Prove Your Eternal Love. There Shall Be No Heroine Correction. - Chapter 2 Part 4

“Umm, Aogashima-san. …I need to talk to you.”

It was five minutes before the end of my rounds that I was able to make the call. As I walked down the corridor that led from the club building to the classroom building, I gulped. This time, I would tell Aogashima-san. I don’t like you. Even if it would be a lie. She has to give up. Even if I couldn’t do that, we couldn’t be friends anymore.

“Just in time. I have something to say to Shirase, too. …After we finish the business on the rooftop, is that okay with you?

Aogashima-san turned to me, grabbing the armband on her right arm. I nodded, “Yeah, let’s do that,” and stepped off the patrol route and onto the stairs.

“…Come to think of it, you were a participant in the 『Confession Quartet』 as well.”

I suddenly remembered that she was acquainted with Ocupido.

“Yes. I lost in that. So once, I accepted this result. But—”

“Excuse me, are you one of the committee members?”

In the middle of Aogashima-san’s words, someone called out to me from behind and I turned around. Then three smart-looking boys with glasses held out the back cover of a stamp book to us.

“Hidden stamps, please!”

Aogashima-san and I exchanged looks of delight as we both looked at each other. I never thought anyone would notice the hidden element that we had so quickly and painstakingly put into it.

“I’m amazed you figured it out. That’s great. You’re probably the first one.”

Aogashima-san praised the boys. The boys were instantly excited. This stamp book has a riddle in it, and by solving it, they could get the information that a member of the festival committee has a hidden stamp.

I took the stamps out of my pocket and stamped them in rapid succession. The emblem of Fuyo High School appeared in a circle in the center of the back cover.

“Show it at the prize booth and you’ll get a special prize. Don’t lose it.”

“Thank you!”

The boys waved at us and headed back down the stairs they came from.

“The stamp rally is a great idea. I’m glad to see it now.”

When I felt up close that people were actually enjoying themselves in this way, I was filled with a sense of accomplishment.

“…I think so, too. It’s thanks to you, Shirase, that we were able to make it happen.”

“No, that’s not true. It’s Aogashima-san’s power.”

Yeah. I felt comfortable in my relationship with Aogashima-san. The words we exchange were soothing to the heart. We were alike in some way, and I felt at ease when I am with her. I guess that was why I was attracted to her. That’s why…I wanted to keep our relationship as it was, if at all possible. I would love to be able to cleanly remove all romantic feelings from our relationship and build a good friendship.

As my chest was filled with impossible idealism, we arrived at the rooftop. The rooftop was closed during the Fuyo Festival. But we have a master key for patrolling, so it was easy to get in. We inserted it into the keyhole and turned it. My body naturally felt a rejection toward the click sound.

“Hey, Shirase-kun. If something happens, will you help me?”

“That’s…obvious.”

When I nodded, Aogashima-san turned her head down, her cheeks tinted with happiness. Maybe…That was a little too cool on my end. With a little regret, I suddenly realized.

Angels of Death Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles 86 Eighty-Six Idoly Pride Scarlet Nexus But as a matter of course, I came with Aogashima-san. Even though she was also a participant in the 『Confession Quartet』, I couldn’t let her get involved this far if I thought about it calmly.

“No, wait. Aogashima-san—”

However, Aogashima-san, paying no heed to my restraint, took the initiative and leaned her weight on the door to open it.

“I will not wait. I always want to be next to Shirase-kun.”

I was momentarily transfixed by her bewitching smile against the blue sky and fence. But I immediately shook my head and thought of Nagisa, who was waiting for me, trusting me. In the sunlight, I placed my feet on the rubber-chip floor, a few inches below the step.

Let’s get rid of the angel, shake off the past we don’t know, and start over from here. With my feet on the ground, I would walk through this world, my one and only reality, with Nagisa.

That was what I thought. Even though I thought so.

Someone landed lightly next to me. Without turning my eyes, I saw a red ribbon swaying at the edge of my vision. No, before that. I recognized her immediately, just from the air she brought, just from the slight breath I felt.

