Kokoro Connect

Chapter 3 – This World Is Really x.x.x

Month: 0 – Date: X – Cloudy after Rain

Today there was a team meeting for the Cheering Compet.i.tion, and the representative for my cla.s.s also went. He lost everything at Jankenpon, and everyone looked annoyed.

Is everything okay… I worried for a bit like that, and as expected I was angrily berated by Inaba-senpai: “You’re clearly a first year, yet you don’t show any spirit at all!”Although the Inaba-senpai who gets extremely embarra.s.sed in front of Taichi-senpai is really~ cute, in all other situations, honestly, she’s a bit scary.

If it were me, I might have actually been a good mediator, so I tried my best, but was mistaken for showing off and reprimanded, so I could only retreat to the side and be the one who raised small suggestions. If I can be lauded by someone as “really amazing”… That would be great. Give me some praise. Even if it’s just a few words, I would improve.

Although I tried my best, it seems like it’s still not enough. I always feel like my confidence is about to run out. Hey, isn’t this probably suggesting that “there’s someone more qualified than I am”? I’ll definitely be able to achieve that too in the future, yeah, definitely.

Ah, I keep feeling that the senpais all look kind of strange. Is it my imagination?

—

Trying his best to organize things he had wrote into files and folders, Uwa Chihiro closed his laptop, stood up from the computer desk, and left the room.

Chihiro walked towards the kitchen, which cut across the living room. The television displayed an image of an entertainer undergoing a senseless batsu game and laughing heartily. Watching this type of program, his little brother laughed like a buffoon.

He took out a bottle of water from the refrigerator and poured himself a full gla.s.s.

“Chihiro, how’s the high school curriculum? You can keep up, right?”

His mother asked.

“It’s nothing. Easy.”

“Really? I knew that there shouldn’t be any problems if it’s Chihiro…”

His mother’s inquiry was suddenly interrupted. If you have something to say, spit it out.“Are you comfortable… in that school? You’re only there because you didn’t get into your first choice school[17], so…”

The second part of what you said was entirely unnecessary; you didn’t even need to say it. If you’re talking about the school, it certainly is unsophisticated and a b.u.mmer, but I have completely stopped caring. I don’t have time to become entangled in these types of minor trifles.

“Yeah, it’s pretty good.”

Yes, everything has been quite ♂ pleasing lately.

When Chihiro first activated , he was apprehensive about whether it was really effective.

But  had exhibited a dramatic effect. This had to be the most amazing masterpiece of deception — all his previous doubts were extinguished. However, the expenditures were also great if he used it.

When Chihiro first met that person, the fellow had said, “Don’t you want to make this boring world a little more interesting?”. At first, he only dismissed as tasteless blather, but judging by that person’s unusual disposition, Chihiro realized that it was no joke.

The other party had stated that it was “merely borrowing this body”, and proved its point by exchanging personalities with Chihiro.

Chihiro would never have even dreamed of having the opportunity to experience a ridiculous situation such as exchanging personalities.

Then Chihiro met the person a few more times.

The other party explained the things he had performed on the , and Chihiro answered a few of its questions about humanity — The procedure was a bit like an “interview”. Helped along by these conversations, Chihiro also felt as though he had cleared up his emotional state.

And in return for qualifying, Chihiro received .

The condition for receiving was to make  feel interesting — some trivial matter like that.

The feeling of using was truly great beyond measure.

Making Yaegas.h.i.+ Taichi the first target seemed perfect — this slightly moronic goody-two-shoes was easily deceived, as predicted.

And listening to them talking about their experiences this past year in the Cultural Research Club, their interpersonal relations.h.i.+ps, was truly amazing. Because he knew of them, he could also very easily get an idea of Yaegas.h.i.+ Taichi’s personal philosophy, which was quickly wavering.

The words he had meticulously prepared ahead of time proved highly effective and their effects were greater than imagined; this was too good.

At the same time, he determined that he could turn those two into total strangers; not a bad bonus.

This direction was pretty much correct. Let’s continue with it.

