you could go all the way out to Shinjuku if you wanted, though. Zakuro: I see. I'm glad. Mamiya: Glad? Zakuro: Yes. I'm glad I got to meet you. Mamiya: Okay. I-If you say so. Zakuro: Yes. This might be divine providence. Mamiya: Divine providence? Mamiya: Um, we've never really talked much, so... Zakuro: Huh? Mamiya: Huh? Have we? Is this... The Specialized Physics Bug. That's probably it... It infects a person's brain and eats their thoughts, memories, and emotions... Damn it... That bug ate my precious memories with Mamiya-kun... I won't forgive them. Bick Hazard... I won't forgive you! Mamiya: U-Um, is something the matter? Zakuro: Ah, no. You're right. You're probably right, but I knew you very well. Mamiya: Oh, r-really? Mamiya: Did I do something to tick you off? Zakuro: Why do you ask? Mamiya: Well, if someone I don't remember all that well says they remember me, it means they're holding some kind of grudge, right? Even after the bug ate his memories... he's still such a kind person... He really is a nice person. Zakuro: A grudge against you? Heheh. I'm not holding any grudge. Mamiya: I see. Well, that's good to hear. Zakuro: I don't have a bad impression of you. Mamiya: That's... good to hear. Zakuro: Not a bad impression at all. Mamiya: At all? Zakuro: ... Zakuro: Ah. I hope we can have cordial relations. Mamiya: Huh? Mamiya: Huh? Mamiya: Mmmgh?! Zakuro: Mm... I'll definitely come back to you... my beloved... I'll definitely come back... Next time, I'll tell you how I feel. I'll become a new person... And then I'll come back to you. Mamiya-kun... So... Mamiya: Wha―? Zakuro: I'll give you some of my power. Mamiya: Power? Wh-What do you mean? Zakuro: Soon, something amazing will happen. Mamiya: S-Something amazing? Mamiya: You mean, like, tribadism? Zakuro: Tribadism? Mamiya: Ahahaha, nothing * By the way, what is that 'something amazing' you were talking about?"* Zakuro: Well, it's... Zakuro: The sky is really, really full. Mamiya: Full of what? Zakuro: Anxious words. Mamiya: ... Zakuro: The sky is full of anxious words. ... I told him about the scene I saw... The endless black gloom... The world's twilight... The gloom... covering the sky... Mamiya: Um, not full of anxiety, but full of anxious words? Mamiya: That's kind of a cool expression. Zakuro: Heheh. It's not a metaphor. Mamiya: So, what about it? Zakuro: The process of absorption has begun. Mamiya: Who's doing the absorbing? Zakuro: The world. Mamiya: Wanjuku Kei! Zakuro: Hm? Mamiya: It's V Kei! Zakuro: Wh-What is? Mamiya: It's Visual Kei! Zakuro: Yes, I know that, but... Mamiya: Ah, well, I was just wondering if you liked it. Zakuro: ... Zakuro: Anxious words, and the world that has absorbed them. Zakuro: Do you know what those are? Mamiya: Uh, not really. Zakuro: The heart of the person who will soon die. Zakuro: Therefore, the world... Zakuro: Will end. Mamiya: ... Mamiya: What? Mamiya: ... Mamiya: U-Um... Zakuro: Sorry. I'm sorry. You probably can't believe it, right? But I'll protect you. "Zakuro-chan!" Usami: Who is this? Usami: What are you doing with an outsider? Zakuro: Sorry. But this person should be fine. Ayumi: I'm not all that impressed. Zakuro: Yeah, I understand. Usami: Please be more careful, Zakuro-chan. Zakuro: Yeah... Sorry Mamiya: Ahahaha, well then, I'd better be off... Zakuro: Hey! Mamiya: Yes?! Zakuro: I'll protect the world, so... Mamiya: ... Mamiya: Okay? Zakuro: I won't fail. I can do it. Usami: Zakuro! Zakuro: Coming... The moment approached. It was 6:30... We quickly walked to the apartment building. The apartment building would be the best place for us to receive energy from Elhimuro. Soon it would be time for the Spiral Matai. It approached, second by second. Zakuro: Now... it's finally time... Usami: Y-Yeah... Ayumi: ...Ah... Auh... Zakuro: Hmm? What's