Chapter 127

SUMMERTIME RECORD SIDE -NO. 9- Having the whole story get wrapped up when I take my eyes off him for a moment… I really think Shintaro’s gotten off, like, super easy, you know? I mean, come on, I had to go through that same story, like, dozens of times. Plus, I think Takane only gave the story a serious effort the first couple of times or so. You know how much she hates repeating herself. I’m glad to see she’s gotten a little more cheerful, though. I kind of liked how snippy she used to be, too, but you know what? I like Ene, too. All that frenetic energy. The thought crossed my mind as I carried on with my sullen, barren existence. “…Um, you know you’re saying all that out loud, right?” “Oh, was I? Sorry. I guess being here is kinda numbing my senses, huh?” “Nice excuse…” We were inside Takane’s Kagerou Daze, sitting on top of a pile of rubble in the ruins of a city, and our conversation was just as unproductive as ever. She was next to me, in a blue hoodie and black skirt, and she was just as miffed as usual. “But, hey, why do you have to be in such a bad mood around me? ’Cause when everyone else was around, you were all like, ‘Oooh, maaaaster’…” “Daaahhh! Shut up, shut up! Ugh, just talking to you is exhausting.” “You say that, but it’s not like you can really get tired in this world—” “See? That! That’s what exhausts me! You see?!” Between that and our other exchanges, I was actually starting to enjoy things. I knew it was a fake world and everything, but just getting to see Takane left me pretty satisfied. “Oh, but did you hear?” “Hear what?” “We’re gonna get a phone call pretty soon.” “Oh right. Guess we better get going, huh?” A short silence. I looked quizzically at Takane. She was still pouting. “This world,” she began, a bit forlorn. “Doesn’t it seem like a bugged-out video game to you? It’s like anything can happen inside it. It rubs me the wrong way.” …Ah. I get it now. I crafted a smile for her. “You always were a sore loser, weren’t you, Takane?” She crossed her arms at the jab, sniffing in her detached way. “Of course I am! You think it’s fun to keep losing all the time? I keep playing until I win. What about you?” I gave an unhesitating grimace to her world-beating smile. I guess I pick up on other people’s habits pretty easily. Her habits anyway. “Well, what do you think? Next time, for sure…”