Of course, if he wanted them to, much more awesome things can happen. But wouldn’t that be too uninteresting? — If it was benevolent stuff that anyone could think of, there wouldn’t be the need for him to be specially selected, now would there?

This, without a doubt, was the flight of stairs to the next dimension. But using that group of people as stepping stones was treating them a little inhumanely. So I’ll be extra generous and tell you all something —

Your bond that you think is so strong, is merely such a fragile thing;

Your love that you complacently immerse yourselves within, is merely such an imaginary thing.

Becoming intoxicated within your youth is your own business, and it’s not something bad—

However, you should distinguish between that and reality.

Idiotically believing such an extremely stupid thing; there’s no way you can survive on this Earth. Then allow me, who understands this — Uwa Chihiro, to teach you the truth of this world.

From the bottom of his heart, Uwa Chihiro was grateful to the one who bestowed upon him this joyous ♂ power —

.

—

Setting aside a considerable amount of time for his , Chihiro arrived at school.

Acting as though he had a special destination in mind, Chihiro strolled around the school building — especially where the second years of the Cultural Research Club often appeared. The ideal location was the floor with the second year cla.s.sroom, but the caveat was, going there would frequently attract attention.

Should I formulate a plan again to strike first? Chihiro thought. Up to now, the encounters that seemed like spontaneous occurrences were the most effective. Even if he already had a script in mind, there were still, more or less, some limitations, so in a sense, adopting a laissez-faire approach might just be better.

Near the faculty office, Chihiro saw the silhouette of a familiar person. Black hair like a waterfall; simply walking gave the impression of a movie segment — it was Nagase Iori.

Chihiro had certainly heard tell that Nagase Iori was a beautiful and popular girl. To those crawling insects who fancied only the lower dimension, she should be quite a rarity.

Chihiro termed the ability that bestowed upon him the “Fantasy Projection” — although Fuusenkazura himself had said disinterestedly: “… Ah? A name? … I’d never thought about that kind of troublesome thing…”

“Fantasy Projection” was an ability that caused the other person to completely mistake one for another.

Conditions for activation were very simple — as long as the other person was in front of him, he only had to declare the following.

Chihiro approached from behind. There was n.o.body familiar around, so there shouldn’t be a problem if he made it quick — after he confirmed that, he opened his mouth:

“[I am Yaegas.h.i.+ Taichi to Nagase Iori].”

This sound was sent only to Nagase.

But Nagase would be unable to realize that this was Chihiro’s voice — this was something of a hypnotic code phrase.

Chihiro [Taichi] spoke.

“Hey, Nagase.”

“Hm? Ah, morning Taichi.”

Nagase nodded and replied.

Right now, Nagase Iori has . His appearance, voice, mannerisms, all without exception. This was the power of “Fantasy Projection”.

Although it was like that, Chihiro did not physically transform into Yaegas.h.i.+ Taichi, of course. He had merely given suggestions to the other person, and made the other person believe them.

This ability was almost like directly altering the human brain; when Chihiro requested an explanation of the theory behind it, Fuusenkazura countered with: “Ahhh… Even if you want me to explain the theory… There’s no need for that… In summary, because of science and stuff… You can think of it like that…”

Since “Fantasy Projection” was an ability that acted solely upon the other person’s mind, to bystanders, Chihiro looked normal. Therefore, he must be aware of his surroundings when using the ability.

“Can I have a word with you?”

Even if he spoke normally, to Nagase Iori, it was Yaegas.h.i.+ Taichi’s voice. And in the instant that Chihiro’s words left his mouth, he himself could also hear his transformed voice.

Although things like his attire and personal belongings — for example, the model of his cell phone — were completely different from the target, in the mind of the other person, these would be filled in by the brain for consistency, so during a one-on-one encounter, there was no way he could be exposed.

But “Fantasy Projection” could only be used on the five second years of the Cultural Research Club—

That was the limitation that restrained  with.

“… Mm, sure.”

Although Nagase was slightly hesitant, she nodded. Probably because she’s been depressed about Taichi lately.

Needless to say, this was because of Chihiro’s ploy.

“Is there anyone whom you like lately?”

“This subject again…”

Nagase looked annoyed.