wrong? Ayumi-chan has never been talkative, but why is Usami-chan so quiet all of a sudden...? Zakuro: What's wrong, Usami-chan? It's kind of... Usami: ... What's wrong? Is she trembling? Why? Zakuro: Today's the day we finally recover our power so that we can save the world. Usami: ... Zakuro: Huh? I couldn't hear what she said. Zakuro: What's wrong, Usami-chan? Usami: I-I'm... scared... Zakuro: Huh? Usami: I'm scared... Usami-chan started crying out of fear. Why is she so terrified? Why is she crying? Zakuro: What are you saying? Hey... Usami-chan? Usami: We might just die, you know?! Zakuro: Wha―?! Die? Did she just say we might die? Why would we die? Why would that happen? Zakuro: What do you mean, Usami-chan?! She continued crying. She wouldn't answer me. Ayumi: Spir...al... Ma...tai... Zakuro: Spiral Matai? Spiral Matai... I heard it was a ritual to recover our Extradimensional Powers... I heard we would have a near-death experience... But... just what kind of ritual is it? I still hadn't heard the details. Zakuro: Usami-chan... what kind of ritual is the Spiral Matai? She just kept crying in fear. Zakuro: Don't just cry! Tell me! Usami: In order to recover our powers, we have to come close to death, so we have to... Zakuro: Have to what? Usami: We have to... jump from the roof of this building. Zakuro: Huh?! What? What... did she just say? Did she just say... we have to jump? Jump off the roof? From the top of this building? This building is at least fourteen stories... If we jumped from that height... Zakuro: Ah! Just like that... Our bodies would crash against the ground, just like him... No... This building is three times as tall as the one he fell from, so it would be much worse. It would probably be a lot worse. Zakuro: I-If we do that... we'll definitely... Usami: No... If we do it, our powers will be awakened the instant before we reach the ground. Zakuro: ...Awakened? Usami: Yes... Our power will never come back until we're faced with certain death. Zakuro: Faced with certain death... Usami: ...B-But... But, I'm scared... I'm so scared! Scared... Scared of... Jumping from the top of this building... Jumping off the roof... Hehe... Hehehehehe... Zakuro: Hehehehehe... Usami: ...Zakuro-chan? I grabbed Usami-chan and Ayumi-chan's arms. Ayumi: Ah, auh... I dragged the two of them into the elevator. They were both crying now. Usami: Nooo! I don't want to die! Zakuro: It'll be all right, Usami-chan. What do we have to fear? Usami: ... Zakuro: There's no way we'll die like he did... Zakuro: We're angel warriors! It's our destiny to save the world! Zakuro: What do we have to be afraid of? Zakuro: We definitely won't die. Zakuro: We won't die, because we're the ones who are right! Usami: But... Zakuro: All right? Usami-chan... right now, the world is sitting upon the cusp of destruction. Zakuro: If we don't stand up and fight, who will save the world in our stead? Usami: ...But... Zakuro: Just like before... Zakuro: If we don't fight back, the world will be annihilated. Zakuro: Usami-chan, do you understand? Zakuro: The end is approaching. Zakuro: Look at it, Usami-chan! Zakuro: Come on... Can't you see it? Zakuro: The great disaster is coming... Zakuro: Just like before... Zakuro: Like before... Zakuro: We said these words... Zakuro: We won't lose! Zakuro: As long as we stand united, we can accomplish even the impossible! Zakuro: Usami-chan, have you forgotten? Zakuro: If we don't fight back now, the world will be destroyed! Usami: I can't see it... I can't see any great disaster! Zakuro: Open your eyes! Usami: Nooo, no! Zakuro: Usami! Usami: Eek! Zakuro: Usami-chan, listen to me! Zakuro: Fear is a shapeless monster! Zakuro: It clouds the mind and beckons the worst possible outcome! Zakuro: If we falter here... Zakuro: The world will be destroyed! Zakuro: