Chapter 95

DAZE2 It was a long, long tale, but oddly, it didn’t seem like any time was passing at all. That might be because we were stuck in this space. Or maybe it was because everything Haruka said was so fresh that it drew me in, making me forget all about the passage of time. After he finished, Haruka sighed softly and looked back toward me. “…Sorry that went on for so long, I guess.” I shook my head. I tried to say something, too, but I couldn’t come up with anything decent. Just like back then, come to think of it. When Haruka revealed his illness to me at his place. I had nothing for him then, either. I had just frozen. Two years, and I haven’t grown at all since then. But I had to say something. I selected a few words and brought them to my lips. “Um…That’s amazing. I can’t believe you were the guy behind Konoha…” Haruka looked away bashfully. “Sorry I couldn’t tell you over on the other side,” he apologized. Judging by the story, though, I don’t think he ever had the ability. Konoha had his own personality. He was the one moving Haruka’s body around right now. Listening to Haruka’s story must have jogged my memory a little. I began to remember the broad outlines of how I came here. How I lived out the two years since Haruka died. I dropped out of school. I holed up in my room. Enomoto somehow transformed into this ball of wicked energy and set up shop inside my computer. I still haven’t forgiven her for that. Then I met the Blindfold Gang…As I recalled it, I couldn’t believe that I somehow forgot about everything. It was all just so surreal. Oh yeah. I joined the Mekakushi-Dan. And I needed to get back fast, so I could help out with Operation: Conquer Kagerou Daze or whatever it was. I had to break out of here as soon as possible. But I was missing one vital key. One final thing I still couldn’t recall. The day we went to Marie’s house. My memories from the day after that until I’d arrived here…For some reason, I just couldn’t call it up. Which bothered me. “…Shintaro. I told you at the start that there’s something I need to ‘clear up.’ You remember that?” “Yeah…Yeah, you mentioned it. Did your story have part of that?” “No, it didn’t. I’m gonna talk about it now…” Haruka paused, composing himself, then spoke anew— “You said you don’t remember why you came here. Is that…really true?” Really true? I arched my eyebrows. “Uh, sure it is. What, are you doubting me? Why do you ask?” Haruka’s face immediately darkened. “I mean, there’s no way you couldn’t remember, the moment you looked at my face. You don’t have to lie to make me feel better…” “Huhh? No, uh…Like, I totally don’t know what you’re talking about. And more than anything right now, I really want to know!” “You’re been acting strange this whole time, besides. You see what kind of screwed up place we’re in. How can you act all composed like that? It’s weird.” …It’s fine, Haruka. You don’t have to say it. “Come on, Shintaro. You gotta remember it. Besides…” …No. Please don’t say it. You can’t…!