“..So what happened?”

I’m back in the present timeline, in the club room, the day after the graduation ceremony.

“Hmm, not much has changed.”

Makoto, who was sitting at the desk, responded curtly.

“Igarashi-san did join the Astronomy Club. However, the three of you didn’t meet the required minimum number of members. After the second year, you became estranged from one another, and Nito-senpai disappeared again.”

“Of course, that would be the outcome..”

I nodded and looked around the current club room.

Somehow it felt refreshing.

I was in the past timeline for three weeks. During that time, I had grown accustomed to being a first-year student once more. I also felt an odd sense of discomfort in my long hair and tight-fitting uniform.

As Makoto stated, Igarashi-san joined the Astronomy Club after the incident in the park.

And Nito seemed quite pleased about that. When Igarashi-san entered the club room, they were immediately all so lovey-dovey with each other. I was almost awakened to the idea of girls’ love.

However, as Makoto also stated, we fell short of the required minimum of four members. As a result, the future has remained unchanged..

“It seems like we have a long way to go.”

“I guess. But it also clarifies a few things.”

I sat down on a chair next to Makoto as I said this.

“Clarifies a few things?”

“Yeah. To begin with, I can and have traveled back in time. I can go back and forth between three years ago and the present day, and it’s been confirmed that I can change the past.”

I now know for sure this isn’t a hallucination but actual time travel. I went back in time and altered reality.

That means.. I can actually save Nito.

I felt a sudden burst of energy.

“Also, for some reason, you’re able to perceive the changes caused by the rewrite, Makoto. Nishigami and the others are only aware of the present, but you remember what happened before.”

I thought about it before.

Only in Makoto’s case was there a coexistence of two memories. I’m sure she’s the only one in whom such a phenomenon occurred, given my previous encounter with Nishigami.

“Now that you mention it.. I see.”

Makoto then furrowed her brows and crossed her arms.

“Why is it just me..?”

“Maybe.. it’s because you were with me when I first went back in time, and again when I returned to the present. I can’t say for sure.”

That’s about the only explanation I can think of right now.

That she remembers what happened before the rewrite doesn’t bother me. Rather, I’m relieved to be able to discuss it with her.

It would be difficult for me to save Nito on my own..

“..All right. I guess it’s time to go back.”

I told Makoto.

“Eh? Back so soon? You won’t take a break?”

“Yeah. Nito is still a source of concern for me over there. Also, I feel bad always asking you to accompany me.”

“..Oh, yeah. Point taken.”

My real reason for returning to the present was to confirm a few things. I wanted to know whether or not the future would actually be altered. I also wanted to ensure that I could return to the club room and pick up where I left off.

Besides, I was intrigued by how things had changed. Since there was a big moment like Igarashi-san joining the club, I figured the changes would be more noticeable than last time. And the results were exactly what I had hoped for.

Now it’s time for me to go back.

But then I suddenly remembered something.

“..So, I’ll have to play the piano again, which will be a pain in the ass.”

I said, smiling at Makoto.

“I know it will take some time, but please bear with me. I’ll try my best.”

“Sure.”

She replied curtly.

Then she looked down and seemed to be trying to find something to say.

“You’re leaving now, huh.”

Makoto’s voice was weak and shaky.

She spoke with melancholy, which is uncharacteristic of her.

“..What’s wrong?”

I said as I watched her, her head bowed.

But then she looked up and spoke in her usual brusque tone.

“It’s nothing. Good luck.”

“..Hmm? Well, okay, then.”

I nodded and then rendered the melody of Nito’s song with my fingertips.

But I still couldn’t shake the feeling of unease.

Why did Makoto have such a sad look on her face? Why did she sound so gloomy that I was leaving?

And wasn’t she a little distant?

Why do I have the feeling that there’s some disconnect between us?

I could be wrong.

Maybe it’s because I haven’t seen her in a long time.

But after some thought, I realized something.

Is it because the past has changed?

After rewriting the past, I became friends with Nishigami. In addition, Igarashi-san joined the Astronomy Club, and I got to know more people.

So some of the time I spent with Makoto before was now used up with them, wasn’t it?

And I’ve grown estranged from her as I’ve grown closer to others.

The time I spent with her was also important to me. That’s why I’m unsure if it’s okay to overwrite it without her knowledge.

But before I delve into that..

?

