Kokoro Connect Vol 6 Chapter 4

Chapter 4 - Parting of Ways of Which They Believed In

After lending a hand to the establishment of the Is.h.i.+kawa and Nakayama-couple, during the three day period of the weekend, Taichi and Kiriyama, through “Dream Perception”, they helped people who were thinking, “I want to make up with my friend”, gave a push to people with mutual feelings for each other who were thinking, “I want to date someone”, and taught a kid who was thinking, “I got my clothes dirty, what should I do?” the technique to remove the stain. (Suddenly saying it out was weird, so they led the conversation into that topic.)

For interpersonal problems, they did not forcefully suggest anything. In the end, they stopped at making a chance.

Following being used to the “Dream Perceptions”, the occasions of it occurring increased. In the three day period, Taichi and Kiriyama intervened in three cases related to interpersonal relations.h.i.+ps and four cases of personal problems.

They acted without people around them, above all else Inaba from suspecting them. Now, the two’s actions were not seen through by anyone. Certainly they were using a special “power” but the action in reality are nothing whatever special but is within the range of normal so it would be difficult for it to be revealed.

These few days, Taichi and Kiriyama were able to help people’s happiness to be born with certainty. Taichi was very pleased with that.

“You’re not doing any unnecessary?”

Straight to the point, Inaba asked.

The club activities are over for the Friday weekend. Today, it was ten days since he and Inaba visited the Café.

“……Unnecessary thing, you said?”

Wasn’t it too fast for to notice it? We didn’t do anything big even.

"It’s because Taichi you have changed from a "Selfless Freak" to a "Meddling Freak", I’m bothered by it.”

Moving around while hiding, it seems I didn’t get it.

“It’s Ok.”

Taichi, misled……told a lie.

It’s not good but, in order to not quarrel with Inaba and make her unnecessary worried, it was the best decision.

If we move based on “Dream Perception”, we will bring about events that are not normally possible, said Inaba. But, I can think that the level of naturalness and impossibility of the content known from “Dream Perception” cannot be disconnected from the ordinary every day.

“…..Perhaps, last week, impulsively though that we had better use the “power” , you said and yet this week I’m becoming worried that you said nothing at all. Well, you probably are keeping to what I said about “Don’t talk about it” but…..”

A sharp glint in her eyes flashed.

“The thing I want to say was clearly a.s.sertive…..”

Glaring at him, Taichi remembered things about “Time Regression”. That time, had an eye on Taichi and was forced to hold on to a secret by himself only and was forced to tell lies. And that time, he himself was unable to give a satisfactory interaction., and failed.

But this time is different that that time. Without idly delaying the decision, he, himself, moved forward with the road he thinks is correct.

“Even so, if anything become strange, I’ll discuss with you. On the contrary, more importantly, Inaba are you alright?”

“I am……not at all……. Thanks.”

The look of the smart Inaba being hit by something expected and being shy, Taichi secretly likes that look.

On the Sat.u.r.day holiday too, “Dream Perception” was saw countless times. The number of times has increased, so to the degree of not violating the privacy of others, Taichi started to write about the “Dreams” in a notebook. On Monday and Tuesday, Taichi and Kiriyama will move and just help with someone’s happiness.

“We can do it pretty well huh? It doesn’t feeling like it’s something strange anymore.”

Sensing a response, Taichi said to Kiriyama. It is true that there is no indication of danger. It seems that the dangerous bridge has nothing to do with the clear decision of “The things we shouldn’t do”.

“Once in awhile , “Ah, that person thinks about that sort of thing-“ does happen but……There is absolutely no problem that will happen to be worried about huh? We really regrettably doubted phenomenon.”

Kiriyama said.

“That’s why, we should not let our guard down.”

“I understand. If it’s the pattern as every time, then around this time, something would have happened.”

The two’s morning meeting refreshed their feelings. With a time difference between them, they headed towards Cla.s.s 2-B.

Wednesday’s cla.s.sroom. Arriving at his cla.s.s room, Taichi chatted with the boy near his seat ---.

【Tall, spiky wolf hair. Watase s.h.i.+ngo is there. In his uniform. He’s playing soccer. The focus was on the spike shoes. Inside a store. A sports goods store. Watase handed the shoes to the store clerk at the register.】

“Hey, what’s up?”

