u/Illustrious-Gur4990

What happened to Ruka and Kuri?

Did Sonoko read Mami's message?

The promised day has arrived.

---

Sooner or later, reality puts everything back in its place, releasing invisible signals that everyone must know how to take advantage of. It is there where your good or bad choice will define the course of your own destiny.

---

Saturday, May 28. Karaoke, Tokyo. 06:58 p.m.

Inside room No. 7, after more than a year and a half of distance, two people were alone in the same place once again. This time it was not because of a contract, nor because of initiative, nor even because of friendship; it was simply something necessary that had to happen. An event that chance made possible and that, despite everything, the girl with the blue ribbon needed more than ever.

The lack of proximity made sharing that space together heavy, automatically creating an atmosphere of discomfort between them. Before sitting down, Ruka took control of the screen that barely illuminated them from the front and played a random audio track in the background to act as a facade for their meeting.

Taking more than half a meter of distance between seats, the nervousness only increased with each calculated and robotic movement of both. Until Ruka, exhausted by her own indecision and the stifling atmosphere of the room, suddenly lunged to break the ice. With a sudden movement, she reached for her glass of soda, took a long gulp, pulled a folder out of her backpack and threw it on the table; she had decided to start with what she had come for once and for all.

Ruka: "To hell with all this... I don't have time to waste on formalities. I know this is uncomfortable, I know I haven't been a good person to you and that I've been so wrong that I should spend hours asking for your forgiveness, but I'm sorry... that will have to wait. Now, I know it's unfair to tell you this way, right when we are here, but... are you sure you want to go this far? All of this doesn't affect you, it's my problem. I recommend you leave now; I don't want to drag you down with me. I'm asking you one last time: Are you sure about this?".

Ruka kept her gaze forward at all times during her venting, without addressing Kuri directly. The latter noticed the gesture and reaffirmed his decision even more, speaking with unshakable seriousness to a Ruka who still did not look at him.

Kuri: "Ruka... I... I won't leave. Whatever it is, I can't ignore what I saw; I can't leave you alone. I want to help you even if I can't do much, even if I can only listen to you and nothing more... that is enough for me. Let me support you this time, okay? I chose this. Whatever happens from now on will be my responsibility, you don't have to worry about me. You just let everything out; I'll be here. And if you ask me for advice, I'll give it to you. Let's forget everything that has happened between us and tell me... what has happened?".

Ruka listened to every word and, when Kuri finished speaking, she finally turned toward him. She moved closer and slid the folder slowly toward his seat; her gaze, fixed on the table, hid a pair of eyes that held back with great effort tears loaded with a mixture of feelings: helplessness, frustration, and guilt. After a deep breath, she contained any sound or crying within herself, let go of the folder and said:

Ruka: "Don't say I didn't warn you... if you open this, there is no turning back. It's your last chance to leave. But if you insist on continuing, I... uhh... I'll be grateful for that... mmm... I won't say more. Do what you want, I'll wait here to the side for anything...".

Ruka moved away, immersed in an intense internal moral dilemma between what was right and what she actually desired. She didn't want to drag anyone into her problem, but at the same time, she craved that help desperately. It was a contradictory feeling that pushed her to want to flee the room at that very moment or to stay there, holding her breath, waiting for Kuri to open that folder despite all her warnings.

Without wasting time, Kuri opened the folder and began to read. He did so before a Ruka who watched him divided between a hopeful relief and a deep guilt. After a couple of minutes of an asfixiating silence, Kuri finished reading. Without closing the folder, he addressed Ruka with a face that reflected absolute wonder, as if he found it hard to process the cruelty of what he had just seen.

Kuri: "Well... so, that was a bit... mmm... too much. I never imagined Mami would go that far... And I'd be lying if I told you I understood more than half of what I read, but... damn, I know this is very serious. Before anything else... tell me, how do you feel? How are you handling all of this? Don't hold back, let it all out".

Ruka listened; she knew that she finally had the chance to say everything and that he would listen to her, but she still couldn't articulate a single word: she was paralyzed. After several days of maximum containment so as not to worry her parents, she felt by instinct that if she opened that door, she would lose control of herself. She remained silent before a Kuri who waited a few seconds and tried another safer entry route.

Kuri: "Let's forget that for now; if you don't feel good talking about it, you don't have to say anything until you're ready... Let's see... I know, how about we start with what you've thought about doing? Tell me, what have your parents told you about all this? Surely they will know best what to do. Tell me, what do they have planned? How can I help?".

At the mention of her parents, Ruka's body tensed up suddenly. Kuri believed that going straight to the action, to the counterattack, would bring her back and allow her not to force herself to answer if she wasn't ready for it. However, he couldn't have been more wrong; without meaning to, he touched on a topic so sensitive and current for Ruka that she couldn't take it anymore. Ironically, she let everything out at once, completely losing control of herself.

In a second, the entire atmosphere turned on itself: Ruka let out a heart-wrenching scream while covering her mouth with both hands in an unconscious attempt to avoid being heard; her face distorted and tears were released violently. Kuri wanted to help her, but he stopped; he knew that, in reality, this might be what she needed. She had to empty herself and, little by little, she would calm down; he just had to wait.

Even so, a single memory invaded him and put him on high alert, a latent fear that made him doubt his actions. Just thinking about that scenario was terrifying; and yet, he decided that, despite everything, he should let Ruka finish venting. He decided to trust and waited, with a clear thought in mind: whatever it was, he must take charge for provoking this reaction.

After a couple of minutes, Ruka regained her composure a bit and remained barely sobbing while wiping her face with a napkin behind Kuri's back. For his part, Kuri sighed in relief seeing how everything had calmed down for now. Once again, the background music became the only sound left between them.

No matter how hard he made the effort to find the right words to reopen the dialogue, Kuri didn't know what to say now, and the seconds slipped away one by one without either of them speaking. Suddenly, Ruka turned back toward him and, with her gaze lowered, embarrassed and upset, broke the silence.

Ruka: "I'm sorry you saw such a pathetic scene... forget that it ever happened. I'm fine now, I don't want to talk more about it. Nothing has happened here... do you understand? Nothing. Now... mmm... the truth is that my parents don't need to know. I got into this by myself and I don't want to worry them even more with another stupidity...".

Kuri listened carefully to every word, but as each one reached his ears, his internal fire could take no more. He took his drink, stood up from his seat and, in one gulp, emptied the glass. He then spoke with unusual strength and determination.

Kuri: "I'm sorry, I know maybe I'm overstepping with what I'm going to say now, but I don't care. Hit me, insult me, do whatever you think is appropriate, but I can't stand seeing you like this anymore".

Taking a breath and gaining an instinctive energy, guided by a crude but real logic, he let everything out at once.

Kuri: "Right here and now, you, Ruka Sarashina, in front of me, a minute ago you cried with great force and pain. I am not going to forget it or ignore it. Something deep inside you knows it: you are suffering and you have to accept it once and for all. And about your parents, you know it's not right to hide this from them; it's not a simple prank, this can destroy your life. If you want to do it alone, tell me something: What the hell did you call me for? Do you see? This is absurd...".

Ruka remained in silence and without turning to look at him. After letting out all that frustration, Kuri cooled his mind, looked at her with sadness and decided he should step out for a moment. He turned toward the door and, with a guilt that was beginning to flood him, spoke.

Kuri: "I think... mmm... I'll go get some air in the hallway... I... I'm sorry".

Kuri walked to the door and opened it to leave, but before he could take a step outside, Ruka stood up and spoke again with a stronger tone than before.

Ruka: "Wait!... Please! I... mmm... I already know! I know I'm wrong, I know I shouldn't, I know you're right, but... I can't tell them. I can't do this to them, not now... but... it's just that I can't think of anything else to do with this damn accusation either... I'll tell you everything, would you let me?".

Kuri turned around, closing the door behind him. He headed to his seat and, finally, the meeting could finally begin. During the following minutes, the dialogue remained relatively stable, ending in a simple, uncomfortable but powerful primary decision that Ruka had to finalize before anything else. The rental time for the room ended and, with it, shortly after came their farewell and both took separate paths.

---

Sunday, May 29, Nanami Residence, Tokyo. 02:24 p.m.

Under the burning sun as witness, with a clear blue sky and an imperceptible air current, two girls had arrived at their destination, at their mission. They remained nervous on the sidewalk, waiting for that woman to come out to start their performance. While the wait became eternal, one of them spoke with seriousness and with a tone that instilled a sense of maternal scolding.

Sonoko: "I brought you here because I think last time we came you got along very well with Mami's mother, but... remember to shut your mouth. You saw the message I showed you yesterday; this is serious and maybe very grave. I don't want you to screw up, okay? I'll leave you alone and I'll go. You are warned, Miharu Imai; I won't repeat it".

The girl with pigtails jumped in fright at the first sentence and, upon finishing listening to her friend with dark and long hair, responded with annoyance.

Miharu: "I already know! I'm not a child, I understand this is important. You don't have to tell me every five minutes, you're a pain. That's why you don't get a boyfriend; relax a bit. You'll see that once you do, suitors will rain down on you. You have potential, but your face scares them off...".

As was custom, the girl couldn't let such a comment pass and responded with force.

Sonoko: "Huh!? At it again with the same thing? I've already told you I'm not interested in that now; first I'll graduate and get a job. I don't need distractions. When I think it's necessary, I'll look for someone; stop pushing. By the way, how's it going after the rejection this month with that 'guy' from the football club, huh?".

The blow went straight to the girl's open wound and her face began to turn red. Just when she was about to respond, the door of the house opened in front of them.

Mio: "Imai-san and Shimae-san, it's a pleasure to see you here, but... right now Mami isn't in. She went out... she left with her father on a business trip. Her cell phone... it broke and... well, it doesn't matter. Well, now, tell me what it is you need and I will tell her... mmm... tonight when we speak from the hotel. I'm listening".

Both girls noticed the strangeness of her words and, more than anything, her tone between each phrase; the text of the message gained more strength and also urgency. Faced with this, Miharu lunged first to persuade the mother of her university classmate.

Miharu: "Oh! Really? Good thing, I thought she might be very sick. It's a relief but, well, how to say it... Mami... she cited us here a week ago and, well, we were going to have... a girls' sleepover, you know, hahaha, to... mmm... strengthen affective bonds and more with what...".

Sonoko stopped her by raising her hand, blocking her face so she would stop talking, and began to speak herself.

Sonoko: "Don't talk anymore; you're overwhelming her with that usual intensity of yours. What's the use of all that if Mami isn't here? It doesn't matter, now I'll continue... Well... well, besides everything she said, Mami strictly entrusted us with returning some books she borrowed from a professor... just that. Let us go up and look for them quickly; Mami will be very upset if she finds out the professor had to come all the way here for them. Why take this further? What do you think? Give us ten minutes and we won't bother you anymore for today".

Mio's face turned pale at the mention of the professor. The idea of a teacher asking questions about her daughter that she wouldn't know how to answer filled her with anxiety. Trapped between two risky paths, she decided to go with the less dangerous option.