“… But it’s not really something we can’t talk about. Even so, hey, haven’t you been kind of weird recently? I don’t think Taichi’s that insensitive of a guy, but…”

“I want to know.”

Chihiro [Taichi] hardened his tone. As long as he put on a tougher att.i.tude, he could achieve the desired effect. To Nagase, the [Taichi] now would probably have unusually intense demeanor.

“That’s why… Um…“

Although Chihiro had learned about it just recently, Nagase Iori seemed unable to deal with a forceful approach.

Taking matters into her own hands; charging ahead as bold as bra.s.s — Nagase Iori, who matched these descriptions quite well, was usually a very carefree person true to her own thoughts. Not fond of forcing other people around, she was profoundly afraid of being coerced by someone else.

Whereas no one seemed to notice this, he had noticed it.

Nagase fell silent. In a place like this where people frequent, extending “Fantasy Projection” for long periods of time was highly risky.

“As expected, I shouldn’t have asked. I’ll be going then, I have stuff to do.”

As he said this, Chihiro [Taichi] turned and left.

Nagase looked as though she wanted to say something, but Chihiro ignored her.

The condition for lifting “Fantasy Projection” was that the (Chihiro himself) must leave the person who was given suggestions. In the current situation, Chihiro needed only to round the corner in the hallway, disappear from Nagase’s line of sight and he would be able to remove the influence of “Fantasy Projection”. Afterwards, Uwa Chihiro would turn back around the corner, and Nagase would recognize him as “Uwa Chihiro” as slick as a whistle.

As soon as he turned around the corner, this current mission would end.

But — Love. Friends.h.i.+p. Love. Friends.h.i.+p.

This group really knows how to play.

—

During cla.s.s break after second period, the Cheering Compet.i.tion representative for Cla.s.s 2-D, which, along with Chihiro’s cla.s.s, also belonged to the Green Team in the Sports Festival, informed Chihiro to attend practice during lunch break.

“What a drag.”

s.h.i.+mono who sat in the seat in front, twisted his body and fell onto Chihiro’s desk.

“You’re in my way.”

s.h.i.+mono slightly tensed his upper body and sat up. He seemed to be talented in both sports and academics, but since he was inherently an indolent person, he managed to pa.s.s as barely satisfactory.

“The Sports Festival or whatever sucks… No, it’s good that we can get out of cla.s.s, but doing some kind of Cheering Compet.i.tion way before that is annoying as h.e.l.l. It’s really, really f.u.c.king annoying.”

“To me, you’re more annoying right now.”

“Pff-”

The sound of someone who could not help laughing came from behind.

Turning around, Chihiro saw Enjouji s.h.i.+no covering her mouth with an expression of “Oh, this is bad”.

“What?”

“N… Nothing…”

“As if.”

“Uu.”

“What do you mean, ‘uu’”?

Enjouji looked distinctly wavered. She appeared to be small and weak, giving others the impression that a gust of wind could blow her away.

As though shy, she lowered her head and began softly:

“Ch… Chihiro-kun… Ah no, Uwa-kun!”

Don’t just call someone by their name in cla.s.s; you reacted way too slowly.

Enjouji lightly coughed and continued, changing her tone:

“Um… Because the matter that Uwa-kun was discussing… Was too amusing… “

“What are you eavesdropping for? What did you find amusing just now?”

“Uu, un… I just suddenly thought, it’s really amusing… “

There’s no way to understand her thought process.

“Enjouji-san, could it be… That I’m also very amusing?…”

Give it a rest, will you… Although he wanted to say that, he probably couldn’t open his mouth.

“Ah… Mm. I feel the feeling that s.h.i.+mono-kun is… Very very annoying.”

“Hey look Uwa. My humor that you ignored has very successfully transferred to Enjouji-san.”

“Listen, s.h.i.+mono. She is just saying that you are very annoying.”

“Wh— I, I’m not annoying!”

s.h.i.+mono said in a hilariously frantic voice.

“Ha… haha…”

Enjouji laughed hollowly but affectionately.

This is completely off the rails. Things can’t just continue excitedly like this.

s.h.i.+mono looks quite annoyed, I should stop here.

