Haibara’s Teenage New Game+ - Volume 6 - Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Promise of a Distant Day

I lay in bed, zoning out at the ceiling. It was Saturday. Miori’s face flashed through my head. If I let my mind wander, she was all that occupied my thoughts. That was just how shocking her words had been. I’d never imagined that she was in love with me. Now that I looked back on the time we’d spent together, I realized there had been many opportunities for me to pick up on her feelings.

“You’d better decide soon too, okay?”

“You’re Hikari-chan’s boyfriend, and I’m Reita-kun’s girlfriend. We’ve both hit our marks.”

“What would you do...if I told you I love you?”

“Miori-san, you love Haibara-kun, right?”

But even so, I had remained unaware due to my unconscious assumptions. As my childhood friend, Miori knew the true me very well. She knew that I was an unreliable coward. That was why I’d believed she was the only person who definitely wouldn’t fall in love with me.

“I’m such a dumbass,” I muttered.

I’d gone to Miori for love advice all this time. She’d helped me make my love for Hikari come true. And after we’d gotten together, I’d continued turning to Miori for advice.

How did she feel? The person she loved talked to her about someone else he loved and asked her to give him a hand. What emotions was she hiding underneath her smile? We’ve cleared up the nasty rumors, but I don’t have a clue what’s going through her head. It wasn’t the rumor that drove her to skip school for multiple days. If you trace the problem back to its roots, it’s my fault. 

I thought she wanted to date Reita, so I tried to help with her schemes to get closer to him. I’m sure she was serious about him in the beginning. And she got closer to him by leaps and bounds. But after summer ended, Miori’s offensive slowed. I knew Reita was interested in Miori too, so that should’ve been the perfect time for her to close the gap.

I should’ve noticed her change of heart. I’m the closest one to her, after all. Instead, I remained ignorant and forced her to continue when she’d already come to a stop. I completely missed what her true desire was.

“‘Rainbow-Colored Youth Plan,’ my ass.”

I cornered the person who helped me the most. That can never be called a success. But even if I push my way in now, I doubt I can help Miori. I can’t conduct myself brilliantly like Reita either. He was like a hero at that moment. I could go my entire life and never be able to copy that. Why does Miori love someone like me and not him?

No... There’s no point thinking about that. This is another result of my change. Miori fell for me because I changed myself in my second round. That in and of itself is something to be thrilled about. If I weren’t dating Hikari, and Miori weren’t dating Reita, that is.

Suddenly, a memory from the past—or rather, the future—rekindled in my mind. In my first round, whenever I caught sight of Miori, she seemed to be enjoying her youth. What if her life changed and she’s suffering now because I leaped through time? Wouldn’t it be my responsibility to save her?

While I was at the mercy of that problem without any answer, my phone buzzed.

Hoshimiya Hikari: Getting on the train now!

A DM from Hikari. We had a date today. Since she wanted to hear me sing, after some shopping and lunch near Takasaki Station, we planned to go do karaoke. I wanted to practice singing too, so it was perfect.

Let’s switch gears. I need to enjoy my date with Hikari. As things are, I shouldn’t make her feel insecure, shouldn’t let it show that Miori’s on my mind.

Natsuki: Okay! Me too!

I sent her a quick reply, left the house, and got on my train. It was dark and cloudy today. The weather report had predicted rain too. I had a folding umbrella in my bag, just in case. When I arrived at Takasaki Station, Hikari was already waiting for me in front of the gates.

“Sorry I’m late,” I said.

“It’s fine. I just got here too,” she said.

It was ten minutes before our meeting time. I wasn’t actually late, but normally I waited for her, so I felt a little bad. I grasped her hand; it was colder than usual.

“Let’s go.”

Hand in hand with Hikari, I set off. We went to the nearby mall first and browsed through clothes and accessories. It was the weekend, so the shops were somewhat crowded. The two of us walked amid the noisy hustle and bustle. I glanced to my side—Hikari wore a somber expression, her head hanging down.

“Hikari?”

“Oh, sorry. Did you say something?”

“No, I didn’t, but, uh...” Something’s off about her. She’s been really out of it. “You didn’t catch a cold or anything, right?”

“I’m fine. Anyway, let’s hurry up!”

Is this my fault? No, I don’t think so. What’s she worried about? Well, she’s trying to hide it, so I shouldn’t point it out, right? It’s fairly likely that I’m the cause of whatever she’s brooding over.

“Let’s go look over there.”

“Sounds good.”

I pretended not to notice and picked out a few pieces of winter clothing for Hikari to try on. We kept ourselves entertained doing various things like that, and before long, it was time for lunch.

“I’m hungry. Want to eat now?”

Right as Hikari asked that, her phone and mine buzzed simultaneously. We’d both received a message.

“Who is it?” I pulled my phone out of my pocket and glanced at the screen. It was a message to “Natsuki’s Fam,” a group chat for the six of us. 

Uta: Does anyone know where Miorin is right now?

A message from Uta... About Miori’s whereabouts. This fires up the bad hunch I’ve been having.

Natsuki: Was she absent from practice?

Uta: Yeah. She skipped without telling anyone and she’s not picking up any calls. Our coach called her house, but they said she vanished without them knowing

Tatsuya: So she’s missing?

Reita: Sorry. I haven’t heard anything either. I’ll look into it now

Nanase Yuino: I’m worried. A lot has happened to her recently.

Uta: I hope it’s nothing... I’ll ask Seri too!

After that quick exchange, the group chat died down. I looked up from my phone and made eye contact with Hikari. The two of us had stopped in the middle of all the people coming and going through the mall.

“Where the heck did she go?” I said.

Since our childhood, Miori would often run away from home whenever she was mentally driven to a corner. This time might’ve been the same as well, but that wasn’t necessarily the case either. It was possible that she’d been abducted or gotten into an accident. Or perhaps she’d collapsed somewhere.

“Miori-chan...” The color drained from Hikari’s face; she was immensely shaken. “A-Are you going to look for her?”

Of course I want to look for her. I’m so worried that I’m ready to go right now! However, I’ve got no info, and there are too many places to search. I doubt I’d be any help if I rushed out in a panic. Besides, there’s a potential that the police might get involved. It’s better to leave this to Miori’s parents and the teachers.

“No,” I said. “We don’t have enough information. Randomly searching for her won’t help.”

Honestly, I know a bunch of places that Miori might go during times like this. But I have no proof that she’d be there. Before all else, I’d be abandoning my responsibility to Hikari as her boyfriend if I left her here to go search for Miori. I only recently made my resolution to cherish Hikari.

“Information...” Hikari whispered, her eyes roaming aimlessly. “Actually, I saw Miori-chan yesterday after school.”

What? My eyes shot open in surprise.

Wearing a dark expression, Hikari hung her head. Then she slowly recounted the events of yesterday after school.

***

(Hoshimiya Hikari)

“What are you doing?”

It was Friday after school. A teacher had asked me to fetch some materials from the storeroom. Hearing voices from behind the building, I took a quick peek to see Miori-chan and Hasegawa-san from class one. Upon closer inspection, I saw that Miori-chan was drenched, and there was an empty bucket by her feet.

At the sound of my voice, Hasegawa-san looked over her shoulder with a start. She blanched, turned around, and ran away.

Miori-chan, still expressionless, set her eyes on me. “Hikari-chan...” Her demeanor reminded me of a broken machine.