Mio: "Some books... I understand. Mmmm... I think you're right, Shimae-san. It wouldn't be correct... it would be rude to make him come all the way here when... Well, it's fine... I'll let you pass, but I'm sorry, you must hurry; I have to go out... uh... to the supermarket to prepare dinner. Yes, that... I can't be late or they will run out of... it doesn't matter. Go in right now, I'll guide you to her room so you finish before I leave".

During the university years by Mami's side, neither of the two girls had even crossed the threshold of her house; they had never been invited inside, so seeing its interior was quite an experience.

Upon entering, they were greeted by the coldness of a perfect air conditioning, an indoor fountain of minimalist style, abstract art paintings and a spacious living room on a fine wood floor, inches from an internal garden behind a large window. With eyes wide open, they walked automatically following Mio through the residence until going up to the second floor and stopping in front of an impeccable white door.

Mio: "It's here... please, the bookshelf is next to her bed, it's small; I don't think it will take you long to find those books. I'll go quickly to get ready and come back to... well, leave. And, if you don't mind, could you leave the door open? Mmm... it's just in case you need anything, you shout and I can hear you well, plus well, I also think it doesn't hurt to have a bit of fresh air... Well, that's all, I'll leave you. I'll be right back".

After some quick thanks, Mio disappeared from the two girls' sight and the intensive search began. Just as that unknown message said, each instruction was precise and they ended up finding, without problem, the objective of their search.

Quickly, they left the contents on the floor and began to put everything back in its original position. However, the open door betrayed their heavy movements and, without knowing it, just as they were finishing rearranging everything, Mio appeared in the doorway.

Mio observed the scene, noticed the familiar name on the folder and fell silent. For their part, noticing her presence, the university students were instantly paralyzed. Time froze for the three women; none could say anything and everything became uncomfortable, turning that visit into something much darker.

---

Three and a half hours later, near dusk, in a Tokyo apartment, a girl with black hair and blue streaks was spinning in her favorite chair while throwing, over and over, a magical girl themed pillow. Tired, she stopped and looked at her cell phone; observing the time, she turned off the screen and thought out loud.

Mini: "Ahhh... Has the Mastah arrived home yet? I hope it goes well for him in that family meeting and he manages to make peace with them; it would be one less burden he has to deal with...".

Her gaze fell on a gift bag she had hanging on a coat rack and she continued.

Mini: "I hope what I bought he likes; it was hard to decide between so many things I found... But seriously, how unfair! Why did all this happen? It was my first official birthday with him, it should have been an event full of joy and romance but... Ahhh, it doesn't matter, things are this way and we have to adjust as we go, right?".

With a jump, she got up from the chair and continued with her errands. Starting to reorganize everything, she put her figures on the bed and piled her mangas and video games on a table; then she put on a face mask, gloves and took a rag with cleaner. The time to clean had arrived.

Almost a minute after starting, when the time came to disconnect her equipment and screen to clean them too, her hand hesitated before pulling the cable and, for an instant, her mind went blank. In the end, she composed herself and began to disconnect everything, talking to herself again.

Mini: "How I hate cleaning, but now that I can't make videos well... I think it was fair and necessary... hahaha... ahh, how depressing all this is... No, Mini! Drop that, we have to keep moving forward despite everything. Yes, that's right!... or so I wish, ahhhh...".

In that instant, she remembered the chat with Chizuru and continued wandering.

Mini: "I hope Chizuru is doing better than me. My luck has been terrible these days, or rather, I was very stupid; I brought it on myself by bringing Ruka without thinking, hahaha... Ahhh, seriously, how did I not see it coming? It's not even worth complaining anymore; in the end I think I fixed it as best I could, although at what cost? Mmmm, anyway, let's forget that. Come on, Chizuru, you can do it!".

With her arm raised to the sky as a show of her unconditional support, she looked at the ceiling and noticed that the light illuminating her was starting to flicker. Surprised, she lowered her arm and released one last declaration to the wind.

Mini: "Damn it! That's why the rent here was so cheap... If I count all the details, I think I was scammed... Maybe my luck had already been bad for a long time...".

Submerged in a cycle of negativism, she sighed deeply and changed her attitude in an instant.

Mini: "Fine! I have to go for a replacement. No more outdated energy-saving bulbs; it's time to put in a LED one. Mmm... maybe I should buy several to avoid unforeseen events... Nah, I don't have money to spare. Come on, Mini Yaemori has a mission to fulfill! To the mall! It's either that or going back to arranging everything in the dark... although I could use the bathroom light, right? No! What are you saying? It won't take long, it's better this way. Now, where did I leave my keys? Ahhh...".

---

Just as Mini took a step out of her apartment, at the same time, but a few kilometers away, another girl came out smiling from the automatic doors of a clothing store. It was Sumi, who had just bought her gift for Kazuya and was returning toward the hospital. There, her sister was waiting for her covering her place, chatting in a cheerful and casual way with her father while they awaited her return.

While she waited for the arrival of the application taxi, she checked her gift bag again, looking at every detail to confirm she hadn't forgotten anything. Verifying that everything was in order, she thought:

Sumi: "I hope he likes what I bought for him. Last year it was a beanie; I thought maybe a shirt would be a good idea this time, but for some reason I decided instead on this very cute t-shirt of a goldfish. I think it will be better, yes... maybe that way he'll remember something about me... Although, truthfully, as long as he likes it I'm happy. If I can give him at least a bit of happiness now, after how bad life has treated him, I'll be more than satisfied...".

But that wasn't all. She remembered her two friends and how she had noticed them acting strange, so she continued reflecting:

Sumi: "Chizuru and Mini... when I found out about the birthday, I completely forgot to ask them if they had something making them put those faces of concern. I got too carried away... I just hope it's nothing serious; I don't want them to suffer more. Both are closer to Kazuya than I am, they saw him almost all the time... Everything that is happening is horrible. Just... please, destiny, give them a break...".

Finally, the taxi arrived and Sumi entered cautiously, setting off toward the family warmth that awaited her. And, almost as if it were a joke, a woman was getting out of another taxi and entering through the main door of the hospital Sumi was heading to with a watchful gaze.

Kiyomi: "Miharu... who the hell are you visiting? Why are you hiding it from me? I hope you have a very good explanation...".

---

In another place, another meeting was about to happen, where a family waited anxiously for the arrival of that amnesiac boy. Their bodies and minds fought in an internal chaos between the excitement of seeing him again and a selfish desire to distance him from the hell they themselves were about to reveal to him.

While the moment of their reunion approached, each member of the Kinoshita family suffered in silence on a roller coaster of mixed feelings.

A few streets from there, Kazuya walked with a firm step, but with a stress that increased with each street he left behind and that brought him closer and closer to his destination.

There was no turning back; he couldn't stand them up. He had to be responsible for his own words if he wanted to be taken seriously as an adult and, even so, his closed fists betrayed that he was forcing himself to continue. All that remained was to cross the avenue and turn at the corner of the next street to see his complete family again.

Stopped only by the red light of a semaphore, his impatience shot up. But, automatically, he began to breathe to regain some tranquility. Making use of a couple of motivational phrases he had found earlier on the way, he managed to release some of the tension accumulated since he began his trip outside the train. He took advantage of those seconds of waiting he still had to think a bit about what was to come and beyond.

Kazuya: "Ahhh... Finally the time has come. I hope I can stay firm and calm with Grandma; I don't want to fight anymore, but I don't want her to force me to do anything either. I love her very much, but this has to stop... And well, I don't know if I should ask them about Mami... I don't know if they know anything about her whereabouts; I don't think so but, I don't know what else to do... Where are you, Mami-chan?".

He directed his gaze to the remaining time indicator, where the descending numbers made him tense up again. As a way not to think about it, he closed his eyes and continued with the missing pending tasks.

Kazuya: Right... I still have much more to do. I have to talk to Kibe and Kuri; I also must thank that girl, Sakurasawa-san, for her words on the radio. Go all that way around there with Yaemori-san and try to remember and, of course... Ichinose-san. I must apologize for my rudeness. Ahhh, there is so much to resolve... Will I have enough energy or the courage to do it? I can't know, but well, one thing at a time... let's go calm, slow but sure...

His mind suffered an information and anxiety overload after the union of the stress for the meeting and his future tasks, leaving him completely vulnerable to an uncontrolled invasion of surreal fantasies. Without being able to avoid it, he began to imagine multiple fateful scenes in high resolution.

In one of them, he arrived running to a park after having been cited by Mami, who received him with a smile. Just after, she bowed in front of him, apologizing for having forgotten to notify him sooner, but justifying that everything had been so fast that she had lost track of time.

Confused and without knowing what to say, he observed how a boy arrived jogging suddenly behind Mami, stopped and gave her a rose. With a smile he had never seen, she accepted with joy and, turning back to him, exclaimed that she had finally found her soulmate; this boy by her side being the only one who had managed to steal her heart like never before.

Without letting him speak, she explained that she had been a fool to get carried away by the happiness she was living and forget to answer his messages. After apologizing once more, wishing him to recover and be happy, she and her new boyfriend moved away from his sight, leaving him alone.

In another scenario, upon opening the door of his house, he found no one; and, without seeing it coming, he was struck from behind by an infuriated grandmother, falling into unconsciousness. Upon waking up, he saw himself tied by both hands to the railing of the backyard patio. Sitting in her armchair, his grandmother looked at him fixedly with pure and deep disappointment. Behind her, he could see his parents standing at her sides; they did nothing more than be there, contemplating his humiliation in silence.

Next, his grandmother began to attack and scold him without any mercy. Upon trying to respond, he noticed a cruel and dark detail: he had tape on his mouth that wouldn't let him say anything. He could barely breathe, but his grandmother continued without stopping until she finally finished her monologue and sentenced: "You're not going to escape again. You will be educated and, when you finally learn the lesson, you will go back to sleeping in your bed; that one you despised, just as you did with our honorable family surname." After that, everyone moved away, leaving him alone once more.

This time, it was the turn of Mini, who accompanied him again in another "Tour of memories: Part 2", ending the day once again without any change. Upon arriving at the train station, Mini stopped and turned to face him. With an exhausted face, she sighed with weariness and said to him, with deep disappointment and annoyance: "You are a complete pain in the ass."

She explained in detail how she was already fed up with having to act as a tour guide without seeing any progress on his part; his slowness was a nuisance. She reproached him that she had so many things to do in her own life and that he took away her chance to be productive, feeling that all that effort had been in vain and a total waste of time.

Without even letting him respond, she said goodbye wishing him luck with his recovery, but clarifying that he would have to remember everything on his own, as she was fed up with waiting for him. And so, she walked away until she disappeared from his sight.

Despite the fact that hours seemed to have passed, in reality not even ten seconds had elapsed in real time; and yet, despite such scenarios, his mind did not stop, and one last scene began to form.

Finally, without knowing how, when or why, Chizuru's image appeared in front of him. Just as Mami had done before, she bowed; but this time it wasn't an apology, it was something much more painful: a thank you.

She told him that he had helped her see everything more clearly after those words he threw at her before leaving. He was right: she wasn't being honest with herself and, in reality, everything was simpler than she thought; she was simply obsessed with him by feeling guilty for his accident. Once she understood it, she was able to forgive herself and finally heal.

With that new mental clarity, she felt liberated. After overcoming the disaster of her controversy and reflecting on it deeply, she knew it: she had found true love in the man who was always by her side in difficult moments, the one who fought with strength to clear her honor. It was him; it had always been him.

