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White, pure clouds drifted like gauze across the refreshing blue sky.
As the passenger plane soared above, with acceleration pressing against her back, Kasumigaoka Utaha realized that from this moment on, she might never again return to the country where she was born, to the land she once called home.
This departure would last a lifetime—it meant she was saying goodbye to this land forever.
Kasumigaoka Utaha gazed down at the earth, at her hometown, the city that had kept her grounded. The culture, the scenery—everything here was now precious to her.
If possible, she didn't want to leave. If possible, she wanted to live on this land forever. But she understood—she had to choose to go.
She glanced sideways at the man beside her.
The only other person had decided to leave Japan and return to his home country.
She had come to terms with it and hadn't even suggested staying together in Japan, because she knew he wouldn't agree.
"I'll be back one day. Don't worry."
Sensing her gaze, Yuji tried to reassure her.
"If you're trying to comfort me, please use a better reason."
"I'm serious."
"I am serious. The risk of flying a plane is low right now because it was recently inspected by professionals. But over time, the risk will inevitably increase. Even if you're willing to fly, I won't be willing to sit in it."
Kasumigaoka Utaha spoke with calm logic, her wine-red eyes filled with sincerity.
"Then I'll just have to master the knowledge and skills needed for passenger aircraft logistics."
"Honestly, I think swimming back to Japan might be more realistic."
So heartless!
His goal was clearly to give her hope. In less than 360 days, she could live in the world she longed for.
In that world, she had family, friends—everything she wished for now.
"Then I hope you can swim back to Japan as soon as possible."
"I will. I'm looking forward to it."
Takeoff, climbing, banking, course confirmation—Yuji's seamless series of operations left Kasumigaoka Utaha quietly stunned as she watched from the side.
A passenger plane was far more complicated than a helicopter, yet Yuji's confident handling surprised her. He was younger than her, yet so skilled.
Whenever she was around Yuji, she would subconsciously forget that he was younger. His demeanor constantly radiated maturity.
"Let's go, let's go…"
That was Yuji's way of reminding her they were setting off. No matter who you are, knowing this may be your final farewell to your homeland stirs a deep nostalgia.
Even Yuji was no exception.
"Hm…"
Kasumigaoka Utaha looked eastward, where Mount Fuji stood—the most iconic mountain in Japan. As a sacred mountain, it held high significance.
This departure was truly a final farewell.
"Goodbye… Japan…"
Sadness welled up inside her, so palpable that even Yuji beside her could feel it.
This was the true reaction of someone leaving their homeland for good.
At this moment, Kasumigaoka Utaha was incredibly real.
"I'll come back, trust me."
This time, Kasumigaoka Utaha didn't deny it.
"Wait, what is that…"
A change in the distant landscape caught her eye, and she instinctively spoke up.
Yuji followed her gaze and was stunned, completely unprepared for what he saw in the east.
A black haze rose and spread, darkening the distant sky. A deafening rumble reached their ears.
Both of their expressions changed in shock.
A voice, strange yet familiar.
"It's… a volcanic eruption…"
Yes, there could be no other explanation.
"Why now… Why is our world becoming like this…"
Kasumigaoka Utaha stared toward the east.
She knew—it was Mount Fuji erupting. It was an active volcano, yes, but it hadn't erupted in 300 years. And yet, the world had changed. Humanity had vanished in less than ten days. The eruption came on the second day after the massive earthquake. She couldn't help but connect the two.
"Don't worry. This will pass."
They wouldn't be affected by the eruption.
The plane shifted course, heading toward the Eastern Union.
"But… we…"
In that moment, Kasumigaoka Utaha recalled the terror of the earthquake.
Her body trembled, cold sweat broke out, and her face paled.
Yuji noticed it from the corner of his eye, and his expression darkened. Who would've thought she'd show symptoms of stress response at that moment?
"Hey, Kasumigaoka, think positive thoughts!"
"Deep breaths, come on…"
He still needed time to get the plane into the stratosphere and switch to autopilot. Otherwise, it'd be dangerous.
"Hah… I can't breathe…"
Still strapped in her seat, her face had gone pale, and her voice trembled slightly.
"Think of something else. The eruption isn't a threat to us, and the earthquake already—"
Yuji suddenly realized—it wasn't the eruption. That was just the trigger. The real cause was the earthquake.
Without hesitation, he reached over with his right hand and grabbed her left hand.
"It's okay. I'm here with you."
Physical contact can often help alleviate stress.
"I'm okay!"
But the girl gripped his hand tightly with both of hers, as if afraid he'd let go.
"Yes, you're okay. Just breathe. Think about something happy. Think about your parents, your friends…"
"They're all gone…"
She was holding back an overwhelming wave of sadness and helplessness. She had never shown such vulnerability before.
But this time, she couldn't hold it in.
Yuji trembled.
This was his fault.
The system's random selection had brought her into this "Lonely Doomsday."
He had to take responsibility. He never planned to run from it.
"They'll come back. One day, you'll see them again."
"Really…?"
Her voice carried a complicated mix of desperate hope and suppressed expectations.
"Really. If they could disappear suddenly, then they can appear suddenly, too. We just have to survive."
"Hm…"
Feeling the steady warmth of Yuji's hand, she finally began to calm down, humming softly.
