Steins;Gate - Chapter A.S.

STEINS;GATE OFFICIAL AFTER STORY: HOLY DAY OF SCOURGE

I let out a breath of white air. I had run through the pedestrian crossing in front of the UPX building and doubled over in front of the newly-made Gundam Cafe.
My lungs are seeking more and more oxygen. My throat is dry and I can even taste blood. It’s hopeless… no matter how much I search around like this, I can’t find her small figure.
I wish I had more stamina. I think about the girl with braids, who is no longer in this world. If that lean girl in the vintage jersey was here, she would’ve been able to keep running.
And then… another girl appeared in my head next. She has strong-willed violet eyes and an arrogant, intelligent aura cladding her small body. If she was here, she might have been able to break through this difficult situation in a smarter way through her quick-wittedness. However… she’s not here right now. She’s not by my side.
Damn it, don’t get faint-hearted!
I look up at the sky while scolding myself. The winter sky of Akihabara started getting grey with clouds. The 0% chance of rain forecast might become terribly off the mark. In the end, predicting everything in the world is impossible for us. As I mumbled to myself in my mind, my phone rang. It’s from Mayuri. I take out my phone and hurriedly press the answer button.

“Okarin… I can’t find any places that have the mark…” (Mayuri)

She sounds like she’s on the verge of crying and falling into despair. I just want to cry too, but right now, I don’t want to make Mayuri lose hope. I desperately send her words of encouragement and tell her where to look for next.
I haven’t gotten contact from Lukako and Daru is searching on the internet, but I don’t think he’s gotten any results yet. Since Faris has to work at May Queen Nyan-nyan, her butler, Kuroki-san, is helping us, but he hasn’t contacted me either. In other words, the search isn’t going well at all.
A few hours have passed since we lost sight of her small figure in this huge town. Why aren’t Mister Braun and Moeka answering their phones…? When he said work, was it something concerning SERN…?

“Shit!” (Rintaro)

The people in the surroundings look at me strangely and quickly walk away as I curse aloud. It’s all my fault.
It was just an ordinary day until a few hours ago, and yet, why did this have to happen?
Everything started… when we were in the lab.

I turned my collar up in the freezing wind.
An indecent bishoujo game flyer flew up between a building, carried by the wind.
While spinning a slightly heavy plastic bag around my finger, I glance at the flyer, and the house moving service leaflets stored up in the post box. I go up the stairs next to the shabby, braun tube workshop. The sound of my shoes echoes all the more in the cold. As I open the creaking iron door, I untie my scarf and enter.
We have an oil heater in the room now. It’s the most useful item among the gems we lab members picked up together in the non-combustible garbage day.
I immediately reached my hand out to it, but a large man was already squatting in front of it.

“Daru, you’re going to turn into burnt, bird meat if you don’t get away from that already. Just like the turkey in the shops. No, I guess you would become a doner kebab instead.” (Rintaro)
“Nufu. don’t be so mean, Okarin.” (Itaru)

Daru, who’s shivering with his hands out towards the flames, twisted his mouth into the number 3 and made a dissatisfied face. This guy demonstrates his otherworldly skills in the strangest places.

“You have that much fat​, so you should be strong against the cold.” (Rintaro)
“Geez! Even if I have this much fat, it’s cold when it’s cold, okay!?” (Itaru)
“Tutturu♪ Okarin, anyone can feel cold, so I don’t think you should only criticize Daru-kun.” (Mayuri)

Mayuri stopped sewing to say that with a smile.

“Oh, is that the new outfit you’re going to make Lukako wear?” (Rintaro)

I ask her that while pushing in cheap, 500mL Dr Pepper bottles I bought at a mass sale shop, into the refrigerator.

“Yeah, Luka-kun is looking forward to the winter Comi too, so Mayushii☆ is going to do her best.” (Mayuri)

As if making an oath, Mayuri raised a hand and smiled again.
… It sure is peaceful. I take out my cell phone and put it against my ear.

“It’s me――everything is progressing well right now, but it’s going too well that it’s suspicious instead. They may be preparing a national plot to catch us all together. Make sure to stay alert. El Psy Kongroo.” (Rintaro)

I put my phone in my pocket.

“Again? Chuunibyou for the win.” (Itaru)

Daru exaggeratedly shrugged his shoulders, but I smiled at him with composure. Even I’m self-aware of how chuunibyou those actions seemed. However, for me, this has already become a ritual. It’s something I do to confirm the peacefulness of my life, that is unrelated to my severe experiences. By confirming that I have the mental composure to act, I can preserve the calmness of my heart. In other words, I do it to forget those nightmarish memories from a few months ago… I think. To be honest, there are still nights when I jump out of bed from dreaming of those incidents. My neck and my back are always soaked in sweat when I do. Afterwards, I take rests to distract myself from the fear of the ‘world that was supposed to have disappeared.’ The sticky pools of blood, powerless eyes, feeble white arms hanging down, and the thin coloured, almost crumbled, green jelly-like――I’ve had enough already. I kept seeing the infinite corridors of death and that living hell over and over again. However, the number of times I get tortured by those nightmares have gradually decreased. As time passes, the world will recover. Everything will go back to how it usually is. In reality, the world has been exceedingly peaceful these past few months.
Although it’s winter now, I, Hououin Kyouma aka Okabe Rintaro, Mayushii☆ aka Shiina Mayuri, and Daru aka Hashida Itaru, haven’t changed at all. We’re spending our time as usual. I once again reflect on the fact that everyday life is about a series of days where there isn’t much change. Under that meaning, these past few months after being discharged from the hospital in autumn has without a doubt been ‘everyday life.’ One thing that did change, however, is――

“Mu…” (Rintaro)

I resume my PC from its sleep mode and notice one email in my mailbox. I quickly move my mouse and open the email.

——————————————–
TO Okabe Rintaro-sama FROM Maki
Subject: I am lonely
Recently… my husband has not been caring about me.
If you are tight-lipped and can protect secrets, please contact me.
▼Important▲Guest!! Starting today, it will be free for eternity.
Complete promotion※for 24 hours only※
——————————————–

I feel down. I feel extremely down. I could tell that my mood had dropped all at once. My email address was probably picked up by a search bot when I bought stuff online. All the senders of spam emails… just go die! I see the email off with a cursing thought as I throw it into the trash folder. At the same time as my disappointment, I naturally let out a deep breath.

“Okarin, are you checking if you received any emails again? After your phone, now you’re even watching the PC like you’re licking all over it, hmm.” (Itaru)

Daru says that with a disgusted face.

“Okarin is so lucky. Riajuus really are different.” (Mayuri)

Even Mayuri joined in with a teasing smile.

“Wha…” (Rintaro)
“After summer had ended, I noticed my best friend had class-changed into a riajuu indeed… uh, why are you crying?” (Itaru)
“What do you mean? There’s nothing between Christina and me! … I’ll have you stop making such vulgar guesses!” (Rintaro)
“I wasn’t even guessing, and I didn’t even mention Makise-shi’s name… male tsunderes aren’t moe. Actually just die. You’re probably thinking… that it was fate since the day you met, aren’t you. I’m crying right now… I’m crying, okay!?” (Itaru)
“Kurisu-chan is cute and she’s smart too. I can entrust Okarin to her with a peace of mind♪. But you know, Mayushii thinks that Kurisu-chan can’t send private emails from her lab PC.” (Mayuri)
“Despite her looks,  Makise-shi is actually a romanticist after all. You guys exchange nightly love emails… kuooh, Okarin die, like, just die. I’m hoping for an abrupt plot change where your phone dies from sending too many expensive international emails.” (Itaru)

Daru and Mayuri keep on talking unanimously. I felt the heat come to my face.

“It’s not like that! We’re, we’re just exchanging our ideas in secret about a certain study…!” (Rintaro)
“Yes yes, you two are in the middle of studying your twelfth theory of explaining the secret of love to the world, I get it.” (Itaru)
“Do, don’t be stupid, I am an insane mad scientist! There is absolutely no way I would lose my ambitions and become occupied by love! In the first place, Assistant is in America right now…” (Rintaro)
“Hey Okarin, wouldn’t it be better if you were the one that contacted her first? Kurisu-chan will definitely like you more that way.” (Mayuri)
“…” (Rintaro)

I curtly sink into silence. There really isn’t anything between us. We just occasionally, well, somewhat frequently exchange emails.

“’Christina is currently busy with her important research! I do not want to become a burden to her!’ Hyuu hyuu! You’re such a man, Okarin! That made me go numb and admire you!” (Itaru)

Daru’s mimicry is getting more and more on my nerves. Damn it, you’re so good at irritating people!

“Daru, just get――” (Rintaro)

The second I started speaking, a knock interrupted my voice.

“I’m coming in.” (?)

It was a muscular, dirty giant that rudely came in without waiting for a response. He’s the manager of the braun tube workshop underneath, Tennouji Yuugo.

“Oh, ohh… Mister Braun, huh. What do you need?” (Rintaro)

To be honest, I don’t really want to see his face since I haven’t been paying the rent recently… but for him to appear at this timing, all I can say this time is, ‘good job.’

“I am saying this just in case, but I cannot pay the rent right now. I only just started working on developing the new gadgets, 『Mobile Telephone-type Lazer Ray Gun』 and,『Item Getter, Robot Number Three』the other day, so――” (Rintaro)

By the way, the latter is the improved version of the Radio Controlled Robot, which is equipped with magic hands and can be controlled by a Wii remote. It can pick up old games inside wagon sales, 100 yen coins behind cabinets and basically anything.