Out of nowhere, a sports car appeared. The glass of the front door lowered and a voice called out loudly in her direction:

"Chizuru-chan, let's go! We're running late. I completely booked that restaurant you liked so much; we have to go now."

Chizuru nodded and said goodbye to him with a smile, then ran to the car and got in, disappearing at full speed.

All this was an infernal hammering that seemed to dilate the space of a few seconds into hours of critical blows. However, the sound of the semaphore's light change saved him; managing to make him react and return to his reality.

And after an internal scream that became external and frightened the people around him, he freed himself and crossed the avenue. He reached the end of the street and turned, remaining completely paralyzed and confused by what his eyes were seeing.

In front of his house, Chizuru was waiting for him and, as soon as she noticed his presence, she set out decisively in his direction to intercept him. His world lost all logic, and hers lost all doubt. A reunion had been successfully finalized.

Hello everyone! Back once again with another analysis. To be honest, I didn't expect to do another one so soon after the previous one about the moon, which was a complete marvel.

‎ ‎However, the anime production team —and specifically, I believe, master Kanna Hirayama— decided to create something so incredible that it was inevitable for me to want to go further. Visually it is a delight for the eyes, a true love letter to the fan; but beyond that, the amount of symbolism and hidden narrative that I found blew my mind.

‎ ‎The more I observed it, the more details appeared and more things made sense in the composition of the scene; one that, for me, is much more than a simple reference.

‎ ‎That said, I share with you everything I managed to find and my interpretations. I hope you like it! If you have any extra input, a different interpretation or anything else, I will be reading the comments. Let's begin!

‎ ‎---

‎ ‎The Triple Reference.

‎ ‎Let's go from the easiest and most recognizable to the most hidden.

‎ ‎1. The handing over of the key

‎ ‎This is a clear and direct reference to the living together arc, which will surely begin at the end of this season and will be fully adapted in the next one. Although the place, the form, and the object are different from how it originally occurs —something that already tells us a lot— the simple inclusion of this gesture is more than recognizable for any fan of the manga.

‎ ‎For an anime fan, it works as a promise or a vote of confidence that something big is coming.

‎2. The Anime Parallel.

‎ ‎This is a visual reference that, at least for me, connects with an unforgettable moment of the anime in a very special way. The framing, the clothes (Chizuru's purple blouse and black skirt), the night atmosphere and the strength of the moment take me directly to the end of the second season: that encounter where Chizuru accepts Kazuya's proposal to make a movie together.

‎ ‎Thus arising a deeply beautiful parallel: in the past, Chizuru symbolically handed him her most longed-for dream and Kazuya fulfilled it; now, she goes one step further and hands him her intimacy, her privacy... she gives him the trust to enter her life, without masks.

‎ ‎Furthermore, it serves as a spatial mirror: before she walked to the door of 203 (Kazuya) to accept his proposal; this time, she is the one waiting for him outside 204 (Chizuru) to give him access to her world.

‎ ‎3. The True start

‎While the delivery of the key marks a point of no return, the real turning point occurred earlier: at the friends' meeting at the Izakaya.

‎ ‎From the first glance I noticed something familiar in the clothes of both and, after turning it over for several minutes —just as Kazuya himself would do, hahaha— my soul found peace upon finding the exact chapter. In chapters 251+ of the manga, Mini invites Kazuya for some drinks and, in her spontaneity and chaos, manages to get Chizuru to decide to go with them.

‎The clothing of both at that moment and in this art is practically identical. For me, this sends a clear message but hidden in plain sight: that night, at that meeting, was where the living together arc really began.

‎It is the moment where a melancholy Chizuru finds an excuse to feel accompanied and where Mini leaves her with no choice but to accept living together. A demonstration of a deep knowledge of the work on the part of the artist and/or art team.

‎ ‎Finally, a fascinating irony is created: since, just days before, both protagonists stop being neighbors due to a natural event, neither really lived in those apartments again and their numbered keys were handed in. This elevates the image to a purely symbolic plane; a "non-place" that represents the beginning of their new life.

‎ ‎---

‎ ‎A unique setting: A delivery of authentic trust.

‎ ‎The location itself has immense symbolic and narrative weight. For me, it is not a random choice, but a masterfully chosen selection; a space that was part of both protagonists almost as an extension of their own lives.

‎ ‎A place that has witnessed multiple events of great relevance, becoming a central and irreplaceable piece of their love story. It is a unique setting for both the anime and the manga. Using it right at this precise moment in the story is, without exaggeration, something poetic; it acts almost as a solemn tribute to the end of a stage left behind and welcomes a new, bright and more honest phase of the relationship of both.

‎ ‎Now, I will share some interesting details that I believe define almost perfectly what happens in this new stage in a purely symbolic way.

‎ ‎The framing and composition of the scene

‎ ‎If we pay attention, the image only shows her apartment (204); or to be more precise, the framing shows approximately 95% of 204 and barely 5% of 203.

‎ ‎This decision fits perfectly with the name of the song "204 gousitsu", but there is much more. Specifically, there are eight large physical elements that elevate the meaning of everything to stratospheric levels:

‎ ‎---

‎ ‎1. The changing lighthouse: Light as a language of truth and evolution

‎ ‎Lighting is more than just a beautiful visual element; it is a tool that reveals the emotional state of each character. If we look back, everything makes sense: the light, in the middle of the darkness of the night, always strongly illuminates the one who demonstrates a clear emotional initiative.

‎ ‎The manga establishes this visual code very clearly, a detail that is lost in the anime adaptation. This shows that the creators of this cover have paid meticulous attention even to the nuances that are easily overlooked. Even I hadn't seen it until today.

‎ ‎The chronology of the glow in the manga:

‎ ‎Kazuya's release: In chapters 49 and 50 of the manga (end of the first season), when Kazuya loses control and confesses in the hallway that he loves her, the light rests on him. It is a light of absolute release and honesty of his feelings.

‎ ‎The sprout of hope: Again in the hallway, in chapter 103, the light shines brightly in front of the open door of 204 and then in that of 203, ending the scene with a glow that envelops them both. It is his energy and strength meeting her hope and overflowing emotion.

‎ ‎The glow of the cover:

‎ ‎Chizuru's lighthouse: In this image, the light from 204 shines like a lighthouse directly on Chizuru. It is the confirmation that, finally, she is the one taking the focus. She is no longer just the recipient of Kazuya's light; it is she who generates her own emotional opening, her own light.

‎ ‎Having said the above, the message is powerful: despite there not being a scene like this as such in the manga, the light shown feeds on that symbolism in a masterful way, demonstrating how Chizuru acquired her own light in that instant, despite not having been officially shown in the original work.

‎ ‎2. The Wall as a symbolic meter of trust.

‎ ‎If we pay attention to the finish of the hallway wall, we will notice that there are vertical lines from the floor to the ceiling. After investigating thoroughly —given that it is not common in my country for residential use— I discovered that they are fiber cement exterior cladding panels, widely used in Japan to control temperature and protect the internal dwelling.

‎ ‎Having clarified the technical detail and confessing again that I had not seen this detail before in my previous readings, let's go to what I really believe they mean.

‎ ‎For me, these lines act as a meter of the emotional distance between the protagonists. A frontal shot, just the two of them, without perspectives, in an almost "mathematical" plane where you could even measure each object taking the height of each one as a reference. A scene where both remain on equal terms.

‎ ‎We travel back to the beginning of the work once more:

‎ ‎The discovery (Ch. 2): It is the first time this frontal plane is shown to us. Both go out toward the university and discover they are neighbors. At this point, each is stuck to their own door; they are no more than acquaintances and the distance between them is at its maximum. The wall panels act as an impassable border.

‎ ‎The confession (Ch. 49 and 50): The plane reappears with a subtle but powerful change. Both are facing each other, looking at each other, and their doors have been left behind. They have become closer than they think, but the fears and the "rules" of rental create a distance that almost no longer exists. Even so, Kazuya still does not know the depth of Chizuru's pain or her family past; so there is nothing strong enough to break the illusion.

‎ ‎The delivery (The Cover): As a poetic repetition of the previous symbolism, in this image they are so close that, without fully stretching their arm, they could touch each other. But there is a detail that elevates everything: Kazuya has crossed the wall that divides the apartments. Visually, he is already "inside" Chizuru's 204 from the outside. It is not a coincidence; it is a clear sign of how he has been advancing toward her heart.

‎ ‎For her part, Chizuru has barely moved from her place. Beyond a supposed coldness, it is her in her essence: although she tries to maintain her composure, the fact that she hasn't backed down even an inch before Kazuya's advance is the definitive proof of her trust. She has allowed him to occupy her space, her intimacy, and in this image it is she who finally demonstrates a real initiative of approach by approaching him to hand him the key, breaking the cycle of inactivity.

‎ ‎3. What connects everything: The key to trust

‎Now, taking into account all the above, we will zoom into the image to observe in detail the handing over of the key. At this level of precision, I noticed something interesting that was, in fact, the main reason that prompted me to review the point of the panels on a larger scale.

‎ ‎If the vertical lines of the wall act as a limit, in this image Chizuru voluntarily breaks it, crossing that border with her hand to hand her key to Kazuya.

‎ ‎And going even closer, we find a fine detail that fits, connects and justifies all of the above:

‎ ‎The identity of the object: The keychain has the number 204 engraved on it, explicitly indicating that it is the key to her apartment in Royal Hills.

‎ ‎The weight of the change: This represents a fundamental turn regarding the original reference. In the manga, the key she hands him is a copy, not the main one, to enter her grandparents' house independently. However, given that at this point in the story that property has already been vacated and the keys to 204 and 203 have already been returned to the owner, the object on the cover is transformed into something much more powerful.

‎ ‎The symbolic delivery: It is not just an object that serves to open a simple door; it is a permission that Chizuru offers Kazuya to enter her life and get to know each other in a deeper and more real way. By handing him the key marked with "204", she does not hand over a simple copy; she hands over her main key to her most intimate space. This validates that the level of trust she perceives with him has taken a step forward of great importance.

‎ ‎The last step: However, the art makes it clear by "freezing" in time: although they are already at a very high point of trust, they still do not manage to touch each other physically. The key is the object that will eventually unite them, being only one step away from the connection being, finally, skin to skin.

‎ ‎4. Body language: Traces of vulnerability and connection.

‎ ‎Observing the body language, we notice a less defensive posture, much closer than before and yet, it is still noticeable that they are still in an internal process full of invisible insecurities.

‎Kazuya: Reverential wonder.

‎ ‎His posture is firm, but his gaze is of absolute surprise and complete acceptance. There is barely a hint of a blush; there is no extreme nervousness, there is only warmth. His extended arm is not rigid or trembling; it is simply firm, and his open palm creates a "bowl" shape. He doesn't try to snatch the key from her; he waits patiently for her to deposit it when she is ready. He is receiving something sacred.

‎ ‎The hidden: His entire right arm remains completely hidden, despite the other one extending to receive the key. This suggests a persistent insecurity that he tries to hide, a part of him that still remains in reserve.

‎ ‎Chizuru: The fear of going further.