“I knew it, Suguru-senpai was also called by Ocupido-san.”

“Eh, N-Nagisa? How did you—?”

When I was surprised, I was pushed from behind forcefully. I stumbled and fell to my hands and knees on the floor.

“Ah. Sorry, Shirase, you were just in my way.”

“We’re outsiders, but I don’t know if we’re allowed to come in.”

“That angel told me to come, so I guess I don’t have a choice.”

Kuroiwa Aika passed by me, followed by Minagi and Yuuhi.

The place where the battle was about to be quietly settled was now filled with people who knew each other. This was not good.

No matter what it proposed, I would never agree to it and would immediately turn on my heel. That was the plan. It would have been an easy mission if I had to tackle it alone. But if there were six of us, there was no way I could pull it off.

“Damn it…it got me.”

Muttering, I stood up, clenching my fists tightly. Then.

“Thanks a lot, you’re all here on time. I’m moved.”

Ocupido’s voice came down from above. I looked up to see it floating above us, out of our reach, with its usual wry smile on its face.

And everyone here was accepting it. In other words, they all knew about this joke of an angel. I don’t need to confirm it anymore.

Ocupido was talking to all six of us here.

As quickly as I could, I grabbed Nagisa’s hand. I didn’t know what was going to happen from now on. So, I wanted to be able to protect her no matter what. I didn’t have time to worry about the fact that Nagisa didn’t hold my hand back.

“Well, everyone. Thank you very much for coming despite my sudden invitation. As I mentioned earlier, your relationship appears to be a bit strained.”

No one said anything back. Strangely enough, neither did Minagi and Yuuhi. We four were still in the middle of it, but was there something wrong with them as well?

“So, this time, I propose a new game called—『Remember Rally』!”

Ocupido declared in high spirits. Was it a game like the 『Confession Quartet』 that was previously held? …No, don’t be fooled. That was not important.

“No, I refuse!”

I shouted to the sky with all my might. Anyway, I’ve done it first. There was no need to listen to the angel’s words. I have already made up my mind.

“We’re not going to play those silly games! It is true that you may be right now about our relationship. But that’s a problem that should be managed between us alone!”

Ocupido looked at me with cold, unsympathetic eyes, as if assessing me.

“Haa. I see. Then I regret to inform you, Shirase-san, but you may leave on your own.”

“No, what are you talking—”

As I tried to argue, I realized. Our hands, which were supposed to be held together, were now separated. I slowly looked at Nagisa. Nagisa looked uncomfortable, awkward and it told me without making eye contact.

“I’m sorry. I want to participate. …I didn’t want Suguru-senpai to hate me.”

I didn’t understand what she meant. Me, hating Nagisa?

“No, why would I hate you? How can that be?”

Nagisa did not answer. I looked up at Ocupido again. I made the sharpest look of my life, intending to shoot it dead. It must its fault. It must have told Nagisa something it shouldn’t have.

“So, what are you going to do, Shirase-san? Don’t worry, you won’t be hurt badly whether you participate or not. Compared to the last game — though you may not know it — this is a bonus stage, so to speak, where you have infinitely less to lose.”

Could I buy that?

I twisted my head and look around behind me. Aogashima-san looked away. Kuroiwa looked like she was pondering about something, and Minagi looked worriedly at Yuuhi. And Yuuhi was staring at me. It seemed that everyone was planning to participate except me. I couldn’t just leave under the circumstances.

“…I get it, I’ll join.”

Ahhh, so this was what happened in the end. It was the moment I answered with resignation. I felt as if something was being pulled out from inside my body, and my whole body trembled.

…What was that just now?

“Thank you. Now, may I ask you one question before I start explaining the rules? Shirase Suguru. Can you tell us about the time when you started dating Tokiwa Minagi?”

Ocupido stopped floating, jumped down in front of me, and came close to me as I backed away. Then, provocatively, it tilted its head innocently.