…
Yuji gripped the control stick with his left hand and adjusted the aircraft's posture. The plane was still in the troposphere, where turbulence made manual control necessary.
His right hand was still tightly held by Kasumigaoka Utaha. The tremble and pressure in her grasp told Yuji she was still under stress, though much better than before.
She hadn't yet overcome the trauma of that earthquake. Psychological wounds remained.
Thirty seconds.
One minute.
Ten minutes.
Finally, the plane reached the stratosphere smoothly.
Twenty seconds later, it stabilized into steady flight.
"Phew…"
Yuji let out a breath of relief.
That stretch had been grueling.
Takeoff was one thing, but what really worried him was her stress response. If she went into shock—what could he do?
Thankfully, the most dangerous phase had passed. Now, the aircraft could be temporarily left to autopilot.
"Kasumigaoka, let's head to the back. I need to check how you're doing."
"I… I feel a lot better now."
Her voice was faint, and her tone gentle. She was doing her best to act recovered.
"Let's go. I suggest you leave the cockpit and rest in first class. It's more comfortable there."
"I don't want to…"
As she refused, she squeezed his hand tighter, afraid he'd leave her behind.
"I see. Then come with me to the back for a bit. I just want to check on you."
"Don't you need to stay here?"
"We're on autopilot now. It's safe. Let me just take a look." Normally he wouldn't leave the cockpit, but seeing her like this, he couldn't help but worry. The risk of leaving the controls briefly was minimal now.
"I really…"
She still wanted to reject his concern.
"Just a quick check. Don't worry, I'm not going to take advantage of you."
Yuji, seeing her hesitation, assumed she was uncomfortable with physical contact.
"No, I just…"
She hesitated but knew silence would only make Yuji worry more. So she swallowed her embarrassment.
"It's just… I feel weak. I don't think I can stand."
Her hands had strength, but her legs didn't… Something Yuji hadn't expected.
"I really want to help, but it's a bit tricky."
There were too many switches in the cockpit. If she bumped any by accident, it could be disastrous.
He looked her over again. She did seem better—still pale, but no longer trembling.
"Sorry. I didn't expect… this to happen."
She was full of guilt. She knew she'd caused trouble.
"It's the world's fault."
"And who is the world?"
After a moment, Kasumigaoka Utaha cracked a joke to break the tension.
"It's not about who. It's just… I mean, come on…"
"Pfft… haha…"
Three seconds later, she burst into laughter.
The girl couldn't hold back her smile, and all that pent-up sorrow was washed away in that moment.
The fear of death brought on by disaster had finally lessened.
"Are you some kind of comedian?"
"I'm just a high school student."
A high school student? Kasumigaoka Utaha thought of all those protagonists who claimed to be "ordinary" students, yet were secretly unbeatable.
"A typical high school student, huh? But you do know most male protagonists in light novels say they're ordinary high schoolers while being surrounded by pretty girls, fighting epic battles, and winning in life…"
She was in her element now, and her words flowed naturally. If Yuji hadn't been watching closely, he wouldn't have seen the shadow still lingering on her face.
"Do you want to be that kind of student?"
Even if I did, I don't think I have the chance. I won't be some hero surrounded by girls. I'm just a nobody trying to survive the end of the world.
"The end of the world… yeah. It really is."
People disappearing, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions—everything screamed apocalypse.
"Feeling better now?"
"Yes, much better. Thank you."
Yuji's words had been blunt—telling her to breathe or think of her family—but they had worked no better than offering boiled water for illness.
Still, his steady, warm hands had soothed her more than anything.
"So… can you let go of my hand now?"
Yuji pointed at his right hand.
"Y-yeah…"
She hesitated before slowly loosening her grip. The moment their skin lost contact, her heart trembled, and unease returned.
I'm starting to feel bad again.
Her hands moved on their own.
But…
"Eh…"
She hadn't expected Yuji to grab her hand again.
"Let me hold it a bit longer. I'm addicted to the softness."
He even playfully squeezed twice.
Kasumigaoka Utaha was stunned, then frowned in mock anger.
"See? All men are pigs. Just like you, Yuji·Gorilla·Jun. You'll never get close to any girl. But this time, I, Lady Kasumigaoka Utaha, will be generous and forgive your shameless behavior. Be grateful!"
Was he acting the fool on purpose to give her an emotional outlet? Still, he was clearly enjoying it a little.
Yet somehow, that felt… okay.
"Thank you. And if possible, let me just—"
"Nope…"
Still trying your luck? Please. But Kasumigaoka knew this was just his way of distracting her.
She could play along.
"Or else I won't give you another chance."
"What a shame…"
"To make sure you don't move…"
Her trembling right hand gently covered the back of Yuji's.
Her whole hand enveloped his, and Yuji didn't dare move a muscle. Even the slightest shift made him fully aware of her delicate softness.
So this is how soft a girl's hand can be…
"Now you won't move…"
I really didn't dare move.
"I'm feeling a little tired."
His right arm was suspended awkwardly. Holding that position too long was torturous.
"If you're a man, don't say you're tired."
"Maybe I'm not a real man yet."
He was still a virgin. Yep, still.
"Pervert…"
Kasumigaoka Utaha's face flushed faintly. Her cherry-colored lips moved slightly, and she murmured softly.
…