“I’ve got no business with you. But man, you sure are uselessly arrogant as ever…” (Tennouji)

On a second look, I see Moeka standing next to Mister Braun who has his arms folded. Her presence is as thin as ever…
Our eyes meet, and she sends me a slight nod. Well, it looks like she’s progressed from our first meeting when she just sent me an email out of nowhere.

“I have a request for you, missy. It’s about my girl, Nae.” (Tennouji)

Mister Braun looked behind him. One girl was standing there, clinging to his thick legs. Tennouji Nae――the year six primary schooler that I once called a small woodland creature. It’s hard to believe that a girl with such an innocent appearance is the daughter of this wild giant.

“The truth is, I want you to look after Nae for a while.” (Tennouji)
“Ehh, Mayushiiー!?” (Mayuri)
“What… did you say!?” (Rintaro)
“Wao, Nae-tan? Little girls for the win.” (Itaru)

Mister Braun throws a glance full of bloodthirst at Daru, whose eyes are shining. Daru was petrified in an instant and broke into pieces! … is what it felt like.

“Sorry, but I have urgent business to take care of. I have to go out along with this part-timer. There’s a chance we might be a little late…” (Tennouji)

Today’s Christmas eve. What would the braun tube workshop, that never has customers, have to do at a time like this? I doubt he’s going to start working as a cake shop owner.

“However, Mister Braun. This is a fortress for the future where the intelligence of humanity gathers, so it is not a playground for children…” (Rintaro)
“I don’t care about what you think, I’m asking her. So, how about it, missy? Nae is attached to you, after all.” (Tennouji)
“Umm, Mayushii doesn’t mind at all, but… having Okarin and everyone here would be…” (Mayuri)

She keeps looking at me. Very well, that loyalty deserves praise.

“Indeed, that is too high-handed, Mister Braun. In the first place, Shiina Mayuri over there is lab member 002, so she needs to gain my permission first.” (Rintaro)
“Tch, is that so. Can’t be helped, then I’ll be relying on you too, Okabe. I can wait a bit more for the rent if you do this, alright? However, if you scare Nae or make her cry… I’ll break your body and hang you from the Honoden building in front of the station!” (Tennouji)

The rough sound of his bones cracking jarred on the ears.

“Muu…” (Rintaro)

While being overwhelmed by the pressure of his words, I put my hand on my chin and brood over it.
Business that Mister Braun and Moeka have to do together… the words ‘SERN’ and ‘mission’ pass through my head. However, I immediately stop that train of thought. What’s important to me, is ‘now’. The time I spend with everyone at this place right now… is the most important thing to me. The place I want to protect, the time I want to protect. I already have things I don’t want to lose. I know the value of those things too. That’s exactly why I stopped investigating into them ever since that summer. Regardless of their faces behind the scenes, no, in the first place, I don’t even know if they have a face behind the scenes ‘in this world’ and I don’t want to know. Exactly because I don’t know, we’re able to stay as amiable neighbours. That’s right, adults have lots of things going on…

“Can she not watch the house… by herself?” (Rintaro)

I timidly begin talking.

“Hyahhou! I can do it myself, hmph!” (Itaru)

… Silence, Daru. Don’t stimulate this fanged beast.

“Nae is a very good, clever girl, so it wouldn’t be impossible.” (Tennouji)

Stop making those broad grins, Mister Braun, it’s sickening. Do you want me to plunge a handful of those sardines you hate into that loose mouth of yours?

“But I heard rumours about that kidnapping organization, and this neighbourhood seems dangerous. Can I just rely on you for this? I’ll make Nae hold onto a phone just in case too.” (Tennouji)

On a second look, I see the top part of a brand new phone from Nae’s strange, black creature pouch. He went out of his to buy it for her… leaving aside the doting parent, for now, I’m guessing he meant the talk on the news when he said organization. Obviously, it isn’t SERN. Everything seems to be suspected to have relations with dangerous things like Russia or the mafia though…
While I was hesitating, Mayuri suddenly started talking.

“Okarin, isn’t it fine? I’d feel sorry for Nae-chan if she’s all alone during eve.” (Mayuri)
“N, no… however…” (Rintaro)
“Come on, please.” (Mayuri)

Mayuri put her hands together in front of her chest and took a pleading posture. Uu… it kinda feels like she’s begging me to keep an abandoned dog.

“We, well… it’s not like I can’t think about it if you say so… but.” (Rintaro)

Several months have passed since that summer. The second thing that has changed in the lab, is that I’ve become weaker to Mayuri’s pleading. So, I ended up nodding while still feeling a touch of uneasiness.

“Ehehe♪, Nae-chan, come here.” (Mayuri)

Mayuri put her sewing on the sofa next to her and invited Nae over.
The small woodland creature cheerfully came out from her father’s back and approached her. By the time Mayuri had got on her knees to pat her head, she was already smiling. The atmosphere in the lab changed. Nae’s mouth loosened as she smiles from feeling ticklish. Mister Braun crumpled his face and looked at us with a gentle smile, like a villain on the verge of being purified and released from his wicked heart. It was as if spring had come just for this dirty lab…
This ability to remove people’s caution as if wrapping them up and calming their minds, is without a doubt, Mayuri’s natural talent. My former self might have given it the name, ‘Healing of Lord.’

“Muu. I don’t think there would be anything to worry about if I leave it to you, but…” (Rintaro)
“Okay, leave it to Mayushii☆, good luck at work, manager♪.” (Mayuri)
“Good luck at work…? Wives that wait for your return with a primary schooler, moe.” (Itaru)

This guy’s hopeless… there’s nothing I can do about him anymore. I decided to neglect Daru, who’s openly showing off his terminal illness.

“Yeah, thanks. I owe you one, missy.” (Tennouji)

Mister Braun sent a nauseating wink, and Moeka nodded.

“… I’ll definitely buy you a present, alright!” (Tennouji)

Mister Braun said that with a pained face and Moeka stayed emotionless as they both left the lab. The iron door shuts out the cold from outside and closes with a clank.

“Nae-chan, look, it’s uncle Okarin.” (Mayuri)
“I told you not to call me uncle.” (Rintaro)

Mayuri holds Nae up and turns her towards me.
Our eyes meet. Eyes are the windows to the soul―― no, was it the mirror? Which one was the correct saying?

“…” (Rintaro)

I feel the muscles on my face fearfully twitch. How do I put it, it’s extremely hard to talk to her…
I know that the cold-hearted avenger is no longer here. The avenger that nonchalantly murdered Moeka, tormented me and gouged out my skin, making me undergo intense pain and feel the lukewarm blood running across my skin… well, it’s just a harmless primary schooler here right now. I know that.

“…” (Rintaro)
“…” (Nae)

Ultimately, even after ten seconds had passed since we came face to face, Nae and I didn’t do or say a single thing to each other. However, I have to say something.

“How’s… school? Is it fun?” (Rintaro)

The silence made me ask a dull question.

“… It’s okay.” (Nae)

Nae answered with a stiff expression, probably because she can sense my nervousness.
Aw, awkward…
Neither of us is that friendly, and I mean, even if I shake my white lab coat upside down, no know-hows of making conversation with primary schoolers will come out of my pockets.

“Geez Okarin, you can’t be helped. Come on, this person’s Daru-kun. He’s big, but he’s not scary, okay?” (Mayuri)

Mayuri wiped away the delicate situation between Nae and I, and made her meet Daru this time. Wait, no, don’t just carelessly let a young girl get close to a perverted gentleman like him… curse you Mayuri, how could you!

“Nae-tan, nice to meet you once again! I’m Hashida Itaru, also known as the Super Hacker. I’m an ally of all women in this world, from fetuses to young ladies, but just spare me from old women.” (Itaru)

Daru tilted his head slightly to make a shadow form on his face and then made a handsome smile. On top of that, he stylishly pointed his thumb at himself.

“…” (Nae)

It was an absolute barrier like an A.T field. Daru winced and tried communicating one more time, but that was completely ignored too. Thus, his glass heart made a perfectly clear sound of being smashed. Daru burnt up in an instant and collapsed on the spot. Good grief, I guess I have no choice but to try again.

“Fwahahahaha! Tennouji Nae, I welcome you to to the cornerstone of my thousand year kingdom, the stronghold of my ambitions and my secret garden, the Future Gadget Laboratory! ” (Rintaro)

I wave my overhead cloak and become my ‘Hououin Kyouma’ self after such a long time. As if the awkwardness from before didn’t concern me at all, I talk in a loud voice. The strange nervousness between Nae and I disappeared like thin ice in the sun (from my point of view, at least). Good, I knew this mode would have a tremendous effect.

“You came to visit after all, so I will have to display my lab’s essence of intelligence, the Future Gadgets! Now, there’s no need to hold back!” (Rintaro)

――After saying that, I laboriously made multiple round trips to the steel shelf and the desk in the back, to show Nae the numerous inventions. Number 1 ‘Bit Particle Cannon’. Number 2 ‘Bamboo-copter Camera’. Number 3 ‘Would it be, ORA ORA!?!?’. Number 4 ‘Moad Snake’. Number 5 ‘Once Again I’ve Connected Something Useless, by Goemon’. Number 6 ‘Cyalume Saber’. Number 7  ‘Active-Shell Optical Camouflage Ball’… and number 8 is a retired number.
Seeing all this junk lined up like this really reminded me of how useless they are.

“…” (Nae)

After closely examining the ‘Bamboo-copter Camera’ and the ‘Would ORA (abbreviated)’, Nae immediately put them back to their place… and then sunk into silence, just looking down at the floor. Damn it, I know they’re worthless, but even so, Future Gadgets aren’t just decorations. Maybe small woodland creatures don’t understand that.