“A-Are you okay?!” Now wasn’t the time for me to be surprised. I dashed over to her in a panic. It was late autumn; being soaked this time of year could easily lead to a cold. “Did Hasegawa-san do this?”

“No, she didn’t. I just doused myself with water,” Miori-chan said quietly, gently shaking her head.

She’s definitely lying. I mean, if that were true, why would Hasegawa-san run away? The two never liked each other, and I know about this morning’s racket. I can’t point that out, though. Miori-chan’s voice sounds too full of sorrow.

“A-Anyway,” I began, “you should get changed quickly. Are your gym clothes in your classroom?”

“I’ll change later. More importantly, I want to talk to you.”

What’s more important than changing clothes in her condition? Despite thinking that, I felt it would be tricky to convince her otherwise. “What is it? If it’s about the rumor, don’t worry about it. I heard everything from Natsuki-kun. I get that it was all a misunderstanding. Besides, you have Reita-kun.”

“You’re wrong, Hikari-chan. It wasn’t a misunderstanding.”

Hearing Miori-chan’s guileless tone caused my brain to freeze. It wasn’t a misunderstanding? What does she mean? I don’t follow. It sounds like she’s saying part of the story wasn’t a misunderstanding. I don’t really want to know which part.

“It wasn’t an accident. I hugged Natsuki on purpose.”

“Wh... Why? What do you mean?” I asked, but somewhere in my heart, I put two and two together.

When the rumor first reached my ears, I’d had a feeling that was what had happened. It wasn’t based on anything logical, just my intuition, so I’d brushed it off as purely my imagination.

“Because I love Natsuki,” Miori-chan said, her tone matter-of-fact, as though she were merely stating the truth.

The thought had crossed my mind multiple times. What if she loves him? But because she’d said she loved Reita-kun, I figured the intimacy they shared was more characteristic of childhood friends... However, I knew I was wrong. She looked like a girl in love.

“So... I’m sorry. Though, I don’t expect your forgiveness from just an apology.” Miori-chan bent over and lowered her head.

My emotions couldn’t keep up. I hadn’t a clue what to respond with. No, she’d apologized to me, so forgiving her would’ve been the correct thing to do.

“There’s something I don’t understand... Then why are you dating Reita-kun?” Although I’d decided to forgive her, something different came out of my mouth.

She paused. “Because I wanted to fall in love with him.”

“And you’re still dating him now, even though you haven’t fallen in love with him?”

“Yeah... That’s right.”

In contrast to the sorrow evident in Miori-chan’s downcast eyes, hideous emotions overflowed from within me. “And you made a move on Natsuki-kun while carrying that baggage with you?” The voice spilling from my mouth was colder than I’d intended.

If she did, then I feel terrible for Reita-kun. And now Natsuki-kun is in hot water because he’s suspected of cheating... No, stop making excuses for yourself. I’m the one angry at Miori-chan.

All this time, I’d been anxious. Even after the two of us had started dating, Miori-chan was always near Natsuki-kun. However, I’d trusted them both. I wanted to trust their assurances that they were only childhood friends. They clearly held a special sort of trust for each other that differed from their other friendships, but even still, I averted my eyes.

I didn’t want to go as far as regulating Natsuki-kun’s friendships. I didn’t want him to think I was clingy; I didn’t want him to realize just how deep my jealousy ran. But whenever he was with Miori-chan, he always wore a silly smile. His expression was different from when he was with me: with her, he was relaxed.

I was jealous of that—I was green with envy. There, supporting Natsuki-kun’s heart, was always Miori-chan. Not me. Even if it wasn’t anything romantic, I was still terrified. Natsuki-kun was surely unaware of the breadth of his feelings for Miori-chan.

And perhaps, one day, those feelings would transform into love.

“If so...I might not be able to forgive you, Miori-chan.” I know. This is jealousy. I’m sheerly forcing my dark feelings onto her. I’m scared. Scared that Natsuki-kun will be snatched away by her.

“I know... I’m sorry. Really.”

Water dripped to the ground. I didn’t know if the drops were from her damp clothes or tears.

I shouldn’t have said that. All too late, I regretted letting my emotions take control of my words. What do I mean ‘I can’t forgive her’? The thing I can’t forgive isn’t that Miori-chan hugged Natsuki-kun—I can’t stand that he places a special sort of trust in her. Knowing that, it’s misguided to criticize her.

My emotions cooled off, and I suddenly regained my presence of mind. I’d said something awful. Venting my frustrations at Miori-chan was wrong.

“Um... Miori-chan. Sorry. I didn’t mean to say that, so—”

“Don’t apologize. I’m the only one at fault here.” She interrupted before I could finish making amends and shook her head. “So because of that, I’ll disappear soon.” She turned away, about to leave.

“Where are you going?” I asked. I had a feeling she wasn’t simply “disappearing” to her home.

“I’m sorry. Goodbye.”

Miori-chan didn’t answer my question.

***

Miori had disappeared of her own volition. I was sure about that after listening to Hikari’s story. In that case... Now isn’t the time to take things easy. I doubt this is a simple case of running away from home. It’s possible she’s thinking about suicide.

“It’s all my fault.” Hikari crouched on the ground, hands covering her face.

The people around us shot curious glances our way. They probably thought we were having a lovers’ quarrel. But I didn’t care about that right now.

“I knew. I knew if I just watched her go, she might vanish for good. Despite realizing that, I didn’t do anything. Somewhere in my heart, I thought that if she was out of the picture, I wouldn’t need to worry about you being taken away... Even though I like Miori-chan... So I’m to blame. If I’d stopped her yesterday, then she wouldn’t have disappeared,” she said through sobs. “I’m the one who drove Miori-chan to do that.”

“Don’t torment yourself that way. Hikari, you didn’t do anything wrong.” Right, Miori’s in the wrong here, and she understands that better than anyone. And that’s exactly why I can’t leave her be. It’ll be too late if she does something that can’t be undone.

“Hikari, I’m going to search for Miori.” I was certain I understood what responsibilities I had as a boyfriend. And I knew that I should’ve left the situation to the police rather than haphazardly searching for her. “Don’t worry. I’ll bring her back for sure, so relax and wait for me.”

Even so, I knew I was bound to regret it if I ignored the issue at hand.

“I promise.” This isn’t just for Miori. I’ll definitely keep this promise for Hikari’s sake too.

“Thank you, Natsuki-kun.” Hikari wiped her tears with her hand and nodded. “I’d help too, of course...but I have a feeling you have an idea where she is.”

“Leave her to me. Finding her when we played hide-and-seek has been my job since we were kids,” I said and turned away.

I was about to run off, but Hikari grabbed my sleeve. She gaped down at her own hand, surprised she’d done that too. “I’m terrible. I end up wishing that you wouldn’t go, even in this sort of situation.”

Hikari was markedly anxious, and I knew what I was about to do would hurt her. Wanting to assuage her unease, even if it was only a little, I hugged her tightly.

“Um, Natsuki-kun, we’re in public!” she exclaimed, flustered.

“I’ll come back without fail,” I swore to her.

***

(Motomiya Miori)

When I was a child, I didn’t stop to think about anything. All I did was throw my whole self into doing whatever I wanted each day. Fortunately, I was blessed with friends who would go along with my recklessness. Truth be told, I didn’t get along with girls: I had more fun with boys. Because I liked to be active, I naturally spent my time with them.

“Hey, Miori! Battle me again! One more time!”