A blinding light shone in front of my eyes.

Several wisps of light surrounded me in the darkness, their speed gradually increasing.

Apparently, I succeeded in playing the melody.

My vision slowly returned to normal, and gravity returned to my body.

?

“..Phew.”

I’ve returned to the past.

The club room is nearly identical to the one I was in just a few minutes ago but has a different vibe.

Igarashi-san’s arrival appears to have brightened the mood here.

Her belongings are all over the place, making the room feel livelier.

There are makeup products, mirrors, comic books, video games, etc. It’s looking a little messy.

Besides that, I’ve noticed that the air has gotten lighter. I feel like this is proof that I’m steering Nito toward a happy future, and I’m secretly pleased.

Suddenly, I heard rumbling footsteps from across the corridor.

It then came to a halt, and the door slammed open.

“..Oh! Meguri-kun, there you are!”

Nito entered the room in a rare burst of excitement.

And just like that..

“Hey, listen!”

“Ooh!?”

She tackled me.

You’re overdoing it! If this was Pokemon, it would be super effective!

Igarashi-san, who was trailing behind her, was stunned. This girl, as expected, has this effect on people.

Nito quickly removed her shoes and socks, oblivious to our reaction.

“Guess what? Someone saw the video and reached out to me!”

“Who is it?”

“It’s Minase-san.”

Minase.

I know that name.

Even before the rewrite, she was a significant character who changed Nito’s life.

In other words, she’ll play a critical role in Nito’s rescue plan.

“Y-you see, Minase-san is a blogger I really look up to!”

Nito sat back in her chair and continued her story with a twinkle in her eye.

“She’s now a college student, but the blog she started in high school is still very popular. The new novelists, musicians, and cartoonists she recommended have all gone on to become highly acclaimed. Those creators are even collectively referred to as ‘Minase’s Circle.’”

“Ehh, I had no idea such a person existed..”

I responded as if I had never heard of her, which is obviously not the case.

Minase is a critic-like figure whom Nito has long admired.

Nito’s musical taste was apparently heavily influenced by her blog.

When the two first met, they hit it off right away.

Minase later established her own private firm, Integrate Mag, and took on the role of Nito’s manager and creative partner.

“Well, such a person just showered me with praise in an email!”

Nito quickly tapped on her phone and displayed what was on the screen.

“I told her I was a fan of hers and had been following her blog for a long time, and she asked if I wanted to meet.. It truly is a dream come true!”

“You’ve been talking about it all morning, Chika!”

Igarashi-san slumped in her chair. She looked exhausted.

“My ears are clogged. Enough already about this Minase-san..”

“But I’m just so happy!”

Nito had a dreamy expression she clutched her phone to her chest.

“I see, that’s good,” I thought as I smiled at her.

When Minase contacted Nito, I saw no sign that would lead to her disappearance.

Instead, I couldn’t help but be excited about what would come.

Nito was gradually gaining popularity on the Internet.

Her first original song has already garnered 30,000 views—the most recent one she posted was on its way to surpassing it. Rumors quickly spread among music fans that a young lady with incredible talent had emerged.

I mean, 30,000 views are nothing to sneeze at.

That many people listening to her songs is bewildering.

Anyway..

I’m pretty sure this is where she’ll start having issues.

And it will all come to a head with her disappearance and suicide note.

In that case..

“Man, I’d like to meet Minase-san as well! I remember seeing her blog before now that you brought her up. I’m curious to see what she’s like.”

“..Ehh, what are you playing at?”

Nito looked at me with skepticism.

“Are you planning to pick up a female college student or something?”

“No, no, that’s not true! I just want to meet her normally!”

I’m just trying to get to know her better to help you!

“I mean, I’m not even sure what kind of person she is. Now, how could I possibly have an ulterior motive like that..?”

That’s right. I know nothing about her.

Who is Minase? Who will Nito work with in her future musical endeavors?

So, to be honest, I’m apprehensive. Depending on the circumstances, I may have to brace myself for the possibility of clashing with Minase.

But then someone said something.

“..She’s a real beauty, you know.”

It was Igarashi-san. She had a big frown on her face for some reason.

“She has short black hair and a stylish appearance. She has the look of someone who could be a model.”

“Oh, really..?”

“And she just lives nearby. Looks like Sakamoto is going to shoot his shot.”

“No, I’m not going after her!”