Could you let that happen? Zakuro: Usami-chan! Usami: I could! Zakuro: Wh-What? Usami: I don't care if the world is destroyed! Usami: I don't want to die! Usami: Ow! I slapped Usami-chan without even thinking. Zakuro: I'm sorry... Zakuro: But we don't have time... Zakuro: Ayumi-chan, what time is it? Ayumi: Ah, auh... Ayumi-chan silently backed away. Zakuro: What time is it?! I grabbed her wrist and pulled her over to us again. She was trembling. So she's afraid too... They're both scared... Then I have to be strong. If I don't keep calm, the world will be destroyed! Zakuro: ...What time is it? Ayumi: Six... forty... Zakuro: We don't have time! Quick! Zakuro: Come on, find your courage! Usami: I don't need courage! Zakuro: Usami-chan, yo * idiot!* * Idiot,* * idiot,* * idiot!"* Zakuro: Show me your strong heart! Zakuro: Your panache! Zakuro: The crest of courage upon your heart... Your panache! Zakuro: Now, Le Bret! Today, we travel to the moon! Usami: Huh? What? Zakuro: I have no need for a machine's assistance. I'll simply dive off this building. Usami: Wh-What are you saying? What? Zakuro: That's right! That world upon the moon is...! Zakuro: A world fashioned just for me! Zakuro: The souls of all those I admire wait for me upon the lunar surface... Zakuro: Socrates! Galileo! Zakuro: The soul which comprises the fundaments of physical matter is― Zakuro: This is truely a problem... Quoth Copernicus! Zakuro: That's right. Why hath the whole been tempted by the devil? Zakuro: Why hath the whole been tempted, lured onto that galley? Zakuro: A philosopher! Zakuro: A scientist. Zakuro: A poet. Zakuro: A swordsman. Zakuro: A musician. Zakuro: And now a traveler flying across the sky. Zakuro: You will feel the sting of your own words. Zakuro: He has become all. Zakuro: He has become supreme... and... Zakuro: Has become the sky... Zakuro: But... I must go. I cannot keep him waiting. Zakuro: Look... The moonlight has come to welcome me... Usami: Nooooo! Ayumi: Eek! The two of them convulsed, trying to run away. But I grabbed them both by the wrists so they couldn't run. That's right... You can't run away now... This is our only chance! Zakuro: Don't be afraid... Zakuro: I'm here with you... Zakuro: It'll be all right. Zakuro: Don't worry. Zakuro: We've made it through every crisis before, haven't we? Zakuro: So... Zakuro: So we definitely won't die! I dragged the two of them along as I stepped over the handrail. The sky was close. It felt like I could reach out and touch the heavens... Zakuro: You strip from me the laurel and the rose! Zakuro: Take all! Despite you there is yet one thing I hold against you all. Zakuro: One thing that is left, that, void of stain or smutch, I bear away despite you. Zakuro: Mon panache! I took one step out into the air. The two of them tried to hold their ground. But I took one step out into the air. That's all. Let me dance for this new world. For this new power. For this new truth. I took that one step. I felt the two of them trembling. It'll be all right... I'm here with you! Zakuro: To the sky! Usami: Nooooooo! Ayumi: Ah!!!!!!!!!!!!! I entrusted everything to the sky. My body travelled from sky to Earth in an instant. I grabbed their wrists, bringing them along with me into that abyss. I saw their faces... Laughing, but crying... Terrified, and yet... happy... Those were the emotions upon their faces. Ah... It's like we're flying. It's like we're angels already. So fast... So windy... But there was no sound. The world rotated in the silence. Soon we'll reach the ground. Pioneers in aerodynamics... Everything was the rotating sky. The Earth knew me as it reached up to envelop us. Just a little ways until we reach the world... Just a little ways until we reach the Earth... The growing shadow. I saw my shadow upon the ground.