My first friend was a boy who would haphazardly challenge me to all different kinds of competitions. His name was Yano Shuto. He was tall, spirited, and confident in his reflexes. Soccer, basketball, baseball—I beat him at everything. Nonetheless, Shuto never relented and continued challenging me. He was hostile at first, but with every contest, we gradually became closer and closer. And...as we grew up, soccer became the only sport I couldn’t beat him at anymore.

“Ha ha ha! You guys are still at it? Always energetic!”

The second was a boy with an excessively loud laugh. His name was Midorikawa Takuro. In spite of his plump physique, sports were his forte. Thinking back on it now, he’d been oddly mature since we were kids. He often watched Shuto and I compete because he found it amusing. Of course he joined in and played with us too, but Takuro liked to watch us from one step behind. He always kept me in check since I had a tendency to act rashly. Actually...he probably let me run wild more often than not because he thought it was funny.

“Why do you play with someone like me?”

The third was...Haibara Natsuki. He was always alone, huddled in a corner of the classroom. During lunch, he would enviously gaze at those of us playing in the schoolyard from the classroom window. That’s why I’d taken his hand, and forced him into my circle of friends. Natsuki was afraid in the beginning, but once he got used to us, he laughed cheerfully. He was quiet but kind.

The four of us always hung out together from morning until evening.

“Let’s play soccer! Two-on-two!” I’d say.

“You’re on! I’ll bring you down this time!” Shuto would reply.

“Ah ha ha! Shuto, it’s a hundred years too early for you to beat me!”

“Hey, say that again, I dare you!”

“Hold on, you two. Calm down!” Natsuki would say.

“Ha ha ha! Let ’em be, Natsuki! Which side’ll you take?” Takuro would say.

“H-Huuuh?!”

“Natsuki, you’re obviously on my side, right?” I’d say.

I’d go on a rampage, Shuto would compete against me, Natsuki would get flustered and try to stop us, and Takuro would clutch his stomach in laughter. We spent our days like that time and again. Every one of them was so very vibrant. Out of all the things we did, I especially enjoyed building our secret base and goofing around in it.

“There’s a building that looks like a hut out here!”

It had all started when we ventured deep into the mountains near our neighborhood. Shuto pointed to one side of an animal trail, so I looked over there too.

Takuro inched towards the dilapidated hut and studied its surroundings. “It’s probably a deserted house. No one uses it anymore,” he concluded.

“Forget about that. Should we even be here? Shouldn’t we go back?” Natsuki trailed behind us, his expression uneasy.

“I’ve got it! Let’s make this place our secret base!” Thanks to my idea, we often visited that little hut.

I want to go back to that time.

“Let’s go! C’mon, guys! Let’s race to the sun!” I’d yell.

Our days were filled with fun, though sometimes we messed up, or it rained.

“You can’t do things like that! Go stand in the hallway and think about what you’ve done!”

I had a habit of running away when things didn’t go my way. I’d go somewhere no one knew of, ball up on the ground, and cry all alone. I was strong, so I didn’t want anyone to see me in tears. I could quickly start feeling like normal again after sobbing by myself for a little while. That’s why I was fine on my own.

And yet...

“Found you.”

You were the only person who wouldn’t let me cry all alone.

“Miori, you lose this game of hide-and-seek.”

You pretended not to notice my tears, cracked a joke, and stayed by my side the whole time. It was always like that. When I wanted you to find me, you always did without fail.

When I think back on it now, by that time, I was already—

“Miori. I love you.”

In our sixth year of elementary school, Shuto confessed to me. It was the first time anyone had ever told me they loved me like that, and I was a little scared.

“I don’t get that sort of stuff... Hey, you’ll still be friends with me, though, right?”

So I didn’t consider his feelings and only cared about us remaining friends. Now, I knew just how cruel my request had been.

“Sorry... That’s impossible for me.”

Our tight-knit group of four fell apart.

“Sorry for bringing this up now, but I have to transfer schools because of my parents.” Takuro disappeared due to a circumstance that children like us could do nothing about.

Only Natsuki and I were left. And the other kids teased us. Awkward and self-conscious because of them, I put a little distance between the two of us. By the time I tried to reconnect with him, it was already too late.

“You shouldn’t be with someone like me.”

Just like that, I became alone. It was all my fault. Now and in the past, nothing had changed. I still hurt the people precious to me.

Somebody like me is better off gone.

***

(Sakura Uta)

I couldn’t focus on basketball practice today. Miorin was missing, which was all I could think about. My teammates seemed equally preoccupied, so our practice ended early. As it stood, Miorin hadn’t attended practice for the past week. She’d come to school on Friday, but went home because she felt ill. We were all worried about her.

“Uta. Any updates?”

Tatsu, who’d been practicing on the adjacent court, ran over. The boys’ basketball team had wrapped up as well.

“No... Nothing. Maybe she went somewhere by herself.”

The two of us were talking like that when Wakamura-senpai called out to me.

“Uta! Your friends are asking for you,” she said, pointing to the entrance of the gym.

Standing there was Seri and another girl I didn’t recognize.

“Maybe they learned something,” I said.

“Let’s check it out,” Tatsu said, and we headed over.

Seri’s expression was uncharacteristically grim when she began to speak. “It’s about Miori. I’ve got new info from Reita.”

“Huh?! What is it?!” I exclaimed.

“He questioned Hasegawa from class one, and she confessed that she said something awful to Miori yesterday.”

“Something awful...?”

“Mm-hmm, stuff like ‘die’ or ‘disappear.’ She also slapped her face and dumped cold water on her head... If Miori were in her usual state, she’d flip and retaliate, but she’s emotionally vulnerable right now. We think that might be why she up and vanished.”

“She did all that? That’s just bullying.” I knew Miorin and Hasegawa-san were on bad terms, but I didn’t think it was that bad...

“Her lie was outed, and the situation reversed, so she went straight for violence?” Tatsu said irritably, furrowing his brows.

“How much of it was a lie?” The words spilled out of me in spite of myself.

A troubled expression spread across Tatsu’s face. Our eyes met. That was a secret only he and I knew. It had happened on the day of the sports meet: the two of us had eavesdropped on Rei and Miorin.

“Do you still like Natsuki?”

We hadn’t meant to, but we’d accidentally overheard them talking. They didn’t appear to be joking at the time; both of them looked serious. Miorin was in love with Natsu. Rei knew that and was okay with it. That didn’t sound like something we could casually ask about, so Tatsu and I had kept it a secret between us.

Knowing that information, how much of the rumor was a lie?

“I know Miorin would never do something like that!”

I remembered it very well. At the time, I had been genuinely concerned about her. However, her expression had clearly frozen for a moment. It was the look of someone who’d told a lie.

“Judging by your faces, you two know something too, don’t you? Let’s share info with each other,” Seri suggested. “I invited Hikari-chan and Natsuki too, so let’s gather at a family restaurant. Even if we do search for Miori, just blindly checking places won’t help anyone. Let’s straighten out the details and figure out what exactly happened.”

Seri must be really worried about Miorin too. She’s normally laid-back, but now she’s acting more impatient than usual.

The girl next to Seri spoke up. “Senpai, can I get an introduction?”

“Oh right. This girl’s Yamano Saya. She’s in her third year of middle school, and she recently joined my band.”

Yamano-san bowed. I hastily bowed back.

“Nice to meet you, senpai.”

“She went to the same middle school as Natsuki and Miori, so I figured she might be helpful.”

“Miori-senpai and I are tight, so please let me chip in. I think I’ll be pretty helpful.” Yamano-san wore an earnest expression.

