Chapter 1
Short movie
Synopsis:
Kazuhiko Kagami is a popular and talented high school student. Excellent at both studies and sports, he's admired by his classmates, and even many girls have a crush on him. At home, his family adores him—not just for who he is, but because he is their son. His friends enjoy spending time with him, joking around and studying together.
Despite all this love and attention, Kagami believes that he doesn't truly need anyone. In his mind, attention from friends and family is optional. He convinces himself that he could live happily even without their care or company. He sees his family as caretakers and his friends as mere entertainers, people who bring joy to his life, but whose presence isn't essential.
The Ordinary Days of Spring
Kagami walked to school with his friends.
His friends were:
Seita Nishimura, Gudo Osama, Nanami Takeru, Minami Nohara, Haete Ryugi, Kaguya Shinomiya, Ayame Watanabe, and Hajime Yotsuba.
Kagami:
"Hey, today's weather is perfect. How about we go on a picnic? We can go see the cherry blossoms."
Minami:
"Hey, that's a great idea! I'd love to go."
Kaguya:
"Sure, I don't mind. I'm free today, so let's go after school."
Gudo:
"Yeah, yeah! That's an awesome idea!"
Haete:
"If you all are going, then I'll come too."
Everyone agreed enthusiastically.
Kagami thought to himself:
"They're just fools… always agreeing with everything I say."
At school, all the girls complimented Kagami. Some students looked on with jealousy.
Kagami thought to himself:
"Why do they always look at me? Yeah, I know I'm popular… but it's frustrating. They only like me for my face and my popularity… ugh, disgusting."
When class ended, they all went to see the cherry blossoms together. Laughter filled the air as they joked and enjoyed their time.
Nanami:
"Hey, Minami… if Gudo ever said 'kiss me,' what would you do?"
Minami:
"I'd slap him!"
Everyone burst out laughing—but Gudo didn't.
Gudo:
"Hey! Don't joke about me!"
Ayame:
"We're just joking, don't be serious."
Gudo:
"You guys are disrespecting me!"
Haete:
"Shame on you! How can you call that disrespect?"
Everyone laughed even harder.
Kagami:
"You guys are really funny."
Suddenly, a weak boy approached.
Suga Kitagawa:
"Hey, senpai! Please help me!"
Kagami:
"Hey, don't bother us. We're not your bodyguards."
Haete nodded in agreement.
Suga:
"Please…"
At that moment, another boy, Nakamura, appeared.
Nakamura:
"Hey, dog! What did I say? Give me your lunch!"
Kaguya:
"Please forgive him. Why do you always bother Suga?"
Nakamura:
"Senpai, how many times have you protected him already?"
Minami:
"That's enough, Nakamura! You're scaring him. Just go!"
Nakamura:
"Fine… I'll let it go this time."
He walked away.
Kagami:
"Hey, Minami, why did you help Suga? You're interrupting my entertainment!"
Everyone laughed at his comment.
Suga:
"Hey, senpai… please don't say bad things about me!"
Kaguya:
"We were just joking."
Kagami:
"If we said bad things or disrespected you… what would you do?"
Ayame:
"He'd call his mommy!"
Everyone laughed so hard that Suga felt embarrassed and ashamed. He ran away.
Kagami:
"See? He went to call his mommy."
Ayame:
"Hey, stop! I laughed so much my stomach hurts!"
The Next Morning
As Kagami entered the school, he noticed Nagisa Kitagawa, the student council president, waving at him.
Kagami thought to himself:
"Kitagawa… she's the only girl who doesn't judge me by my face or popularity."
Kagami:
"Good morning, Kitagawa."
Kitagawa:
"Ooh, good morning, Kazuhiko."
Kagami:
"So… why did you call me?"
Kitagawa:
"My little brother, Suga Kitagawa, told me that you bullied him yesterday."
Kagami:
"Hey! I didn't bully him! Nakamura was the one who did!"
Student Council Room
Nagisa called Suga into the room.
A moment later, Suga entered quietly, his head lowered.
Nagisa:
"Suga… yesterday, were Nakamura and his friends bullying you?"
Suga:
"Yes, big sister."
Kagami spoke coldly, his voice sharp.
Kagami:
"And we protected you. Am I right?"
Suga:
"Yes… senpai and his friends protected me."
Nagisa turned to Suga, confused.
Nagisa:
"Then why did you blame Kazuhiko?"
Kagami smiled cruelly, his eyes cold.
Kagami:
"Yeah… why did you blame me?"
Suga froze. Fear filled his face.