“So, Enjouji, do you have nothing to do right now?”

“Ah… Oh, right! I gotta return Tomomi-chan’s notebook to her… Excuse me.”

Enjouji bowed lightly to s.h.i.+mono and walked towards the front of the cla.s.sroom.

“Hey, did Enjouji just call you by your first name?”

Hmph, boring. But gossip about a boy and girl directly calling each other by their first names is probably normal. s.h.i.+mono is just a pitiful wretch bound by this stupidity.

“You’re getting ahead of yourself. Enjouji is just imitating the way that the others in the club call me.”

“Ohhh~.”

Although s.h.i.+mono had a suspicious expression, he did not continue his inquiry. He was an offbeat person, but still quite observant, so Chihiro didn’t hate s.h.i.+mono at all.

“Ah, Enjouji~. She so introverted; it’s a pity that she’s just like a kid, but it’s pretty cute anyway. I always think that, compared to having her as a girlfriend, she would be better as a pet.”

“That’s just your perverted fetish.”

“Ohh, Uwa’s rare teasing.”

That’s just because of your idiocy.

“Ah~, but how do I put it…”

s.h.i.+mono surveyed the entire cla.s.sroom. Following his movements, Chihiro also looked around with interest. One person, two people, three people; everyone all got together for lunch break.

“The guys and girls are pretty far away from each other.”

Indeed, the boys were ♂ together, the girls got into a group; there was almost no boy or girl together chatting it up.

“Isn’t this exactly what cla.s.s break will amount to?”

“I do feel that way, but… Ah, say, I just talked to Enjouji, I can use this as a breakthrough point to expand the battlefront…”

“What’s the front line’s desire for further expedition?”

“Zero.”

“That’s it, then.”

“But wouldn’t it be great if you gave me a boost, Uwa! Look, she’s on good terms with you. You go first, I bring up the rear!”

“What if I’m Killed In Action?”

“I’ll do all I can to create a comfortable haven for your soul.”

“That just means you’ll leave me for dead. As I expected. Forget it.”

“Ahh~, just gimme a boost, Uwa~. If I can bear witness to your greatness, I’ll definitely be energized!”

Although he’s saying irresponsible stuff right now, his frankness is pretty likeable. He doesn’t just think about others by himself.

“Ah, Tada.”

s.h.i.+mono greeted Tada and informed him:

“Today, after school, the Cheering Squad has practice.”

“Huh? I didn’t hear about that!”

Tada shouted exaggeratedly. His slightly long tea-colored hair and numerous accessories wrapped around his wrist were slightly gaudy, but if you really talked to him, he actually was a nice person.

“I really didn’t know about it…”

“Well, now you do.”

“Gee, thanks for that, Uwa!… But, d.a.m.n, we still have practice… Wouldn’t it just be easier to practice right before we start? Geez, this is why I didn’t want to join!”

To Tada, who was sighing in despair, s.h.i.+mono put on an impression of a drunk old man:

“We three brothers who suck at Jankenpon need to support each other from now on!”

“Don’t say that— we won’t be able to get rid of that aura of losers—”

s.h.i.+mono and Tada performed their own little theatre, giggling.

Bored out of his mind, Chihiro laughed too.

Chihiro set his consciousness free, allowing Tada’s — and of course his shadow s.h.i.+mono’s — voice to enter his left ear and leave through his right, leaving nothing in his mind.

Devoid of meaning, devoid of value, noise that leaves no mark in this world flows by.

— Chihiro thought silently to himself as Tada and s.h.i.+mono deservedly remained totally unaware, continuing their soul-killing discussion.

This is the dull, insipid world in which we live in.

But now my own world is no longer like this. — He thought.

—

To confirm his ability, over many days of testing his , Chihiro had already experimented on five people.

During lunch break, after he ate, Chihiro headed towards the inner side of the school building.

He stepped into the shadows under a tree, confirming whether Aoki, whom he had called, had come outside.

There he is: Aoki Yos.h.i.+fumi.

It’s just a test after all; let’s try whether an unclear declaration is effective or not.