Just like he said, the next day was peaceful, and the day after that, and the day after that... They were all peaceful days. After that day, all the bullying stopped. Not only Akasaka-san and Kitami-san, but the rest of the class stopped looking at us so coldly as well. Though Akasaka-san and Kitami-san kept avoiding us. Mamiya-kun acted normally after the incident as well. One thing did bother me, though... Mamiya-kun was the person from before. He wasn't the Mamiya-kun who protected us. He was the kind, sociable person... The one who seemed to light up the world. He never again showed me the same expression from that night. Actually... this happened, too. Zakuro: Uh, this... is the book I borrowed from you. Thank you very much. I shouldn't have kept it so long. Mamiya: Huh? Oh, really? Zakuro: Huh? Mamiya: Oh, sorry, sorry... I guess I forgot that I'd lent it to you. Ahaha, I thought I'd lost it. Zakuro: Really? Mamiya: Ahaha... Sorry, I have a really bad memory. I always forget stuff like that. Zakuro: ...So you're 'laying low' again? Mamiya: Eh? Zakuro: Oh, nothing. You told me you talk like that when you're 'laying low'... Mamiya: Huh? What are you talking about? Zakuro: Oh, uh, it's nothing. Zakuro: Oh, and what about the others... How are the other two triplets? Mamiya: Triplets? Mamiya: I don't know any triplets... The twins seem to be getting along fine, though. Twins? Who are they? I don't remember Mamiya-kun talking about twins before... Zakuro: You've really changed, haven't you? Mamiya: Have I? Zakuro: Yes... From the Mamiya-kun I last met here on the rooftop... From the Mamiya-kun I met in that underground room... And even from the Mamiya-kun I first met here on the rooftop... This one was different from them all. The peaceful days will continue on... Maybe that's why Mamiya-kun wants to keep acting like that incident never happened... Maybe that's why the Mamiya-kun from that time doesn't show himself... The days when Kimika and I fought against Akasaka-san and Kitami-san... and the night in the park where it all ended... Maybe it really is an unnecessary past for the peaceful days of the present... Maybe that's true for Mamiya-kun, too... There were always bad rumors about him floating around before, but now his reputation is getting better. He's cheerful, and his grades are good, and people like him... People seem more open to me and Kimika as well, since we were friends with Mamiya-kun before this happened... Kimika just seems troubled by the attention, though, since she doesn't get along with people very well. But, mysteriously enough, Kimika's aloof attitude actually made people like her more. Now that I think of it, she was always cute... She's no good at sports, but she's pretty smart, too. There was never any reason for so many people to dislike her. Bullying is just like that... There doesn't need to be a good reason... Depending on the circumstances, sticking out can either cause someone to be bullied or cause them to be adored. As Mamiya-kun's reputation changed, so did ours... But eventually, the popular Mamiya-kun grew distant from us. Peaceful days. Ongoing peaceful days... Kimika: Were you thinking about Mamiya Takuji again? Zakuro: Ah... Kimika: Seems like you haven't talked to him lately, huh? Zakuro: Yeah... Or rather, it doesn't feel like I can talk to him. He's so popular... Kimika: What happened... He was always so awkward before, but now he's completely different. Zakuro: Yeah... You might be right... Kimika: You like him, don't you? Zakuro: Ahaha... You're still saying that? Kimika: B-But... Zakuro: Dummy... I took her hand. Zakuro: Do you want to skip class? Kimika: Eh? Zakuro: Let's skip... Kimika: B-But... Zakuro: But what? Kimika: Z-Zakuro, that's kind of... Kimika's face went bright red... I pulled her hand... Kimika: Wait, uh... Zakuro, that's kind of bold... I grabbed my bag and pulled her hand... Kimika: Ah, I have to get my bag too... Zakuro: Ha, ha, ha... Kimika: Ha, ha, ha... Z-Zakuro! Zakuro: Hehehe, the teachers were chasing us. Kimika: Well yeah, you tried to walk right out the front gate! Zakuro: But Akasaka-san and Shiroyama-kun did that before, didn't they? Kimika: B-But you're supposed to be a good student! Zakuro: Not at all... I just couldn't decide anything by