Without saying another word, he turned and ran out of the room.
Nagisa looked uneasy.
Nagisa:
"I'm sorry, Kazuhiko. I wasted your time."
Kagami:
"No worries. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll leave."
Nagisa:
"Yes… of course. You may go."
Kagami walked out calmly.
Nagisa's thoughts:
"When I asked Ayame, I said,
'Did you guys bully my little brother?'
Ayame replied,
'No, we didn't bully him. We actually protected him.'"
Nagisa remained silent, her expression conflicted.
Rooftop Scene – Kagami Confronts Suga
Kagami climbed the rooftop, looking around until he spotted Suga.
Kagami:
"Hey, Kitagawa-kun… why did you blame me for yesterday?"
Suga:
"You know why… because yesterday you disrespected me and made fun of me."
Kagami's voice was cold but calm.
Kagami:
"Hey… my friends were the ones protecting you. We stopped Nakamura. If we hadn't, he would have punched you—and then maybe you'd be happy?"
Kagami's eyes narrowed as he continued, his words sharp and merciless:
"Honestly… when I found out you were Kitagawa Nagisa's little brother, I couldn't believe it. But now I see the truth… and I'm shocked.
You're… not worthy to be her brother. She's athletic, popular, cheerful, and smart. And you? You're the complete opposite: weak, unpopular, unathletic, not smart, joyless… a foolish introvert who always depends on your sister. You constantly disappoint her. I bet even she feels disgusted by you."
Suga:
"You… you fool! You don't know anything about my sister! She's always kind to me, she supports me, she motivates me! You know nothing!"
Kagami tilted his head, a cruel smile forming:
"Are you calling me a fool? Ooh… don't you know how to speak to your senior?"
Suga:
"Sorry… senpai!"
Kagami grabbed Suga by the collar, holding him up just enough to intimidate him.
Kagami:
"You really are a fool… but don't worry. I won't strike you. I just might tell your sister that you insulted me. Consider this… a test. Let's see how your sister reacts."
Suga:
"Please… don't do this!"
Kagami:
"Why are you scared?"
Suga:
"Sorry…"
Panicking, Suga bolted off the rooftop and ran home.
Home – Night
Kagami sent Nagisa a message:
"Your brother disrespected me today."
Nagisa immediately replied:
"Sorry, Kazuhiko!"
She rushed out of her room and found Suga hiding.
Nagisa:
"Hey, Suga… are you disrespecting my friend, Kazuhiko?"
Suga:
"No, no!"
Nagisa:
"Your eyes tell me everything. This time… it's punishment."
Suga:
"Hey, wait! Sister! Kazuhiko lied to you!"
Nagisa:
"Kazuhiko? You forgot to say 'senpai!'"
Suga:
"Sorry, sister…"
Nagisa tied Suga up with a rope and started hitting him with a bat.
Suga:
"Sorry! Sorry, sister! I'm sorry!"
Nagisa:
"Why are you disrespecting my friend?!"
Suga:
"Sorry! I didn't mean it!"
Just as Nagisa raised the bat again, their mother rushed in and stopped her, saving Suga from further punishment.
The Next Day – At School
The next day, Kagami noticed Suga walking through the hallway.
Suga looked tired and avoided eye contact.
Kagami smiled faintly.
Kagami:
"Hey… didn't your sister trust you?"
He paused, then smirked.
"Ooh—sorry. Your face already tells me everything."
Suga said nothing and quickly walked away.
In the Classroom
During break, Haete approached Nagisa.
Haete:
"Hey, Nagisa… why did you punish your little brother so harshly?"
Nagisa:
"He's a bad boy. That's why I punished him."
Haete:
"Hey, calm down. You should forgive him."
Nagisa didn't reply.
From his seat, Kagami watched silently, clearly pleased.
Kagami thought to himself:
"I really like this… just a few words were enough to hurt Suga so deeply."
Later that day, Kagami started mocking some weaker students—laughing at their behavior and making fun of their expressions.
A few of his friends laughed at first, but soon their smiles faded.
Friend:
"Joking is fine… but this is bullying. It's not right."
Kagami didn't even look at them.
Kagami:
"Yeah, I know. You don't need to teach me, okay?"
Haete stared at him in shock.
For the first time, Kagami's words felt different—cold, careless, and unsettling.
At School
Kagami arrived at school as usual. His friends gathered around him.
Friend:
"Hey, Kagami! Let's go to karaoke after school!"
Kagami:
"No. I don't want to."
Ayame:
"But why?"