“Wawa? Okarin and Daru-kun worked really hard to invent these, you know? Nae-chan, what about this one? This one?” (Mayuri)

This time, Mayuri held out the ‘Bit Particle Cannon’ and the ‘Bamboo-copter Camera’ to Nae, telling her to take a look at them.

“…” (Nae)

Nae eventually took the ‘Bit Particle Cannon’ and another gadget, the ‘Cyalume Saber’… Furthermore, after tilting her head, she turned an interested look at the ‘Moad Snake’.

“…!!” (Rintaro)

I shuddered once again. The ‘Bit Particle Cannon’, the ‘Cyalume Saber,’ and the claymore mine-looking ‘Moad Snake’. The common feature of these three items… is that they’re weapon types. The stench of blood from that nightmare came back to me. Considering the small woodland creature is interested in the weapon-type gadgets… the cold-hearted avenger from the future might still be in her…?
Then, I heard another knock. Huh, we’re getting a flood of guests today.

“It’s open. You can come in.” (Rintaro)
“Excuse, me…” (?)

The one that softly opened the door and came in, was――Lukako. He’s not in his shrine maiden clothes today, but a casual outfit with a jumper.

“Okabe-san, Hashida-san, Mayuri-chan, hi.” (Luka)
“Lukako, minus one point.” (Rintaro)

I slowly wag my index finger left and right.

“Eh?” (Luka)

Lukako shows a dumbfounded expression for a moment.

“How many times must I tell you! My name is Hououin Kyouma! An insane mad scientist who’s unrivalled in this world!” (Rintaro)

Hououin Kyouma――that is my true name. A name that I gave myself to make a clear distinction from ordinary people――was what it was supposed to be, but I feel like the number of times I’ve named myself that way has remarkably decreased recently.
Regardless, Lukako’s entry here is extremely good timing. It dispelled the fear and chills I felt for a moment. Thus, I was able to continue acting as Hououin Kyouma.

“Ah, right, sorry Oka… Kyouma-san.” (Luka)

Lukako flusteredly lowers his head in apology.

“That’s still not enough! What about the usual words!” (Rintaro)
“Ahh! Uh, um, El Psy Kongree…” (Luka)
“El Psy Kongroo! How many times must I tell you until you remember!” (Rintaro)
“That reminds me, Okarin, I thought this since a long time ago, but doesn’t the ‘insane’ and ‘mad’ in your name mean the same thing?” (Itaru)

Daru came back from his dumbfounded phase and made a retort from my flank.

“Silence, bystander. Really… Lukako, how many times must I say it until you understand? You need to start having self-awareness as my disciple already…” (Rintaro)
“Wah wah… I’ll, do my best…” (Luka)

Lukako, who had teary eyes as usual, suddenly realized Nae next to him.

“Kyouma-san, who is this girl?” (Luka)

Lukako asked me a question.

“Nae. Tennouji Nae.” (Rintaro)
“Eh, Tennouji as in…?” (Luka)
“That’s right. She’s the daughter of Mister Braun from the braun tube workshop.” (Rintaro)
“Ahh, I see. Nice to meet you, Nae-chan. My name is Urushibara Luka.” (Luka)

Lukako said that with his characteristic, gentle smile.

“What, is this your first time meeting her, Lukako? That’s surprising.” (Rintaro)
“Yes, although I had seen her a few times, I had never greeted her properly… I hope we can get on well together.” (Luka)

Lukako has a sincere personality, so he bowed to her politely, even though she’s a primary schooler.

“… Nice to meet you. Luka… oneechan.” (Nae)

Nae meekly bowed to Luka too.

“Eh? Oneechan…?” (Luka)

Lukako muttered that in surprise. I laugh loudly.

“Fwahahaha! You have been deceived, small woodland creature. Lukako is a guy!” (Rintaro)

Probably because my voice was too loud, Nae shook for a moment. Then, she tried to go behind the nearest person, and… tangled her legs.

“Ah.” (Luka)

Noticing the crisis the small woodland creature was going through as it tried to hide behind his back, Lukako extended his hand to her. However, Nae didn’t take that hand and instead turned her hand around Lukako’s waist as fast as she could, naturally taking a posture of clinging to Lukako.

“Eh? Uh, um…” (Luka)

Despite feeling agitated, Lukako timidly squatted down and patted Nae’s head.

“Fufufu…” (Luka)

Of all things, Nae smiled sweetly. Allured by her, Lukako also smiled. An intimate atmosphere had been made between the two in an instant.
What… even though she was so obstinate to Daru and me… ‘only beautiful girls and handsome guys can pull it off.’ Those words passed by my mind.
(Huh, which one is Lukako? Or rather, is he both? Well, it doesn’t matter right now.)
That’s right, it doesn’t matter right now. The problem is that Nae actually enticed Lukako. Small woodland creature… as I was thinking, my line of sight once again met with Nae.
Hm? Did she just avert her eyes unnaturally slowly? Although she’s supposed to be frightened of me, it doesn’t look like it. I feel something intentional behind that way she averted her eyes…
I suddenly realize it. Maybe she purposely staggered because she predicted Lukako wouldn’t let her cling onto him…? She skillfully thought over a tactic to entice the guy (?) she likes… if evil thoughts like that had sprouted in Nae’s mind, doesn’t that suggest an outbreak of disaster in the future? I’m truly just jumping at shadows. If I suspect something for a moment, everything else looks grey too…
Knowingly or unknowingly of my doubts, Nae suddenly became cheerful, took out her cutting-edge cell phone and opened the flap.

“Luka-oneechan, let’s exchange numbers… is that okay?” (Nae)
“Eh? But I…” (Luka)

Nae, who only just got to know him, suddenly made an assertive suggestion, but Lukako looked bewildered.

“Don’t worry, come on.” (Nae)
“Ah, au…” (Luka)

While surprised, Lukako ended up exchanging phone numbers with her. At one glance, she’s an innocent child, and although it looked like she showed powerful pressure because of her purity… it’s suspicious…

“Ahaha, Luka-kun and Nae-chan are already close friends, aren’t you.” (Mayuri)

As Mayuri approaches them, Nae stops clinging onto Lukako’s waist. Then, she holds out her right hand and Mayuri takes it. Since her left hand is holding onto Lukako’s hand, her hands had naturally connected with both Mayuri and Lukako. Flowers on both hands, huh. Furthermore, in the next moment, Nae spoke with her rare, spoilt tone of voice she only talks in with Mister Braun.

“Um, Luka-oneechan, Mayuri-oneechan… can we play outside?” (Nae)
“Eh… outside?” (Luka)
“Yup. Isn’t it boring here? I want to look around town.” (Nae)
“… Is what she says. What should we do, Kyouma-san?” (Luka)
“Okarin, let’s all go together.” (Mayuri)

Damn it, she called this Future Gadget Laboratory that is full of humanity’s intelligence and possibility, boring? It was a bit of a shock, but at that moment, a flash of inspiration came to me.

“Fumu… it can’t be helped.” (Rintaro)

I purposely nodded seriously to show that I had thoughts about it.

“Ehh, you’re going out even though it’s this damn cold? Seriously? You’ll freeze to death, duh.” (Itaru)

Daru immediately started complaining, but I commanded him.

“Whatever, just start preparing already. Mayuri, Lukako, you guys too.” (Rintaro)
“Okay♪.” (Mayuri)
“Yes, Kyouma-san.” (Luka)

Despite making a dissatisfied face, Daru picked up his thick jumper on the chair, and Mayuri took off her duffle coat from the hanger with a smile.
Like Lukako who had just come to the lab, I still had my coat on too. However, I did have to rewrap my scarf.
The truth is, I have thoughts behind my decision to let them go out. This small woodland creature might be a dangerous element. If by any chance Nae is hiding her real nature from that worldline… I have to sense any signs ahead of time and think about… a suitable way to deal with it! Of course, ‘Mister Braun’s death’ doesn’t happen here. The trigger that caused his tragic fate hasn’t been pulled. Even so, it still is possible.
‘Butterfly Effect,’ ‘the smallest things could lead to a tragic future’… those words come to my mind one after the other, and disappear. Experimenting and observing are necessary. In other words, rather than letting that guinea pig-like small animal be in the cramped lab, seeing her reaction to the various stimuli outside is more appropriate… oh yeah, before I do that…
I quickly look around and make sure that no one’s looking at me. Then, I slowly take out my phone and check it.

“… U, umu.” (Rintaro)

I haven’t received any mail. She said she’s even busier than before with her research these days. I could tell she was living her days to the fullest from her letters and emojis. It can’t be helped. Moreover, receiving emails frequently while she’s busy would probably be troublesome instead. That’s what I think… that’s right, I should just endure for now.
Before leaving Tokyo, she was happily talking about her next research topic. Remembering her smile, the sparkle in her eyes and the radiating intelligence in them, I shrugged lightly.
Right at that moment, I felt a glance and turned around. And… Nae was standing there.

“…” (Nae)

The smile she showed Mayuri had disappeared, and Nae was just looking at me expressionlessly. And then, just like before, she immediately averted her eyes, but… did she frown? Or am I just seeing things?
(… Tch, a chuunibyou, an ugly fatty and two flies are getting in the way)
Feeling chills from how it seemed like she was thinking that, I wrapped my scarf around me even tighter.