He thought about the blank s.p.a.ce born from “Dream Perception”. Getting use to it, he became not feeling the horrible feeling. Because he was suddenly thrust with a different image in his head, he stopped moving for a moment.

“……No, nothing at all.”

It seems like Watase wants to buy a new pair of spike shoes. Now that I think of it, he did say that there was a match next soon. Well, about this wish, he will work hard in his heart, and I can only give my support.

And, someone grabbed his uniform from behind.

“Hmm?” said Taichi and looked behing. Right now, a Kiriyama who looks like she’s going to cry was standing there.

“……What should I do Taichi……? I saw something terrible…..”

In the end, Taichi had a hunch something happened.

---I saw a “Dream Perception” relating to the case with Aoki’s Father.

That was what Kiriyama said.

During the break after the second hour was over, Taichi and Kiriyama walked to the floor with the third year cla.s.s rooms. It was a little nerve-racking since the floor was completely all senior students.

The thing Kiriyama said before, Taichi remembered.

“You saw a girl’s “Dream Perception”…..and in that dream, Aoki’s father appeared in it. And the “dream” was sloppy and wasn’t very clear, but I got the distinct keywords. s.e.xual Hara.s.sment and being fired from the company and etc. After, there were people from the police and a scene inside the train.”

“….. I see. The possibility is reasonably possible. Because you were saying a female high school student and inside a train together.”

Certainly, I did not think that the person who may have been related to that case was in Yamabos.h.i.+ High School. But there are a lot of areas which overlap with the area of activity, certainly it’s not an impossible story.

“But it was strange.”

“Strange?”

“The girl with a menacing look shouted “It’s a mistake! It’s a mistake! I’m the one who’s bad!”. …..Hearing that kind of clear voice is the first time.”

“It’s because there were many where we couldn’t hear the content of the speech huh…..? And, the girl thought that she was bad…… huh? …..This is weird. The girl was s.e.xually hara.s.sed so if we a.s.sume that…..”

The thing that “Dream Perception” shows us is suppose to be the person’s desires. There’s no way that we can see things that happened in the past. This means.

“That girl is denying the s.e.xual hara.s.sment and is desiring to want to a.s.sert that she is the one who is bad……?”

“…..What kind of dream?”

“….The character that appeared in that was Aoki’s father…… The event actually happened, and then after, seeing the” dream”a person not related to Aoki’s father’s incident, is impossible…..”

“This girl….. is the victim of Aoki’s father’s incident. Even if that isn’t, she’s a witness, it doesn’t seem like I’m mistaken?”

Taichi thought, it was as Kiriyama said.

“Could it be that she is thinking back to a event in the past……? When it comes to the desire she is embracing, what kind is it…..? The desire for wanting to redo it, something like that?”

“For, “I’m the who’s bad”, it’s something weird to be concerned about…..”

Granted that we can contact the girl once, us two can continue visiting the third year floor during the break right after the first hour.

Information like name is unknown but Kiriyama clearly saw the appearance of her and hopefully announced “There’s a person in third year that looks like that….. Eh, why do I know that? It’s because she is quite cute!” (giving off a smell of danger) There is a chance of finding her. From the beginning, the thing “Dream Perception” can do, is suppose to be seeing someone inside Yamabos.h.i.+ High School at some time.

The walked in the hall and peeked into the cla.s.sroom. Since it was break, there were many students who went out of the cla.s.s room.

“....That person.”

The target person was found by Kiriyama. She pointed at her.

A tall girl with semi-long hair. She wore thick make up around her eyes and a image of a person with an intense personality can be felt. However now, from a distant we saw her and recognize her. She was making an intense glazed eye expression.

“Yeah, that face. …..I’m not mistaken.”

“Are we going to try talk to her?”

“I want to do that but, If she is completely not related then it will be difficult…..”

Anyways, they returned to the cla.s.s room and they will work out a plan later.

“Taichi and Yui, are somewhat together often recently huh?”

As they entered the cla.s.sroom, Nagase said.