“Why do I have to answer that?”

While acting defiantly, my memory was beginning a solid search. I was searching for the memories of Minagi that were stored in my head—Eh?

That’s strange.

Two years from second-year of middle school to first-year of high school. Two autumns, two winters, two springs, two summers. We must have spent a lot of happy and painful times together.

And yet.

Why—Can’t I remember?

“…Eh? Minagi and I started dating… Oh, no, that’s the thing. I remember. I saw it at the library. Minagi was there. And then—”

The episode I was pulling out of my throat was not a real memory. It was just a retelling of a conversation I had with Minagi on the phone. There was nothing left in me. What the hell, what is this?

“Not that, I wanted to ask you about when you started going out with her after that.　Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten? Even though they’re memories that mean so much to you?”

I clenched my head with my right hand. Trying to squeeze out my memories. Still, not a drop, not a grain, nothing came to mind. I hastily pulled out candy from my chest pocket. All it did was told me that I was in reality. It doesn’t tell me the answer to the key question.

“Hey Suguru, get a grip. That’s a bit harsh—Huh? Eh? No way.”

Minagi held her head in her hands. The same thing must be happening to her. Kuroiwa, Yuuhi, and Aogashima-san, who saw this, were also very surprised as if they had realized what was missing from their own memories.

“And so~, I’ll tell you a story! As a matter of fact, I have six of each of your precious memories in my custody!”

Ocupido’s voice sounded as if it was enjoying our situation.

My memories, in custody?

“Nagisa—”

I ran up to Nagisa, who was standing still. I grabbed her shoulders and we stared at each other. She was the sister of my ex-girlfriend, a junior at the same school, and a potential lover. She made me delicious cookies. We bought matching straps. On my birthday, we stood in Chinatown and ate a big bowl of shumai. It was okay. I still remembered everything.

“Do you remember me? Do you remember what birthday present you gave me? And, um, where did you give me the cookies? What number did you have in mind at the time?”

“Eh? Umm, pass case, and the train platform. I don’t remember the number anymore…but I do remember that Suguru-senpai miraculously guessed it and brought me up here.”

I was glad she hadn’t forgotten. With relief, my strength suddenly slipped away and I collapse to my knees.

“Hey, Suguru-senpai—!?”

Nagisa shook me worriedly. Yeah, this was no time to be relieved at all. The commotion was still going on.

“G-Give it back! Now! It’s my precious memory with Yuno!”

Especially over there. Kuroiwa was clutching Ocupido’s feather as hard as she could and was about to punch it.

“W-Well, well, please calm down. I’ll give it back to you under the right conditions. Here, please take this.”

Ocupido snapped its fingers, and then, bam. A thin booklet of some sort fell in front of us. It was a stamp book for the Fuyo Festival stamp rally.

“…Six people, six memories, no way.”

Aogashima-san muttered. I immediately noticed the coincidence, too. That’s right. There were six courses in this stamp rally, and each course corresponds to six exhibits.

I immediately opened the stamp book. The first one, the 『Enjoy Course』 had my picture on it, which was not supposed to be printed. Six neatly lined up circles. The conditions of each course were to be fulfilled in order to receive a stamp in a circle. The moment I touched one of them — a sentence appeared in the air.

【Meeting Sasakura Sakuma】──High School First-Year, April. After school, Shirase Suguru was approached by Sasakura Sakuma. How did Suguru answer Sakuma’s casual question?

“What’s with this…synopsis kind of writing?”

Yes. It really only seemed like a synopsis of a book I didn’t know, like something else. I recognized that Sakuma was indeed my friend. However, I cannot recall even a fragment of how I got to know him as well as what happened with Minagi.

“Well, everyone. I’m sure you have already noticed. One stamp corresponds to one memory. By pressing the stamp, you could retrieve the corresponding memory from me!”

I see. …So this is a game where we go around pushing the corresponding stamps to get back the memories that were taken away from us.”