I could tell she truly was worried about Miorin. And so, just as Seri had said, everyone who was close to Miorin convened in one place.

***

(Hondo Serika)

I rounded everyone up at a family restaurant near Takasaki Station. We were quiet for a group of high schoolers, so we probably seemed uncanny to outsiders. Uta, Tatsuya, Yuino, Hikari, and Saya were here, which, including me, made six of us. I couldn’t get in touch with Reita and Natsuki. The last thing Reita had said to me on our phone call was “I’m going to look for Miori.” Apparently, Natsuki had also told Hikari something similar before running off.

I’d miscalculated—the two people who probably knew the most about the situation hadn’t attended. I first introduced Saya to the others before diving into the main topic. “All right, let’s organize what we know. We’re missing the two most important people, but nothing we can do about that.”

Hikari timidly raised her hand, so we all focused on her. “Um, I’m not sure how much I can say,” she said, trailing off.

“I’m sure you’ve kept some things to yourself for Miori’s sake, but forget about that now.” I directed those words not only at her, but everyone else too. It’s Miori’s own fault for vanishing, anyway. If exposing her secrets will lead us to where she went, then she better let us off the hook.

“You’re right... Then I’ll start from what happened yesterday after school...” Hikari recounted the conversation she’d had with Miori yesterday after school. She seemed immensely regretful, her usual cheer nowhere to be found. Her voice trembled too.

“Well shit... With the way Motomiya’s been acting, that hit her hard for sure,” Tatsuya said with a frown.

That’s a blunt way to put it, but he’s right. That must’ve shook Miori harder than whatever verbal abuse Hasegawa dished out.

“Um... Tatsu and I know something too,” Uta began in an apologetic tone. Though she was reluctant to bring it up, she knew she had no choice. “We kept quiet because we accidentally overheard it, but it’s an emergency right now.”

She exchanged a look with Tatsuya, who picked up from there. “Apparently, Reita and Motomiya aren’t in a normal relationship.” According to what they’d heard, Reita had known that Miori was in love with Natsuki from the very beginning.

Shock painted Hikari’s face. Her story hadn’t mentioned anything of the sort. And Miori wouldn’t have told her. Knowing Miori, she probably thought that whatever she said would’ve just sounded like an excuse.

“Figures. I thought their relationship was progressing too slowly.” A sigh inadvertently slipped out of me; I’d had a feeling it was something like that.

Reita was well-versed with handling girls, and Miori had been aggressively closing the distance between them up until a little while ago. In spite of all that, it felt weird that their relationship was so wholesome.

“Miori never seemed too happy when Reita came up in a conversation, so I figured something was up,” I remarked.

“Thinking back, he didn’t talk about Motomiya much either. He’s secretive by nature, so I didn’t think twice, but normally he’d gush about her more, right?” Tatsuya said.

“That’s right,” Yuino replied with a serious expression. “Look at the facts: for a good while, all Hikari did was go on and on about her boyfriend.”

“Ahem.” Hikari cleared her throat. “Yuino-chan, that was unnecessary information.”

“When do you think she had a change of heart?” There was a distant look in Uta’s eyes, as though she was recalling the past. “I wish I’d noticed.”

She must be thinking about a lot. She used to be in a similar position to Miori’s. Though, there’s a difference between someone who wasn’t chosen versus someone who couldn’t even step into the ring.

Uta continued. “But, you know, hearing that Miorin loves Natsu feels... I dunno. It doesn’t feel weird, and actually makes sense, even though I never picked up on her feelings.”

Yuino rested her chin on her hand and replied, “They got along extremely well, after all. It’s actually almost outlandish how much they trust each other.”

I added my own two cents as well: “As much as they claim it, they aren’t mere childhood friends who can’t get rid of each other. That much is certain.” No matter how you sliced it, the two of them shared a special bond.

“It’s only a guess...but she probably didn’t have a change of heart. She just never realized her own feelings,” Saya solemnly chimed in.

Everyone shifted their attention to her, urging her to continue. Out of all of us, she was the only one who knew about their past.

“Let’s take a little trip down memory lane...”

***

Where did Miori used to go during times like this? I’d dropped by her house again, but I didn’t find her there. Her family was also taking the situation seriously, as the police had already arrived at their house. The officers asked me some questions, and I told them everything I knew.

It had been more than half a day by now. With each passing hour, my impatience grew. The sun gradually set, dyeing the sky crimson and shrouding the world in darkness.

She’s not around our town station. And she’s not in the neighborhood park. She’s not near the riverbank by our elementary school either... Miori, where are you? Where did you go?

“I want to return to those days.” Suddenly, what she had said flashed through my mind.

Let’s say that’s what she still wants right now; just when is “those days”? I flipped through memories of my past. She probably means the period that shined the most. When it was the four of us, with Shuto and Takuro, and all we did was play every day. Come to think of it, I remember that the funnest thing we ever did as kids was...

“...when the four of us made a secret base.”

I walked into the mountains near our town shrine. It seemed much more overgrown than when I was young. The foliage and plants whacked my body all over, dirtying my date outfit. If I used some common sense, there was no way she would be somewhere like this. However, the police were already searching for her in all the normal places that would come to mind. Thus, I would search the places only I’d think of.

After all these years, the animal trail that had once paved an easy path to our secret base was now gone. I pushed onward over the trackless ground, double-checking I was heading in the right direction with each step.

“Hm?” Something’s off here. There were signs that something had knocked over the vegetation a little to the right. I went down that way; those traces were bound for the direction I’d been going. And above all, there were footsteps left in the dirt.

These aren’t animal footprints; they’re from a human. Plus, whoever left these was wearing loafers. And since they’re so distinct, they must be fresh. I’ve got a hunch, or rather, I’m sure of it now—Miori is up ahead.

Unable to contain myself, I was about to break into a sprint.

“Natsuki,” a voice called from behind me.

“Reita.” When I turned around, Reita was there.

It looked like he’d trekked the same path as me; his uniform was dirty, and there was mud on his face. His expression was uncharacteristically grim. He was giving off an air unlike his usual self. He didn’t look composed whatsoever. But his girlfriend was missing, so it wasn’t strange for him to be this way.

“I figured you’d probably find where Miori is,” Reita said as he eyed the footprints I’d discovered.

“What the heck? Did you follow my tracks?” What’s the point in doing that? We could’ve just looked for her together. I knit my brows together.

Sensing my question, Reita explained himself. “I was searching for Miori on my own when I spotted you.”

“Anyway, let’s hurry. She should be up ahead. I think she’s likely emotionally unstable right now. I want to find her before anything happens.” I turned my back to him once more.

“Wait,” he said. “I’ll go on from here. You go home.”

I couldn’t process what he’d said. “Huh?”

Reita stared at me, emotionless as though he were wearing a mask.

“Finding Miori is our highest priority. Shouldn’t we look for her together?” The secret base was up ahead, but that didn’t necessarily mean she was inside. The mountains were vast, so it’d be better if we split up and searched for her together.

However, Reita shook his head. “Even if we split up, I’m certain you’d be the one to find Miori.”

“So what? Finding her is the important bit here.” Of course I’m more likely to find her. I’m familiar with the area. I don’t get what Reita’s been trying to get at. He’s never been like this before. Reita normally stayed one step ahead in a conversation, but his intentions were unclear right now.

“I’d hate that... I want to be the first person to find Miori!” he shouted in a bloodcurdling tone, his expression suddenly morphing.

