This conversation, which began because the girl had a fever and Haizaki took care of her, greatly eased the problems that existed between the two of them.
Now, Utaha felt that she finally had a deeper understanding of Haizaki's thoughts and perspective.
It was just a pity that she still didn't know the real reason behind Haizaki's hesitation.
But she firmly believed that as long as she continued to work hard and persist, Haizaki would eventually be moved by her, captured by her, and take the initiative to confess his feelings to her.
Their lives were still long ahead of them.
There was no need to rush now.
Since Haizaki needed time, she would give him time—waiting for him to make up his mind and completely break free from the illusory dream he imagined.
This world existed for real. It was absolutely not a dream.
But…
"If… this world really is a dream, just as you say, then what would happen after you wake up?"
She still softly asked this possibility, one she had repeatedly denied.
"I'd probably forget everything that happened in this world."
Utaha's heart trembled. Her hands resting beside the bed unconsciously tightened their grip on the blanket.
This world held loneliness and fear for her, but it also held happiness and joy—memories worth cherishing for a lifetime.
For example, him.
Utaha's eyes reflected Haizaki's face. She absolutely did not want to forget this person.
The first boy who ever made her heart race, the first boy worthy of entrusting her life to, of spending a lifetime with.
"Do you want to forget?"
She was a little nervous. Her calm words overflowed with an emotion she couldn't hide.
Haizaki shook his head.
The girl, who had been waiting anxiously, felt a little relieved. She had been afraid that Haizaki would give an affirmative answer—that would mean he didn't value the precious memories they shared.
She didn't want Haizaki to deny the beauty she cherished.
"If I can remember it, I will remember it—forever."
The memories of his previous life, of this life, of every apocalyptic world—these were the only precious things he could keep. At the very least, those memories proved that everything he experienced truly existed.
"Me too. I want to remember forever as well…"
Haizaki trembled slightly, his gaze flickering.
Utaha was puzzled. Was there something wrong with what she had just said?
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
Utaha instinctively felt that something was off.
After thinking for a moment, she slowly spoke. "Let's make another promise."
"If this really is a dream, if there comes a day when we wake up, and if one of us forgets everything that happened in this dream, then the one who remembers must do everything possible to help the other remember."
"Even if they can't remember, even if they reject it or feel disgusted, you still have to become… friends."
She wanted to say lovers, or partners.
But she understood that at this moment, they were not lovers.
Using those words now would only make Haizaki retreat.
"Okay." Haizaki nodded and accepted.
But none of this was a dream. Everything had truly happened. The premise itself was wrong—so I can't do that.
A sense of guilt for deceiving her rose in Haizaki's heart. He found it hard to look directly at the smile on the girl's face.
"Then it's settled!"
"Yes, it's settled."
Utaha smiled—a radiant smile.
That was enough. This would gradually reduce Haizaki's obsession with the idea of a dream and lead him to choose the reality in front of him.
But now—
The smile on her face turned into a mischievous, retaliatory grin.
This time, Haizaki had made her feel stifled and gloomy—she wasn't going to let it end just like that.
"When one day in the future you confess to me, I'll reject you. Do you hear that, Yusuke-kun?"
There was a lot packed into those words, and the topic shifted so suddenly that Haizaki didn't react right away.
How did it suddenly turn into him confessing?
"At that time, you'll be crying and shouting 'Goddess Utaha,' begging me to accept your confession."
"I don't think I will. After all, I'll be busy saving the world and continuing human civilization."
Haizaki knew that even though he was telling the truth, the girl wouldn't believe him.
"Heh, you? Saving the world and continuing human civilization, becoming a hero, a savior? You really think too highly of yourself."
"I couldn't do it before, but now I have a chance."
"Then do your best! Saving the world and continuing human civilization isn't—"
Utaha suddenly realized something. Her face instantly flushed red.
Continuing… civilization—didn't that mean…
With only her and him left as the last humans, continuing civilization could only mean one thing—having the next generation themselves!
This guy…
"You're really underestimating the price required to save the world and continue civilization. Have you prepared yourself for that resolve and sacrifice?"
"I'm always prepared," Haizaki answered firmly.
There was no stopping now. No matter what he encountered or what happened, he had to keep moving forward without hesitation.
Meanwhile, Utaha's blush spread all the way to her ears. Her eyes wandered, not daring to meet Haizaki's gaze.
This guy really loved teasing people.
This was definitely retaliation for her earlier words—meant to shake her composure and resolve.
"There's still one thing I haven't 'settled' with you yet."
Utaha had no choice but to change the subject to ease her embarrassment.
"What is it?"
"The chicken…"
"Chicken for dinner tonight?"
"Yusuke-kun, please don't casually ruin the atmosphere."
"I understand, but I think I need to explain something first."
"Go on…"
Utaha wore an expression that clearly said, I'm waiting to see what excuse you come up with.
It made Haizaki chuckle. He was looking forward to her reaction after she learned the truth.
"The chicken's death had nothing to do with me. I didn't kill it."
"You're not going to say that the knife killed it, so it had nothing to do with you, are you? Do you think I'd accept that?"
"It really had nothing to do with me."
"Heh. Then are you going to say it committed suicide? Or fell to its death?"
"It fell to its death."
Haizaki pointed out the window.
"The wind was very strong."
Utaha really hadn't expected Haizaki to use such an excuse.
"I… can I hit you? Don't worry, I won't kill you."
"It was the chicken I failed to save."
Utaha looked up in shock.
She truly hadn't expected Haizaki to retrieve the chicken that had been swept away.
It was just that… he turned it into stew.
She didn't quite know what to say.
But the taste seemed to be… pretty good!
The moment that thought appeared, Utaha immediately apologized inwardly.
It was all Haizaki's fault. The girl placed the blame squarely on him.
…