“Yes, Shirase-san. That is one way to look at it. The 『Remember Rally』 is a game in which you collect memories by stamping them. The 『Remember Rally』 will be held until the end of the Fuyo Festival tomorrow. There is plenty of time. See, it’s a very simple game, isn’t it?”

Certainly, it was not as difficult as one might think, if only the rules were followed now. It was me, a member of the executive committee, who designed the course so that it could be filled in half a day.

“Then, I have a question. If it’s called a game, then there’s a winner and a loser, right?”

Kuroiwa raised her hand, stamp book in hand, ponytail swinging.

“Yes, that’s right. The participant who collects the most memories wins.”

“The most—”

I felt uncomfortable as I unconsciously repeated that. Why did Ocupido emphasize that point now? Because no matter what I thought, the game should end with everyone collecting six stamps to clear the game. I have a bad feeling about this. Before I could ask any questions, Minagi raised her hand straight away.

“Yes There are prizes for the winners, right? Are you sure all the winners get one?”

“Of course. The winner will receive a special seat for the fireworks display at the after-party!”

A wait-and-see kind of silence passed between us in response to Ocupido’s high-spiritedness. It was Kuroiwa who broke the silence.

“Eh, what? Fireworks? Is there such a thing?”

“…That’s a spoiler.”

Aogashima-san pointed it out, annoyed. Yes, the fireworks were a surprise. It was the first project of the year, coming from the first-year committee members. I had planned to surprise Nagisa by inviting her, too, but I had no idea that she would find out in this way.

“Hey, that’s not what you told me!”

Next, an accusatory voice echoed. The voice belonged to Yuuhi. Nagisa also gave a small nod. Ocupido laughed and held up its hands to settle the situation.

“Oops, sorry. The special seat for the fireworks was only the grand prize. The second prize is—as I told you in advance—the right to ‘hear out one true thought of any person,’ so don’t worry!”

In advance? I never heard a word about that. Yet again, no one seemed surprised except me. Even Aogashima-san seemed calm. I guess I was the only one who hasn’t heard about it…

In other words, everyone was participating in this game in order to know someone’s true feelings.

But it was funny. If it was a special seat at the fireworks, they were still going to get the real feeling out of someone? Also. Impractical, paranormal power. There was no way such a contest could be risk-free.

“In case you lose, what happens?”

“In case? Shirase-san, what are you saying? One of us will surely lose, right?”

“Heh, surely?”

Minagi placed her finger on her cheek, looking interested, yet extremely uncomfortable. It seemed that she could already see the conclusion of this conversation.

“Yes, because the game is over when the five of you have completed your courses.”

I knew it, so that was how it was—!

“Does that mean one of us is definitely going to miss their memory?”

“Well, never be too sure right? For example, miraculously, the last stamp is pressed at the same time without a moment’s error… Except for such exceptions, it is as you predicted.”

“… What happens when the game is over and we lost our memories?”

Aogashima-san asked. Yes, perhaps this was the crux of the game.

“Well, let’s say, for example, that Shirase-san — you — were defeated, having forgotten your memories of Tokiwa Minagi. Now you are still aware of the ‘result’ that Minagi-san is your ex-girlfriend, right? Surely you still have some nostalgia and affection for her?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

I nodded. I can’t remember what exactly happened, but the feelings I have for her are the same.

“But since there are no ‘memories’ to hold the outcome together, if the condition continues, the feeling will fade away. In the end, Shirase-san’s perception is — he participated in the 『Remember Rally』 and lost his memory. Apparently, he forgot all memories of his ex-girlfriend. But he can’t remember. When she appears in front of him, she is no different from a stranger. Rather, he would be afraid that she had known him. …I guess that’s about it.”

“Wow, that’s terrible, Suguru. What did those two years I devoted to you mean for you?”

“You don’t remember either. And you probably didn’t do your best.”

I quickly responded without a pause. We both don’t remember, but we remember this kind of atmosphere. But if I don’t get my memories back, even this atmosphere would disappear.