I was overwhelmed by his intensity. I’d never seen him show his raw emotions before.

Reita must’ve been agonizing over this too. Of course he was. After everything that happened to his girlfriend, now she’s gone missing. It makes sense he’s feeling insecure. I knew that, but I never worried about him once. I just figured he would be fine since he’s, well, Reita.

“I know Miori loves you. If you find her, she won’t have eyes for anyone but you. I’d hate that... I have to be the one who helps her!”

I had admired Reita. He was the ideal image I strove for. I’d assumed that I didn’t need to be concerned about him, the perfect superhuman.

“Even if it’s only temporary, I’m Miori’s boyfriend. It’s my job to find her!”

But I’d been wrong. I’d been looking at the ideal person in my head, not Reita himself. I hadn’t been properly seeing my friends. In front of me right now was a normal high school boy. He was simply more brilliant than others, not someone who had leaped through time like me.

“And that’s why I should go home...?”

“Sorry. I really am. I’ll definitely repay you for this,” he said, his face twisted in pain. “So let me take over from here.”

You’re her boyfriend; you want to be the first person to find Miori. That much I can understand. But I won’t accept that. You’re prioritizing the wrong thing.

“That’s bullshit.” My voice reflected the rage that had welled up from the pit of my stomach. I knew he wasn’t acting like himself. But even so, I refused to back down here.

“I know...but this is my only chance! Miori’s only ever had eyes for you, so what if I can make her look my way?! I love her! And that’s why I won’t let you go!” Reita desperately pleaded, trying to convince me.

I drew close to him and grabbed his collar. Overtaken by anger, I yelled, “You—”

“What are you unhappy about?! Isn’t Hoshimiya-san your girlfriend?!”

Reita and I held each other’s gazes at point-blank range. He looked like he was suffering a lot.

“That’s not what this is about! Don’t you get it?!”

“I do—I get it! But no matter what, I still... Tch!”

I was in no position to say I understood his feelings. But I could tell that Reita really loved Miori.

I knew Reita didn’t want me to go to Miori. After all, she was in love with me. If it weren’t for our current situation, I would’ve wanted to yield to him.

“No, you don’t get anything at all.” That’s right; if it weren’t for our current situation, that is. “Reita, haven’t you realized?” I asked.

His brows furrowed. “Realized what?”

Knew it: you haven’t noticed. That would never happen if you were your usual self.

“All you’ve been talking about is yourself.”

We’re in a crisis where we don’t even know whether Miori’s alive or not, and you’re only thinking about yourself. I don’t care if you’re her boyfriend or whatever, but I can’t trust someone like that and yield here.

“What do you mean?” Reita’s eyes widened in shock. He gazed down at his palm, replaying everything he’d said. “I...”

I let go of his collar, and he crumpled to his knees.

“Sorry, but I’m not listening to you. I’m going.” I turned away from him. Part of me wanted to tend to Reita, since he was behaving out of the ordinary. But finding Miori took the utmost priority right now.

Wait for me, Miori. Please, don’t think of doing anything stupid.

I ran into the mountains, letting my memories from childhood guide me as I pushed my way through the foliage.

“There it is.”

A tattered storage shed was up ahead. It was more run-down than I remembered. Ivy coiled around it, rust peppered the exterior, and a part of it was straight up rotting. The whole place was falling apart; the door was gone too. It looked like it was about to collapse at any moment.

“Miori!” I peered into the dilapidated structure, but no one was there.

There was a bamboo broom, a cleaning rag, a metal bat, a bike pump, a bunch of magazines from a dozen or so years ago, and other knickknacks inside. All these dusty items had been crammed into the little shed that could fit, at most, six tatami mats. The sign that Miori had written “Secret Base” on still remained as well.

There was also a bag on top of a wooden box.

That’s the only new thing here. I’m sure of it. Miori must’ve put it here. So she left her bag in our secret base, but where did she go after that? At any rate, she’s close. The moment relief washed over me, I saw it. There was a white piece of paper next to her bag.

“Thank you for everything up until now. I’m really sorry.”

When I read the note, the blood drained from my body. Cold sweat trickled down my back.

I sprinted outside and searched for her with all my might. I pushed my way through the undergrowth and shouted Miori’s name. My vision was growing dim in the darkness, but I continued advancing deeper and deeper into the mountains nonetheless. I didn’t know where I was anymore. Even so, I refused to go home until I’d found her.

It’ll be fine. I’m sure of it. I know I can figure out where Miori is. After all...

It’s always been my job to find her when she’s crying.

***

(Hoshimiya Hikari)

“In elementary school, those two were the center of attention,” Yamano-san began, describing Natsuki-kun and Miori-chan’s past. “I’m a year younger than them, so I don’t know what they were like in class, but they stood out whenever they did anything. They were the popular kids. Well, actually, it’s more like they were famous.”

The beginning of her tale was surprising. Natsuki-kun had told us about the reason behind his high school debut, so I was under the impression that he’d always been one of the quiet kids. But I’d been wrong. Miori-chan was just as I’d imagined, though.

“Strictly speaking, there were actually four of them. There were two other people along with Miori-senpai and Haibara-senpai: Takuro-senpai and Shuto-senpai. The four of them were always together. They seemed like they were having the time of their lives every day, and I also looked up to them. I wished I could be like them.”

We all listened to Yamano-san speak with great interest.

Come to think of it, it’s common knowledge that they’re childhood friends, but we’ve never really heard any anecdotes of their old days. I thought Natsuki-kun was too embarrassed because it was before his high school debut, but now I’m not so sure that’s why.

“The heck...? That’s surprising. He said he was a loner in middle school. That’s why he went through a high school debut, right? But now you’re telling me he was popular in elementary school?” Tatsuya-kun asked the same question I’d been thinking.

“Miori-senpai was the popular one, for the most part. It was just kinda like Haibara-senpai and the others were there on the side,” Yamano-san replied.

“Oh,” he said. “I can imagine that. But how’d he turn into a loner after that?”

“Their group fell apart. Miori-senpai and Haibara-senpai quit being friends at some point too. That’s how Haibara-senpai ended up all alone.” Yamano-san spoke slowly, as though she were reminiscing on memories of the past. “I heard this from Miori-senpai... Apparently, when I was in my fifth year of elementary school—which is when they were in their sixth year—Shuto-senpai confessed to Miori-senpai, but she shot him down. They were really tight, but she couldn’t imagine him in a romantic light.”

We’d plunged into a story that was hard to react to. I couldn’t help but envision what came next. Love was the first cause that came to mind when discussing a close-knit group of friends being destroyed.

“Miori-senpai wanted to treat him as a good friend, just like she always had...but Shuto-senpai broke away first. Then they turned into a group of three, and right when things were awkward, Takuro-senpai was suddenly forced to transfer schools because of his family. Nothing they could do about that one, though.”

“So their group of four turned into a pair of two,” Uta-chan said, wearing a conflicted look. Our eyes met, but we quickly looked away.

“With only Haibara-senpai and Miori-senpai left, well, they were a boy and a girl, get it? Kids started making fun of them, so she distanced herself.”

It was a normal reaction for a child around that age. Back then, merely hanging out with the opposite gender earned you a teasing.

“Then they graduated. I was still in elementary school, so I only heard what happened after that from Miori-senpai... When they entered middle school, she made new friends. But on the flip side, Haibara-senpai didn’t make a single one. I wouldn’t say he unwillingly ended up alone: he wanted that to happen. The reason’s a mystery, though.”