That day, they said there would be fine weather throughout the country, with a 0% chance of rain. As long as you don’t care about the freezing cold wind, it was the ideal weather for an outing.
A shop from afar is playing Jingle Bells, and the street is full of people wearing white-hemmed, red clothes with red pom-pom hats――basically, maids in Santa Claus outfits were handing out leaflets. Hmm, their hems are short… I wonder if they’re not cold.

“Uwaaa, look at those cute Santas. I have to shake their hands.” (Mayuri)

While receiving leaflets from the maids in Santa outfits, Mayuri shook their hands and even took a commemorative photo with them. Since Mayuri’s wearing cat eared ear muffs, from an outsider, it would look like a cat eared girl and Santa in a miniskirt are taking a photo together. Lukako, who looks somewhat embarrassed, and Nae, who’s smiling innocently, join in.

“Daru, what’s wrong? Aren’t you going to ask to take a commemorative photo too?” (Rintaro)
“You know that I don’t like these sorts of stuff, right Okarin?” (Itaru)

Daru answers in a fed up way.

“Hm? Really? You were infatuated with Santa outfits before, weren’t you?” (Rintaro)
“Stop it, Okarin… I’ve graduated from those immature days already. I hate men and women who commit sexual actions on this sacred day. Therefore, I scorn Christmas songs and this day itself. Every religious sect, priest, monk and nun is my enemy…” (Itaru)
“What is there to scorn at this point in time? You have your 2D world, don’t you?” (Rintaro)

I try to cheer up Daru by patting his shoulder. However, it seemed to have the opposite effect. Daru’s rotund eyes flickered and became wet at once.

“Uu, Okarin… what’s up with that condescending attitude! Yes, you’re a riajuu I get it! Seriously just die!” (Itaru)

Even though it was a familiar word, today it prickled my chest.

“… Riajuu, huh.” (Rintaro)

I smile wryly and laugh a little.

“I’m not.” (Rintaro)

There’s no way I could be. That’s right, I’m not. Remembering a nostalgic voice, I instinctively stop and look up at the sky. It’s starting to get cloudy. I feel a colourless, dry, empty feeling coming down on me.
Riajuu. It’s a word for a human that has an important existence next to them. Right now――there’s only an absence taking the form of that short girl in a white lab coat next to me. I feel a slight pain in my chest. It’s not like it’s tough… no! It’s definitely not! Mayuri’s easygoing voice brings me back to reality as I started fighting against something I can’t see.

“Okarin, take a photo with us!” (Mayuri)

I see Mayuri waving her hand at me.

“Su, sure… I’m coming.” (Rintaro)

Lukako, Mayuri and Nae are with the Santa maids, and a small crowd had formed around them. Daru had even started arrogantly ordering them, telling them to get in line properly. What are you, a voice actor’s manager? Mayuri is smiling like an idiot as usual, but Lukako, despite cosplaying in public a few months ago, still couldn’t get used to the surrounding attention and was just getting flustered. Nae was probably feeling anxious from being surrounded by people she didn’t know, as her expression was all stiff.
――Suddenly,

“He, hey you, you’re cute. Do, do you want to take a photo with me?” (?)
“Kya…!?” (Nae)

The small scream Nae raised changed the gentle atmosphere. Looking carefully, I saw a suspicious, ugly guy who suddenly appeared from the crowd, holding Nae’s wrist.
He’s wearing a bandanna on his dishevelled, uncombed hair, and the coat he was wearing was on the verge of exploding from his stomach size. Even though Nae doesn’t like it, he’s still trying to talk to her. His identity and age are unknown. No matter how you look at it, he’s a stereotypical creepy otaku… I sighed and shook my head.

“Oi, yo――” (Rintaro)

Before I could finish saying ‘you’, a man in a Santa outfit holding a big sack silently came between Nae and the creepy otaku. I caught a fleeting glance of blond hair under his red hat. He’s so tall I have to look up at him. He looks like a foreigner that was handing out fliers before, his outfit didn’t look that great because his sack was a backpack. I can’t see his face properly because of his round glasses and fake moustache, but his eyes are filled with a gentle light.

“Wha, what do you want…” (Otaku)

The creepy otaku looks up at him reproachfully, but Santa just smiles. Eventually, he pointed his index finger and slowly wagged it left and right.

“… Tch.” (Otaku)

Without being able to endure the cold looks from the surroundings, the man tutted and rushed off.

“Thank you.” (Rintaro)

I run up to Santa and say my thanks. However, he waved his hand silently, as if saying ‘don’t mind it’, crouched down and stroked Nae’s head. After a while, he stood up and started handing out fliers again.
The frozen surroundings slowly started flowing again. Damn, that Santa is stylish. To show my gratitude, I take one of the fliers he’s distributing and look over it.
‘New shop opening! Pure Heart Cosplay Hostess Bar, 『Dream Flag』. Honest accounting, best service! Just for now, 3D and 2D will become one!’

“…” (Rintaro)

Mayuri and Lukako come to my side as I stay silent.

“Um, Okarin… I don’t think you should go to expensive and indecent places when you’re still a student…” (Mayuri)
“Kyouma-san… don’t get engulfed by the wickedness…” (Luka)
“Okarin, I understand… it must be lonely. Don’t worry, I’ll always be on your side. I won’t tell Makise-shi about it.” (Itaru)

The thought of ‘what a nice thing to happen on Christmas’ was ruined…

After hanging around town, Daru told us he’d show us around his special place.

“Akihabara’s sea is my sea, so leave it to me to show you around Akihabara.” (Itaru)

Despite what he said, he was probably sucked in by the town’s mood, as he looked pretty excited. Following his enormous back, we walked along a street.

“What, ‘this place’, huh.” (Rintaro)

Daru brought us to the 8-storey office building in front of the station. It’s an important place to me, but it stood towering over the surroundings as if pretending not to recognise my bitter feelings. Since the narrow elevator was crowded, we reluctantly went up the stairs.

“Huh, doesn’t this figure kinda look like Makise-shi?” (Itaru)

At the front of the shop, Daru opens his eyes widely in surprise as he pointed at a figure in the glass case, that has a note saying ‘limited-time offer’.

“Mu…” (Rintaro)

I became surprised too. Certainly… it’s similar to her. Almost as if it was made by someone who peeked into this world from the outside and based it on her appearance. Just kidding.
For some reason, it feels like the nape of my neck is tingling… feeling a sudden, strange look, I…

“You’re looking at me, aren’t you!” (Rintaro)

… Turned around, but of course, no one was there. Well, I feel like a strange shadow withdrew into a pillar, but it’s probably my imagination.

Daru retorts as I shake my head lightly.

“… Okarin, what are you doing? Were you charmed by that figure from before or something?” (Itaru)
“Fufu, he’s remembering things. It really is love, ehheheh~♪.” (Mayuri)
“Grr! Jealous of a riajuu.’Don’t look at anyone other than me!’” (Itaru)
“Don’t… don’t be stupid! I was just thinking… that even the minor parts were beautiful.” (Rintaro)
“Hawawa, calling it beautiful… thanks for the treat☆.” (Mayuri)
“Then, are you going to take it home? And then, take off its clothes? While you’re at it, are you going to take off its underwear? Muhaa, I can’t get enough of this.” (Itaru)
“Lea… leave your nonsense to that much. Rather than that, Daru… why did you take us here? Didn’t you have any aim other than just looking at otaku goods?” (Rintaro)
“Eh? If we’re going around Akihabara, this is the starting point, duh.” (Itaru)

Daru, read the mood. To begin with, this is a place where they’re carefreely displaying indecent books and figures with too much skin… In the first place, if we return Nae back home with strange knowledge planted in her, I can’t even imagine what kind of revenge Mister Braun will take on us. Doubling the rent would definitely be possible.
I glance at the small woodland creature and notice she’s looking blankly at a game poster that has a pretty girl in a cute uniform. Thankfully, not much skin is showing in this poster. I only felt relieved for a moment, as the title made me startled. If I remember correctly, this was the one where a student gets dragged into an experience of unimaginable fear because of a ghost story. It’s a bloody, splatter game that drops the player into the depths of fear through several devastating developments about unnatural phenomena, and it was popular on the internet for being ‘seriously traumatic’. There’s an association of blood from the title, and it’s extremely dangerous. Umu, I can’t let the eyes of a primary schooler see this, no matter what!

“Anyway, this place isn’t good. Lead us to a different place!” (Rintaro)

I display my anger and Daru responds in an overawed way.

“O, okay fine… then let’s go to the next place.” (Itaru)

“Welcome back, master♪.” (Maid)

Daru headed to ‘May Queen Nyan-nyan’ next. I mean, I did tell him to take us elsewhere, but…
A Christmas song is playing from the speaker at the ceiling. Even this anime and game songs only maid cafe, changes at times like this, huh.

“Hi, Feris-chan.” (Mayuri)
“Mayushii, hi, nya.” (Faris)

Mayuri and Faris exchanged a light hug. These guys work at the same place, so I guess it’s only natural that they’re close.

“My body’s freezing. Get me a warm drink.” (Rintaro)

While leaving our coats with the maids that came to get it, we made requests to Faris.

“Understood, nya.” (Faris)

Faris made a slight bow and went to the back.
We take a seat. Even now, Nae’s still in between Lukako and Mayuri.

“So.” (Rintaro)

I wait for everyone to look at me, and quickly start a conversation.