Calmly, with a tone not heavy and not light. She didn’t use Neither a joke, neither a serious observation…..No, it felt like she on purposely didn’t take either one.

“Uhh…..” “No…..”

The two gathered and their words were clogged up solid.

“What’s more, during the break, you two met and disappeared……”

“Well, well, it’s that. That…..ad..advice! Advice!”

“Advice?”

“Ummm.”

After the random words, Kiriyama couldn't continued and looked at Taichi as if saying “What should we do” requesting for Taichi’s help.

“Advice…..It’s that Nagase. Relating to Aoki…..romance you could call it…..”

Taichi could found a topic with some credibility.

“Ah…..I see. Then there’s nothing I could say right?”

For now they got through this situation, but Nagase still doubting continued to turn her sights in our direction.

Taichi, while thinking about the relations.h.i.+p of that girl which seems to be related and Aoki’s father, and attended cla.s.s.

Even if he asks about the situation, that girl is probably the victim. It would be awkward if he brings up an unpleasant memory again. However, listening to the “dream” Kiriyama saw, somehow I can’t think that she is only a victim though…..

The teacher is trying to erase the formulas. Taichi still has parts that he still didn’t copied yet, he scribbled in his notebook in a hurry---.

【It was the figure of a girl. The girl from today’s break who I was looking for with Kiriyama. She’s crying. While crying she lowered her head. Many times over again she lowered it. In front of the girl was a male……Aoki’s father. “You were angry at me and I got p.i.s.sed off…….then I told a lie.” “I didn’t say please forgive me……. Bu the please only understand the situation. The police came, and then it became a strange flow and then…..” . She lowered her head looking like she was stuck to the ground. Lowered. Lowered. 】

Taichi blinked strongly once, and opened them again.

The writing on the blackboard was already erased.

The “dream” that Kiriyama saw, Taichi also saw that “dream”.

Putting the two together, it guided to only one conclusion.

“Aoki’s father being suspected of s.e.xual hara.s.sment is……probably a false accusation.”

Taichi nodded to Kiriyama’s speech.

“There’s no way we can confirm it though Our reasoning compensates for that in a large way.”

During lunch break, worried about the others noticing, after they scattered out of the cla.s.sroom, Taichi and Kiriyama met up together in the corners of the school building. Nagase and also Nakayama were noisily chatting, they think those two haven’t still noticed. After when they return to the cla.s.sroom, just in case it would be better if they make a time difference between the two. …..But, now above all else is the problem they face in front of them.

Moments ago, they have arrived at a conclusion about “Dream Perception”. Until this, there was nothing as serious as compared to this.

That is, with overwhelm strength, they can completely change reality.

“From only what I heard from Aoki, his dad is still not clear of suspicious…… As far as it is concerned, The person who knows the truth,…… other than the person involved are no other than us, only?”

" It was such a coincidence that we saw that dream, maybe it's fate?"

“That is, you two……. have noticed that, am I right……?”

Like rustling leaves, a chill crept up the back.

Turns around.

“…….”

I didn’t think that on this floor in the broad daylight, he would appear.

Lacking vigour with the appearance of Gotou Ryuuzen.

“……How do you always get close to us…..? I didn’t feel any presence though.”

With both hands making a fist, Kiriyama asked.

“No, no Kiriyama-san…… I only was walking normally…..?”

“What do you want?” this time, Taichi asked.

“….Ahhh…..ummmm. Ahh…..it’s because Kiriyama-san……desired it, after Yaegas.h.i.+ also thought about it often…..I could see a “dream” and was told…..to come.”

Did he follow us until he thought about it in detail?

“…..Well, if you desire for it, there’s no way that you will see me for sure though…..”

“And……, why did you come out? It’s not that you came out on purpose to tell us that?”

“Haaa…..I came to say that but……?”

“…..yes?” said with a voice overtaken by poisonous gas.

“Ahhh…..well…..not absolutely but, the thing you will see, the thing you are keeping in mind is important…… Because of what you two are trying to and if you do it……, this piece of knowledge is important……?”

The thing Taichi and Kiriyama are trying to do.

gazed at the two.

looks at them and is’’ enjoying ‘’it?

“Are we being forced…..to dance on top of your palm? Did you antic.i.p.ate this movement?”