I had a guess as to why Natsuki-kun hadn’t tried to make new friends. He must’ve been hurt that his close friends had split up. And knowing him, he would’ve been convinced that it had all been his fault.

“Miori-senpai tried to reach out to Haibara-senpai when she saw him alone, but he refused... Eh, she’s the one who reneged first, so it was too late by that point.”

I didn’t know something like that happened to them. I took a peek at everyone else’s expressions—it didn’t look like the others had heard about this either.

“That’s what I got from Miori-senpai,” Yamano-san said. She took a short pause. “And now I’ll tell you what I heard from Haibara-senpai.”

***

(Motomiya Miori)

I had no idea why I’d come here. My memories were a blur. I was unsure what sequence of events had led me to this place, and I couldn’t think about anything. Was I walking steadily with my own two legs?

In fifth grade, I’d built this secret base with Takuro, Shuto, and Natsuki. I say “built,” but all we did was modify a dilapidated shed we’d found deep in the mountains. We had filled it with various things to play with and decorated the hut with a sign that said “Secret Base.” We’d cut the grass around the entrance to create a clearing to mess around in, but there was no trace of our work now. It was overgrown with plants. The inside of the little shack had fallen apart considerably, and it was rusted everywhere.

But I’d missed this place dearly. The broken water gun, the fractured wooden sword, and the deflated soccer ball too—they were all things we’d brought here. We’d played here for hours on end until we ran out of energy.

When did I stop coming here? Right... After Shuto confessed to me and I turned him down. Those fun-filled days had shattered to pieces like glass. Although I never said it out loud, I held a grudge against Shuto. He’d shown just how much he valued our friendship. If he couldn’t date me, then he didn’t care about me anymore.

I didn’t have the right to complain about that, though. I understood his feelings very well now.

I know. I’m currently fleeing from reality. All I’m doing is clinging to that radiant past. I want to go back to when I didn’t know what love was. I want to return to those days. I want to redo it all one more time.

Then I could be friends with those three even now. Then I wouldn’t fall in love with Natsuki, and we’d be good friends. Then I’d be someone who supports Natsuki’s love from the bottom of my heart... 

No, that’s not true. Those are all empty words. Come on, right? If I really could redo my life again, I’d try to date Natsuki before he fell in love with Hikari-chan. I mean, I’ve loved him for a long time now. I just never realized that this feeling was love. That’s why I was over the moon when we mended our friendship before the entrance ceremony. 

I wanted to help Natsuki with his high school debut. And I really was interested in Reita-kun, but Natsuki was my primary motive. He depended on me at every turn, and that made me happier than anything else. But every time I saw him get closer to other girls, my heart clouded over.

I more or less realized why, but I denied those emotions. And I was able to keep them down. At least, in the beginning I could. But as I helped him with his crush, my feelings grew too much, and I was forced to acknowledge the truth... By the time I did, though, it was already too late.

I couldn’t even join the stage, and yet I made a move on him. I did that, unnoticed by all, backstage after the curtains had closed on their happily ever after.

I’m such a bitch! The worst of the worst.

I don’t even have the right to wish I could return to the past or get a redo on my life. I can’t be here anymore. At the very least, I don’t deserve to exist until this love fades away. But suppose these affections never fade; doesn’t that mean my only choice is to disappear?

“Thank you for everything up until now. I’m really sorry...” I took out a piece of loose-leaf paper from my bag and left behind my suicide note.

Then, following my memories of childhood, I climbed the mountain. If I ascended high enough, I would reach a place with a beautiful lookout point. It was our favorite spot. Okay, well, actually it was only my favorite spot. I remembered Natsuki saying “Idiots like high places,” every time we went there.

I pushed onward through the foliage, and at some point it started to rain. At first it was just a light drizzle, but it gradually turned into a deafening downpour. Frigid raindrops weaved through the leaves to hit me. I shivered from the cold. Nevertheless, I continued my advance. Although the muddy ground ensnared my feet, I persisted up the mountain.

Suddenly, the expanse of trees came to an end, and a cliff entered my vision.

“I can’t see a thing.”

The view was obscured because it was nighttime and raining. I walked up to the edge of the cliff and peered down. In the depths of the darkness, I could faintly make out a river. I’ll die if I fall from here. The thought passed through my head as though it had nothing to do with me.

It doesn’t seem real. That’s why I don’t feel any terror. Even though I’m one mere step away from death. But this is fine. I’ll go just like this. If my emotions come back, the unnecessary ones will follow. Before it hits me that this is reality, I should step forward and...

“Miori!”

Someone threw their arms around me from behind. I knew who it was just by his voice. He was the person I didn’t want to see most of all right now. But at the same time, he was also the one I did want to see most of all. He pulled me back without hesitation, moving me away from the cliff I should’ve fallen from.

Natsuki had hauled me back in a panic, and the momentum caused him to fall on his butt while still holding me tight. With my back against his chest, I went down with him. I ended up sitting on the ground while he hugged me from behind. His arms were wrapped around me with so much force that I couldn’t move.

His breathing was ragged. I could tell he had run here as fast as he could. As I listened to him breathe, the reality that I’d disregarded caught up to me.

What was I about to do? I instantly went white as a sheet. All too late, my body shook. I’m scared. My heart is pounding. The rain pelting me is cold. I’m freezing. I gave my surroundings a proper look—illuminated by the moon, the darkness wasn’t actually that deep.

“Thank god. I made it in time... Thank fucking god,” Natsuki said near my ear. His voice trembled a little.

I angled my head up and looked at his face. He was covered in mud. I was probably just as dirty. It only made sense, since we’d traversed a forest while getting bombarded by heavy rain.

“Why...are you here?”

“I was looking for you, obviously.”

“Why did you think I’d be here?”

“I suddenly recalled that you said you wanted to return to the past.”

“You found me with that as your only clue?”

“It’s always been my job to find you during hide-and-seek,” Natsuki replied with a strained smile.

He was still as perplexingly good at finding me as ever. Whenever I’d go off to cry by myself, he would always find me and stay by my side. I loved that about him so much. How could I not fall for him? And that was exactly why I couldn’t remain in this position.

“Let go. It hurts.” I slowly shook out of his grasp and stood up.

“Are you okay now?”

“Yeah. I wasn’t in my right mind earlier.” I was feeling engulfed by the gravity of what I’d attempted. I couldn’t follow through now. I didn’t have the nerve to.

“I can’t claim to understand how you feel right now. Maybe you want to escape from reality. But stop trying to die. People are worried about you. I’m not talking about just me—everyone is worried about you.”

My family and friends flashed through my mind. They were all so kind; surely they were concerned about me.

“Let’s go home, Miori. Let’s go back to everyone else.” Natsuki held his hand out. He knew what kind of person I was and accepted me as I was.

“I can’t... It’s too late now.”

Please stop it. Seriously. My heart sways when you do that. Look, I’ll end up getting my hopes up a tiny bit. I’ll harbor unrealistic expectations. I’ll only be disappointed in myself for being despicable enough to think that I have a chance, for even a second, in a situation like this... But that isn’t what I truly want. It’s something else. I don’t want my love to bear fruit.

“Miori.”

Don’t call my name so gently. Please, I want you to reject me. I want closure. “Because I can’t forgive myself.”