myself. Zakuro: I obeyed the rules just because someone else had decided them... But― Kimika: Ah! Just like Mamiya-kun had changed... there were a lot of things inside me that had changed... The most important thing to me had changed... Before, the most important thing to me was simply not upsetting anyone, but the person I was before had disappeared. When did that happen? When I first started to like Mamiya-kun? Mamiya-kun certainly did change me. Mamiya-kun gave me the courage to move forward under my own power... But, oddly enough, once I took that step... the wonderful future I had envisioned suddenly changed. His form, which had been foremost in my mind, changed... once I took that step forward. ...This might be a rude way of saying it, but I didn't think he should be the most important thing in my life anymore. Because he was splendid enough on his own. He had everything he needed on his own... I didn't feel anything for him anymore. Kimika: Ah! Zakuro: What are you so scared of? Kimika: Zakuro! Th-There are so many people around... Zakuro: You don't need to worry about that... Mm... Kimika: Mm, mm... ah, mm... When I took that step forward, the scenery changed. The unusual became usual, and the usual became unusual. Kimika: What are you doing all of a sudden? Kimika complained, her eyes wet with tears. Kimika is always like this... Zakuro: Would you rather I asked first? Kimika: Th-That's not the problem! Kimika: Jeez... I thought you were supposed to be a bullied girl. You're supposed to be the submissive one. Zakuro: I'm not a bullied girl anymore. Kimika: That's not what I mean! Kimika: Mm, I thought you were a masochist, but I guess you were really a sadist. Zakuro: Hehehe... I don't know about that. Zakuro: After all, you were the one... that suddenly attacked me that day. Kimika: Th-That was―! Zakuro: You didn't want Mamiya-kun to take me away from you? Kimika: Th-That's, uh... Zakuro: Jeez... You took my virginity just like that, and yet you get worked up about a kiss... Kimika: Th-That was, uh... I was kind of desperate... Zakuro: Desperate? Kimika: Um, I just wanted to stop you from going off with him... and I got carried away... Zakuro: You got carried away... and did it with me. Kimika: Ahhh! Kimika's face turned bright red as she turned away. Zakuro: Isn't that right? Kimika: ...I'm sorry. Kimika: Hey! What's this? * Are you teasing me?!"* Zakuro: Not at all... I'm just asking you a question. Kimika: U-Ugh.. * Zakuro, you're kind of a bully..."* Zakuro: I'm not bullying you... If that's what you think I'm doing, would you rather I never kiss you again? Kimika: Th-That's―! Zakuro: That's what? Kimika: Awww! Oh no... This again... Kimika: Jeez! I hate you! Go die, you piece of shit! Oh, now I've done it... She's so cute, I can't help but bully her... Zakuro: Ah, I'm sorry, Kimika! Ahaha... It's like the reverse of our relationship before. People are funny... Zakuro: Ha, ha, ha... Kimika! Kimika: Ha, ha, ha... Y-You're just as fast as ever, huh? Zakuro: No... It's not that I'm fast, but rather... Well, more importantly, I'm sorry! Kimika: ...Zakuro. Kimika: Hey, how many times have we repeated this same pattern?! Zakuro: Ahaha... I can't help bullying you sometimes. You're too cute. Kimika: How many times have I heard that excuse... Zakuro: Ahaha... Sorry. Kimika: ...Then promise me. Zakuro: Promise you what? Kimika: Y-You won't bully me or say you won't kiss me anymore... Zakuro: Heh! Kimika: Whoa, don't hug me! Zakuro: Yes, yes, I promise, Kimika! Kimika: Whoa, what are you doing?! Are you trying to show off your boobs? A lot changed after that... Every day was different. Actually... At the end, this happened... That was July 19th... The last day before summer break. At the end of the semester... I went up to the rooftop to talk to Mamiya-kun. And when I got there... Ah... Ayana: akashima... Zakuro-san? Zakuro: Your name was... Ayana: Otonashi Ayana... Oh, right... I think I've seen her before. Ayana: Did you come to see Mamiya Takuji-kun today? Zakuro: Yeah... I did, but... How did she know that? Ayana: Mamiya-kun won't be coming to school today. Zakuro: Really? Did he catch a cold? Ayana: He didn't catch a cold... Today is the day before the 20th. Zakuro: The day before the 20th? Ayana: Yes... Therefore, the