“…..Ahhh. even if you move that way for me, it would be good…..I was thinking but. …..Well, whichever way is fine……”

It was a vague answer. I’m stumped on a reply.

“If you wall say that you will to that then……I will give you a little help. Why….. it’s because it’s a bonus stage…..”

“Hurry up and end the “phenomenon” for us would be great.”

“Is it alright to end it….. Kiriyama-san? But, you will become unable to help Aoki-san……. Even though it seems that you can finally be able to help him….am I right?”

Kiriyama swallowed a breath. She reflected on it and looked downwards.

What, the remark just now. Does know? Taichi’s and Kiriyama’s deduction was the truth. Or is it that he only said that to shake us up?

“……Well, I will only be watching so……you are free to do what you want. ….Ahh, and there’s one more thing. Once again, don’t reveal the things about the “power” to other people……. It’s because it’s annoying so it’s unpleasant……”

While words were left there, he left the scenes. Or rather, he entered the shadow of the storage room and the next time he came out, the Gotou Ryuuzen without being possessed returned.

In the physical education cla.s.s where the two cla.s.ses are combined, Taichi’s cla.s.s was together with Inaba’s.

Taichi also took the cla.s.s with everyone else. During the many developments from supernatural phenomenon, even though they have at last encountered a problem in reality, even though they normally finish the cla.s.s, despite each time, there was somewhere where it was funny.

The boys played basketball while the girls played volleyball.

While the cla.s.s practiced dribbling and pa.s.sing in two people groups, Taichi invited Aoki. In no way, it’s because Aoki didn’t look well.

“Hey, pa.s.s……Huh, Hey.”

Aoki failed in the dribble, the ball hit his own foot, and kicked it away.

“……Uh-oh…..my bad.”

“Like……are you alright? You look like you didn’t get enough sleep though?”

“Ohhh……Well, yesterday perhaps I should say until late into the night, it’s because we did something so today though. We had a family meeting….. I was yelled at by Nee-chan that kids should but out but I didn’t do that”

It is not only Aoki, Aoki’s family also. If we do this poorly, even more people will be involved, a problem.

“No really……raising a child cost money……”

Financial problems, even in reality are especially vivid.

“In the end, the talk diverted to the conclusion of divorce….. …..Ah, I think they don’t serious think they will do it. It was more like words with the meaning of buying and selling…..perhaps, weren’t that talking about that. Because you are good at listening, sorry!”

Aoki forcefully pa.s.sed the ball to Taichi.

Taichi accepted the ball. This ball, he thinks that he was given the stress, even if it is a little, Aoki carried. Storing it inside yourself is not good.

Howver, Aoki showing his weak appearance is rare. He always doesn’t merely say that’s my duty, he acts as like he usually does. Even constantly being sent problems from the “phenomenon”, the realistic problem is serious on the level of being too much to support. Is it like that?

Sensing the gaze of someone, Taichi looked in that direction.

Kiriyama, with a worried look, was looking at Aoki.

That gaze, Aoki did not notice.

After school, before going to the clubroom, Kiiryama and Taichi had a meeting alone.

“…..As I thought, if we prove that Aoki’s father’s s.e.xual hara.s.sment case is a false accusation, wouldn’t the company end up not firing him?”

Kiriyama said with a depressed tone.

“That possibility does seem possible. a.s.suming that story is the truth.”

“Well that girl is bad so if we inform the police…..No, “If I confess the truth?” If the actual person say that, it will probably be solved, are you talking about that?”

“But if it is a wrongful accusation…… conversely, for that girl, it would probably become a crime. “

I don’t know what kind of level but what’s more is being involved with the police and she lied about something to them. Because she desires to wanting to apologize to that extent, it is probably valid to think that that girl is at fault.

“……A crime, huh?”

The thing we are trying to do, is the prosecution of a crime. From now on, we will come along. The help which will not bring trouble to carefree people, differs from the principle of that help. Is it alright to do something that outrageous? Will they allow us? People who have committed a crime should be punished. That’s a natural theory. But with our own hands, are we going to push off someone into that? Can we decide on that?

Even G.o.d, couldn’t nevertheless.

Running into that proposition, Taichi was afraid.

