When I opened my eyes the next morning, doubt still lingered in my heart. I couldn't grasp why, but a part of me wondered—did my words truly leave an effect on her? I hope they did.
Today is Saturday. While most clubs have the day off, the student council is an exception. With that in mind, I'll be staying after school again—and going home alone. Ever since we joined different clubs, our chances to spend time have dwindled. Our schedules just don't align anymore. It's a little lonely, honestly. But that's life, isn't it? We all have our own goals, our own paths we wish to walk on.
Though tomorrow is Sunday, I've already promised to hang out with Sanae—just the two of us. I'd love to spend time with the other two as well, but a promise is a promise.
We barely get to talk in class either—just during lunch breaks. I wonder if they miss spending time with me too. I hope they do. But even if they grow distant and move on at some point, I won't hold them back. I'll still protect their future though, no matter what.
Gosh, I don't even know what I'm rambling about anymore.
Anyway, I need to focus on what truly matters right now. After countless attempts, I've managed to stop Senior Tanaka from taking her own life—at least for now. But this isn't the end. I have to resolve her situation as soon as possible, before she tries again.
"What's on your mind? Is today's food not to your liking?" Yuka asked, her face laced with concern. It's lunchtime, and as usual, the four of us are gathered together.
"That's not it, I'm just a bit stressed," I replied casually.
"Is the work in the student council that tough?" Sanae asked.
"You could say that," I shrugged.
"I think the real problem is the president," Misaki remarked. "He's probably stressed out just from dealing with her personality."
Just then, someone called my name from the classroom entrance—someone I least expected.
"Is Amane Hayato here?"
The room buzzed instantly.
"Hey, isn't that the student council president?"
"Why is she here looking for a first-year?"
"Idiot, haven't you heard? Apparently, Amane joined the student council."
"No way. That president actually accepted a new member?"
Ignoring the buzz around me, I quickly made my way to her.
"Yes, President. Do you need me for something?" I asked, noticed she is alone.
Without a word at first, she grabbed my hand and began to pull me along. "Come with me. We need to talk."
She dragged me to a secluded corner behind the library building, far from any prying eyes.
"Wow, President, what's this about? You're giving me the wrong idea here," I joked, not really sure why.
She let go of my hand and shot me a sharp glare.
"Stop playing dumb," she said, her voice more serious than ever. "Tell me—who are you, really?"
"What do you mean?" I asked, trying to play oblivious. I mean, how was I even supposed to answer that?
She bit her lip and clenched her fists in frustration, looking down her whole body trembling. "I want to know how you know about my past!"
There's no turning back now, is there? I've already said more than I can take back.
I sighed inwardly. I don't want to lie—but I can't tell her the truth either. Even if I did, would she believe me? She'd probably think I'm messing with her… or worse, just some crazy otaku.
"Before I answer that," I drawled, reaching my hand toward her neck—more specifically, her collar.
She instinctively backed away, but her retreat was cut short by the wall behind her.
I flipped her collar, and sure enough, it was there—just as I suspected. A tiny device, hidden neatly where no one would think to look. Convenient, and subtle enough to go unnoticed.
Anyone could've hidden it there without her ever noticing—just a simple excuse like fixing her collar would've been enough.
*Crack.*
I pressed the tiny device between my thumb and index finger, crushing it completely.
"W-What was that?" she asked, completely clueless.
"Nothing. Just some annoying pest," I replied briefly, brushing it off before shifting the conversation.
"Anyway, as for your questions…" I let my words linger. "It's because I saw what you went through. I was watching from afar—the incident that traumatized you, the reason you chose to wear that mask. Back then, I couldn't do anything besides just watching. But now that I'm here… I simply want to help you."
That was the best response i could come up with, not a lie but a veiled truth.
She pressed herself against the wall as much she possibly can, as if trying to get away from me as much she can. Her whole body trembled uncontrollably, her breath coming in short, rigid gasps.
"N-No… T-That's not possible… I-I don't need your h-help," she stammered, her voice breaking. "S-Stay away from me! S-She will kill you too! I d-don't want to see anyone else b-being k-killed because of me!"
She clutched her head, her eyes darting around wildly, panic taking over.
Tanaka Tsukuyo—an actually sweet and kind-hearted girl who chose to wear a cold, rude mask to push everyone at a distance. Because with her own eyes, she witnessed her very first friend get shot to death… by none other than her own big sister.
I slammed my hand against the wall beside her, the sharp sound echoing to snap her out of her fear and corner her in place.
Her trembling eyes slowly rose to meet mine.
"Look at me," I said firmly. "I'm not going to die—and I'm not afraid to. If that's what it takes to free you from this fear, then I'm ready to stake my life on it."
With trembling lips, she opened her mouth.
"W-Why? Why would you go this far for someone like me? What you said before was right… I'm a coward. I can't even fight for my own freedom. You don't know how ruthless my sister can be… I can never escape her shadow."
I gently raised her chin with my index finger, stopping her from looking down and guiding her gaze back to mine.
"I'm not sure myself," I said softly. "The only thing I know is—I want you to live a better life. And trust me… your sister "can't" kill me. So why don't you start by telling me what's been stressing you lately?"
She pursed her lips and muttered reluctantly, "It's you."
I blinked, not quite catching it. "Huh?"
This time, she said it clearly—loudly.
"It's because of you! You keep trying to act friendly toward me even though I've been rude and mean just to push you away. On that note… I'm sorry. I didn't mean any of it. But because of you, I can't sleep or find a single peaceful moment. I keep fearing… what if she finds out about you and kills you too? It's really stressing me out, you know?!"
I blinked, completely flabbergasted.
It was… my fault?
Wait—does that mean the reason she committed suicide… was also because of me? Because she couldn't take the fear of me dying too?
My eyes widened in disbelief. No… it can't be true, right?
But guilt had already begun to creep into my chest, wrapping around my heart like chains.
Without realizing it… I might've been the one who pushed her to that edge.
The first thing that came to my mind was to apologize—immediately.
Though it could never make up for what happened in the previous loops, at least in this one… she's still alive.
But before I could say a word, a united, shocked voice rang out.
"What.....?!"
I turned toward the source—and my eyes widened in horror.
It was Misaki, Sanae, and Yuka.
Did they come looking for me after noticing I hadn't returned for a while?
Then, with a sinking feeling, my neck turned mechanically to take in my current situation.
I was partially pinning Senior Tanaka against the wall—like a textbook "kabedon"—my other hand gently holding her chin in place… From any angle, it looked like I was about to kiss her.
Anyone who see us would assume there was definitely something going on between us!
I screamed internally, 'How the hell am I going to explain this now?!'