“And then──the various lessons Shirase-san learned in his relationship with Minagi-san and the growth of his heart would be gone. You can think of it as all of this will be lost on Shirase. Perhaps even his personality will change. After all—it is the process that makes up a person’s character.”

I clenched my fists. That was my theory. I was annoyed to be quoted like that. It was just as annoying as the fact that it was using the project that Aogashima-san and I had made together in this way.

“Then, everyone. Please think carefully about the essence of this game and enjoy it to the fullest. If there are no other questions—My explanation is over.”

Ocupido bowed deeply and swooped off, leaving only the worst situation for us behind.

After the game started, we were each stunned for a while on the rooftop. Minagi was leaning against the fence looking at the sky, and Yuuhi next to her was looking over the fence at the cityscape. Kuroiwa was lying on her back with her hands on the water tower, mumbling to herself. Nagisa wandered around restlessly. Aogashima-san was nowhere to be seen. She was probably behind the water tower. I was sitting on the rubber-chip floor, licking a grape-flavored candy.

Each one of us was revealing his or her own form of anxiety, and yet we all have one thing in common: we all have stamp books open in our hands. And so everyone took their time to see what they had lost. It was a necessary time for all of us.

The six memories I have lost, in chronological order, were: 【Sports Festival】 【Amusement Park With My Family】【School Trip】【Dating Tokiwa Minagi】【Meeting Sasakura Sakuma】【Committe Work With Aogashima Yuno】. The first three were not important, but the last three were painful. Especially with Minagi — I couldn’t imagine what would happen to me if I completely forgot about her.

“Um, Suguru-senpai. What Ocupido-san just said…What is the essence of the game?”

Nagisa must have finally calmed down, she bent down a little in front of me and tilted her head.

“Yeah. Before this game started, Ocupid told me that our relationship was in trouble. If you combine that with these rules…”

“Basically, a game in which you sacrifice at least one person’s memory, to normalize the relationship. Right?”

Standing beside me, it was Kuroiwa who summed it up succinctly. She crossed her arms behind her head and leaned against the fence.

“At the expense of our memories…”

“That’s going to happen. If the game ends when five people have collected six stamps, then of course the last person will have collected less than five stamps. If we do not match up and collect as we please, that person may end up with only three or four stamps. So we will discuss this, decide that one person’s memories are “unnecessary,” and cut them off.”

Nagisa also seemed to realize what was happening and turned over. Kuroiwa sighed.

“Even Kuroiwa who said it join the game.”

“Haa? I don’t agree with it. I’m not even interested in rewards. I’m just like you. Of course, I didn’t want to participate in this garbage game. But…Yuno.”

“Aogashima-san?”

As I asked, I thought back to Aogashima-san, who was hidden and invisible from here. I firmly remember that she confessed to me. But from there on, it was no good anymore. I couldn’t remember the time I spent with her until today. It seemed that I rejected Aogashima-san. I know this because I remember telling Nagisa and Kuroiwa about it.

I was not dating Aogashima. I vowed to continue the progress of my relationship with Nagisa. But I have special feelings for Aogashima-san. And I felt awkward that my heart moved that way.

I don’t know what happened between me and her. But I do know this…This is a bad feeling. It is a feeling that should not exist and must be hidden.

“…This is a disaster.”

I let out my feelings, and Nagisa and Kuroiwa both responded with an “Eh?” I cleared my throat in amazement.

“No, I’m talking about myself. Go on, Kuroiwa. How did you get into this game?”

“Hmmm. I was told by that angel. That I’m the only one who can save Yuno. …Well, I don’t remember any memories of Yuno right now.”

I rolled up the stamp book in my hand. On the Kuroiwa courses, there were two items describing her memories of Aogashima-san: 【Becoming Friends With Aogashima Yuno】 and 【Days Spent With Aogashima Yuno】. Other items included 【Piano Recitals】 and【Big Fight With Brother】.