---Of course, if it was our daily life, if we discover the truth, without hesitation we would go to the police.

But now, the thing we are using, is a “power” that is not ordinary.

We are standing on a position that is contrary to the natural laws of this world and are causing ‘’events’’.

“Either….the police catch her? What should we do……?”

Taichi was unable to say anything to Kiriyama’s whisper.

While still unable to come up with an answer, Taichi and Kiriyama headed to the clubroom with a heavy gait.

Sic people gathered in the club room and Aoki was not there.

“Do you know why Aoki is away today, Inaba?”

Kiriyama asked Inaba, who is in the same cla.s.s as him.

“He has business at home, that’s what he said.”

Listening to the answer, Kiriyama’s face became depressed.

The club activities generally went on as normal, each person doing the things they like themselves. However, there is also pressure from the “phenomenon” occurring. It was quieter than usual.

There were no discussions about “Dream Perception”. Inaba from the beginning, without allowing for a reb.u.t.tal and asked, “Ignore the phenomena ok? There’s nothing else unusual right?” . After that talk, even if they try to mention it, Inaba said “Don’t say anything” “Shut up” and with no exceptions did not allow for a discussion.

That is why, Taichi and Kiriyama decided to call Nagase out when the club activities are over and make a plan.

“Well, Today I have something to do so” Taichi said that and stood up first.

“Something to do……what is it?”

Taichi was asked by Inaba.

“Some that I must do myself …..”

“That is why, what is it……well, ok.”

She was strongly pressing for answers, and in the middle, Inaba changed her direction and did not ask anything more. But, she continues speaking.

“……Somehow, us two can’t make time for each other huh? Thinking about your career…..probably busy but.”

“yeah…..”

He is disobeying Inaba’s instructions. Because of this feeling of guilt, Taichi became having a difficult time talking with Inaba. Inaba’s instructions…… No, a.s.sertion. It is not decided that we absolutely have to obey Inaba’s opinion. An opinion should be decided and carried by oneself.

And, Enjouji raised her voice.

“Hah…..something to do by your self…..and then thinking about career……That is…..a flag for going on a inspection of the voice actor training school!”

“Not even one flag has been raised. Don’t bring out the stories from the flower garden in your brain!”

Thanks to the

After the club activities, Kiriyama and Taichi called Iori to come with them to have a talk. Taichi used an excuse that he had to go home and think about the course selection form alone, to leave the club room without Inaba Thanks to the nagging from the two first years, the awkward air between Inaba and Taichi disappeared to somewhere.

Waiting in a park near school, Nagase and Kiriyama finally came. Kiriyama said to Nagase, “I want to ask for advice for something.” and she was supposed to lead her to here.

Taichi saw her and Nagase bitterly laughed saying “Ahh, as I thought, it’s that huh?”

“There’s that inside the school and during club activities there was Inaba…..very sorry.” While apologizing, Taichi handed a juice can to Nagase. And then to Kiriyama as well.

They tried to sit on the bench but it was a little dirty so they talked while still standing.

“Nagase, taking action based on what you know from “Dream perception”, what do you think about that? Before, you were in a chairman-like position, and I didn’t think I heard what you thought yourself.” Taichi was the first to start the conversation. If we vow to be cautious, then even if we use the power, it would be ok, a.s.serted by Kiriyama and Taichi. Even if something happens, we shouldn’t use it, a.s.serted by Inaba and Aoki. As it stands, it’s two against two. Not particularly, it isn’t majority rule but we want to try to listen what Nagase is thinking.

While Nagase was saying hmmm, she turned her back towards them and walked away.

On the hot day, it is still not yet sunset, the sun rays strongly remained. The figure of Nagase playing with the can gradually overlap with the setting sun. Taichi squinted.

“If we have power we should do something with it? Because it was possible before, we should use it?”

After Nagase said with a calm tone, she looked over her shoulder.

“I, can’t make a decision. Still can’t decide.”

With a kind expression, Nagase looked down. Her soft hair gently fell.

“Well!, sorry Taichi and Yui. You probably wanted me to say “Since we have power, we should do something !”. If I say either one.”

“I wasn’t planning to that! …..But, If I say either one, I see.”