“Daru, why did you bring us here?” (Rintaro)
“I mean, it’s cold outside, right? So I wanted to drink something warm and relax.” (Itaru)
“Objection! That’s a lie. It was just because you wanted to see Faris’ face, am I right?” (Rintaro)
“Tha, that’s… I might or might not be able to deny that.” (Itaru)
“Now now, Okarin, let’s understand how Daru-kun feels, okay? Mayushii is having quite a lot of fun, you know?” (Mayuri)
“That’s right, Oka… I mean, Kyouma-san. This place is warm after all…” (Luka)

Faris eventually returned. There are five cups on the tray she’s holding.
I ordered bitter coffee, Daru ordered sweet cocoa, Lukako ordered hot lemon tea, Mayuri ordered hot banana milk (she said some stupid thing like, “a can of oden would be nice too♪,” but she compromised for that) and Nae… ordered blood orange juice in this cold for some reason…
As she finished carrying the drinks to us, Faris tilts her head and asks me a question.

By the way, what are you guys doing today, nya? Nyanya? There’s someone I haven’t seen before, nyan. Can you tell me your name, nya?” (Faris)

Faris smiles sweetly at Nae.

“… Nae. Tennouji Nae… Nice to meet you.” (Nae)

Her wariness was probably removed by that innocent smile, as the shy Nae introduced herself in a whisper.

“Nyo way! Tennouji is, that…!?” (Faris)
“That’s right, Faris. This girl is Mister Braun’s daughter.” (Rintaro)
“My… that’s a surprise, nyan!” (Faris)

Faris opens her eyes widely and shows a surprised expression.

“So, we’re taking Nae with us to explore Akihabara. Oh yeah, do you know of any interesting spots?” (Rintaro)
“Hmm. Actually, I have a good spot for you guys, nya!” (Faris)

Faris grinned broadly and winked.
As we enter the shop, the noise and enthusiasm engulf us. Ahead of us, I see an escalator rising up to the second floor. This place is a modern game centre that was made recently near May Queen Nyan-nyan. By the way, Faris also told me that there’s a BL bar called “Guilty Dogs Nest” nearby too, but I politely declined. Nae’s a child, so if by any chance she learnt any strange words like “submissive,” “dominant,” or “x,” and blurted it out in front of her father… it’s clear that something even more dreadful that the third world war will occur.
There’s a taiko rhythm game next to the entrance and two tourist-looking white people (that are wearing short sleeves in this cold!) are hitting the drums with the sticks. Riding the escalator, we pass by the shooting game corner on the second floor and head to the third floor. This place is apparently a popular game centre among hardcore gamers. It’s the winter holidays, so there’s a crowd of young guys playing games and putting themselves in the vortex of enthusiasm and noise, despite it still being daytime.
Game centres in the holy land of otaku culture, Akihabara, are crowded. This whole place is being knocked about by raging waves by the people across the country who seek worthy opponents. In general, the level of the gamers here is terrifyingly high. People call people, enthusiasm calls enthusiasm, and they freely continue pushing in coins into the money slit without pausing.
Lukako isn’t good at games, and Mayuri is obviously the same. Inevitably, Nae’s opponent has to be either Daru or me, but I thought of something.

“Daru, I’ll let you do it this time.” (Rintaro)
“Eh? Don’t you usually like going out in front?” (Itaru)
“I will hold back for today due to a certain reason. Now, this is your chance to show the primary school girl your magnificent playstyle and splendidly catch her heart!” (Rintaro)
“Show my playstyle… to, to a primary school girl…? Catch her heart…? Alright, leave it to me! Nae-tan, you can choose whatever game you like! Now now, which one will you play against me?” (Itaru)

Daru crossed his arms while breathing roughly from his nose, and declared that to Nae. By the way, although he’s strangely motivated right now, Daru’s ability at games other than eroges are so-so. And of course, my objective is to observe Nae’s every move.

“Ah, okay. Um, um.” (Nae)

While cheerful electronic sounds had fluttered about, Nae noticed a certain game machine.

“What! A fighting game!?” (Rintaro)

It’s an unexpected choice. It was a super famous fighting game that was popular worldwide and even had a world tournament.

“…” (Nae)

Nae sat on a seat. Just as she did so… a strange phenomenon occurred. It looked like the colour of the air around her had changed. Nae’s expression itself had changed. Fighting spirit and resolve were hidden within her face. She was just an ordinary year six primary schooler until a second ago, but now… it’s almost as if she’s a soldier standing on a battlefield.
“I’m a fully fledged warrior.” That nostalgic voice came to my mind all of a sudden, causing me to realise something. Now that I think about it, she was pretty attached to part-time warrior, wasn’t she… is it some kind of influence from that time? However, that should’ve disappeared in this world…
Suddenly, I notice the small woodland creature staring at me with enthusiasm in her eyes.

“… Eh?” (Rintaro)

It’s not like I discovered the new heroine’s hidden route, or that I entered my popular stage in life. Together with her silent pressure, she’s holding out her small white hand.
Ah, so that’s what it was. I turn to Daru, but he actually dared to avert his eyes and start whistling. I reluctantly raise both hands up to show I give in and take out 100 yen from my wallet. I throw it at Nae, and she catches it in one hand, without any change of expression. Then, she smoothly put the coin in the slit. What’s up with this girl… it’s like something’s possessing her, or rather, hasn’t her character changed?
The monitor showing the demo screen changed to the title screen with the words ‘1P CREDIT 1’ underneath. As Nae presses the start button, Daru sat on the opposite chair. On the character select screen, Nae chose a female assassin who awakened from cryogenic sleep. Why that one, out of the many different unique members…!? I shuddered and had no choice but to watch the match with Mayuri and Lukako.

“My right hand is burning red! Nae-tan… I’ll make this a match you won’t ever forget for life!” (Itaru)

Even though he usually isn’t so into fighting games, the character Daru chose as he got fired up by himself, was…

“That character kind of looks like Daru-kun.” (Mayuri)
“Yeah… do you think it was on purpose…?” (Luka)

Mayuri and Lukako exchange whispers. It was because of the ugly, fat character Daru chose, that has a similar body to his.

“Bubu… what is this character? Is he really a fighter? Is he like, a joke character or something?” (Rintaro)

As I smirk while pointing at the monitor, Daru snorted.

“There are good fat people and bad fat people in this world. He’s the former. Well, just wait. I’ll show you something, amazing… some, something amazing to a… girl character? Show it off to her…? I. Am. Swell. Iig. Up!!” (Itaru)
“Daru, restrain yourself.” (Rintaro)

“Round 1. READY.”

It was a cool English announcer. The match has started. First off, it became a battle of feints as they both took distance and threw punches at each other.
That being said, Nae’s brilliantly controlling her character. It might just be my imagination, but she looks like an expert at controlling the joystick…
Probably getting impatient with the stalemate, Daru stepped forward a little. Using that tiny chance, Nae accurately hit him. She made Daru’s character fly up with a right uppercut, hit a sky combo, wall combo and even her final blow beautifully, deciding the match flawlessly.

“K.O”

Nae astonishingly won against Daru? What does this mean… Daru, did you hold back?

“Nufuu… is this what you call beginner’s luck? You’re pretty good, Nae-tan. However, one loss is nothing to me! This time I’ll show you real HELL… the abyss!” (Itaru)

Daru expressly stands up and raises his spirit. Round 2. This time, it was a match with many hits. It became an exchange of guarding strikes to get into a more advantageous position and counterattack. But even then, Nae still won. Strange. Something is strange. An abnormal event is happening before our eyes.
Even round 3 was Nae’s complete victory. Nae predicted Daru’s attacks perfectly and counterattacked smoothly. She threw attacks without a moment’s delay, making the stamina gauge of Daru’s character zero. Her finishing blow was a kick. Furthermore… even after the『K.O』sign had come out, Nae continued kicking the ugly, fat character relentlessly.
I feel a chill down my spine. ‘Corpse kicking’ ――it’s a breach of manners that’s basically a provocation and is a dirty move. However, Nae’s expression didn’t change at all as she continued kicking over and over again as if doing some kind of ritual.
At any rate, that was the third game. It’s Nae’s complete victory.

“W, wow…” (Mayuri)
“I wonder where Nae-chan practised this…” (Luka)

Mayuri and Lukako start whispering to each other again. Well, rather than practice… maybe it’s her natural talent?
Daru staggers as he walks back to us after losing his credits. Without even looking at Daru’s bright red face, Nae stood up with a nonchalant look on her face.

“Mayushii’s surprised…” (Mayuri)
“I… went beyond surprise, and just feel moved…” (Luka)

Mayuri and Lukako talk in agreement.

“No, no way, impossible… I was…? She’s way too strong.” (Itaru)

While muttering a corny phrase that all underdog characters say, Daru breathes in hard. As for Nae, her expression from before had vanished already, and she’s making a blank face.

“My body… just moved somehow. I’m surprised too.” (Nae)

What, what was thaaaat!! Then, a certain phrase occurred to me as I tried to understand what was happening. “Everyone has Reading Steiner.”
In that worldline, she injured my body and gouged out my flesh like she did in this game… haha, no, it can’t be. This is definitely just some kind of coincidence. That’s right, this small woodland creature probably just has a game brain… how pitiful, even though she’s still so young…
I smiled dryly. As I did so, a certain sensation ran across my body. Cold sweat ran down my back. Muu… this is an omen… of a certain physiological phenomenon. The two Dr Pepper bottles I had this morning and the moisture from the coffee I drunk at May Queen Nyan-nyan pressured my bladder. It seems that I was too fascinated by the fierce fight, that I didn’t notice that bursting out desire… failure! I hurriedly rushed to the bathroom.