‎ ‎Her posture is slightly inclined toward the front and her gaze is fixed on the key she is handing over. Her entire expression projects a deep fear and, at the same time, a strong and brave will. She is in an internal conflict: she shows enormous shyness and respect, a soft and slow movement that, despite everything, moves forward with courage.

‎ ‎The truth: While her left hand is the bearer of the key and extends to deliver it, her right hand retracts and shrinks against her chest. It is a clear sign of that persistent fear and protective instinct that still does not allow her to be completely honest.

‎ ‎5. The invisible that unites them: The bridge of shared attention

‎ ‎Beyond the physical, there is an invisible connection that vibrates in the center of the image.

‎ ‎Indirect eye contact: At this moment, both are looking at the key. It is the object of their shared attention, the point of union that allows them to be so close without the intensity of their gazes overwhelming them. The key acts as the conductor of a current that flows from body to body in an energetic and spiritual way.

‎ ‎The refuge of the gaze: Visually, when two people look at the same object in the middle of them, that object becomes their union. By not seeing each other's faces, the key becomes the "bridge" where their consciousnesses meet. It is the only place where their gazes can coincide without Chizuru's pride or Kazuya's insecurity making them look away.

‎ ‎6. The Diagonal of Sincerity: The encounter in space

‎ ‎Analyzing carefully, we notice a detail of fascinating three-dimensional realism in the mechanics of the delivery:

‎ ‎The geometry of the encounter: Both stretch their left arm and hand to meet. If we imagine an aerial (floor) plane, for the delivery to be successful, both must turn their arm: Kazuya inward (toward the wall) and Chizuru outward (toward the street).

‎ ‎A perfect line: This maneuver creates a continuous diagonal that crosses the empty space between them. Seen from above, it is a practically linear line where Chizuru's hand floats just a few centimeters above Kazuya's.

‎The heart's hand: This diagonal is a symbolic representation of their real closeness and their spiritual connection. By both using the hands closest to their heart, this diagonal acts as an arrow pointing directly to each other's emotional center, uniting them in a pure intention.

‎ ‎7. Deep Blue: The night as an intimate refuge

‎Finally, all this complex dance of hands, fears and objects is wrapped in a deep and atmospheric blue that invades everything.

‎ ‎The end of roles: Under this blue mantle, daytime identities dissolve. There is no longer an "actress" or a "client"; only two people remain in the stillness of the Tokyo night.

‎ ‎Contrast and Warmth: That cold blue makes the yellow light above them, coming from apartment 204, stand out like a refuge of hope. It symbolizes that, in a world that sometimes feels distant or cruel, their connection is the only warm and safe place they have left.

‎ ‎8. "Heppoko Shinjou" and the "Priceless"

‎Without entering into deep details, since the lyrics of the song of this beautiful cover deserve an analysis of their own, there are two concepts that are fundamental to understand this moment:

‎ ‎The concept of "Priceless": What has no price directly clashes with the origin of their relationship, which was born from a commercial transaction. What is delivered here is something that cannot be returned, or refunded, or appraised; it is the delivery of the absolute value of the person.

‎ ‎"Heppoko Shinjou" (Clumsy Sincerity): This Japanese concept is the piece that connects the emotional weight of the scene with the persistent feelings that both keep. It is the acceptance that they do not need to be perfect, or elegant, or safe for the bond to be real.

‎ ‎The essence of the bond: They only need to be sincere, even if it is in a bumpy or "clumsy" way. This sincerity is what allows them to be in that hallway, breaking their own limits, without the need for a pre-established script.

‎ ‎---

‎ ‎Final conclusions.

‎ ‎This image is a compilation of several layers of depth: from references and symbols to emotions that can be felt outside the drawing when stopping to appreciate it in detail. It is the visual definition and symbolic representation of a trust that reaches a turning point in the relationship of the protagonists.

‎ ‎A delivery beyond the physical

‎ ‎The handing over of the key is an authentic action of something more than an object. Being a unique and own key of hers, it symbolizes that Chizuru finally opens her heart and decides to entrust Kazuya with her most private space. She grants him access and permission to enter deeply into her life, establishing a new dynamic based on transparency and not on the "rental" script.

‎ ‎The geometry of the invisible

‎ ‎What we see is the invisible truth of the bond between Kazuya and Chizuru. It is the geometry of a feeling that cannot be bought, projected in a hallway that only exists at the moment when their hearts finally decide to synchronize. By placing them there, the art tells us that this encounter transcends time and physical disaster; it is a declaration of intent without conditions.

‎A new personal experience.

‎ ‎Analyzing this image in detail allowed me to find extremely interesting symbols; a journey that demonstrates to me once more that, no matter how many times I read the manga, there will always be something new waiting to be discovered. It is, simply, magical how I love this work.

‎ ‎I have pending publishing a comparative analysis of the Anime vs. Manga of Season 1. If nothing new arises that captures my attention in this way, that will be my next analysis post.

‎ ‎Thanks for reading this far. See you next time!

‎What did Mami do in Nagano?

‎ ‎What actions did Chizuru and Mini take upon hearing the news?

‎ ‎An unexpected encounter begins.

‎---

‎Destiny only has a certain margin of maneuver to intervene in the threads of reality; human will and intuition are the last piece that takes advantage of or ignores every signal, good or bad

‎ ‎---

‎ ‎The collision route in Nagano is set and seconds away from occurring. Kanzaki marches on, upset at having fallen for the trap, moving at a fast pace in search of Mami, who has forgotten that time stops for no one. But first, let's go back to the past, right at the beginning of the day, to see in detail how everything reached this point.

‎ ‎Saturday, May 28. Shimizu Center, Yakata Hakuba, Nagano. 08:12 A.M. JST.

‎ ‎The warm morning light on the wood and the smell of grass mixed subtly in a perfect balance, creating an almost mystical atmosphere of peace. A paradise for anyone seeking to disconnect from the city, but for Mami it was only an old and worn-out space that functioned as a suffocating prison, free of any trace of modernity.

‎Inside the dining room, Mami remained motionless under the weight of the kimono on her shoulders. With a feigned calm, she ate her humble breakfast with delicacy. In that place, silence was the norm, interrupted only by the rhythmic strike of bamboo against the stone of the nearest fountain.

‎ ‎Accompanied by the servants, who waited patiently for her to finish, and with her watchful guardian barely a few steps behind, Mami could do nothing but think. However, despite the pressure, she managed to stand firm in the face of the situation, refusing to let herself be defeated.

‎Mami: "The gardener is in his place and I have confirmed that he has internet, I am sure. I have reviewed his actions and everything indicates that he does. The damn Seiza lesson ends right at noon; then, at last that old woman will let me rest and I will be able to go to the bathroom... That is the key moment. Kanzaki is a stone, but if her stupid mission of me being healthy until the wedding is compromised, I am sure she is going to give in... It is the only thing that interests her, I will give her a good scare... Everything is ready; now I only need to think about the content of the messages."

‎ ‎Mami kept her gaze fixed on her bowl, picking up the rice with her chopsticks with total calm, while her mind worked at a frenetic speed.

‎Mami: "Sonoko Shimae or Miharu Imai... mmm... I don't trust them too much, but I think it will be Sonoko; she is more rational. Miharu might go crazy, seriously I should have gotten better friends. Ah... well, but what will I say to her? How do I make her believe me? Come on, think of something, remember something to use... Mmm, no, not that, and mmm, not that either. What if...? No, that sounds ridiculous. Ah... damn it... come on, come on...".

‎ ‎Breakfast ended. Mami got up and walked down the hallway in the direction of her first lesson of the day while continuing immersed in her thoughts, doing only just enough so that no one suspected anything. It was just her being the silent and quiet wife they needed, nothing more than that.

‎ ‎Mami: "Well, it's perfect; that way there will be no doubt at all. The other message will be easy, a simple direct threat: whether he believes me or not, he will know what's good for him... Now I must do everything perfectly, so the old woman has no complaints; I cannot waste a single second in vain... Well, I'm ready... here I am. Urggh, how your decrepit old face disgusts me. You think you've won; that's fine, that's how it should be. It will be more fun; as soon as I get out of here, I swear you're going to pay me back for everything."

‎More than three hours later, the first break arrived. The pain in Mami's knees, thighs, shoulders, and back, caused by the long Seiza, the traditional walking, and the words of "ideal wife," tested her patience at every moment. However, everything occurred without setbacks; she went to the bathroom with her personal escort, as was customary.

‎ ‎With no more than ten minutes as the maximum limit to be completely alone, Mami left the bathroom without Kanzaki going to bother her. On the way on her trip back, the key moment began; with barely three steps of distance covered, Mami began to stagger.

‎ ‎Her knees, resentful from the weight and the posture, gave way for an instant, forcing her to seek support desperately against the wall. She kept her gaze down, hiding behind her own hair in a natural way, while her face contorted in a grimace of genuinely feigned pain.

‎ ‎Mami: "Don't worry... I... I'm fine... it's just exhaustion, nothing more, let's keep going... Shimizu-san is waiting for me, let's go...".

‎ ‎Kanzaki stayed for a second observing her with genuine concern, stopping to give her a brief recommendation.

‎ ‎Kanzaki: "Miss, we have time. Stay there a moment, breathe; there is no problem. Your health comes first, Shimizu-san will understand."

‎ ‎Mami did not look up, letting her breathing be heavy and erratic, allowing the concern to grow a little more. She took a breath and looked up, visibly back to normal, seeing her guardian she said.

‎ ‎Mami: No... I'm fine, let's go, we shouldn't make her wait, we still have more than half a day left, I can't let myself be defeated like this, I can still keep going, I assure you I'm fine....

‎ ‎Mami walked normally again, making small pauses every certain distance, but without stopping completely. She emitted muffled sounds of pain, clear but contained, with the deliberate intention of giving the impression that she was forcing herself not to be heard out of pure pride. Meanwhile, Kanzaki only looked at her from behind with an increasingly strange sensation. Mami, in complete control of her performance, could even allow herself to think coldly during the transfer.

‎ ‎Mami: "That was easier than I thought... It was obvious, I'm a genius at this. It only takes showing oneself as repentant and then giving unconditional support; bringing back a revived memory and some guilt over what could have been... A change of thought with the exact words that destroy their vision of a doubtful job. The right amount of time living with a family to have sown trust before dropping a truth... There is always a way... Always... as everything should be...".

‎ ‎And the moment arrived. Everything was in its place: the distance from the gardener, who looked at her with pity, and the proximity of the guardian, whose concern was evident. It was perfect; now, no one but the three of them would notice the tragedy that was about to occur.

‎ ‎Mami began to cough, covering her mouth with growing desperation, until she spat blood on the ground, right in front of the young gardener, who looked at her in horror. Immediately afterward, her legs gave way; she fell to her knees and collapsed to one side, while a thread of blood trickled from her parched lips.

‎ ‎Bringing her hands to her stomach, she began to complain loudly, causing both witnesses to rush toward her. It was then that Mami gave the final stroke of interpretive mastery before a Kanzaki who, seized by panic, tried to lift her.