“At least, “I have made a decision” stance, is not we should use the phenomenon. If I half-heartedly get involved, then I will see painful experiences. You understand?”

Nagase said. Taichi noticed that in the current state, among the five members of the Cultural Research Club, Nagase is the one who is calmly seeing things more than anyone else.

“Withholding my decision, is indecisiveness to the extreme. Even if was told you’re avoiding it, it can’t be helped!”

There’s nothing …..like that.” Whispered Taichi. Nagase is carrying Nagase’s determination and she is staring at the problem directly in front of her.

Anyways, Nagase with a strong tone says.

“If you are going to use the “power”, you will need to be equally prepared.”

They split up with Nagase who is going to a different direction. Taichi and Kiriyama walked together to the train station. Kiriyama was silent and had a look of thinking about something. Taichi also without making a noise was engrossed in thought. Nagase’s opinion is sound. There was the direction of must protecting something. Taichi and Kiriyama have also previously done. If we without attaching a pause and be attracted to it, it will be the bulls eye was thinking. The area affected by supernatural reality spreading is supposed to be not good. However, because of that, not solving a problem of reality , it doesn’t become a good reason. There is an incident where someone in front of our eyes is attempting to become misfortunate. And the power to correct this, we have it.

“I….will do it.”

Unexpectedly, Kiriyama said. It was voice full of determination.

“……I think it’s a justice that we must carry out.”

Justice. To a mere high school student, that word is extremely serious and Kiriyama said it.

“The people we can protect, we must protect. We must correct the mistakes. If we overlook it……we will be same as the villain.”

I have thought about it this much often, but Kiriyama was very straight forward and carried a heart overflowing with a sense of justice. I will not make Kiriyama’s goodness cloudy, Taichi thought.

“I also, think so.”

Taichi mostly unconsciously said.

However, at the moment he said it, he instantly a.s.sured it was something correct. No doubt about it. Absolutely.

Kiiriyama is not the only one…….climbing on, because I will also.

Until now, all the paths we have chosen, wasn’t it for moving forward on this path of justice?

It seems that it’s that.

“If we can do something just, let’s do it. …… plan is weird but, if we are cautious, then I suppose it won’t end in a big problem.”

It’s because we have overcome those phenomenon countless times, he thought. If he gives us danger, then we will understand it from experience.

The thing I fear is that we can’t move forward. Become a person who can’t do anything. What to do then?

“A problem that can be solved, let’s solve it. If it seems like it is becoming to big, then we will immediately withdraw.”

Kiriyama nodded with a “yeah” to Taichi’s proposal.

“…..We can’t tell the others right? That. …..We can’t get them involved into something we are doing selfishly? That’s why it will be a secret between only us two I wonder, as I thought.”

Kiriyama brought together her brows and gave a forced laugh.

“Somewhat weird huh? Even though it’s not like we are dating, we are completely working together. And yet, Inaba and Aoki, are opposing us. …..To make matters worse, we’re keeping quiet about it.”

---Don’t do anything, recalling Inaba’s voice.

That line hit the center of Taichi’s heart and faded. In order to stand as a equal to Inaba, I must decide on the path based on my own intentions. The thing I should do now is that this fight is not mistaken.

“Because we’re dating, it doesn’t mean that our opinions are always going to agree. …..And then, keeping quiet about it so that they don’t have to make them carry the burden.”

It is not something to satisfy myself, it is how I feel. Yes, I am able to do it.

“You’re right. …..Yeah, let’s do our best.”

Kiriyama made a fist and aiming it in the sky did a straight punch.

“I…..have been always helped by Aoki. This time, it is my turn to help him.”

The moment Taichi heard that, Taichi felt the fragments of danger. If personal feelings gave an influence to Kiriyama’s decision, then someday, a open seam will appear it seems. But because the decisions was the one from our own individual thought, why rethink. Taichi did not on purposely point that out.

Without delay, they carried out the plan the next day. Because they don’t know to what extent the investigation on the incident and how the company is dealing with it, even if Taichi’s and Yui’s guess was wrong, it wasn’t better than confirming it early. If they are able to do it up to here, without deriding the plan, Taichi and Kiriyama have decided to try and approach from directly across. The plan starts at lunch break. They estimate they will meet up about when she finishes eating.