As I leave the men’s bathroom, I feel a deep sense of freedom. Suddenly, I remember something. I take out my phone… and a few seconds later, a small sigh escapes my mouth again. Why am I caring so much? No, it’s not like I’m lonely. I even got an email for my birthday the other day.
Like a child enduring hunger with a cracker, I reopen the latest email that came from her. She said some light words of blessing and talked about her research becoming busier… ever since then, I haven’t received any emails. I wonder what people would think of… ten-day gaps between emails. Well, I’m talking about that Experiment Loving Girl here, I understand that she can’t see her surroundings when she immerses herself in something, but… a mysterious anxiety welled up inside of me. ‘Fwahahaha!’ The Hououin Kyouma inside of me laughed. ‘Maybe that woman isn’t interested in you anymore? After all, a genius scientist that has great expectations for her future, is living a productive life of researching. Besides, with those good looks that show determination and strength even with a white lab coat on, if she puts on a suitable outfit, the men around her wouldn’t just leave her alone, would they?’ Shut up, be silent! I purposely ignore that voice in me. However, the voice doesn’t stop whispering and laughing loudly. ‘You’re just a first-year university student in Akihabara, right? In the end, you’re a megalomania that talks and acts embarrassingly. Protect her, you say? Haha, don’t make me laugh! You’re going to share her future, that’s been promised a road full of light? Do you even have the qualifications to walk a future with her? Where’s your proof? Where’s your logic? Where’s your basis behind believing in that? Now, show me…!’
Stop it. I desperately negate that voice. Stop it… stop it…! Thankfully, the voice eventually became quieter, and gradually disappeared.

“Fuu.” (Rintaro)

I sigh loudly and lean against the wall. You’re being effeminate, me! If you can’t endure this, what will you do in the future! I scold myself. It hurts… this hurts…

Suddenly, I sense someone’s presence. I notice someone’s small shadow next to me. That small shadow belonged to Tennouji Nae.

“… What, it’s you, small woodland creature. Do you need to go to the bathroom too? The women’s one is over there.” (Rintaro)

There’s no response. Instead, Nae averts her eyes for a while.

“…?” (Rintaro)

Strange. Eventually, that line of sight was once again lifted up to me. There’s a reflection of me making a doubtful face in Nae’s big eyes.

“Hey, uncle Okarin.” (Nae)

Just as I was about to correct her,

“I’ll kill you, Okabe Rintaro.” (Nae)

Together with the atrocious words she spat out… Nae’s big eyes moved. My heart sprung up. Memories of the nightmare flash through my head. Impossible… impossible! … Colour fades from the surroundings and my sense of reality distorts.
… Nevermind, it was just a delusion from my heart being a little tired. There’s no way that would happen. Colour returns to my surroundings. Without change, Nae’s looking up at me in front of the bathroom in the game centre. I immediately become unable to endure the nervousness.

“Oi, what are you…” (Rintaro)

Immediately as I started speaking, Nae abruptly spoke.
It was almost like she was resolutely throwing her body off a cliff.

“Um… um… are you, lonely?” (Nae)
“… Huh?” (Rintaro)
“Today, uncle Okarin… looked lonely, the whole time.” (Nae)
“Eh? I was…?” (Rintaro)

I certainly heard the words this small woodland creature said, but I didn’t understand what she meant for a moment.
… She said I looked lonely?

“You were making the same eyes dad makes… when he remembers mum.” (Nae)

This time, she averted her eyes a little and looked concerned. This… this feeling… is she worried about me?

“Ah…” (Rintaro)

Intuition bursts open inside of me. Several facts connect together, changing into one conviction. I see… so that’s what it was.
‘I was being observed.’
I thought I was observing her, but I was actually the one being observed. I understood everything now. Until now, Nae had averted her eyes from me multiple times. The reason behind that suspicious behaviour… was because Nae had been seeing how I was. With her sympathetic power that’s peculiar to shy children, she saw through my mind and was waiting for the timing to talk to me. In that case, I… then, my head turned to the next guess. In the first place, Nae said she wanted to go out to the town because the lab was boring. Despite that, she didn’t say any places she wanted to go in particular. Rather than for herself, wasn’t that… for the sake of letting me relax?

“Haha…” (Rintaro)

A dry laugh escapes my mouth. How pitiful. An innocent primary schooler is worrying about me like this.

“Haha, hahahahaha.” (Rintaro)

My nervousness broke and I start laughing. For a while, my powerless laugh echoed in this floor.

“U, um…?” (Nae)

Probably thinking that my heart broke, Nae calls out to me in concern.

“I’m okay, sorry… I’m fine. I’m just furious at how laughable I am.” (Rintaro)

Nae showed a smile in relief. I recover to my serious look and ask the girl in front of me a question.

“But there’s one thing I just don’t understand. What was going on with that game before?” (Rintaro)

Realizing the question was about how she beat up Daru so easily, she answered.

“Oh… it’s not just here. I play it a lot at school. My friend actually has a Bibindotmark Portable.” (Nae)

That reminds me, that was the game Nae chose herself. I’m pretty sure it was ported to portable game consoles too.

“Maybe I teased uncle Daru too much.” (Nae)

She shows a fleeting gesture of sticking out her tongue. Now that I think about it, she’s going to be in middle school next year, huh… I thought she was just a child, but she has definitely grown. On the other hand, I… kuku, I still lack discipline.

“Small woodland creature… no, Tennouji Nae.” (Rintaro)

I firmly hold out my right hand.

“Fueh?” (Nae)
“Thank you. I’ve come to my senses now. The fog covering my eyes have cleared and I feel refreshed.” (Rintaro)

I’ve learnt one more thing from this primary schooler. Don’t be obstinate, accept your lonely self… and if it’s on your mind, just talk to her honestly. Something will definitely change if I start it.

“I’ve really caused you trouble.” (Rintaro)

I stroke Nae’s head roughly. Her hair ends that were collected in a hairpin swayed.
It seems ticklish for Nae, but she didn’t make an unpleasant face. I’m thankful to this girl.

“Go meet up Mayuri and the others first. Also, I want you to tell them I’ll be a bit late.” (Rintaro)
“… Okay.” (Nae)

I survey my surroundings and find stairs that connect to the rooftop, where there is a good signal.
There, I write an email. Just a few words.
“How are you, anything going on?”
That’s right, this is fine. I just have to leave the rest to the world’s decision… however, at that moment, I didn’t know. I didn’t know that the world is full of more unexpected developments and future possibilities.

“We, welcome back…” (Luka)

Lukako greeted me as I came back to the game floor from the rooftop.

“Where’s Nae?” (Rintaro)

As I ask that, Lukako blinked a few times.

“Has Nae-chan still not come back yet?” (Luka)
“Hm? No, I told her to go meet up with you guys.” (Rintaro)
“Huh? I was sure that she was with you.” (Luka)
“What…!?” (Rintaro)

Mayuri and Daru exchanged looks.
Something squirmed in my chest. A dark cloud of anxiety is rapidly rising up.

“Tennouji Nae-san, Tennouji Nae-san. Your companions are here, so please come to the 2F counter――” (Employee)

――In the end, Nae didn’t come back even after an hour had passed. I made Lukako call the number she exchanged in the lab, but the result wasn’t satisfactory. After the calling sound, there was the message from the answering machine, saying the power isn’t on or that there’s no signal. Since we became a little worried about Nae’s battery, we stopped calling after testing it a few times. It’s probably fine, but there’s no guarantee that the new phone Mister Braun gave her is fully charged. We couldn’t contact Mister Braun or Moeka too. As I thought… if it was just a minor job where he could accept a call whenever, he wouldn’t leave his precious Nae with us.
Right now, we’re in the middle of calling out to her through the store broadcasting. Even so, Nae didn’t show herself.

“This is troubling…” (Luka)

Lukako’s eyebrows are coming closer to the middle, making a disturbed expression.

“What if she got involved…” (Luka)

‘in something bad’ is what he was probably trying to say, but Lukako covered his mouth in surprise.
Right now, I’m probably making quite an impatient expression. Daru closed his open phone in a panic.
Before he did, I glanced at the screen and saw the news on the internet being projected on it.
It had the sensational heading, “Another kidnapping in Akihabara. Is a Russian organization involved?”

――There were rumours about that kidnapping organization that’s been especially aiming at kids, and this neighbourhood seems dangerous――

Mister Braun’s words come to my mind. I had ignored it back then――but feeling danger before it actually starts happening to you, is difficult.
Our instincts were dulled by this high-level information society, that we might be inferior existences to wild animals instead.
At that time, Lukako shook with a start.

“What’s wrong?” (Rintaro)
“Uhm… it seems to be, a call.” (Luka)
“What! Lukako, answer it quickly!” (Rintaro)

Lukako takes out a phone from his pocket and opens it in a rush. He almost dropped it from rushing too much, but I’m truly impatient.

“… Eh? How, what do you mean? Nae-chan, where are you right now?” (Luka)

My chest starts beating in agitation like an alarm bell. I have a terrible premonition. And then, my terrible premonition hit the mark for some reason――

“Lukako. Make the call volume as loud as you can so we can hear too.” (Rintaro)
“Ye, yes…” (Luka)

Lukako fiddles with his phone, making the call noise resound in the surroundings.

“――ave me! Luka-oneechan! I, fainted… and woke up right now! I can’t connect to dad’s phone… and, I’m locked up somewhere right now! Save me!” (Nae)

There’s a pained voice. We reflexively exchange glances. Her voice continues.