‎ ‎Mami: "Ahh! No, no, please... It hurts, it hurts a lot... wahhh! It burns... No! Why now? Ouch! Ohhh, ouch! Good God, this can't be happening! Wahh... sniff... It can't... Oh, my God, no! Is this my end? Ahhhh! I don't know anything anymore... I want to sleep... hic... I'm short of breath... hic... my... hic... heart is beating very fast... What is this?! I don't deserve this... Wahh, hic! Sniff...".

‎ ‎The panic of both witnesses grew and Kanzaki paralyzed for an instant, only to remember that she was not alone and declare with urgency:

‎ ‎Kanzaki: "Miss! I will go with the servant sisters, they must know what to do in these cases. Don't worry, I'll be right back... Hey, you, boy! Watch her for a moment. Don't let her fall asleep, keep her conscious, please... That's it, I'll be right back!".

‎ ‎The countdown began and Mami was direct, clear enough not to sound fake, but maintaining the necessary fragility to disarm him.

‎ ‎Mami: "I... ahh! It hurts a lot, but... it doesn't matter. Help me, hic... I don't want them to hit me anymore, I can't take it anymore... My whole body hurts... hic. I need your help, please... Let me use your cell phone. I need to let my mom know, she doesn't know where I am... sniff. Please, I... I beg you! I don't want to suffer anymore... sniff, hic... I swear to you that... I will give you my whole life if you help me... If you want to be sure, I can... I will show you the marks on my body if necessary as proof."

‎ ‎The young gardener didn't know what to do; the situation kept him trembling from head to toe. However, hearing that story of abuse, the desperation in her eyes and the final offer that made him feel a mix of pity and horror, his protective instinct took command over any other logic.

‎ ‎Gardener: "How horrible...! No, no, please, don't do that, it's not necessary... I believe you, really. Mmm... here, hurry up. I'll stay on watch... Nothing's wrong, everything will be fine. All of this is going to end soon."

‎ ‎In position, Mami began to write at great speed without making pauses. Everything was recorded in her mind; her fingers were only the tool, a typewriter executing a simple order. The first message said:

‎ ‎---

‎ ‎"Sonoko, it's Mami. Do you remember when you told me about what your idiot ex did to you? I do. I will never forget that, after that visit to the temple last year, he appeared, and when we managed to get him to leave, you told Miharu and me everything.

‎ ‎That's why I'm turning to you. I'm in grave trouble and I don't have much time to explain to you, but I'm locked up outside of Tokyo. So I'll be quick: I need you. Please, read carefully: go to my house and go up to my room. Go to the closet and, on the right side, all the way at the bottom, pull out the entire drawer. At the back, attached and covered with rags, there is a safe; the password is XXXX. Take out the folder with the documents and the memory stick that is attached to the inside of the lid. Take it all." ‎

‎Don't let anyone see you! Not even my mother! No one can find out, I beg you! If you don't hear from me in three days, send it to a news channel. I'll explain everything to you later. I'm very sorry, but it's the only thing I'm asking of you... you are my last hope. I miss you guys. Thanks and goodbye.

‎ ‎— Mami.

‎ ‎---

‎ ‎In little more than ten seconds her fingers finished and she pressed send. She didn't have to think about what to write, she had everything memorized in detail; there was no time for anything but absolute speed. However, she didn't count on the limited capacity of the old device. The message stayed suspended on the screen, blocking any other action while the slow network of the rural area struggled to process the sending.

‎ ‎Taking even more time than she had spent drafting, the message finally went out, allowing her to write again. In a few moments she drafted the following message, somewhat shorter and more direct. This time she didn't have to convince the recipient; the truth would do the work on its own, whether he believed it was her or not.

‎ ‎---

‎Hello, Toru-kun. Having such a good time with that country girl from Aomori, aren't you? Your escape plan with that family money you have together with her is brilliant and heroic, but you know... Nagano isn't as nice as it seems. Go off with her, I don't care; but if in 48 hours I'm not out of here, half of Tokyo will know about your little secret. Remember with me: 'I shouldn't leave my laptop without a password'. Good? That's all. See you... darling.

‎ ‎Mami pressed send, but the message didn't go out; she found that the signal had vanished. Anxious, she moved a bit, cursed the device and raised her hands to the sky until the signal was recovered, returning to the wait for the sending. Upon confirming it went out, she began to delete the messages from the outbox and the numbers from the log. Upon finishing the cleanup and with almost a minute of time to succeed, a memory invaded her and sealed her fate.

‎ ‎---

‎ ‎At the same time, another girl had completed a part of her master plan; traveling at more than 100 km/h on a train back toward her home, Chizuru kept her gaze on the landscape of her return, sighing and almost whispering some words from her seat.

‎ ‎Chizuru: "Am I doing the right thing? Maybe I should leave him alone... I'm not sure he'll accept my proposal; I'm afraid just imagining it. But if he remembers, it's enough, I don't care what happens to me. I just want to see him well, healthy, back... with me... or not...".

‎ ‎She gave a tired sigh and looked toward the sky, where the image of her grandfather rested for an instant. Remembering his gaze and his words, she spoke again, raising her voice more and more until she realized what she was doing.

‎ ‎Chizuru: "No, no, I must do it, I must try. Enough! I shouldn't think like that, I can't; my grandfather wouldn't let me give up, nor would he... I must trust... Enough! Now, mmm... it's early. I'll leave this and go to the temple for what's next or leave this at home first... mmm... What do I do?... mmm... Wait! Isn't the next station...? Yes, it is!".

‎ ‎When she stood up, she noticed the looks of the people around her and realized she had shouted. Embarrassed, she apologized with multiple bows and hurried to the door to exit. As the door closed behind her, she walked to a column and sighed: she was embarrassed, happy and sad; a mix of everything.

‎ ‎Chizuru: "It can't be... what am I doing? How embarrassing... I almost acted like he used to... hahaha... haha... ha...".

‎ ‎Her laughter died down until it was lost in a dry echo. Suddenly, she felt a knot in her throat that prevented her from continuing; nostalgia had caught up with her. She brought a hand to her chest, trying to recover her breath; upon succeeding, she continued on her way.

‎ ‎Chizuru: "Well... I have to keep going... Where was I going?... I remember now. On the move, Chizuru, let's go...".

‎ ‎Saturday, May 28. Seijo Ishii Supermarket, Shin-Sugita Station, Yokohama. 12:16 p.m.

‎ ‎Coming down from the JR Negishi line entrance, she reached the lower floor and entered the nearby Beans shopping center. There she saw a box of umeboshi (pickled plums) that left her motionless; holding her bag tightly, she whispered:

‎ ‎Chizuru: "No, no... this time it will be different. I'm prepared. He'll love the Kamakura thing... yes, that's it. Let's keep going."

‎ ‎That impulse that had made her get off the train was nothing more than a simple gourmet ingredient difficult to find. Her desire for something new and delicious brought her there. It was a treat for her dinner; something she couldn't find in her usual supermarket and, after her tour of Komachi-dori street, she believed she had earned it.

‎ ‎Just at that moment, someone entered from the street into the station walking in a great hurry. It was Kazuya. He stopped for a moment to take a drink from a bottle of water and relieve his thirst after having run there; he adjusted his backpack and continued his course, talking to himself in a low voice.

‎ ‎Kazuya: "Dammit, I shouldn't have accepted that extra portion from Mrs. Yamada... Ahhh, demons!, I can't be late, I barely made it in! I hope there isn't traffic on the way out there... Buying decent food from the supermarket will have to wait; because I'm an idiot I'll have to make do with something from the vending machine, hahaha. Oh well, I don't want to be late... Besides I don't have much to spend, maybe it's better that way... Come on, everyone out of my way, I'm late!".

‎ ‎As he walked faster and faster, he reviewed everything that had happened so far with increasing anxiety and absolute seriousness silently within his mind.

‎ ‎Kazuya: "What could have happened with Mami... Is she okay? She never told me where she lived... Ahhh, dammit! I can't do anything. Just answer my messages, please; tell me you're okay... Yaemori-san hasn't sent me any messages since that time either... Did I disappoint her that much? Ahhh... And Mom... I'm glad she's happy, but was it really a good idea to choose that time and that day? I don't know, she didn't tell me anything more than a 'thank you' and 'we're waiting for you'... Wasn't she too cold? Ahhh... And Grandma, how am I going to face her?... I must be firm... That, ehhh... And then I should also...".

‎ ‎A small child came running in a perpendicular direction and crashed into Kazuya head-on, breaking his trance and leaving the minor on the ground. The child took a breath, preparing to let out a cry that would have resonated through the entire station, but Kazuya noticed this instantly. With an almost instinctive skill, he crouched down and pulled out a flyer along with a coupon from his job at the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise aquarium.

‎ ‎Kazuya's surprise and kindness cut off the crying before it began; the child, now fascinated by the images of the sea animals, calmed down in a second. Just at that moment, a fairly large family saw the scene and the children who were with them went running toward Kazuya, who got stuck.

‎ ‎Everyone wanted his coupon, and Kazuya had no choice but to give one to each, in addition to briefly explaining what that place was about and that he worked there. Everything was short and without much detail; his time was slipping away. Even so, a father arrived and gave him a bill for the trouble and the kindness, and even asked him if he wanted something from the supermarket, a water or whatever, something Kazuya denied instantly.

‎ ‎Kazuya got up, asked the man to look after the child who had fallen and, without further words, shot off back to his destination. He left behind the door of the Seijo Ishii and, almost arriving at the stairs, he tripped a bit; but he managed to maintain his balance and continued. He had to take that train now, or he wouldn't arrive in time.

‎ ‎At that moment, a girl finally crossed the threshold of the supermarket door, looking into the distance at a familiar back for a second. However, the figure disappeared due to the perspective of the staircase going down, leaving her attention caught by the sign with the arrow in the direction of the Seaside Line long enough to get distracted.

‎ ‎When her gaze sought that figure back by instinct, there was no longer anyone. Without thinking about it too much, she turned around to go back up toward her train; but something happened that stopped her in her tracks.

‎ ‎Child 1: "How kind of the orange-haired onii-chan. We have to go see him together tomorrow, what do you say?".

‎ ‎Girl 2: "Yes, I liked him very much too. You can tell he knows a lot about fish and those things... It would be fun to hear more from him, wouldn't it?".

‎ ‎Child 3: "He seemed to be in a hurry. What was his name?".

‎ ‎Child 1: "I forgot, hahaha. But we have the address of his job, that doesn't matter".

‎ ‎Child 3: "Is that true, but who dyes their hair orange? It's weird, isn't it? I would wear it blonde, isn't that better?".

‎ ‎Girl 2: "That's why you'll never get a girlfriend. You must be creative; I thought he was cute".

‎ ‎Child 3: "Hey! What did I do to you?!".

‎Child 1: "Jajaja, how silly...".

‎ ‎The dialogue ceased and laughter among the little ones was the only thing left in its place. Chizuru remained pensive, motionless, with her hand unconsciously squeezing the strap of her bag while the echo of those words resonated in her mind. For an instant, the beating of her heart beat harder, her eyes shone and her breathing became agitated. However, despite everything, her realistic and analytical personality began to take the advantage over her instinct little by little in an internal conflict that was quickly resolved.