[…but you know what? The feeling in my heart hasn’t changed at all. I love Yuno. I love her. So, I and Yuno will clear the game quickly and get out of it.”

“No, wait, Kuroiwa. I told you. First of all, let’s talk about this properly with everyone—”

Kuroiwa spun around and headed for the rooftop door, but I held her back.

“Haa? It’s doesn’t really matter. If you just forget about your memories of the 【Sports Festival】, everything will be fine, won’t it? It seems to me that forgetting about it would not be a problem, no matter how you look at it.”

“That’s—”

She has a point. But intuitively, I felt it was wrong. While I was unable to argue with her, Minagi came over and patted Kuroiwa on the shoulder. Behind her, Yuuhi, who was wary of Kuroiwa, was hiding.

“…You’re Kuroiwa-san? You don’t really think that’s a problem? You’re just pretending you haven’t noticed.”

Kuroiwa immediately glared at Minagi, but she flinched, defeated by Minagi’s penetrating gaze. One look was all it takes. Kuroiwa was not a match for Minagi.

“Y-You’re Shirase’s ex-girlfriend, aren’t you? You’ve got a lot of guts coming out of nowhere to pick a fight.”

“Oh, my. I’m sorry for being so business-minded, aren’t I? I am Tokiwa Minagi. Oh, I’m not just an ex-girlfriend. I’m his ex-girlfriend and sister-in-law.

Kuroiwa looked at Nagisa and me. I cowered my shoulders, meaning no comment on what she had said.

“Here, don’t look away. Hey, Kuroiwa-san. You don’t think these six memories were chosen at random, do you? Even if you don’t remember the details, you will know them when you read the synopsis. Each memory is an important event that shaped who we are today.”

Before I knew it, we were waiting for Minagi’s words. She had been like that before she started dating me. She was smart, friendly, had leadership qualities, and people quickly gathered around her. To sum it up —she had the strength to dominate the place.

“In other words, bad judgment is dangerous. That’s what the angel said. If the memories disappear, the character is affected.”

She still has that quality in her. I was sure she has a natural way of telling stories like this, even if she doesn’t aim for it. She also looked at Kuroiwa in a way that deliberately provoked her.

“What do you want me to do, then?”

Kuroiwa took it in stride and was drawn out of the question as Minagi wished. Everything was going exactly as Minagi envisioned.

“In short, my opinion is this. If I had to choose only one memory to throw away, wouldn’t it be safer to choose a new memory than an old one? Do you get it? I don’t care how you think about it, the experiences we have when we are little have a deeper impact on our personality development. The most recent ones are less damaging, and more predictable in their outcomes.”

“Whose memories are you going to erase?”

“Hmmm, well, is that a discussion or a fair game of rock-paper-scissors?”

Even when I lost my memory, I knew that before I started dating her. Tokiwa Minagi was this kind of person. She has the quality of thinking rationally and choosing the most effective conclusion on the spot.

However.

“…That’s not the best option.”

I muttered a few words and slowly got up.

“Yes. I know, Suguru. The truth is that there is a correct answer prepared by Ocupido-san. I understand that you are that kind of person, even if you don’t have any memories. You are saying that we should gather information, discuss, and think about what the right answer is, right? That’s what the process is all about, isn’t it? But two days is not enough time to go that far.”

Minagi, without the slightest flinch, read all my intentions and then dared to shift the subject. Yeah, we were probably going to fight over this.

“No, that’s just the next best thing, in my mind. The best thing would be for no one to lost their memories.””

It was an answer that goes against the rules given, I know. But these rules were crazy to begin with. We couldn’t simply deny someone a precious memory and pretend it never happened. I couldn’t accept to deny the process and only get the result.

For a moment, everyone but Minagi looked convinced. But Akikusa Yuuhi immediately pointed at me and bit me to negate such an atmosphere.

“Ha, then why don’t you just pursue your ideals for two days? This is not a problem for you alone. Shirase. Do you have any idea how scary it is to have your precious memories of your girlfriend taken away from you?”