“… I think this is a hotel. It looks like the place I stayed at with dad when we went to destiny land together.” (Nae)
“A hotel!? Are there any marks!?” (Rintaro)
“There’s an ashtray on top of the desk and a mark… 6 and a 9? No, maybe a P and a D … the room number is 31――ah, no, what are you doing! Give it back, give it ba――” (Nae)

It sounded like there was a fight. After leaving behind a painful sound, the phone abruptly became silent.

“Lukako! Call them back again!” (Rintaro)
“… I can’t, it won’t connect.” (Luka)

Lukako already has a completely tear-stained face.

“Guh…” (Rintaro)

I grind my teeth.
Two numbers came to my mind. 6 and 9? Also, P and D? Were there any places related to those symbols…?

“A man and woman’s secret, sixty ni――” (Itaru)
“You pervert!” (Rintaro)
“Bugerah.” (Itaru)

Daru bends backwards as he receives my fist from the front.

“We’re in an emergency right now, bear that in mind!” (Rintaro)
“I’m honestly sorry.” (Itaru)
“6 and 9… the 69th floor or the 96th floor? As for the P and D, are they the initials of the hotel or something…?” (Rintaro)
“There are no buildings in Akihabara that have more than 69 floors…” (Luka)

Lukako tilts his head at my words.
Throwing away his screwing around attitude, Daru forces his way in with a serious face.

“Leaving aside the 6 and the 9, the P and D are probably the initials of a hotel. I’ll look it up straight away.” (Itaru)

He starts using his phone in a familiar way. Despite having fat fingers, he’s fast. Mayuri, Lukako and I fixedly stare at his screen. However… a few minutes later.

“… It’s useless, I don’t get it! It’s too difficult with just this fragmentary information!” (Itaru)

Daru folds his arms and starts pondering silently.

“Mumu…” (Itaru)

Just as we became discouraged, Mayuri shouted out.

“Ah! Is that… it might be, um, um, that thing.” (Mayuri)

She’s shaking her head in a truly impatient way.

“What’s wrong?” (Rintaro)
“You need to change the idea. Think about it as a picture, not as numbers.” (Mayuri)
“A picture?” (Rintaro)
“Um, um.” (Mayuri)

Mayuri started using her phone too. She’s not as fast as Daru, and she’s a bit slow… but eventually found the page she was looking for, as we looked at the screen.

“This is what I’m talking about, this!” (Mayuri)

The thing on her screen――was a mascot in a lanky turtle costume. On its stomach, there were two white and black balls of fire, making a strange mark.

“Dual forces Gero Kaerun…?” (Rintaro)

That was the last variation that was made just before the boom of this mascot had ended, which had sold like fire. However, what was this mark?

“I see… a yin-yang symbol, right?” (Luka)

Lukako clapped his hands together.

“It’s a shape that represents the foundation of Onmyodo. It shows that everything is made from shadows and a sun.” (Luka)
“Then, the ‘6 and 9’ and the ‘P and D’ Nae-chan saw, could be…?” (Mayuri)
“6 and 9… P and D…” (Rintaro)

Now that he mentioned it… the design definitely looks like a 6 and a 9, and also the lower case letters of P and D… However, this is only a single possibility. Besides, how would we search that up?
According to Mayuri, she thinks the yin-yang symbol is probably the logo of the hotel. In other words, that was an image she got from her own imagination. For example, we could search up ‘white’ or ‘floats in the sky’ to find information about ‘clouds’, but if someone imagined a ‘giraffe’ or a ‘bread roll’ from looking at a cloud, you probably can’t find precise information about ‘clouds’, even if you used it together with ‘floats in the sky’. Furthermore, the ‘yin-yang symbol’ is a slightly unique term, and not a common word… anyone who’s searched up complicated things on the internet would understand. Just as I thought, no matter how much we tried ‘yin-yang symbol’ and ‘hotel’ together in different ways, we couldn’t get any prominent information.

“It can’t be helped…” (Rintaro)

I decided and resolved myself. First, I’ll call the police. After that, we’ll split up and run around town to search for every hotel there is… of course, the people that can look up the logo will continue searching for it online. I know this isn’t a smart idea, and that it’s extremely inefficient, but it’s better than doing nothing. It might be that I just want to make an excuse towards this worst-case scenario by using my body. However, that’s still fine. It’s a hundred times, a thousand times better than just standing and watching here.

… Several hours have passed since then. Daru’s still looking it up. Faris had to turn down our request since she’s working, but she made her butler, Kuroki-san, help us instead. Mayuri, Lukako and I have split up to search the town.

“It’s hopeless…” (Rintaro)

I sigh in front of the Gundam Cafe. My exhaustion feels like a lump of lead is crushing my body down. Despite that, I sluggishly raise my doubled over body and continue walking. I want to confirm the townscape from a tall place… I just barely entrust my body to the escalator that leads to the overpass in front of the Akihabara UPX building. However, arriving at the top of the bridge was the limit of my stamina.
Leaning against the bridge railing in front of the UPX building, I crouch down. Opposite to the overpass, I could see the shadows of a few skyscrapers that were sticking out, as if trying to cut off the cloudy, winter sky of Akihabara.

“This… this scenery is…?” (Rintaro)

I remember. Ahh, the evening back then was pretty…
Suddenly.
I felt like my phone ringtone had gone off. My memories of the lost summer that are no longer part of this world, come back.
I sense the presence of someone next to me. And then… I heard a nostalgic voice.

『Hey, what are you doing in a place like this?』

As I raise my face, I see her put her hands on her hips as she looks down at me with a disappointed expression.

『Don’t be lazy, stand up.』

Strong-willed eyes. A look full of determination.
Haha… it’s been a while since I last saw you, but you sure are harsh. However, right now, I’m…

『Hey…』

Her voice was tinged with a faint uneasiness for a moment.

『You’re going to keep at it, right? Don’t just give up in a place like this, okay? By doing your best… next time you’re going to support me… is what you were thinking, right?』

Before I knew it, the voice sounded like it was going to cry soon, as it turned into something fragile. That distressed tone made me think back to the lost memories of her. My memories of when we took refuge on the stairs when an evening shower came down on us.

『Okabe… I’ll be waiting for you.』

In reality, I haven’t actually told her my resolution since I was too cowardly… that’s why this is an illusion. What a convenient development… I unintentionally curl my lips. However… I thought. I don’t care if it’s an illusion. I don’t care if it’s a convenient development. As long as that can help me… it’s fine. Feelings occasionally surpass reality. Power can be produced even when you have no facts or evidence. So.
While supporting my body with my right hand, I put power into my legs.
Slowly… my line of sight rises.
Both my legs still exist. This body can still move.

『Just like that. Straighten your back and carry your head high.』

So, I… can’t give up on everything just yet. I dust off my dirty coat and the bottom of my white lab coat. As I stand up, the huge monitor on the UPX building suddenly――

“Let’s believe, in the future.” (Commercial)

Says a cheap catchphrase that’s good on the ears. Is it some kind of public commercial about the government?
Fufu, how ironic. No matter how much I try, all I can do is realise how powerless I am in front of reality.
I can’t even find a single primary schooler that disappeared in this town.

“What we can do in this huge world, is usually only very small or trivial things.” (Commercial)

Oh… even though it’s just a commercial, to think it would understand my mentality. Not bad.

“The result is usually hopeless. Tedious things happen a lot too. Well, 99% of what we do is useless. If everything you wished for was granted, no one in this world would be discontent and grumbling.” (Commercial)

What is this overfamiliar, smoothly flowing commercial?

“Even so, I will still say this. Can you please, believe in the future?” (Commercial)

… We are connected. Leaving behind those words, the monitor changed screens into a commercial for a new anime.
It looked like some kind of SNS or advertisement. We are connected, huh…
Connected…?

In the next moment, noise disappeared from the world. An innovative idea flashes through my head like lightning. Ahh, how could I be so foolish… I pull out my cell phone from my pocket. That’s right. Her power is essential to realise this idea. The seconds until the call connected felt like minutes. The ringing sound repeats itself. Eventually, a characteristic, sweet voice answers me.

“Faris. I have a request… sorry, just give me ten minutes.” (Rintaro)

Thus, the stagnated time and world started flowing again. Faris, a celebrity in Akihabara, posted a call for information on ‘twittaiter’. Although her account is only open to people she can trust, the effect of it was tremendous.

The one that gave the strongest information, was ‘Black Absolute Zero’, who’s actually 4℃.
While bragging, ‘sending salt to an enemy… that is proof of being truly strong. The great commander Hannibal made a legend by doing that too,’ he used his Viral Attackers to gather information about the hotel and sent it to her. Although, I think it was another military commander and not Hannibal who’s famous for doing that.
In an alleyway a bit off from the Akihabara station, there’s an old, small hotel. From the ‘31’ Nae left behind, we figured it would be on the third floor, and stepped into it before long.

“Gefuh!” (Foreigner)

After some struggle, the giant foreigner got blown onto the wall from my puny fist and Daru’s body slam simultaneously hitting him. Blood started running from his nose, and he became unable to move.
As we catch our breath, Lukako, who’s holding the demon sword Samidare, and Mayuri, who’s holding the  ‘Cyalume Saber’, shout at the same time.

“Ahh! This is a costume of Hikari-chan from Rai-Net Access Battlers!” (Mayuri)
“Furthermore, this is a new version that was only released last month!” (Luka)
“Huh?” (Rintaro)

I see, there certainly are outfits for anime girls scattered on the ground.