Kagami:
"It's my choice. I don't want to spend time with you guys."
His friends exchanged confused looks.
Friend:
"Did we do something wrong?"
Kagami:
"No. Just… don't talk to me. Leave me alone."
They were completely shocked.
Haete:
"What happened to you, Kagami? You've been different lately."
Kagami:
"Stop your boring talk and just leave me alone."
Haete:
"Why are you talking so rudely to us?"
Kagami turned sharply.
Kagami:
"You—
I don't want to say bad things about you, so just go. Leave me alone."
Haete fell silent.
Narration
From that day on, Kagami stopped listening to his parents.
His behavior grew colder and more cruel with time.
Even his friends were worried about him—but Kagami didn't care at all.
Park Scene – Evening
One day, Kagami sat alone on a park bench.
He remembered a question he once asked his friends:
"What do you want—
to be alone, or to be together with everyone?"
They had all chosen together.
Kagami scoffed.
Kagami:
"They're all fools.
Being a loner is best.
If I become a loner… I'll finally have real peace."
Suddenly, an old man approached him.
Old Man:
"Hey, young man… are you thinking about something?"
Kagami:
"Don't disturb me, old man.
Go home and mind your own business."
Old Man:
"Why are you speaking so cruelly?
That's not good.
You can share your feelings with me."
Kagami:
"Huh… fine.
I have a question."
He looked straight at the old man.
Kagami:
"What would you choose—
to be a loner,
or to live together with family and friends?"
Old Man:
"Of course… to live with family and friends."
Kagami:
"Ah… disgusting.
You're just like everyone else."
The old man smiled calmly.
Old Man:
"Then tell me—
would you rather be a nobody, someone you call a 'loner,'
or live with your family and friends and smile with them?"
Kagami:
"Being a nobody means being a loner."
Old Man:
"That's not true.
Tell me the truth."
Kagami:
"I'm not lying."
Old Man:
"You are.
A human cannot live without family or friends.
People need support.
We support each other in this world.
Everyone wants support.
Everyone wants friends."
Kagami:
"But I'm different."
Old Man:
"No. You're not."
Kagami (angrily):
"Shut up!
You don't know anything about me—so shut up!"
The old man nodded slowly.
Old Man:
"Alright… let's test that belief."
He looked directly into Kagami's eyes.
Old Man:
"Let's see…
can you truly survive loneliness?"
The wind grew quiet.
Kagami:
"Huh…?
Where did the old man go?"
He glanced left, then right.
"Is this some kind of joke?"
There was no one there.
Only the quiet park and the sound of the wind.
Kagami frowned and let out a short laugh.
Kagami thought to himself:
"…Tch. It must've just been my imagination."
He sat back down, brushing it off—
unaware that his life was about to change.
Chapter 2
At Home – Evening
Kagami returned home and stepped inside.
He saw his little brother, Taiga, standing in the hallway.
Kagami thought to himself:
"He'll say it…
'Welcome back, big brother,'
and then hug me—like always."
But Taiga didn't move.
He didn't smile.
He didn't say a word.
No hug.
No greeting.
Kagami frowned, confused.
Kagami:
"Hey… you didn't hug me.
Why didn't you say 'welcome back home, big brother'?"
Taiga didn't answer.
He simply turned around and ran to his room.
Kagami stood there in silence.
Kagami:
"…You're ignoring me?"
He scoffed coldly.
"Fine.
Then I'll ignore you too."
He walked past the hallway, unaware that this was only the beginning.
Dinner Time – At Home
During dinner, Kazuhiko quietly tasted the soup.
Kazuhiko:
"Hey, Mom… the salt in the soup isn't right."
There was no response.
Kazuhiko looked up, irritated.
Kazuhiko:
"Hey… why are you ignoring me, Mom?"
His mother said nothing.
Kazuhiko turned to his father.
Kazuhiko:
"Dad… why is Mom ignoring me?"
His father didn't respond either.
Kazuhiko:
"Dad… you're ignoring me too?"
Silence.
Kazuhiko clenched his fists, stood up abruptly, and left the table without eating.
Kazuhiko's Room – Night
Lying on his bed, Kazuhiko picked up his phone and sent a message to his friends:
"Hey, everyone."
The message was seen.
No one replied.
Kazuhiko thought to himself:
"That's impossible…
My friends always reply to my messages."
The Next Day – At School
Kazuhiko saw his friends in the hallway.
Kazuhiko:
"Good morning."
No response.
Kazuhiko:
"Hey… why are you all ignoring me?
