Chapter 9

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

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“From tomorrow, we'll be middle schoolers, huh.”

At the observation deck overlooking the entire town, the place we used to gather as kids, the four of us childhood friends were talking while watching the sunset sky as we were about to become middle schoolers the next day.

“I hope we can be in the same class…”

“It doesn't matter if we're not in the same class. We can just go see each other during breaks anyway.”

“Rin is as blunt as ever. You actually want to be together, don't you?”

“W-what are you saying!? Reita should just end up alone!”

“Fufu, but Rin-chan, you did wish to be together with Reita-kun at the New Year's shrine visit, right?”

“I-I didn't! I didn't do that…!”

Those were the days we laughed from the bottom of our hearts.

I thought moments like those would last forever.

“Hey, do you think we'll still be together even when we grow up?”

“…I'm not so sure about that.”

“Shizuno-chan? What do you mean by that…?”

“When we become high school students, we'll go on to schools that match our academic level. Then we'll end up going our separate ways.”

“Ah…”

“T, that's true…”

“R-really!?”

At Shizuno's words, Rin and I murmured with a hint of sadness.

Only Maaya looked surprised for some reason.

“Well, I suppose if you all work hard enough, it's not impossible to avoid that.”

“So Shizu's going to a really good high school, huh?”

“Yes. I have a goal.”

“So that means we'll end up separated…?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“Then wouldn't it be fine if Shizu just matched us instead?”

“No. You should try your best to match me.”

“Hiii… I can't do that…”

Realizing she definitely couldn't keep up, Maaya let out a lament.

Shizuno gently comforted her.

“Don't make that face, Maaya. Even if we end up on different paths, we'll always still be childhood friends.”

“Shizuno-chan…”

“Besides, at least we'll all be in the same middle school. Let's make lots of memories there.”

“…! Yeah!”

It was such a warm space, wrapped in kindness.

A bond that seemed like it could never be broken definitely existed there.

But… our promise was never fulfilled.

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I woke up and started preparing breakfast while dragging my sluggish body.

Mornings are usually spent alone. Ever since my father died in an accident, my mother started leaving for work early in the morning.

Even on days off, she often sleeps until noon to recover from exhaustion, so we only really see each other at dinner.

And even then, we rarely talk. Silence has taken root in our household.

Both my mother and I have changed. Like wandering ghosts searching for something to live for, we go through each day with lifeless faces.

We're gradually recovering, so it's not anything too serious, but it's unclear when warmth will return to our dining table.

…Come to think of it, I forgot to tell my mother that my memories came back.

I suddenly remembered something important. It had already been five days since then, and I had completely forgotten.

Which means that's how distant we are, in a way.

Should I tell her… about my memories?

But… should I even say it?

I was hesitating. Wondering if it might be better to just pretend I never regained them.

Whether or not something that convenient is even possible aside, if I keep being dragged around by these memories, I might lose sight of who I really am.

As it is, ever since I remembered, everything I do feels contradictory.

I try to stay away from Maaya and the others, yet I keep thinking about them and even end up doing unnecessary things for them.

It really disgusts me. This half-baked, hypocritical version of myself feels unbearable.

I want to make it clear soon.

Which is the real me? Which path am I going to take?

…That said, rushing isn't good either.

There's no need to decide immediately. If I hurry too much, I'll just end up halfway again. I should take my time and think it through properly.

After all, the directions are completely opposite. Once I choose, there's no turning back.

For now, since it's a rare day off, I guess I'll go on a little journey to find myself.