‎ ‎Chizuru: "That sounds like he... No... no, impossible, it's too much of a coincidence. But if it isn't like that... No! Don't get your hopes up, silly, it's crazy... Don't let yourself get carried away, luck has never been on your side, this is simply... an illusion. It's not like he's the only one with that appearance and tastes, right? React, Chizuru. Leave the fantasies and see reality. Focus, Chizuru; you have a job to do... That's it! There's no rush, you'll see him when it's the right time... don't get distracted. Real life is hard, this isn't a movie, a novel or a manga. Come on, Chizuru... move... Well, let's leave this, let's go... let's go...".

‎ ‎Her body resisted for one second more; it was as if an invisible force was pulling her toward the opposite side, toward that familiar figure that ignited her senses. However, her conscious will imposed itself and she set off.

‎ ‎With one last sigh, she continued on and began to climb the stairs toward the platform of the JR line bound for Tokyo. Meanwhile, two levels below, the doors of the Seaside Line train were closing with Kazuya on board, taking him away toward the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise aquarium to fulfill his afternoon shift. Destiny played the cards it could; but the strong will of both to follow their own paths, whether out of fear or duty, had won the game this time.

‎ ‎An hour later, Mini arrived exhausted at her apartment, after going through a tedious security control, a heavy talk and the imposing nature of a place that gave off an almost feudal power. She closed the door and threw herself on her back onto her bed; looking at the ceiling, she began to talk to herself.

‎ ‎Mini: "That was... too much. Uff... What kind of universe is that? The 35th floor of the Mori Tower is something I had never seen... And that scoundrel Sakamoto... how square he is. Look how much it cost me, but... ahhh!, in the end he accepted. I thought Chizuru-san was cold, but oh my Buddha!, this man is near absolute zero! I wanted to go to the museum, but I didn't have the mood anymore! I really hate this kind of formal encounters, and even more with this lack of soul. Roppongi, eh? You always learn something new... And now, what do I do?".

‎ ‎From her front pocket, she took out her cell phone and put it in front of her face with both hands. She began to type and search multiple sites for nearly five minutes without saying anything; then, she turned off the screen, tossed it to one side of the mattress and spoke again.

‎ ‎Mini: "Well, that matter is already done; all that's left is to wait. It was a very big help that it was a relative of one of my friends; it turned out quite cheap compared to what I expected. Now... what thing should I buy for the master? It will be my first time giving him something on his day... What could it be? Something functional, something more decorative or something to make him remember? Mmm... I don't know. I think I'll take a bath to clear my head; I'll go for a walk tonight to find something good. I don't know whether to send him a message... I don't know if I'm capable enough not to let something slip by impulse; I think I'll wait. Yes, that will be better".

‎ ‎With a jump, Mini stood up, left her cell phone charging in a power strip under her streamer setup and headed to the bathroom. She turned on the electric heater and entered the shower. A minute later, the sound of hot water hitting the floor flooded her senses; she let herself be enveloped by the steam to release the stress and process it all once more.

‎ ‎While her back relaxed under the stream of hot water and the steam created its own atmosphere, Mini closed her eyes, letting the heat relax her tense shoulders. Amidst the soft sound of the water, a single date resonated in her mind like an echo: the first of June. Losing herself in a spiral of doubts, the water and time continued to flow as her only companion.

‎ ‎Later, at the end of the day, right in a karaoke known by more than half the cast, another event was about to occur. A girl with short hair and blue eyes waited at the entrance with mixed feelings. Anxious for that meeting, Ruka Sarashina was immersed in a cruel memory.

‎ ‎Saturday, May 28. Sarashina Residence, Tokyo. 12:44 p.m.

‎ ‎Called by her mother, Ruka went down to the dining room for her usual family meal, finding more than just a freshly made meal.

‎ ‎Ruri: "My daughter, I made your favorite, come, come closer. Since luck is smiling on us, your father and I believe we deserve a little treat. Maybe it's childish to make plans ahead of time, but even so, we lose nothing, right? We have been very contained. I think we need a vacation after so much... Where was that place you wanted to go two years ago?".

‎ ‎Her husband, with a more relaxed tone than normal and with some guilt in his words, joined his wife.

‎ ‎Natsuo: "That's right. Your mother has always told me that I am cold, even too strict and... it's true. I think that, despite everything, you are a daughter I'm proud of. We deserve a moment to distract ourselves from everything; I know that maybe it's soft given your recent behavior, but... I think going away for a few days will give us time to talk better. Tell me, what do you think?".

‎ ‎Ruka remained motionless. It was a very cruel torture to see the positive attitude and the faces of her parents with such spirit. Pulling a strength she didn't know she had, she forced a smile and said:

‎ ‎Ruka: "That sounds very good, Mom... Dad. I'm very glad everything is turning out well. Mom, you're right, I think we need a little tranquility, jajaja. And Dad, don't worry about that, I understand very well... I apologize for everything; you are a good father, I've always thought that".

‎ ‎The family gathered at the dining table. The meal was served, starting with wide and detailed monologues on ideas of all kinds, from humble and sensible to unrealistic. That enthusiasm acted as a fog over the eyes of both parents, overlooking the strange attitude, the evident lack of energy and that unique essence of their only daughter that remained hidden.

‎ ‎Ruka listened to every word in a maximum containment, forcing herself to maintain her calm. She said nothing more than what was just and necessary for the conversation to flow normally; but by not giving any recommendation for traveling, refusing any idea or showing herself with spirit, the situation was clear: there was something that was not right, something that didn't fit. And, even so, neither of them noticed that version so different of their poor daughter.

‎ ‎Ruka finished her food almost four times faster than normal. Given that she wasn't talking and her urgency to leave there was too high, she interrupted the conversation with a half-truth.

‎ ‎Ruka: "Mom, Dad... I'm tired. I feel a bit anxious and I think my heart is beating faster for some reason. I want to rest a bit in my room... I'm sorry for interrupting you, but, truly, I don't want anything major to happen. I just need to lie down, okay? I'm sorry, it's nothing serious, it's just a precaution. I don't want to put you through another situation because of me, so I'm retiring".

‎ ‎Her parents stopped talking in an instant. Ruri approached worriedly, offering to take her to her room; Natsuo supported the idea and Ruka let everything take its course. Her mother's warmth almost made her let it all out, but she managed to contain herself. She reached her room and threw herself face down onto her bed. In an almost instinctive turn, she turned face up and checked her cell phone, which marked the 100 RPM she had long yearned for. Crying, she barely said in a whisper:

‎ ‎Ruka: "This isn't fun... this isn't how it was supposed to be. This isn't right, I don't accept it. Kazuya was the one who had to achieve it... this is a nightmare".

‎ ‎Turning back, she muffled her crying against the fabric of her pillow until she fell into a deep sleep.

‎ ‎Back to reality, Ruka sighed and closed her eyes. Upon opening them again, she launched a sigh of self-criticism into the air toward herself.

‎ ‎Ruka: "Am I doing the right thing? Maybe I should have thought it through better... But I don't know. Chizuru I don't think she wants to see me, Mini neither and, well, Kazuya... Ahhh... I rushed more than necessary this time. I think... I think I should go, but mmm... what excuse could I invent for him? No... Ruka, you already did it, now I must be responsible... Or maybe not. Dammit! Now what do I do?".

‎ ‎Suddenly, the voice of a boy with glasses and a more groomed hairstyle than normal, and equally unusual clothes for his usual style, spoke.

‎ ‎Kuri: "Hello, Ruka-chan. Was I very late? I'm sorry. I'm already here, shall we go in? Come on, you don't have to hold back with me, you can tell me anything. I'll listen, okay? Shall we go?".

‎ ‎In a single sentence, the intense and somewhat childish Ruka returned before the boy in front of her. She didn't have to pretend with this man or be on guard; he was just Kazuya's friend and, sadly, he was her safe space, free of pressure, so she could return a bit to her essence.

‎ ‎Ruka: "And those clothes, those shoes, that hairstyle? This isn't a date, you know? Ahhh! And drop that attitude, eh? Don't be kind, be serious... Ahhh! Never mind, let's go. Follow me...".

‎ ‎Without saying a single word, Ruka turned and entered through the Karaoke doors. Behind her back, Kuri was, despite her attitude, more surprised than offended; even relieved. This Ruka was the one he knew, not the empty girl from their shared cooking classes. His mind remembered the incident of days ago where he found out about those legal papers and his relief vanished, entering with a more serious face.

‎What will the reaction of the Kinoshitas be?

‎How will Sumi manage to save her friends from the void of guilt?

‎ ‎Father and daughter move their pieces. ‎

‎---

‎ ‎The seconds were slipping away and the deadline was approaching, taking with it, as if it were a leaf swept by the wind, that relative calm existing in the atmosphere of everyone affected. A mist of despair was beginning to form without anyone even being able to see it.

‎ ‎---

‎ ‎Friday, May 27. Kinoshita Residence, Tokyo, 06:36 p.m. JST.

‎ ‎For a few seconds, a dark and cold void settled into the environment, creating a heavy and suffocating atmosphere, where space-time seemed to have folded in on itself in a dining room of barely 8 m².

‎Nagomi's voice, which previously grew increasingly intense and impatient, vanished, leaving her speechless and with a distorted face. Harumi, for her part, covered half of her face with both hands in a constant tremble. And finally, Kazuo, the bearer of the fateful news, witnessed those reactions with helplessness, paralyzed by the situation.

‎ ‎Everything occurred in barely a couple of seconds that seemed to dilate time. In those moments, in their minds there only existed an echo of the words spoken; it was a repetition that became increasingly painful, but clearer.

‎ ‎As the pillar of the family, Nagomi was the first to manage to compose herself through pure will and a feeling of protection. Rising from her chair and striking the table with the palm of her hand, she broke the silence, the atmosphere, and time itself, exclaiming with great determination:

‎ ‎Nagomi: "This is an affront! An attack on our honor! How is it they dare to come to our home to release all those lies about our Kazuya? Who do they think they are? Perhaps I have been a terrible grandmother by hurting my grandson so many times with my words, but even with how foolish I was, I would never believe such a lie! This will not stay like this! Kazuo, my son, wake up! Give me the papers. Harumi, come with me... you can cry, let it all out, do not hold back."

‎Kazuo, still dazed, felt how the strike on the table by Nagomi brought him back to reality. He looked at his mother, whose figure seemed to have recovered its mettle, and then at Harumi, who was still trembling but appeared more attentive after the shock of the sharp blow on the table. With hands that still hadn't finished obeying him, he searched in the briefcase he had left on the adjacent chair.

‎ ‎Kazuo: "Yes... yes, Mom. Here are the documents... I'm sorry for not saying anything before. I was afraid, I didn't want you to suffer, but I knew... I knew this wasn't right. I can only apologize to you both; I was immature."

‎ ‎Nagomi took the folder and, before she could respond or open it, Harumi lunged at Kazuo with force, releasing a mix of stifled crying, words, and screams that seemed to have no end.

‎ ‎Harumi: "Do not apologize! Do not do it! Just imagining the hell it must have been to keep all this in silence breaks my heart. Nothing else matters to me, you have released it at last and that is more than enough for me. Please, do not punish yourself like this! I... we will get out of this, as always, no matter what."

‎Kazuo listened to every word, letting Harumi's embrace envelop him while his arms remained rigid and heavy. However, in an instant he felt a warmth travel through his chest; he raised his hands and encircled his wife's back, transforming that unilateral embrace into a shared one.