“Is it alright, Taichi? What if we made a mistake….. We horribly suspected …….”

Right before the actual operation, they arranged a meeting together. Kiriyama was clattering and shaking while she spoke.

“If we made a mistake, it will be ok if we apologize. I will also apologize with all my might.”

Because the first stage of the plan was decided to be left with Kiriyama, being nervous is understandable.

"Senpai, I am a second year, Kiriyama Yui…… ……. I have something to talk to you so could you come with me……?...... Senpai……?" Taichi sent a “good luck” to Kiriyama who was mumbling as she repeats the lines she should say.

Taichi went on ahead to the corner of the school building. While praying, he waited for time to pa.s.s in suspense.

Three minutes….. five minutes……seven minutes. And, finally.

With Kiriyama leading the third year girl who became a problem, appeared. Without her being cautious, Kiriyama succeeded in calling her out with only the two. The first stage was cleared.

And then from now, Taichi will also join in.

“…..what is it? Suddenly leading me to a place without anyone.”

In front of the girl saying that and Kiriyama, Taichi appeared from the shadows of the store room.

“What! …….Wait, what is this?”

With a frightened expression, the girl tries to escape and backed away.

“Please wait” said Kiriyama and she grabbed her arm and the girl stopped there.

It doesn’t like we will have time to say an introduction. We’ll gamble it on this confrontation all in one go.

" I’ll get straight to the point Senpai, about that s.e.xual hara.s.sment incident on that train...... honestly tell us what happen."

Because there’s no positive proof, it was vague. But to make her thing that we have seen through everything, we will stab through the heart of the issue and Taichi let lose the words that were decided in advance. At that moment, the girl was completely petrified.

“Ah…..eh…..ah……”

Without making a voice upright, after becoming stiff, she let out a big sigh. It looked like she was unable to even breathe.

“Hah….hah…. What are you even talking about?”

She’s trying to deceive us but already even a child would understand that something happened.

“Coincidentally….. a person who witnessed the event was there……and we heard it from that person.”

“No way”

This time, the girl replied without a pause. But her face, was twitching very fast.

Standing beside her, Kiriyama followed with a hit. “…..It’s true.”

“No waayyyy!”

The girl was enraged and grabbed at Kiriyama. Being taken by surprise, Kiriyama was desperately grabbed by the shoulder. She pushed into her.

“Not possible! No way! That there were no guys from the school! After…..an argument…..with …..another pa.s.senger…..only…..”

Agitated and her face with blood rus.h.i.+ng to her head, became pale. It seems like she realized what she said herself.

“Ahh….Why…..Suddenly…..Why…….Now…..”

Trembling, the girl whispered. And then, -----she ran away.

“Ah” while Kiriyama was in the middle of saying, the girl ran away from this place. Ran.

Taichi saw the girl losing control and became scared. That time, we still didn’t correctly understand the thing we were doing probably. We planned to drift into a world without a sense of a gentle reality. We noticed that ‘this is reality’, is not enough.

Yes, this is reality.

Not in a movie, not in a drama, a genuine reality.

In reality, the girl will be chased after. And the ones chasing after her is, us. This is reality.

Kiriyama moved to try chasing from behind. Moreover, continuing, a puzzled Taichi started to run.

“What should we do?”

“Anyways, nothing else but to stop her.”

Somehow we have a handicap since the other is a normal girl. Kiriyama who excels in athleticism instantly caught up to her completely.

Kiriyama grabbed her arm.

“Please, wait! Calm down!”

“Let me go! Let me go! It has nothing to do with me! I’m not bad!”

The girl violently struggled.

“You’re mistaken! We are not thinking that Senpai is bad! Only……with that, there is a person in trouble! That person is in this school and…… in other words, it’s because it’s that kid’s father!”

Those were words from Kiriyama’s true feelings

The girl suddenly stopped moving. Her rough breathing continued.

That’s it, this girl desired to wanting to apologize in her “dream”. In other words, she is regretting it. Instead of treating her as a criminal and if I approach her from that aspect. Taichi says.