***

(Hoshimiya Hikari)

“When I entered middle school, Haibara-senpai was already a loner. He’d lost his cheerfulness from elementary school, wore glasses, and was chubbier, so I almost thought he was a different person. Anyway, I’ll spare you guys the details,” Yamano-san continued. “A bunch happened on my end, and I wound up talking to Haibara-senpai sometimes. What I heard from him was a little different from what I’d heard from Miori-senpai. I’ll tell you about that now.”

Everyone was already deeply absorbed in her story. I wasn’t the only one: we were all simply curious about their past. Plus, it might give us clues on Miori-chan’s whereabouts.

“Haibara-senpai was hurt that the four of them had split up, and especially so when Miori-senpai distanced herself. That’s why he kept away from other people when he started middle school.”

It began to gently drizzle outside the window. It was quiet inside the empty restaurant, so Yamano-san’s voice carried well.

“Miori-senpai reached out to Haibara-senpai. She hoped their friendship could go back to what it used to be. But the short-haired tomboy who would often get mistaken for a boy was already gone. She’d transformed into a beautiful girl. And basically the most popular girl in the school.”

I see what happened. With her looks, the people around her wouldn’t leave her be.

“The most popular boy in her class had a crush on Miori-senpai. He was jealous that Miori-senpai paid extra attention to Haibara-senpai. It’s a common story, but he took Haibara-senpai, who already had no friends, and isolated him completely. I don’t think Haibara-senpai cared, though: he’d never had anyone in the first place... But Miori-senpai started losing friends little by little, because she fussed over him even though he was hated. She was slowly being excluded from her class.”

Miori-chan didn’t care that she was losing friends and prioritized Natsuki-kun anyway. In response, it weighed heavily on his heart that her reputation was worsening because of him. I could vividly picture that scene, and it made my heart sting.

“That’s why Haibara-senpai pushed her away. He didn’t want to put her in a bad spot because she was spending time with him. Well, he’ll claim otherwise, though.”

“I see. Miori told me they didn’t get along in middle school,” Serika remarked.

“I’ve been pretty jittery about all this. Miori-senpai asked me for advice all the time, and I chatted with Haibara-senpai on occasion, so the whole situation has been a huge pain. Those two only ever worry about each other, but they never try to talk it out.” Yamano-san sighed and shrugged. “They definitely love each other—they’ve just never realized it.”

Yeah, I think so too. And it’s not a story of the past either. They’ve felt that way all this time, even up until now... I’m sure that the affection he holds for her is much greater than what he feels for me.

***

Miori was crying.

I’d seen her like this many times when we were children. Surprisingly, she was quite the crybaby. It was hard to believe, because of how confident she normally acted, so I’d just be called a liar if I told anyone. Besides, she only ever cried in front of me.

“Then what’re you gonna do? Stay here forever?” I asked.

“I don’t know... But I don’t deserve to go back,” she said through sobs and shook her head.

“You’ll catch a cold if you stay here. I’ll take you home by force if I have to.”

“Why do you care about me so much? Why go so far, until you’re all battered up? Isn’t Hikari-chan the one you love? Just leave someone like me alone.”

“You’re my precious friend. I can’t leave you alone...even if this is all my fault.” I couldn’t give Miori the reply she wanted to hear. Even so, I wanted her usual self to come back.

“It’s not your fault. Only mine. That’s why I wanted to disappear.”

Just imagining her gone terrified me. “Stop it. It doesn’t matter whose fault it was. I’m begging you, come back to us.” I knew those words would hurt her, but this was how I truly felt. I wanted her to be with me forever. I didn’t want to lose her ever again.

“It’s already too late. I couldn’t get on the stage.”

The downpour intensified. Raindrops pounded the ground. Miori’s tears mixed with the rivulets, seemingly vanishing.

“But I’ll say it out loud so I can put an end to it.” Miori inhaled slowly, steadied her breath, and then said, “I love you a lot—I love you the most in the world.”

My chest throbbed when I saw her smile as she wept. I know. As dense as I am, even I was aware. What I feel towards Miori is clearly different from what I feel for my other friends. It’s an affection more dear and special. The feelings I’d pretended not to notice and had locked away began to overflow.

Since when? 

Miori was my first love, but I’d fallen in love with Hikari at first sight in high school. Then, seven years had passed. My affections for Miori had faded in that time span. She was a former close childhood friend—that was all I’d thought about her when my second chance at life had begun. On that account, there was no doubt that these feelings stirring within me had been born after I’d jumped through time.

“Natsuki?”

I went through my memories.

“Listen carefully. I like you.”

At the start, Miori had been my partner for my “Rainbow-Colored Youth Plan.”

“No! I’d never—!”

As my childhood friend, she knew the real me, so I was comfortable being myself in front of her.

“Thanks for walking me home.”

She’d been by my side supporting me all this time, and before I knew it, I was dependent on her.

“Didn’t you say I could depend on you? A man doesn’t go back on his word, right?”

I didn’t want to see Miori miserable.

“Never, ever. Okay? You won’t abandon me again, right?”

Recollections of my first love were brought back little by little.

“I’m going to confess to Reita-kun. I’ve been acting cautious lately, but that’s not very me... I’ll end this battle lickety-split and secure my happiness!”

I wanted Miori to be happy.

“From now on, Hikari-chan will be there to help you.”

I never thought my actions would backfire instead.

“What would you do...if I told you I love you?”

Because I love you too.

I loved Motomiya Miori as much as I loved Hoshimiya Hikari, my girlfriend. And that was precisely why I had to give her confession a proper response.

“Sorry. There’s someone I have my heart set on. I can’t answer your feelings.” As Miori said, I’ve already made my decision. I’m determined to bring Hoshimiya Hikari happiness. For sure. I won’t waver now. As long as Hikari’s heart doesn’t drift away from me, I won’t. When I told her I loved her, I went in with that much commitment.

“Thanks for giving me an answer,” she said after a beat.

“That’s all I can offer in response, but still, I want you to go back home with me.”

I thought for a bit. I’m someone who got to redo his life. If my actions rewrote the happiness in Miori’s life into unhappiness, then it’s my responsibility to save her. But there’s no point in thinking that way. I can’t pull off anything so impressive. Even if I told her I loved her back, she probably doesn’t wish for that anymore. In the end, this is the only thing I can do. I’ll just have to live my best life so I don’t ever regret this moment.

“Don’t think about dumb things like whether you deserve it or not,” I said, purposefully maintaining an easygoing and teasing tone. “Don’t worry. Even if you love me, there won’t be any issues as long as my heart never wavers, right? Worry all you like; Hikari is the one I love. So don’t torment yourself so much.”

“H-Huh? I know that, but that’s not the problem here...”

“Yeah it is. If Hikari’s what you’re worried about, I’ll firmly shoot everything down going forward. I’ve been wishy-washy about where we stand, but I’ll draw the line in our friendship now.”

I couldn’t do anything about other people’s affections. That’s why it was irrelevant whether Miori loved me or not when it came to her “deserving” to come back.

“Really? I can keep loving you?” she asked as though she were searching for the light within the darkness.

“Yeah.” I couldn’t reciprocate her feelings. But she could continue to love me, and I could acknowledge how she felt. “Relax. I won’t fall in love with you.” I decided to stick to this lie until the day I died. Haibara Natsuki did not love Motomiya Miori. And he would not love her in the future either.

“Thank you.” Miori’s expression softened with relief despite the awful declaration I’d made.

I offered her my hand once more. “Let’s head back to our secret base first. I’m cold. It’s freezing here!”