‎ ‎Kazuo: "Harumi, darling, you are too kind. I do not deserve you, you really are so unique... Thank you for your words. I am fine now, let's leave this behind; our son needs us strong, focused."

‎ ‎Nagomi observed them in silence, respecting the fragility of the moment, while she read with a burning calm each accusation superficially, reaching the key date and speaking again with a determination of steel.

‎ ‎Nagomi: "This is not just any lawsuit, these people know what they are doing. It will not be simple but we must remain calm. I will call our lawyer, we must prepare for whatever comes; we will not be their hostages. There is only one problem: Kazuya... Despite wanting to avoid his suffering, I will not make the same mistake. This concerns him, he must know. How will we notify him? Any ideas?"

‎ ‎Upon separating, Harumi knew she had to reveal the meeting she had with her son, but the promise she made him not to do so stopped her for a second. She debated internally on what to do, deciding almost instantly that telling the truth was more important now. However, before she could find the words and speak, her husband took the initiative.

‎ ‎Kazuo: "Mom... He called us recently. Because of the format it is a cell phone number, so we cannot track exactly where he is, but the number is there. We have to call him back; I know that perhaps he is not ready to return yet, but we must convince him. The deadline is just around the corner, June 01."

‎ ‎Kazuo searched in his wallet with trembling fingers until he found the small piece of paper where he had noted the number.

‎Kazuo: "It was a grave error to keep the information, I know it very well; however, the damage is already done. Now we must act fast... Fine, here it is. Darling, I know you are the only one he will listen to. Please, use your magic, make him return, darling?"

‎ ‎Upon mentioning the date, Harumi's mind blocked. June 01 was her beloved son's birthday, a day of celebration, and now it had been transformed into a deadline where his future was at stake. It was a nightmare. After being called again and again by a voice tinged with concern, she came to. Somewhat dazed and with tears budding on their own, she spoke again.

‎ ‎Harumi: "Dear... mother-in-law, this cannot be true! It is the day of his birthday... please, seriously? Do they perhaps have no heart? Why are they doing this to someone so good? This is so unfair... so evil, so cruel... No, my poor Kazuya. Just leave him in peace, he doesn't deserve this. Ah, please! Enough already!"

‎ ‎Kazuo only held her hand, letting every word come out without saying anything while he sank into self-contempt for his lack of tact before his poor wife. Nagomi looked on with great sorrow and also with a shadow of guilt; she hadn't realized that detail. Was she seriously his grandmother?

‎ ‎Seconds passed and Harumi composed herself; she wiped her tears with a handkerchief and spoke, this time, between embarrassed and serious.

‎ ‎Harumi: "I'm sorry, I lost control, but I am fine now. And I also have something to reveal... I was with Kazuya recently. He wanted to see me. I'm sorry, I should have told you, but he asked me not to. I know, I was selfish, but I wanted to honor my promise. However, now with all this, I cannot keep quiet anymore. I managed to get Kazuya to agree to return one day to talk with us; I don't know when, but... I know it will be soon. I truly am sorry."

‎ ‎With her head bowed in a sign of apology, Harumi finished her intervention and almost immediately, Nagomi spoke again.

‎Nagomi: "Lift your face. It is not necessary for you to apologize, I understand it very well. As a mother myself, perhaps I would have done the same for Kazuo. Do not be ashamed for being a mother; no one here judges you, ever. Instead, I thank you very much for your help; without you, everything would be more difficult now."

‎ ‎Harumi returned to her initial position and looked at the old woman. Upon finishing, her husband completed the display of support.

‎ ‎Kazuo: "That's right, darling. It's fine; if that's what he wanted, you were just loyal. I could never get angry over something like that; in reality, I don't know if I would get angry over anything you did... But this is perfect. We are going to wait for him then. In the meantime, we will do everything else; just try to find out what day it will be, try to make it soon. Only that. I know you can; we are going to get out of this together."

‎ ‎A sweet smile was drawn on Harumi's face, along with a radiant shine in her eyes. The meeting continued for several minutes between a more detailed review of the lawsuit papers and mixed, but controlled, reactions.

‎ ‎In the final minutes of that family talk, Harumi's cell phone vibrated on the kitchen table, a few meters away. The screen lit up in the solitude of the adjacent room, showing a notification that no one in the dining room managed to see:

‎ ‎LINE: Kazuya — 3 new messages.

‎---

‎Not far away, inside the women's bathroom of a Tokyo hospital, the atmosphere was suffocating. Chizuru and Mini looked up for a brief moment, only to find a Sumi who was giving them a kind, pure, and angelic smile. And, as fast as they saw her, shame and guilt invaded them; they diverted their gaze back to the floor.

‎Outside, the one responsible for all that disaster remained leaning against the cold wall of the hallway. She was annoyed by her own attitude and regretful for everything said; she felt an immense urge to cry every time she remembered Sumi's intense gaze, but she couldn't do it. A deep void inhabited her, preventing her from even discharging her frustration.

‎In that instant, the sound of the wheels of a service cart began to be heard closer and closer, until, after a brief silence, someone addressed the destroyed teenager with a voice loaded with fatigue and annoyance.

‎Cleaning Lady: "Excuse me, child... I have to go in to clean. Move a bit, will you? I don't have all night, I have much left to do."

‎ ‎Miharu came out of her trance and tensed up upon hearing those words. She knew, by pure instinct and without needing to think about it, that she could not allow anyone to enter. It was the least she could do after having caused another problem for her sister; she felt it as an obligation. She had to leave them alone so Sumi could speak without pressure.

‎Miharu: "No! You can't, go away! Come back later, you cannot interrupt them... ehhh... mmm... I know! How about this? A hundred yen no... better five hundred. It will only be five minutes. Buy something from the machine: a coffee, a sweet... whatever you want. Just, please, do not go in now."

‎ ‎The woman stood looking at the money and at Miharu with great suspicion; she knew that girl was hiding something behind her, but she decided to ignore it. She didn't want trouble. She took the money and accepted the deal, disappearing from sight after dedicating a few final words to her.

‎Cleaning Lady: "I don't know what happened, but finish it fast; this is not a good place for whatever you're hiding. Take it as a warning. And also, do not expect my help; if it's something illegal, I will say what I think is appropriate. See you."

‎Meanwhile, on the interior, the situation did not seem to advance. The seconds were escaping without anything changing, until Sumi, tired of her friends' attitude, raised her voice with a touch of annoyance and gripped both of their hands firmly upward, forcing them to look at her.

‎Sumi: "Chizuru, Mini... please, look at me. I chose to hide everything from you; it is my fault, it was my choice. I didn't want you to worry and... this was my problem. I didn't want help, I had to... no, I should do it alone. I made that decision. You didn't do anything wrong; it was I who made a mistake by hiding it, by not trusting you. Miharu... she doesn't understand, she doesn't know you and doesn't know what she's saying. Please, girls... it hurts me to see you like this."

‎Chizuru tried to articulate words, but was unable; she was trembling, with a knot in her throat and reddened eyes. For her part, Mini broke down and let out everything she was carrying inside, without holding back; she did it at great speed and with her face distorted by tears that budded without control.

‎Mini: "Wahhh! Sumi, I... I never imagined you were going through something like that. I'm sorry, I should have realized, I'm a complete idiot. I failed you, I don't deserve you; you are so good and I... Wahhh! Please, forgive me, I... I... should have noticed, I never pay attention to what's important. Foolish Mini, foolish, double foolish... Wahhh! Sumi... I'm sorry, I don't know what else to say... Sniff... Ahhh... just let me give you a hug, please, it's all I can do now... it must have been horrible... sniff... let me carry some of the weight."

‎Sumi accepted with pleasure. Without letting go of Chizuru's hand, she took a short step forward and slightly turned her body, creating the necessary space. She wiped her own tears with a quick gesture and stretched her free arm to receive Mini, who took refuge against her shoulder in a desperate embrace.

‎In this way, Sumi managed to maintain the firm grip of her other hand with Chizuru while receiving upon her side the warm embrace of Mini; a clear demonstration of intentions. She was a friend to both and was not going to leave either one alone. Chizuru opened her eyes with surprise at Mini's voice and, almost like a virus that spreads, that emotion ended up infecting her, managing to let out at last, without filters, the words that until then had been stifled in immense guilt.

‎Chizuru: "I am so sorry, Sumi... Do not punish yourself like that, Mini. You have known her for a short time, but I... I should have seen it. I even should have foreseen it, but I ignored it. After everything you did for me, I couldn't have been more stupid. I left you alone, I should have been with you. That girl said it right: I am not a good friend... but, please, let me continue being your friend. I need you more than you need me... Would you let me? I beg you."

‎ ‎Sumi heard every word and, turning her head a bit in Chizuru's direction, declared:

‎Sumi: "Chizuru... What are you talking about? I could never leave you. You were the first person who really helped me; without you I wouldn't be who I am. You... you will always be my friends. Now... mmm... Chizuru... don't say anything else and come, yes?"

‎ ‎The effect of those words was immediate. The shine in Chizuru's eyes returned and Mini, in response to what Sumi said, separated a bit and looked at Chizuru, extending her hand and inviting her to join. Chizuru could not stand it anymore; she approached and the triple embrace was consummated.

‎ ‎Without knowing it, Sumi had eased a bit of the legal and emotional burden that each one dragged. She had become the only safe refuge they had left in a Tokyo that felt increasingly hostile.

‎Peace had fallen upon the three friends; their physical union healed all the pain. In that instant, nothing else mattered and there was no need to say a single word. However, the echo of a nearby discussion broke their bubble, returning them to reality.

‎Upon separating, Sumi clearly heard her sister's voice. She took her friends' hands and the three of them stood up. Knowing that time had run out, she spoke with a tired tone, but imbued with a new peace.

‎Sumi: "Let's go outside, girls. My father is waiting for you anxiously; he really wants to chat with you. Do not worry about my sister; I will explain everything to her and make her apologize to you, yes? Shall we go?" ‎

‎As soon as they opened the door, they ran into a chaos that Miharu was barely managing to contain: an impatient nurse was arguing with great energy while trying to pass through the entrance that Miharu was blocking desperately.

‎When they came out, the conflict ceased abruptly. The nurse stopped for a moment to look at the newcomers; noticing the mess on their faces, marked by tears and smeared makeup, she understood everything. With a quick and simple piece of advice, she turned around and walked away.

‎Then, Sumi, with few words and a serious tone, explained the reality of the facts to Miharu. The girl, overwhelmed by her words and by shame, quickly lowered her head; in an apology that seemed more like a shout, she spoke truthfully, managing to weaken the tension between them, though not totally. The atmosphere of discomfort still remained present every time Sumi was not looking.

‎Everything flowed without further problems. The talk with Satoshi and Sumi managed to lift spirits and dilute the existing tension until the visit was concluded. Sumi accompanied Chizuru and Mini to the hospital lobby; the accumulated fatigue and the renewed sense of peace made Mini lower her guard, releasing information that, perhaps, she shouldn't have revealed at that moment.