Yuuhi was certainly right. But I have lost other precious memories as well. However, there was nothing I could do about it, even if I put such an argument to a younger boy.

Now, what should I do?

It has already been 30 minutes since the game started. I think about it while holding down my decreasing appetite. Oh, no. The flow was completely going towards Minagi’s side. This silence was waiting for me to break it. But I couldn’t give up so easily here. But what should I do? I have no cards in my hand that I could play.

“Please, Minagi. Just a little bit, please think of a way to make the best of it with me.”

Just as I was about to make a bold request to Minagi, Aogashima Yuno returned from behind the water tower.

“There is no need for that.”

She told her matter-of-factly, with no expression on her face. But if you look closely, you could see a slight redness around her eyes. I wonder if she was crying. She opened her mouth and closed it. Once, I felt her throat rise and fall. Then once more, her lips opened, following her determined eyes.

“…I’ll take the role of the loser.”

“No, Aogashima-san. Wait…”

Interrupting my words, Aogashima-san held up the stamp book out towards us. At the same time, she pointed to one of the circles in the course with a neatly trimmed, slightly shiny fingernail.

【Days Of Thinking About Shirase Suguru】──Aogashima Yuno fell in love at first sight with Shirase Suguru. Yuno confessed her feelings to Suguru, and as she cooperated with him as a member of the festival committee, she herself changed.

“That’s the right answer the angel was referring to.”

I looked for words of rebuttal. I wanted to argue that it was wrong. But I couldn’t come up with anything.

“I see, I think…that’s good.”

It was Nagisa who first got on board. She muttered with a hesitant exhale.

“Aogashima-san. I’m sorry, I don’t know what’s going on, but if that’s what you want—”

Minagi was next to get on board. If this was overlooked, it would be a decisive factor.

No matter how reasonable it was, no matter how few votes against it, no matter how much Aogashima-san herself wanted it. I couldn’t accept such a conclusion.

I don’t remember my relationship with Aogashima-san. However, I do know the changes in her behavior in the classroom. If I believe the “synopsis” given by Aogashima-san, then I was sure that her changes would disappear if she discarded her memories of me. She would start to reject her surroundings again, just as she has done in the past.

Certainly, if Aogashima-san forgets her love for me, our relationship would come to an end.

I knew Nagisa’s sad expression.

I knew the sad look on Kuroiwa’s face.

I knew my own contradictory feelings.

“No, we can’t, Aogashima-san. Everyone. At least think harder about what the right answer is—”

Rejecting my desperate plea, Aogashima-san calmly and slowly shook her head.

“No. I don’t care about that. I just want to forget about it.”

If I looked closely, I could see that Aogashima-san was clutching a notebook behind her stamp book. It read “DIARY.”. It looked familiar, but I couldn’t remember.

But it must have been a diary in which Aogashima-san had clearly written down events that she had forgotten. I could see this from the indescribable expression on her face.

“I know. I know how I feel. The cry of my heart. So—this was the only correct answer for me.

She then connected her non-consecutive past self with her present self and came up with an answer.

Her answer was to leave the past behind.

“That’s—”

It was wrong. She chose to change, she wanted to change, and she actually did. It was absolutely wrong to deny herself that.

If she didn’t like me, she could have said that clearly.

But I was the one who was making her suffer. No one has the right to impose their principles on her by denying her future. So I couldn’t say anything more. I must not say anything.

Instead, I look at Kuroiwa. But Kuroiwa’s eyes shook as if she was lost. Why? You just said you would save Aogashima-san. If that was what Ocupido said, then Aogashima-san’s choice must be a mistake, right?

And yet, you aren’t doing anything. Even you would have been happy to see her change.

Still, Kuroiwa Aika remained silent.

The discussion had reached a stalemate. No one could offer any more opinions. So, taking the wind as our cue, we simply remained silent and left the rooftop.

Thus, with the sacrifice of one person, it was decided to proceed with the game peacefully.