I'm sorry about yesterday.
I was angry for no reason."
Still, no one answered.
Kazuhiko's voice rose in frustration.
Kazuhiko:
"What's wrong with everyone?!
Why are you ignoring me?!
Answer me!"
They walked past him as if he didn't exist.
Completely shaken, Kazuhiko turned away and headed deeper into the school.
Scene Change – Suga
Elsewhere, Suga was talking with his friend Hotaru.
Suga:
"My big sister always wants the best for me…
but I've never really done anything for her.
I think it's time for me to change."
Hotaru:
"You say that every time… but you never actually change."
Suga lowered his head, discouraged.
Suga:
"…You really know how to demotivate me."
Hotaru:
"By the way… I heard a rumor yesterday.
They say your sister punished you badly.
Is that true?"
Suga went silent.
The air felt heavy.
Suga lowered his gaze and spoke quietly.
Suga:
"Yeah… it was my fault."
He paused for a moment.
"But my sister… she apologized to me.
She said sorry for what she did."
Hotaru looked at him, surprised.
Suga:
"She told me that if I wanted something, I could ask her."
Suga looked up slightly.
Suga:
"Hey, Hotaru… do you know what I asked for?"
Hotaru:
"I don't know. What?"
Suga smiled faintly, his voice soft but sincere.
Suga:
"I told her…
'Sister, please always protect me—
both in school and outside of school.'"
Hotaru went silent.
For the first time, Suga's words carried determination rather than fear.
The Next Day
Kagami Meets Nagisa
Kagami saw Nagisa Kitagawa standing in the hallway.
Kagami:
"Hey, Kitagawa-san."
Nagisa didn't reply.
Kagami:
"Hey… Kitagawa, why are you ignoring me?"
She walked past him without even looking.
Kagami froze.
Kagami thought to himself:
"Why is everyone ignoring me…?
Huh… disgusting."
His expression hardened.
Kagami (thinking):
"If Nagisa won't answer me… then I'll meet Suga."
Middle School – Sports Period
Kagami went to the nearby middle school to find Suga.
On the basketball court—
Shin:
"Hey, Suga!"
Suga:
"Yes?"
Shin:
"Your big sister is here to watch your performance."
Suga:
"Are you kidding me…?"
Suga looked toward the stands.
Nagisa was there.
Nagisa:
"Hey, Suga! Do your best!"
Suga blushed slightly.
Suga:
"Yes… I'll do my best."
Nagisa's best friend, Yumi, leaned closer.
Yumi:
"Hey, Nagisa… I saw your brother.
He doesn't look athletic like you."
Nagisa:
"I know.
But I just want him to do his best."
Suga clenched his fists.
Yumi:
"You know he isn't an official member of the basketball team, right?
He's just a substitute."
Nagisa:
"Yeah… I know."
On the opposite side, an opponent named Renji smirked.
Renji:
"Hey, basketball queen Nagisa is watching.
This is our chance to impress her."
Suga (firmly):
"No.
I'll impress my sister."
The Match
Suga and his team tried their hardest.
But Suga's speed was slow.
His strength was lacking.
Despite their effort, his team lost the match.
Suga lowered his head.
Suga thought to himself:
"They were right…
I'm not worthy to be my sister's brother."
Then—
He noticed Kagami watching from afar.
Suga panicked.
He ran away toward the restroom.
Restroom Scene
Inside the restroom, Suga stopped.
He looked up.
Kagami was there.
Kagami:
"Hey… Suga."
Suga:
"Yes, Kagami-senpai."
Kagami's eyes widened.
Someone replied to him.
For the first time.
Tears rolled down Kagami's face.
He stepped forward and hugged Suga tightly.
Kagami:
"Suga… you replied to me.
You really replied."
Suga (confused):
"Y-yeah, senpai…
but why are you hugging me?"
Kagami:
"I'm really sorry…
for everything I did to you.
I'm truly sorry."
Suga:
"It's okay, Kagami-senpai.
But… what happened to you?"
Kagami:
"Nothing.
I'm just… happy that I can talk to you."
Suga:
"Okay… but please let go now."
Kagami:
"Ah—sorry. I hugged you too tightly."
Suga:
"No worries."
He smiled faintly.
Suga:
"Let's talk after lunchtime, okay?
I'm hungry now.
I'll use the restroom, then eat lunch…
after that, we can talk."
Kagami:
"…Okay."
Suga walked away.
Kagami stood still, trembling.
For the first time since everything began—
someone had answered him.