two will have their final battle... Zakuro: Their final battle? Ayana: Yes. The Mamiya-kun from the underground room was supposed to be the victor, but... because of your choice, his soul has changed directions. Zakuro: His soul? Ayana: Yes... The world of souls. The repitition of souls... Ayana: His soul's string has been severed from the repeating world's model... He's now fated to walk a different path. Zakuro: Um, what does that mean? Ayana: Hehehe, it just means that you made the correct choice. Ayana: Everything is as desired... Takuji the Creator and Takuji the Destroyer died together, and Takuji the Harmonizer alone remained. Ayana: Everything is as he desired... Ayana: ...As Tomosane-kun desired. Zakuro: Tomosane-kun? Ayana: Hehehe... The soul is endlessly reincarnated in the same world. That's why I'm here. Ayana: Now, you too must move forward. The promised land awaits you. The Wonderful Everyday is beginning. Zakuro: U-Um, do you know all of Mamiya-kun's secrets? Ayana: Secrets? Zakuro: Just now, you were talking about Mamiya-kun the Creator, Mamiya-kun the Destroyer, and Mamiya-kun the Harmonizer. Zakuro: What is that?! Ayana: Hehehe... Yes, but the answer is not for you. Ayana: You've obtained The Wonderful Everyday, and you've lost everything besides... Ayana: That's why you can't obtain that answer... Or maybe. Ayana-san grinned. I felt a chill run up my spine. Ayana: Would you like to give up all you have now? Ayana: Would you like to see the soul take a different direction? Zakuro: ... Zakuro: I-I... I made my choice... Zakuro: I can't give up what I have now. I've sworn to live my life to the fullest! Ayana: All right... Ayana-san gave another, smaller smile, and then looked at the sky. Ayana: That sky is no longer here. Ayana: The lost sky... The world of just one soul erased that sky. Ayana: The girl who has decided to live her life... has obtained The Wonderful Everyday. I still don't know what she meant by that. I never saw Ayana-san again after that. I heard rumors that she had transferred or dropped out, but I never knew for sure. To be honest... it seemed irrelevant to me. The question I asked Ayana-san on that day... Even that question seemed irrelevant to my life. Kimika: Hey... Zakuro. Zakuro: Eh? Kimika: What's wrong? Zakuro: Oh, sorry... Kimika: Lost in thought again... Jeez, Zakuro, you're always like that. Zakuro: Ahaha... Not at all. Zakuro: More importantly... summer is ending, huh... Kimika: Yeah... It's starting to get a bit chilly. Zakuro: The summer will end, fall will come, winter will come, and then it'll change to another warm spring. Kimika: Yeah... I walked through the chilly park. I moved forward. Zakuro: ... Kimika: Huh? What's wrong? Zakuro: Oh, no, it's nothing. What is this feeling? It's a strange unease, like I feel uncomfortable about something... It's really strange. Kimika: What's the hold up? Let's go. Zakuro: ...Let's go. Let's go. When I heard her words, I understood. I see... So that's what it was. This feeling is probably the same feeling I felt when I took my first step. I just forgot the feeling until now. This is probably what my first step felt like. It's not just me, either. Everyone felt this when they took their first step. It's the same feeling animals must have felt when they first started to walk on land. I felt nervous about my first step. There's no mistaking it. After all, it's my first step... It's the beginning of a new scenery. But eventually that single step... Becomes an everyday experience. The single step into tomorrow that I so feared... That was a common scene. It became an everyday routine. It became easy. It became incredibly normal. Kimika: Wh-What is it? Zakuro: Nothing... Hey, Kimika. Kimika: Wh-What? Zakuro: Thank you! Kimika: Eh? Zakuro: Thank you for walking by my side! Thank you for helping me take this step! Kimika: Eh? Uh... Kimika hesitated... Of course she did. I was a bit too sudden. I've always been like that, though I never had the courage to say what I was thinking. That's why she hesita...ted? Kimika: Yeah... Kimika laughed cheerfully as she responded. Kimika: Thank you, too. Kimika: For walking by my side!

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

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