I like Nito! And you’re well aware of it, Igarashi-san!

Wait, Igarashi-san, you seem to know a lot about Minase. How do you even know where she lives?

“..Igarashi-san, have you seen Minase’s blog before?”

“Nope. Today was the first time Chika told me about it.”

“Then how is it that you know so much about her..?”

“During class, I read through her entire blog.”

“Come again?”

“I had a look at all three years’ worth of content and was able to identify her address, real name, and so on.”

“How scary..”

A total Internet stalker.

Do you really care so much about Nito’s friendships? I thought you wanted to stop being so clingy. But maybe it’s just a matter of gradually becoming more independent.

“For the time being, I’ll tell Minase-san that a friend wants to meet her as well.”

Nito interjected.

“I’m not sure if she’ll be okay with it, but I’ll say it anyway. I also have something I’d like to propose to everyone today.”

“Oh?”

“What is it?”

It must be about recruiting new members for the club.

There’s one week left until the recruitment period ends.

In other words, we’re in a bind.

“I know we always plan our recruitment strategy here, but I don’t think we can finalize anything because it’s almost time to leave school. It’s difficult to plan something in a hurry.”

“Right.”

“Yep.”

“So..”

Nito raised her index finger.

“Why don’t we talk about our plans.. at my house?”

She looked at me as if to say, “Isn’t it a great idea!?”

“We only have a limited amount of time in the club room to plan.. So instead, let’s meet up at my house during your free time!”

?

*

?

“..Your appearance is off-putting.”

Weekend. I arrived at Ogikubo Station, where I was to meet Igarashi-san.

She was waiting for me with her arms folded and a disgusted expression on her face.

“Going to someone’s house all dressed up like that is seriously revolting.”

In response to her extreme reaction, I raised my voice in protest.

“Huh!? What’s your problem!?”

“I mean, isn’t this your first visit!? You might get to meet her family.. but that’s just way over the top!”

We stood in the rotary before the station, where many people come and go. Among the many outfits I saw, I’m definitely eagerly dressed.

I’m wearing a shirt and jacket I bought in a hurry at a high-end clothing store.

My hair, usually messy and unkempt, was styled with pomade. And the leather shoes I’m wearing were borrowed from my father.

I spent a lot of money, but I have no regrets.

After all, this is my first visit to Nito’s house!

Naturally, I agreed to her proposal the other day right away.

I mean, we’re talking about her house! Of course, I’d like to go!

In my three years of high school, before the rewrite, I never had the opportunity to visit!

Igarashi-san had no valid reason to stop me, so she caved. We walked and made our way to Nito’s house.

Man, I’m curious to see what kind of room Nito has.

I wonder if it’s filled with expensive furniture and cute clothes.

I’m really excited about it, and the suspense is killing me.

“..Ugh.”

For some reason, Igarashi looked at me with disgust.

“Sakamoto, you’re imagining how Chika’s room smells, aren’t you?”

“..!?”

How did you know!? Was I thinking out loud!?

“No, you weren’t. It’s written all over your face.”

“..!?”

You can read that too!? Are you a mind reader or something!?

Also, there’s something else that’s been bothering me.

“..By the way.”

I turned to face Igarashi-san.

“Why are you dressed in a tracksuit? It’s as if you’re going on a workout..”

I’m puzzled by her outfit.

She’s dressed so sportily—wearing a black tracksuit from a well-known sports brand.

She’s the type of girl who’s more concerned with being fashionable. She’s wearing?Jirai kei[1]?makeup and is carrying a backpack, and she looks like she should be dubbed “Ogikubo’s Darling.” But why is she dressed in such a casual manner?

And, come to think of it, she seemed to have a subtle look of distaste when we were told by Nito to come over her place. Why? Is there a reason?

“..Well, you’ll know when we get there.”

Igarashi-san let out a sigh and walked away.

“One look and you’ll see why I’m dressed like this. Come on.”

“..O-okay.”

I nodded and walked after her.

[1]?Jirai kei,?which literally means “landmine style,” is a very cute, girly, and feminine Japanese fashion style, but with a slightly darker aesthetic. It originated from the term?jirai-onna?which means “landmine girl.” This refers to young women whose looks and personalities have a huge disconnection from one another. The term had negative connotations, but since Japanese models made it a popular style trend in 2020, many women started adopting it.