Lunchtime – School Cafeteria
Kagami sat alone at a table, untouched by the laughter and chatter around him.
He poked at his food, lost in thought.
Why… why are my friends and family ignoring me?
Why… why does Suga, and even people I don't care about, reply to me?
He picked up a spoon absentmindedly.
It's like… when I buy something from a store, the manager talks to me.
But my family… my friends… they can't even reply?
Kagami's eyes narrowed.
The people who love me… they don't care.
And the people I hate… they respond?
He let out a bitter laugh, almost a whisper to himself.
Kagami (thinking):
"This is disgusting… completely disgusting."
He leaned back in his chair, feeling the weight of the silence around him.
For the first time, the world felt strangely wrong, and he had no one to blame but himself.
Chapter 3
School – Afternoon,
Kagami Observes
Kagami walked through the hallway, keeping to himself.
He had decided: "If I'm alone, I will never give up. This is my new life."
As he passed by a group of students, he noticed his friends playing around.
Ayame (teasing):
"Hey… do you want your sunglasses, Hiroshi?"
Hiroshi (nervously):
"Hey! Please give them back! I'll complain to the teacher!"
Ayame (smirking):
"The teacher knows I'm just joking.
But… if you want your sunglasses, you'll have to lower your head and beg."
Hiroshi (shaking his head):
"I… I'll never do that!"
Ayame's eyes narrowed.
Ayame (angrily):
"What did you just say to me?"
Hiroshi's face paled.
Hiroshi:
"N-nothing! I… okay, I'll lower my head."
As Hiroshi bowed his head, Ayame suddenly stood straight.
Ayame (laughing):
"Hey! Don't actually bow! I'm just joking—don't be serious!"
She leaned closer and lowered her voice playfully.
Ayame (teasingly):
"Were you trying to… look at my—? You little troublemaker!"
Hiroshi (stammering):
"No! Never! Believe me!"
Ayame (mocking, smiling):
"Huh… you're a scary dog, you know.
Okay, here's your sunglasses. Calm down—I'm just joking."
Hiroshi exhaled, finally relaxing.
Hiroshi:
"You really scared me…"
Kagami watched quietly from a distance.
Anything hasn't changed, he thought.
Ayame still plays around like she always did, teasing everyone just for fun.
Next Day – Park
The next morning, Kagami decided to go to the park.
"That old man… he wasn't just a dream.
He did something to me."
He sat down on the same bench he always chose, staring at the empty paths and trees.
Kagami thought to himself:
"Huh… do I really miss the old days?
No… no.
I don't miss them.
I don't care about anyone."*
He leaned back, trying to calm his thoughts.
Then, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed someone sitting on the bench.
The old man.
Kagami (shouting, frustrated):
"Hey! Old man!
What are you doing with my life?"
The old man simply smiled.
Before Kagami could say anything else, the man vanished.
Kagami blinked, stunned.
"…Impossible…" he muttered.
The bench was empty again.
The wind rustled through the trees.
And for the first time, Kagami truly felt the weight of being alone.
Next Day – School
The morning sun felt heavier than usual as Kagami walked to school.
"Why… why does my body feel so weak?
I've always been athletic… strong… capable.
But now… this feels impossible."
He noticed every step felt heavier. His muscles refused to respond the way they used to.
Suddenly, a voice called out sharply.
Saki Tachibana:
"Hey, Slave-kun!"
Kagami (frowning):
"Huh? Why are you calling me 'Slave-kun'?"
Saki (smirking):
"Because you are my slave."
Kagami (angrily):
"Huh? Are you crazy? I'm not your slave!"
He tried to brush past her and head to class, but Saki suddenly kicked him in the rear.
Kagami:
"Hey! Why'd you kick me?!"
Saki:
"Because you're weak!"
Kagami clenched his fists, ready to punch, but… nothing happened.
His muscles refused to move. His strength was gone. He tried again—nothing.
He looked down at his body. Bones frail. Limbs trembling.
Kagami thought:
"Who… who am I?
I am… Kazuhiko Kagami!"
Saki (laughing cruelly):
"Are you kidding me?
You aren't Kazuhiko!
Kazuhiko is famous, athletic, intelligent… popular!
You? You're Teishi Ishizaki."
She held up a makeup mirror. Kagami saw a face he didn't recognize.
Kagami thought:
"Every day I ignored my family… I ran out in the morning and never looked in the mirror…
That's why I forgot who I am…
But why am I Teishi?
I am Kagami… isn't my soul supposed to be in this body?
Is Teishi in my body…?"*
Kagami tried to run.