The two of them were some distance apart.

Chihiro declared in a voice audible to Aoki:

“[I am the one whom Aoki wishes to become the romantic partner of.]”

Aoki suddenly turned around and grinned happily.

“Ah, Yui!”

Seems like “Fantasy Projection” has activated.

“Fantasy Projection” utilizes the existing ability of the other person’s mind to misinterpret information, so it seems like it can be activated even if the name of a specific person is not used. On the other hand, if it was someone the other person did not recognize, or someone whom the other person firmly believed “definitely could not appear here” (for example, a deceased person), the ability could not be activated. Also, if a major, unjustifiable paradox occured, there would apparently be .

Therefore — as expected, Aoki likes Kiriyama Yui.

It would be more interesting if it were someone else instead.

“What’s up, Yui, with you specially calling me here like this?”

Aoki’s tone was very relaxed. He was specifically called somewhere with almost no one present, yet he was not nervous at all.

Normally, an occasion like this would be a.s.sumed to be a confession or something, wouldn’t it? But it could be that he’s intentionally putting on a nonchalant expression, in order to relax the person he’s talking to.

“Ah~, um, ah, how do I say it…”

After just one sentence, Chihiro fell silent.

As the transformation was very complete, even if he talked normally, the other person would hear it as Kiriyama’s voice and intonation. Even so, as he talked in a completely masculine tone, he still worried a little whether his cover would be blown. However, whenever he thought of himself imitating a girl’s tone of voice, Chihiro felt quite disgusted.

Aoki looked at Chihiro [Yui] with soft eyes.

… How sickening. From a bystander’s point of view, it’s clearly two boys staring emotionally at each other.

Slightly readjusting his posture, Chihiro began.

“I have a really big favor to ask of you.”

I’m speaking in a girl’s tone; I’m too careless.

“Ohh, whatever request you may have, Yui, please tell me, I’ll take it on anytime!”

He’s actually the type ready to promise “I can make whatever you wish for come true”.

Someone who clearly has nothing to back up his words, yet can spew such farfetched claptrap is truly extraordinary.

How “extraordinary” can you get, then. Chihiro wanted to test it out himself.

“Although I can’t explain it in detail, I think I really need Aoki’s help for this. Is that okay?”

Chihiro [Yui] spoke in his regular tone.

“Leave it to me!”

“Then, until I tell you to quit, can you stop speaking with me? I really have trouble that’s too embarra.s.sing to mention. Even if I talk to you myself, please don’t be too obvious and ignore me naturally. Is that okay?”

“Are you asking me… to ignore you… Yui?”

“Yeah.”

Aoki looked stunned.

Yep, it’s reasonable for you to feel that way. Whenever I’m asked to do something unfathomable, I’m also like this.

In actuality, this is basically meaningless.

“Of course, I don’t mean that we never speak again. There’s an actual reason to it. When I feel that it’s enough, I’ll call you here again and tell you, “It’s okay now” — Is that fine?”

Aoki lowered his head and sank into silence, mumbling softly: “This… For me, this is just…” and other incomprehensible mutterings.

Ah, as expected, this is a little too difficult — Just as Chihiro [Yui] was planning to retract the request, Aoki opened his mouth.

“Okay, I understand!”

Hey, you don’t understand worth a rat’s a.s.s! Chihiro [Yui] spat fiercely but silently.

“I just need to ignore you, right Yui!”

“Eh? Mm, yeah.”

“Honestly, even though I don’t understand at all, since you’re requesting me like this, Yui, I’ll do it with all I’ve got! This is my vow; you can relax!”

Without a speck of confusion in his att.i.tude, Aoki declared with his chest held high.

There was an overwhelming — or, in other words, subservient feeling to this.

He actually readily accepted a request with a completely unknown motive to it; this wasn’t logical at all. What a puzzling, nauseating world.

This feeling was actually kind of dazzling for an instant, but he had already decided never to step foot in  world again. and are as different as the earth and the sky.

Besides, since he already had such a crus.h.i.+ng power, there was no need to obsess over  any more.