Our friends have a lot on their minds, but we still manage to get along. There’s no cause for concern, much less to agonize so hard that death’s up for consideration. Sure, she might’ve done something bad, but she’s apologized. So that’s the end of that.

“Hey, Natsuki.” Miori’s swollen eyes curved into a smiling expression. “Once my feelings fade away, do you think we can go back to being friends?”

“Sucks for you, but I’m not going to stop being your friend. Do something about your feelings on your own.”

“You’re terrible. Are you telling me to be your friend while I’m still crushing on you?”

“I need you for my rainbow-colored youth, you know.” I’d been forcing whatever I wanted on her.

Hearing my self-centered demand, she grinned. “Guess I’ll just have to deal with it... All right. Then you better wait for me. Just until my lie stops being a lie.” Hiding how her legs shook, Miori moved past me. “Oh, that’s right. Can I ask you for a favor?”

We walked home in the torrential shower.

“What? If you whine about dying again, I’ll drag you home by force.”

“I... I wasn’t whining... You were just as selfish as I was, anyway.”

She was right. I’d said some pretty absurd stuff to convince her.

“Do you remember our old promise?”

“The one about listening to one of your requests whenever you cry?” That was the first thing that came to mind when she brought up a promise. It was a promise I’d hatched after much trial and error to stop Miori’s tears. Thinking back on it now, I felt it was quite unreasonable. There was way too much responsibility on my end.

“Wow, you actually remember. I could cry in front of you because you said that. I hardly ever cried in front of other people.”

I didn’t need to know that. I wish she hadn’t told me that now... A conflicted look spread across my face, but she continued on.

“So go along with my request for just one day.”

***

(Hoshimiya Hikari)

We consolidated everything we’d talked about and got a better grasp on Miori-chan’s situation. She’d dated Reita-kun while still being in love with Natsuki-kun, and Reita-kun knew about her feelings all the while. She’d tried to fall in love with Reita-kun after he’d confessed to her, but she had succumbed to her feelings for a moment.

She’d already been distressed about what she had done, but to make matters worse, rumors started spreading. Plus Hasegawa-san had treated her cruelly, and what I’d unloaded on her had just poured salt into the wound. It was understandable that she wanted to run away.

“Anyway, we need to hurry up and look for her,” Uta-chan murmured.

I nodded. I’m worried about Miori-chan’s mental state. Reita-kun and Natsuki-kun are already out searching for her, but they haven’t contacted us yet.

“Let’s pick some places we think she might be at and split up,” Serika-chan said decisively.

The most reliable ones for that job were Yamano-san, Serika-chan, and Uta-chan, who were especially close to Miori-chan. The three of them discussed things while looking at their map applications on their phones, each suggesting possible locations.

We don’t have any concrete clues in the end... I’ll do my best to look for her, of course, but if she went somewhere far away, then none of us would have any ideas. I’ve no doubt Natsuki-kun can find her, though.

“Please, Natsuki-kun.” You don’t need to worry about me. Just for now, I want you to be at Miori-chan’s side.

***

We returned to our abandoned shed of a secret base. We ducked inside and caught our breath. It was still storming outside. Our clothes were soaked through and covered in mud. My outfit might be done for, even after going through the wash. The sopping wet sensation was unpleasant on my skin, and more importantly, I was freezing, so I took off my shirt.

“Hey! Don’t strip without warning!” Miori backed away from me in shock.

“It’s just my shirt. I’ll be colder if I keep it on.”

“Well, I guess so... Okay. I’m not gonna look over there.” She faced away from me and sat on top of a wooden box with her knees to her chest. Her uniform was just as filthy and wet as mine. She trembled ever so slightly.

Knew it—she’s cold. It was around ten degrees Celsius; winter was approaching. However, we didn’t have anything to start a fire. Our only choice was to hold out here until the downpour let up.

“Think it’ll stop raining?” Miori asked.

“Looks like it’s going to keep coming down for a while,” I said after checking the weather on my phone.

The signal was weak. We were deep in the mountains, so I only had one bar. Thankfully, I was still barely connected and could contact the others.

“Miori, get in touch with your family. The police are looking for you, and it’s turned into a huge deal.”

“What? R-Really? I’m sorry... Right, of course they are... Makes sense.” She must’ve been so caught up in her head that she hadn’t considered the obvious consequence to her actions. “Okay. I’ll call my mom.”

“I’ll let the other guys know we’re safe. You can apologize for making them worry later.”

She nodded meekly and then called her mother. I sent a text to our group chat that consisted of the usual six, saying, “I found Miori. She’s all right.” I sent the same thing to Serika in a separate private chat. The message was read instantly, and Hikari called me.

“Hello,” I answered.

“Natsuki-kun?! Did you really find Miori-chan?!”

“Yeah, really. She’s right next to me. She’s on the phone with her family.”

“Th-Thank god... Where are you now?”

“It’s kinda hard to explain, but we’re in the mountains near our town.”

“The... The mountains? Why are you two out there?”

“I don’t know why either. Ask Miori. Hey, at least we’re safe and sound. It’s coming down in buckets, so we can’t move from where we’re at, but we’ll go home once the rain lets up. You can tell the others—”

“We’re all together right now. Don’t worry; they heard.”

I could hear multiple people say, “Thank god,” over the line: Uta’s and Serika’s voices.

Guess everyone assembled in the same place. They must’ve been worried about Miori.

“How’s Miori-chan doing?”

“She was in a bad state, but she’s calmed down now. You don’t need to worry about her anymore.” My gaze met Miori’s as I said that. She’d finished talking to her mom.

“Can I talk to her?” Miori asked.

“Sure. Hikari, I’m passing you over to Miori.” I handed my phone to her. Her hands were shaking, and it probably wasn’t from the cold. I smacked her on the back and said, “It’ll be okay.”

“Ow!” she yelped in surprise.

“M-Miori-chan?! What happened?!” Hikari yelled, panicked.

Miori sent me a reproachful glare, but I just shrugged.

“Hurry up and answer her,” I said.

“You don’t need to tell me that.” She took a deep breath. “Um, everyone’s with you there, right?”

“Yeah, we are! I’m so glad... Miori-chan, I’m sorry. Yesterday, I—”

“Wait, Hikari-chan. Let me go first.” They were talking over the phone, so the others couldn’t see her, but Miori lowered her head anyway. “Guys, I’m sorry for worrying you all,” she said in a timid tone, and waited for their response.

Silence fell for a split second.

“You better be! Stupid Miorin! You wannabe cool psycho girl!”

“H-Hey, Uta. Don’t you think that’s a bit much?” Tatsuya said.

“I have to get that much off my chest, or else I won’t be able to calm down!”

“Miori, I’m glad you’re safe. Don’t catch a cold,” Serika said.

Nanase laughed. “Though Hondo-san is acting composed now, she was the most worried about you.”

“Yuino... She didn’t need to know that.”

“Miori-chan, I’ll apologize to you properly later, so please come back,” Hikari said.

Miori was overwhelmed by the chaotic voices coming through the phone. It was amusing how absurd Uta was being, so I inadvertently smiled. Miori was still as stone for a while, but then her expression suddenly relaxed.

Looks like I’ve got nothing to worry about anymore. I checked outside. The rain had let up. It’s still cloudy, so this is probably only temporary... Now’s our chance to go home. I waited for Miori and the others to stop chatting and then spoke up. “Let’s go while we can, Miori.”

“Yeah. Well then, guys... I’ll see you at school.”