Saki (blocking him):
"Hey! Trying to hit me, huh?"
He realized the truth.
If his body weren't weakened, he could overpower her easily. But Saki was a boxing champion in middle school—stronger than him now.
Kagami thought:
"If I fight her… she'll beat me badly."
He lowered his head.
Kagami (softly):
"Okay… just… go ahead."
Saki (grinning, satisfied):
"Good slave. Now, lower your head."
Kagami obeyed every word. He didn't want to fight.
Saki landed her kicks carefully, then finally stepped back, satisfied.
Saki:
"Ooh… now I feel happy."
Kagami ran through the school hallway, his breathing heavy.
He stopped near a window and looked at the reflection on the glass.
But what he saw was not himself.
Kagami thought:
"…That body… it's mine."
His original body stood there—upright, healthy, athletic.
It moved naturally, confidently, laughing with friends.
That body smiled, talked, and behaved exactly like Kazuhiko Kagami always did.
But Kagami realized something horrifying.
"I'm not inside that body."
That body was being controlled by another soul.
Kagami thought:
"So… I didn't change physically.
My soul was taken out…
and someone else is living my life."
His hands—weak, unfamiliar—trembled.
"That means… I am not Kagami anymore in this world's eyes.
Then the memory of the old man flashed in his mind.
The smile.
The bench in the park.
The disappearing figure.
Kagami thought:
"…You did this, didn't you, old man?"
At that moment, Kagami finally understood.
This wasn't an accident.
This wasn't a dream.
It was a punishment.
Or maybe… a test.
And now, for the first time in his life,
Kazuhiko Kagami had lost everything—
his body, his name, his strength,
and even the right to be acknowledged.
At lunchtime, Kagami gathered his courage and followed his own body.
From a distance, he saw it clearly—
his original body sitting confidently, surrounded by classmates.
Then several girls approached his body, smiling and trying to start a conversation.
Kagami stopped.
Kagami thought:
"…So this is how it was."
One of the girls laughed softly and said something, clearly interested.
Another leaned closer, trying to get his attention.
But the body didn't respond.
It didn't smile.
It didn't turn its head.
It didn't even look at them.
It simply stood up and walked away.
The girls froze for a moment, then whispered among themselves, confused.
Kagami clenched his fists.
Kagami thought:
"When my life was normal…
I did the same thing."
He remembered it clearly—
how he ignored people,
how he took attention for granted,
how he never cared about anyone's feelings.
Kagami thought:
"…And now my body is doing exactly what I used to do."
For the first time, Kagami didn't feel anger.
He felt regret.
Saki walked up behind him and crossed her arms.
"Hey, Slave-kun," she said casually.
"Why didn't you buy food for me today? You always do."
Teishi lowered his head slightly.
"I'm sorry, Miss Tachibana," he said quietly.
"I'm really sorry. Please… don't punish me."
Saki blinked.
"Hey, don't be scared," she said, her tone unexpectedly calm.
"I'm not going to hurt you."
She leaned closer, examining his face.
"…Are you okay?"
"You're acting strange today."
Teishi hesitated, then nodded.
"Yeah… I'm okay."
Saki straightened and shrugged.
"Alright. As long as you're fine."
She turned to leave, then stopped for a second.
"Don't push yourself too hard."
She walked away.
Teishi stood there, stunned.
Teishi thought:
"…She actually cares about her slave."
The realization felt wrong.
Uncomfortable.
Yet strangely warm.
For the first time, Teishi didn't feel fear—
he felt confusion.
After classes ended, Teishi waited near the school gate.
Students passed by in small groups, laughing.
Saki noticed him standing alone.
"…What?" she asked.
"Why are you just standing there?"
Teishi took a breath.
"Hey…," he said quietly.
"Do I really want to be your slave?"
Saki looked surprised for a second—then laughed.
"Of course," she said.
"You begged me for it, remember?"
Teishi looked down.
"Do you… know my backstory?"
Saki crossed her arms.
"Yeah. It's obvious," she said casually.
"You never got attention at school.
That's why you want a popular girlfriend who people will pay attention to and notice you."
She continued without hesitation.
"You confessed to me.
I rejected you."
Teishi clenched his fists.
"I told you you weren't worthy to be my boyfriend," Saki said coldly.
"Not even worthy to be my dog."
She tilted her head slightly.
"Then you asked—
'Am I worthy to be your slave?'"
Teishi stayed silent.
"So I accepted," Saki said.
"I've seen movies like that.
And honestly… I wanted someone obedient."