When it was time for club activities again, in a rare occasion, Chihiro was the first to arrive at the cla.s.sroom.

Then, Taichi and Kiriyama Yui quickly arrived.

“Ah, Chihiro-kun actually came first. How strange.”

Yui looked happy and relaxed her expression.

“… Why are you so happy?”

“Because~ I’m happy to see that Chihiro-kun also likes the Cultural Research Club~”

“I’ve never said anything about liking or whatever.”

“Your att.i.tude reveals everything~! Your att.i.tude!”

Yui stuck out a finger towards Chihiro and began “blah blah” lecturing him. Two striking eyebrows and slightly slanting eyes gave her a lofty, imposing manner. She was just too pet.i.te and completely unable to give anyone a serious impression. It was perhaps better to say that one tended to smile upon seeing her.

“Are you lecturing me…”

“Of course!”

Kiriyama declared. She was just like a bossy young woman from who-knows-where.

“Kiriyama and Chihiro look very happy together.”

Taichi teased the two.

Tsk, I was misunderstood –— Chihiro revealed an awkward expression, but Yui looked like she hadn’t noticed at all. He didn’t know why, but his heart felt confused.

“Ahhh~ I keep feeling that today will also be a good day~”

Yui sang. Taichi replied:

“Even though half the day has pa.s.sed already.”

“I know that even if you quit teasing me!”

A good day, huh.

Today might really be a good day after all, Yui-senpai. — Chihiro spoke silently.

“Oh~ Has something good happened, Chihiro-kun?”

“N-Nothing.”

Faced with Yui’s beautiful pupils peering at his face from his side, Chihiro twisted his head and dodged her line of sight.

Then, after the other club members came one by one, finally, Aoki arrived.

“Good morning everybody—! And Yui… Ooahhpuahh?!”

Aoki frantically covered his mouth as a strange noise leaked out from between his fingers.

“Hey, that’s gross.”

Inaba sighed and said sharply.

“At least be more sensitive, Inaba-chan! Don’t be blunt like you’re telling the truth!”

Nagase then turned to Enjouji:

“But that really can’t be helped, right, s.h.i.+no-chan?”

“Mhm, I also think it’s super gross.”

“I know, all right…! I’m sorry, okay!”

“What are you doing, geez…”

Yui sighed.

Silence.

Deathly stillness.

Yui, who was not looking at Aoki before, now turned towards him, astonished.

Aoki simply sat down diagonally from Yui without a word.

The clubroom was permeated by an extremely subtle atmosphere. Everyone else as well turned to stare at Aoki.

“Hey, Aoki… What’s up with you?”

Taichi broke the unbearable silence.

“Ah… I just… I was going to keep my promise, but I accidentally, just out of habit… Just pretend nothing happened! The power of habits is scary.”

“What and what did you just say…?” Taichi muttered.

The clubroom atmosphere turned to normal: everyone became busy with their own matters.

Out of everyone, only Chihiro had his head lowered, resisting with all his might — trying hard not to laugh.

No, I’ll be discovered — Even as he thought this, Chihiro found it difficult to stop the corners of his mouth from twitching.

This was too f.u.c.king interesting. I was just kidding around, but you’re just trying so hard to keep your promise to me. You’re hilariously stupid. Chihiro was enchanted with his ability to perform to this degree. He could probably live his entire life with this feeling of superiority.

“Chihiro…kun?”

Shocked, Chihiro spun towards the owner of the voice. It was Enjouji.

“W-what?”

“U-um, I noticed that you keep trembling with your head lowered, so I was wondering… why.”

Nagase and Inaba remained twisted together on one side; Taichi hurried over to pacify them.

“Ahh… It’s nothing.”

“… Really.”

Enjouji nodded in apparent resignation. However, she seemed to remain very mindful, staring at Chihiro non-stop.

Chihiro smiled bitterly. Perhaps she’s seen through my secret.

Then, Yui turned towards Aoki.

Chihiro p.r.i.c.ked up his ears and listened closely. Taichi and the others were messing around incessantly, and Nagase had dragged Enjouji in with them at some point. The only one noticing Aoki and Yui right now had to be himself.