‎Mini: "In the end, everything turned out well, eh? Sumi is a light in this dark world... you really have grown a lot. Ahhh, now I can only think about Kazuya's birthday; what could I give him? Oh... shoot."

‎Mini covered her mouth with both hands, realizing too late that she had just broken the promise of confidentiality that Harumi had entrusted to her and, even worse, Kazuya's express wish to remain in the shadows.

‎ ‎Sumi blinked in surprise, processing the news in an instant. A warm smile was drawn on her face and a shine appeared in her gaze, one so intense that it made any attempt to lie to her useless. Before that expression, Mini resigned herself.

‎ ‎Mini: "Ahhh... Forget it, I can't do anything against that look... The truth is... Kazuya will return to Tokyo for his birthday. I don't know when or at what time, but he will stop by here. I've said it now... Shall we prepare a party?! What do you say? We have to celebrate with everything, right? Hahaha...".

‎ ‎Despite knowing it long before Sumi, Chizuru could not help but feel how her heart beat faster. However, faithful to her essence, she brought back reason in an instant.

‎Chizuru: "Mini, do not say that. You know it better than I do; he doesn't want any of that. He wants peace, we have to accept it. We have to wait, we cannot force him into anything, do you understand?"

‎Mini looked sideways and said with a voice loaded with mixed feelings.

‎ ‎Mini: "I know already! It was just a joke, don't get angry. No one wants to bother him, what a killjoy! Right, Sumi? Eh?"

‎Sumi remained with a fixed and joyful gaze, giving off a confidence and hope that seemed to pressure their souls. Immediately after, Sumi spoke. ‎

‎Sumi: "I understand, it doesn't matter. We must do what he desires, without pressure. Even so... I will give a gift to his parents. Even if I don't see him, it doesn't matter to me; I only want him to be happy."

‎Sumi's warmth destroyed any conflict and the talk continued between smiles, wishes, and, finally, an inevitable goodbye. The two friends walked to the street and ordered a taxi via an app; they waited for the moment of its arrival with a renewed peace, despite the raw moment lived nearly an hour ago.

‎Suddenly, Mini took out her cell phone, unlocked it, and started checking a social network. A funny video made her laugh loudly, something Chizuru noticed, asking her to show it to her. Mini played the video again, but, unexpectedly, a message arrived that left both with their hearts in their hands: it was Harumi. The excitement over that message raised their spirits to the sky, and only because of a couple of sentences full of hope.

‎---

‎An hour later, only half an hour away, another meeting was unfolding. An elegant and innocent high-level economic living room witnessed the scene with curiosity. Isao Nanami was in his individual armchair and Sakamoto right in front. The center table seemed to emulate a special poker game, with Sakamoto keeping several folders aligned on his side, one next to the other.

‎The atmosphere was cold, but not too much, or at least that's how it was for those two men; it was simply one more night, a bit more important, but nothing that made them lose their composure. And only a few meters away, trembling with fear, was Mio, trying to hear any information about the state of her poor daughter, sitting on the third step of the stairs that led to her bedroom, while her other son remained ignorant in his room, playing some video game. ‎

‎Isao, with a cold gaze, took his glass of red wine and took a drink until finishing it in total calm; then he placed the glass back on his personal coaster and opened the bottle he had to the side to refill it again, while, without even looking at him, he addressed Sakamoto with a firm voice.

‎Isao: "Fine, let's begin. Update me, Sakamoto. What is the situation? Did our lawyers do their job well? How did everyone take our notification? I hope the message was clear, I don't want surprises... Give me your report."

‎His subordinate, with an even greater calm, earned by the experience of a family legacy in service to the Nanami family, began to speak.

‎Sakamoto: "Everything has been executed with the precision and importance agreed upon. Everything was delivered in time and form. Now, allow me to give an evaluation of each front."

‎With mechanical movements, Sakamoto began to take each folder; he didn't do it to read some written report or consult detailed information, as he knew every clause and reaction to the millimeter. It was, simply, that he didn't remember the names; that was all.

‎Sakamoto: "Fine... Although the young Kinoshita seems to remain in bed, the lawsuit was delivered to the father without setbacks on the 25th. His reaction was as expected: a pathetic attempt at denial, but when the evidence was exposed, the man could not say anything else. Whether he accepts our proposal or not, any trace of a real link between the boy and your daughter will be buried under this lawsuit. Next..."

‎Sakamoto paused to review the next folder; after reading the name on the cover, he proceeded.

‎Sakamoto: "This girl, Ichinose. The delivery was successful and there was no significant response; the message was clear: she sacrifices her career and her friends, or she chooses the peace of our firm. We only need to wait for her to call us. Along with her, Mr. Nakano remains as insurance; if he is smart, he will accept our proposal."

‎Isao listened with attention while, with his right hand, he gently swirled his glass of wine. He interrupted the report, wishing to go directly to what mattered most to him. ‎

‎Isao: "Excellent, that is fine. I don't need more, I trust that everything will go according to plan. Now tell me, what is the situation with the other girls? What is the status of the young woman who leaked the name to the world? She seemed to be quite unstable, I hope you took care... And how about the 'gifts'? Despite her disaster, she made me realize the reality of my daughter before it was more difficult to control. And... also, did they manage to contact the account that facilitated everything?"

‎Sakamoto: "I apologize for speaking more than necessary. Now, regarding that girl, mmm... Sarashina. The plan has been an absolute success. She received our lawsuit and, as expected, her parents happily accepted what was offered without suspecting anything. If the daughter tries something, her family will be left in economic and social ruin; the firm is secured. It won't take long for her to come to us to formalize the agreement. As for the source account..." ‎

‎He took the last folder, read the name, and left it on top of the others in a pile, continuing.

‎Sakamoto: "The blocking of the video and the channel was quite fast; our multiple reports did their job. The email was delivered and, unexpectedly, the owner made contact quickly. Upon showing up, the lawsuit found a first and last name to accuse. Everything is perfect. Like the other girls, she must choose between her future or her ruin. With this we finish, any more doubts that interest you?"

‎Isao left the glass on the center table with a sharp blow. His gaze fixed on Sakamoto and the folders, addressing him with a voice loaded with an icy seriousness.

‎Isao: "Sakamoto, do you guarantee me that, despite everything, they will not try to meet to commit some stupidity? I really hope that detail didn't escape you... I shouldn't have to say it, but I want to make sure I don't leave loose ends. You prepared for this, right? I'm listening."

‎The assistant noticed his boss's doubt; with total calm, he reopened a folder, located the exact page, and turned it over on the table, leaving it ready so his lord could read it if he wished.

‎ ‎Sakamoto: "Do not worry, sir. We have armored the process with a legal resource as simple as it is lethal. We have applied a Confidentiality Clause with Responsibility Extension to Third Parties, based on articles 709 and 719 of the Japanese Civil Code. In simple words: it is a tangle of convoluted and technical terms that any civilian will interpret as an absolute threat." ‎

‎The man crossed his hands, maintaining calm as he continued. ‎

‎Sakamoto: "In their minds, the logic is clear: if they reveal a single detail to a friend or acquaintance, that person automatically becomes an accomplice and will be dragged into the trial along with them. Considering the psychology of an average person, it is an infallible voluntary silence method; and given the very short time limit, the probability of something happening is practically zero. Added to which, if they spread the information, the agreement that releases them from charges is immediately invalidated. It is a perfect plan, my lord."

‎Isao approached the table and, with a sharp movement, closed the folder. His expression changed and he spoke again.

‎ ‎Isao: "Excellent. We have been together for years and you never cease to surprise me, Sakamoto. Your father would be proud; from what I remember hearing when my father was the head of the company, it seems you have even surpassed the merits he achieved. Impressive. I will give you a bonus for the efficiency, use it as you see fit." ‎

‎The assistant showed neither arrogance nor excessive joy; he simply bowed his head with the precision of someone who knows his place and his value.

‎ ‎Sakamoto: "I accept it with pleasure. It is an honor to serve you, my lord. I thank you deeply for your words."

‎ ‎In the distance, a slight tapping broke the silence of the mansion: it was Mio, who was shaking her fingers nervously against the stair railing. She watched the scene with a terror that chilled her blood, fully aware of all the legal and moral limits her husband had just overstepped.

‎However, her fear was not directed at the fate of the young people nor the ethics of the corporation; in her mind, there only throbbed an egoistic and desperate question about the location and the state of her daughter. A doubt that, to her misfortune, had not even been mentioned all night.

---

‎Saturday, May 28. Shimizu Center, Yakata Hakuba, Nagano. 12:12 P.M. JST.

‎ ‎In her first break between lessons and with the sun almost at the top of the sky, at the zenith of its journey, Mami had executed her plan. Under the burning light that barely projected shadows, the scene unfolded as if a film director were shooting a cult film of infernal action and intense drama.

‎A young gardener remained on high alert, with adrenaline flooding his entire body and with the fresh and sharp mental image of a poor but beautiful blonde girl crying inconsolably on the cobblestones of the garden in which he worked. He could still feel her hands trembling, wounded and with drops of blood dripping onto her pale skin.

‎Assuming the role of an imperial guard upon a faithful steed with a white mane, the young man remained vigilant behind a leafy Sakura tree, while the "damsel in distress" hid behind the thick trunk that revealed its advanced age.

‎ ‎Mami: "Damn it, I didn't expect much from this guy who is so naive and has such a... rural... appearance... but this is absurd! Hire something better, stupid gardener... The signal and the speed suck. But well, better this than nothing. Come on, come on, send the damn message! What kind of trash is this? I've never seen it, it's most likely Chinese or worse, what garbage... Come on... work already, curse it!"

‎Time seemed to accelerate; tension was increasing and the urgency was greater and greater. Mami needed to send two messages; one had already gone out and only one more was left to be marked as sent. She was nervous; she had to return to her previous position immediately, only then would her plan be completed in an ideal way.

‎ ‎Mami: "Come on... This is ridiculous. What kind of speed is this? Damn it... I didn't calculate this inconvenience, how stupid... Ahhh..."

‎ ‎The confirmation arrow finally appeared on the screen. In a millisecond, Mami set off. She moved her fingers with superhuman speed, deleting the messages and numbers from the history, but a memory assaulted her mind, altered for a few moments, sentencing her fate by her own unresolved matters.

‎Kazuya: "Thank you very much, Mami-chan. You are an angel, I don't have enough words to thank you for your help. Right here and now, I, Kazuya Kinoshita, promise you that I will pay you every yen without fail! As soon as I get a job, my first paycheck will be to pay you all this! I swear it!"

‎Mami heard such energy with surprise, showing a face different from her usual one, a more real one. A slight blush appeared along with a warm smile, responding with a tone that seemed rarely genuine.

‎ ‎Mami: "But what are you saying, Kazu-kun! You don't have to think about that, don't stress too much. I'm not asking for anything, I told you it was a gift, Kazu-kun... Silly... Go on, get out of here, take care; I'll be bothering you with messages these days."

‎That memory consumed several seconds and, back to her reality, Mami whispered to herself. ‎

‎Mami: "Maybe... I should send him a message too..."

‎ ‎In that precise instant, Kanzaki had arrived with the gardener, who was no match for the trained woman. While the young man fell to the ground along with the pair of servant girls with the medical kit, Kanzaki set off to look for her "protegée."

‎