She stared straight at him.
"That's how you became my slave."
Teishi finally spoke.
"…Then why did you accept me?"
Saki shrugged.
"Because you didn't run away."
She stepped closer.
"But why are you asking this now?"
Teishi shook his head.
"Nothing."
Saki smirked.
"You really are a fool, Ishizaki."
Teishi looked up, confused.
"Hey… you called me Ishizaki," he said.
"But you usually call me Slave-kun."
Saki sighed.
"I call you Slave-kun when I'm angry," she said.
"When I want to release stress."
She looked away for a moment.
"Sometimes I punish you.
Sometimes I shout.
That's all."
She turned back to him.
"But don't misunderstand," she added.
"If I really hated you—
I wouldn't bother talking to you at all."
Saki walked past him.
"Go home, Ishizaki."
Teishi stood there, frozen.
Teishi thought:
"So even this twisted relationship…
exists because someone chose to notice me."
And for the first time, he didn't know
whether that realization hurt—
or scared him more.
Chapter 4
After returning home, Teishi—trapped in Kagami's soul—sat quietly, his mind racing.
"How… how do I get back into my body?
I don't understand anything."
Frustrated, he went to the library and began poring over myth and folklore books, searching for a way to reclaim his body.
As he walked through the house, Teishi noticed something painful: his family didn't seem to care about him.
Kagami thought:
"So this is the real pain Teishi felt…
No wonder he always craved attention."*
He remembered now: Teishi's mother wasn't his real mother—she was a model, a stepmother.
His father had remarried.
But… where was his real mother?
Teishi (Kagami) went into his room and saw the family photos.
He remembered flashes of childhood—moments when Teishi had been happy.
Suddenly, a sharp pain hit his mind.
All of Teishi's memories poured into Kagami.
He saw the day Teishi tried to prevent his parents' divorce.
He saw the silent suffering, the loneliness, the rejection.
Kagami murmured, saddened:
"Really… Teishi… you went through so much pain.
Now I finally understand your suffering."
Suddenly, Teishi's father appeared and struck him without warning.
Teishi:
"Why… why are you hitting me?"
The stepmother rushed in to calm him.
Stepmother:
"Oh, dear… why strike your child?"
Father:
"I… I was ashamed to tell him, my son."
Stepmother:
"Alright. Go take a bath first. I'll prepare your dinner."
Father:
"Okay… my dear."
Teishi obediently went to his room.
He said softly: "Okay, Father."
Afterward, the father went to sleep.
The stepmother called him again.
Stepmother:
"Teishi… come do a massage on my legs."
Teishi froze.
This… this is the painful life Teishi has endured.
Kagami, controlling Teishi, shouted mentally:
Kagami/Teishi:
"Old man! Please… give me back my body!
I understand now. I'm sorry!
I love my family, my friends, my life… my old life!
I don't want to be lonely.
I respect loners, but I now understand…
family and friends are not optional.
They are essential.
I am lucky to have such people. Please… give me back my life!"
The stepmother snapped.
Stepmother:
"Shut up, you fool!"
She slapped him, then ordered:
"Your punishment—massage my legs for two hours!"
After a while, she grew sleepy and fell asleep.
The old man appeared beside him.
Old man:
"So… now you truly understand the value of family and friends."
Teishi's father stirred.
Father:
"What… happened to you, Teishi?"
The old man waved his hand, and the father instantly fell back asleep.
Old man (smiling):
"Come with me, Kagami."
Kagami:
"Okay."
They arrived at the park, sitting on the same bench where Kagami had always sat.
Teishi/Kagami:
"First… I am sorry. I behaved badly."
Old man:
"Good. I'm glad you understand.
Now tell me—what will you do when you get your real body back?"
Kagami:
"I will try to make my family and friends happy.
I'll respect my friends, my family…
And my elders.
I'll honor people like the old man, like grandparents."
Old man:
"And?"
Kagami:
"…And I'll always try to protect loners."
Old man:
"Now you understand everything.
Do you want to live with your family and friends?"
Kagami:
"Yes. Of course I do."
The old man tossed a mysterious golden coin into the air.
A blinding light engulfed Kagami's vision.
Old man's voice echoed:
"Goodbye, Kagami. Enjoy your happy life."
When the light faded, Kagami opened his eyes.
He was lying in a hospital bed.
Memories came back—he had met the old man, gone home, and then… suddenly lost consciousness in the park.
He had been asleep for 30 days.
When his family saw him, tears filled their eyes.
They hugged him tightly.