“That person… suddenly pressed a weird smelling towel to my face… and forced me to wear it…” (Nae)

Her tense thread of nervousness was probably cut, as she’s wiping her eyes with the handkerchief Mayuri handed her, but she still firmly said that with a trembling voice.
Daru and I look at each other in confusion. On a closer look at the floor, we see a large number of photos scattered on the ground with the outfits. They’re all photos of female cosplayers and primary school girls wearing pretty clothes, but…

“Could it be.” (Rintaro)
“It clicked for me too.” (Itaru)
“Thi, this guy isn’t part of a foreign kidnapping organisation…?” (Rintaro)
“He’s a severely… hopeless otaku foreigner?” (Itaru)

As we run our eyes further around the room, we see something even stranger on the bed. There’s a red Santa outfit, a fake moustache and circle glasses that were all thrown off. A huge, backpack style bag… and several sheets of paper. As I pick them up, I realise it was a small flier I’ve seen before.

“Mu…” (Rintaro)

The puzzle pieces came together. Everything fit perfectly in my mind.

“I see, he’s that Santa from when we were at that mini photography event…” (Rintaro)
“Then, the reason why he saved Nae from the creepy otaku was that…?” (Itaru)

I nod to Daru’s question.

“Yeah, it’s probably because he had his eyes on the small woodland creature beforehand. It is this season, after all, it wouldn’t be strange for someone to touch a primary school girl in public if they’re wearing a Santa costume. I don’t know if he just took the opportunity while doing his part-time job, but he sure thought about it well…” (Rintaro)

I pictured Nae being made unconscious, thrown in the empty bag and being taken away by the man. Then, at some point in time, he takes off his costume to change into an ordinary tourist from another country wearing a backpack.

“… Higii!” (Foreigner)

Suddenly, the giant that had fainted raised a strange voice, and we looked at him with a start.
――A shudder ran through the room.
Nae, who had wiped off her tears, was silently kicking the giant’s crotch. Two times, three times… she continued relentlessly kicking the man that couldn’t move anymore. It sounded like a leather bag full of meat was struck, and that sound kept indifferently echoing in this room.

“Well then, to celebrate Christmas Eve.” (Rintaro)

I raise my glass up high.

“Cheers.” (Lab Members)

The lab members all say it in unison. The glasses clack as they come together. Afterwards… there was the sound of ice colliding with multiple glasses. On top of the table, there’s cheese and crackers in a large plate, nuts and fruits in a bowl, champagne with glasses, and for some reason, a plate of doner kebab next to the turkey.
Branches of holly and coloured paper covered the walls completely. In the end, we were only able to be in time for Christmas.
However, that’s just a trivial thing. Mayuri is smiling. Daru is eating the turkey. Lukako is going around pouring champagne for everyone. Faris, who joined us after finishing her work, is cutting up the fruits and cake. Moeka is smiling faintly while tilting her glass. Mister Braun is jokingly showing off his large biceps and Nae is hanging from them. Without forgetting, I took out the Lab Member 008 pin badge from the storage area and put it on my chest.

“Good grief, that was an unexpected day…” (Rintaro)

While staring at the ice in the glass, I mutter to myself.
After that――the man was dragged to the police and we had to be interviewed, but Faris probably did something, as it was over in a very short amount of time (otherwise, we wouldn’t have been able to welcome such a peaceful eve). Apparently, Faris helped out a little to make sure the incident itself wouldn’t become a serious matter. As we returned to the lab dead tired, Mayuri suggested something. She suggested we have a Christmas party one day earlier to compensate for this terrible day.
Fundamentally, we’re a race that lives our days on momentum and tension. Daru was grumbling, but since Nae, who had suffered the most, strongly wished for it, everyone ended up approving of it.
It was almost sunset, so Mayuri decorated the lab as fast as she could. Lukako and Nae went all the way to a department store basement in Ginza to buy a cake, and Daru and I were in charge of buying the turkey.
While we were hurrying to finish our preparations, Mister Braun and Moeka, fortunately, came back. I was puzzled over whether I should just honestly talk about everything, but Nae stopped me from doing it with a look. It looks like she wants to tell me that it’s fine, since it’s Christmas eve. Fumu, at any rate, this primary schooler is pretty good. Faris, who came in later, read the mood and of course, didn’t say anything.
As for them, they said they had accidentally left their phone behind, but I don’t know if that’s the truth. There is a possibility that they were on a mission from SERN, and had changed their means of communication in the middle of it. Just, Mister Braun apparently realised the multiple missed calls while he was returning, so he had come into the lab with long strides and approached me with a different expression. However, Nae calmly said that she called because she wanted to hear her dad’s voice. We joined in, saying it was a disaster since Nae was so lonely, and that her great father is different, etc, and we also said that we made the party one day earlier for Nae and his sake.
In the end, that readily destroyed Mister Braun’s uneasiness and we won him over. I am really glad that he was a doting parent. However, Meoka fixedly stared at me, thought of something and grabbed her cell phone… but immediately afterwards, she tilted her head lightly and put away her phone. It seems she decided not to ask things that she can’t ask in public, through email too (I felt like toasting for Shining Finger’s new ability,『Reading Air』).
Incidentally, she finished her job much earlier than I thought she would. Since Mister Braun brought a chocolate cake and Moeka brought doner kebabs for some reason, our food became rather voluminous, but… well, it turned out fine as a result. That’s what I thought while looking at Daru and Mayuri talking happily.

Nothing goes by faster than happy times. Einstein’s theory of relativity seems to be functioning here too. Eventually, as the party was at its peak, I suddenly went outside aimlessly. I went down the creaking stairs and passed through the front of the braun tube workshop. My body aimlessly turned to the main street.
The town of Akihabara was completely prepared for Christmas tomorrow.
I look up. There’s a gradation of blue, green and indigo in the sky. Scattered clouds dyed in the bluish purple of the night sky, are floating in the air. The twilight coming from in between the clouds is faintly illuminating the ground with light. The night was spreading its arms out and trying to engulf the ground.
A child or someone had hung a Japanese fir-looking lamp on a street light, and it’s shining radiantly. Light is shining on a Santa toy that’s on a sleigh being pulled by the red-nosed reindeer.

“…” (Rintaro)

The town and the magical atmosphere unified, becoming a mysterious and grand view. My white breath floats in the air. I suddenly think about sharing this view with someone… that’s what I ended up thinking.

“… Restrain yourself, you are Hououin Kyouma of all people.” (Rintaro)

A voice calls out to me as I mutter that with a bitter smile.

“Okarin!” (Mayuri)

Mayuri is waving her hand at me from the lab window.

“The cake is all cut up.” (Mayuri)
“Alright, I’m coming.” (Rintaro)
“Roger!” (Mayuri)

Mayuri immediately came back from the window. Happy times are going to start once again.
But…
I breathe a sigh. There’s one thing――just one thing missing from this Christmas. Of course, that’s not to sing the standard Christmas song or watch a Hollywood movie, but――

Suddenly, my phone vibrated. It’s showing that I received an email. I open it.

——————————————–
TO Okabe Rintaro FROM Assistant
Subject: Merry Merry Christmas!
To Okabe.
Thanks for the email.
What’s wrong? It’s unusual for you to send one lol
Fumu… were you lonely, Okabe Rintaro-kun? lol

I’m doing fine. I just have to work a little more and then I can take a break.
Bye.

P.S
Did you get the letter I sent you last week?
——————————————–

A part of my chest warmed up.
I rushed towards the postbox I haven’t touched in a while.
In the corner of my eye, I saw something white and pretty pass by. It got blown away by the wind and fell onto the asphalt. Leaving a small spot behind, it melted and disappeared.

“… Snow, huh.” (Rintaro)

I look up at the sky. The 0% chance of rain forecast was easily overturned. This world is truly full of randomness and possibilities.
This will most likely be the last snow of the year. It probably won’t build up… but the snow in the current moment covered me.
War is happening somewhere in the world, but us lab members will peacefully carry on living our everyday lives.

—————————-

Original Letter

To Mr. Rintaro Okabe,
Ookiyama Building 2F
3-6-0X, Sotokanda Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo, 101-201X, Japan

Dear Okabe,

Hi, how are you?
I’m at a facility in the desert of Arizona for an experiment and to do some research right now.
It’s really hot, but the air is really nice here.

Last night, I went outside to take a rest, and my eyes were just filled with a flood of stars.
Some dizziness came down upon me as I saw the stars all around me alone and I thought, “… how lonely”.

My heart felt heavy, and I closed my eyes, but… there was just one thing that I felt… well, I’m purposely writing like a teenager in love, okay＼(^o^)／

That day, when I met you in town, we had a long conversation, didn’t we?
At the start, my ‘rational self’ kept telling me that this situation was strange and too crazy, but there was also a part of me that could accept your astounding story.

In the end, even after returning to my hotel with a taxi, we still kept talking about it on the phone.
(I never talked that much to someone before!)

So, I think I’ll believe it.
No one could explain something like this. Well, it makes me laugh though.
“We are both lonely, and yet secretly connected at the same time.”

Even if we are walking different lives at different times… we share something fundamental and can understand each other. Something, for sure.

Did you know? Even Einstein, who denied the existing religion, hypothesised ‘an existence that transcends all things’.

… Well, I’ll leave it at that for today.
This is a cringy poem no matter how you look at it. Thank you very much orz

Also, this doesn’t really matter, but it looks like I’ll be able to take some days off at the end of the year.
So, I’ll have no choice but to come over.
It’s not like I want to see you or anything, okay!
Yeah, I want to see Mayuri and all the lab members.
That’s all. That’s really all. Okabe, you’re an extra. E-x-tr-a!
See you later. Bye!

ヽ(*ﾟдﾟ)ノI’m sure it’s chilly at your place, but don’t catch a cold!

From Kurisu Makise