“Um, Aoki. During P.E. cla.s.s today…”

Yui talked to Aoki.

One, two, three.

Aoki did not respond.

“Hey… Aoki—”

“Ohh, I need to use the restroom right now!”

Just as Yui spoke, Aoki suddenly stood up, rambling about something, and ran hurriedly out of the club room.

“Ao…ki…?”

Yui pitifully reached out a hand like a child abandoned by her parents.

The hand quickly fell.

Chihiro stole a glance at her expression, hidden behind her long maroon hair.

Sorrow and loneliness beyond measure.

Why do you look like you’re about to cry.

When you’re here normally, you definitely kept on blathering, kept on blathering, and kept on blathering about how annoying Aoki was and how troublesome Aoki was.

But Kiriyama Yui—

Eh, whatever.

—

After school, Chihiro spotted Inaba Himeko, who was bidding farewell to everyone else at the train station. Beforehand, Chihiro had made up an excuse that he had to deal with something at home and left the school early before club activities ended.

Chihiro stood sentinel near the ticket gate, and when there was no one nearby—

“[I am the one whom Inaba Himeko loves the most.]

“Eh? Taichi?”

As expected, Inaba mistook Chihiro for Yaegas.h.i.+ Taichi.

“What’s the matter? Didn’t you already leave… Hey, is, is it because, you wanted to see me…”

Inaba began to deduce by herself, and became shy at the same time.

A clear mind, and a strong woman — Chihiro was reminded of Yui’s praise for Inaba and became speechless with admiration.

Chihiro was suddenly very interested in how far Taichi and Inaba’s relations.h.i.+p had progressed.

“Then, then come over to my place—”

“Let’s break up.”

Chihiro [Taichi] said.

He originally wanted to present it in a slightly softer manner, but seeing Inaba like this, blindly immersed in happiness and unable to free herself, Chihiro suddenly could not help but fiercely take the initiative. Fiercely harm her.

“…Eh?”

A lopsided smile hanging on her face, Inaba felt time stop.

Chihiro suddenly saw Yui’s hurt expression float into view.

Why am I remembering that right now, it has nothing to do with this.

Without exception, today’s “Fantasy Projections” have achieved the expected result.

It had been flawless, beautifully perfect — He was supposed to be very happy, but for some reason Chihiro felt somewhat fretful.

“You make others depressed. It’s very annoying. And honestly… I’m sick of it.”

Chihiro imagined himself as Taichi, extracting the most malicious, merciless part of himself, compressed it, and ejected all of it at once, impaling Inaba’s heart.

“………Eh?”

Inaba’s expression became as if the world had collapsed.

I can feel it — I can end a person’s world with my bare hands — this way, I am, in a sense —

A G.o.d.

He no longer had to fret about anything, no longer had to be bound by any minor details.

He was no longer going to remain here, and was going to transform into a higher existence.

“… How can that be, I’m joking.”

Chihiro [Taichi] spoke to Inaba in his normal tone.

“Eh… Ah… Joking…?”

“Right, I’m joking. How can Tai… I think of breaking up with you. All right, forget this, don’t mention it tomorrow.”

“Ah… Mm. Yeah… Mm.”

With a complicated expression mixed with relief and looking about to cry, Inaba murmured as though she were talking to herself.

“I have to go. It’s a promise, then.”

“Eh? Ahh, I got it… S, see you tomorrow!”

Chihiro [Taichi] disappeared from Inaba’s sight without looking back.

These two have a perfect, inseparable bond — but even if their relations.h.i.+p is so deep, just one sentence can easily shake it up.

The relations.h.i.+p between people is this feeble, this boring. Even so, if you poured yourself into it with all your heart and soul, you definitely wouldn’t be seen as a fool. Everyone’s like this — she’s like this.

This world is really boring to the extreme.

It’s filled with concrete conventions that can’t be helped, interpersonal rules that can’t be helped — Everyone is bound by them; even Chihiro found them difficult to avoid, and had once planned on giving up his resistance —

But now he has been chosen.

He has received power.

Now, Chihiro can finally say:

— This world is really too interesting.

Right?