Father:
"Be careful… take care of your health. We were so worried!"
Mother:
"We really were concerned for you."
Little brother:
"You scared us!"
Kagami, blinking, asked instinctively:
"Wait… why didn't you all ignore me?"
Family (laughing):
"What are you talking about? We never ignored you!"
Kagami finally understood: it had all been a dream.
A harsh, strange dream—but the lesson was real.
His friends soon arrived, smiling and relieved to see him.
This time, Kagami didn't question them.
He already knew the truth:
Even if his dream had shown him being ignored,
in reality, his family and friends had always cared.
And now, he would never take them for granted again.
Two days later, Kagami walked to school with his friends, feeling lighter than he had in weeks.
"Hey," he said casually, "after school, let's all go to karaoke."
Everyone cheered happily.
Haete leaned in.
"Kazuhiko… Kitagawa Nagisa wanted to talk to you today."
Kagami nodded.
"Okay, I'll meet her in the Student Council president's room."
Ayame tilted her head.
"My little sister is scared of my dog.
How do I get her over her fear?"
Gudo grinned.
"Make the dog look like a soft toy. Make it look cute. Once she sees it's harmless, her fear will disappear."
Everyone, including Kagami, clapped for Gudo.
Ayame's eyes sparkled.
"This… this is amazing. Great plan!"
They all went to school in high spirits.
Kagami finally met Nagisa.
"Kitagawa Nagisa… so popular, athletic, intelligent…
And she never judged anyone by appearances."
Nagisa smiled at him.
"Kazuhiko-kun… I love you.
Not for your looks, but for your attitude, your heart, your feelings.
Do you remember the first day we met in high school?
We were new students, lost, trying to find the school.
I gave up and was about to go home—but you didn't.
You kept trying… and we finally found it together.
That's when I realized I loved you."
Kagami felt his chest tighten.
"Yes… I remember that day.
I also want to be your lover.
And I'm sorry… about what I said about your brother disrespecting me.
It was a lie. I was wrong."
Nagisa nodded.
"I forgive you.
But you should apologize to my brother as well."
Kagami smiled.
"Okay, I will."
Nagisa smiled back.
"I already apologized to him, and I promised to protect him.
Now you should also say sorry."
Kagami went to Nagisa's little brother at lunchtime.
"Sorry for saying that," he said sincerely.
Suga smiled.
"No worries. Don't regret it—humans make mistakes sometimes."
Kagami nodded, feeling lighter than ever.
Later, Kagami visited Teishi's home.
He saw Teishi living happily with his mother, free from his father's interference.
Kagami thought:
"The old man wasn't lying… this really happened.
This isn't just a dream."
He returned to school and apologized to his friends for his rude behavior.
They waved it off.
"No worries," they said.
"We knew you weren't feeling well. We don't mind your words."
Kagami smiled.
"I'm lucky… to have such good friends."
The next day, Kagami went on a date with Nagisa.
They spent the whole day laughing and enjoying each other's company.
On the way home, they saw a group of students bullying a younger boy.
Kagami stood firm.
"Hey! Leave him alone!"
The bullies were juniors.
"Go home. Leave him!" Kagami said firmly.
The group scattered immediately, afraid of their senior.
The boy ran home, looking back gratefully.
Nagisa squeezed Kagami's hand.
"I'm so proud of you for protecting him.
This is why I chose you."
Kagami laughed, looking at her.
"Hey… why are you so beautiful?"
Nagisa rolled her eyes.
"Stop flirting with me."
Kagami grinned.
"No, really… and why are you so amazing?"
They leaned closer.
Their lips met in a soft, sweet kiss.
Kagami whispered,
"I'll see you tomorrow."
Nagisa smiled.
"Okay."
The next day, Kagami returned to his favorite park bench.
He gazed at the clear blue sky, heart full of gratitude.
The old man appeared silently beside him.
"Don't be afraid. I won't harm you.
Are you happy with your life?"
Kagami smiled.
"Yes. Of course I am."
The old man nodded.
"I see that you remember the lesson.
I'm truly glad."
Just then, Nagisa appeared, waving.
"Hey, Kagami!"
Kagami's eyes lit up as he saw his girlfriend—but when he looked back, the old man had vanished.
This time, however, Kagami didn't need him.
He had learned the lesson:
family, friends, and genuine connections are treasures—not optional luxuries.
He leaned back on the bench, took Nagisa's hand, and smiled.
The sun shone warmly above, and for the first time, his heart felt completely at peace.
The screen fades to the sky.
[THE END]