“Senpai…..you’re regretting, what you did am I right? Well, let’s start over again and properly apologize. If it goes well, you would be helping that kid. Senpai will also not being regretting about it anymore and it will end. ….If not for you r self interest, then do it for that kid…… Please.”

Listening to Taichi’s words, the girl’s eyes became teary. Steadily tears started to squeeze out, and finally, they fell.

“…..No way…… That…..I’m……sorry. ….sorry…… Would you listen to me? My story…… would you……listen to it carefully……?”

While crying, the girl said. Someone older can’t be seen, only a very young girl.

“We will listen. Please, explain.”

Kiriyama continued, The girl squatted down at that spot.

“That…..I wasn’t planning on doing that…..absolutely didn’t!”

Not being able to consult with anyone, she probably stashed it away inside herself. The girl like as if she was vomiting, explained everything for us.

The girl was inside the train making a phone call [1] and the girl’s fault was pointed out by Aoki’s father it seemed. Even after that, she ignored him and continued her conversation and Aoki’s father strongly warned her. Through the course of that, there was the scene where her arm was lightly grabbed. Because of that point of faultfinding, she yelled “s.e.xual Hara.s.sment! s.e.xual Hara.s.sment!”.

“…..Then the train attendant…..and the train police appeared and it became a big scene…… Now, I can’t say that it was a mistake….. The people from the police were saying something like “Something like that was done huh?“ without asking…..”

There were few pa.s.sengers and there were no witness who witnessed the exchange. “I got home….., on the net, I saw false accusation and being fired from a company….., I thought that I did something very terrible. If I understand that it’s terrible, it is at the level of understanding where I don’t know what I should do. ….. It was a mistake; I am the one who is bad, even though I wanted to say that…..”

The girl’s emotions were all worked up and while there were spots she was incoherent, she politely explained to us.

But it the incident above became an incident involving the police and she must come forth when there is a time to come forth. She herself has repeatedly acknowledged that. If that becomes a crime, I don’t know.

“And then….. I thought what should I do. And then.”

Somewhat, the girl was calm in places. Taichi asked.

“…..You talked about it now, and are now determined. I think you would go to the police and….properly talk to them. Also, you ….apologize to that man…… For a long time….. it’s because that’s what you thought you want to do.”

I think that is not a lie but the truth. That’s because , in the depth of that girl’s heart, that is what she desired. Kiriyama and Taichi knew the truth of the incident from “Dream Perception”.

While thinking about it, this time, the thing Taichi and Kiriyama did, the only one push for someone was not extreme.

As it is now, they couldn’t bring themselves to say “After you can do it yourself.” , so they depended on Fujis.h.i.+ma’s father who is respected in the police to mediate this. There’s no guarantee that it would go well but they hoped for it. Fujihsima listened to the situation and made arrangements for us. At the same time as school was over, the police officers escorted the girl to the police station. “…..With maximum consideration, I requested them. She was grabbed by the hand was the truth, if the compromise goes well, I suppose it won’t become a serious crime.”

Finished with dealing with the situation, Fujihsima reported to Taichi and Kiriyama.

“I see. Thanks, for taking care of it.”

“It’s ok. What’s more, you were concerned with an unthinkable incident. Nevertheless, weren’t you wonderfully putting great efforts? You solved one false s.e.xual hara.s.sment accusation incident in society and saved a girl being tormented by the awareness of the crime.”

“It was coincidentally a coincident, coincidentally !”

Kiriyama was in panic while being modest.

“Hmmm. …..Yaegas.h.i.+-kun also would say it was a coincident?”

“Ah, yeah. It’s like that though.”

“Heh, so it seems.”

With a glancing look, Fujis.h.i.+ma’s eyes found Yaegas.h.i.+. Somewhere, there was a hidden meaning.

They did not have that plan, it is not like someone initiated it, but rumors spreading happened.

The story of a third year girl falsely accusing s.e.xual hara.s.sment and the story of Taichi and Kiriyama solving that, at the beginning of the week, people from one part of the school came to know about it.

“What an achievement, Yui.”

Kurihara Yukina looking happy patted Yui’s head crumpling her hair.

“Stop, stop Yukina……. There wasn’t anything like that…..none.”

This time it was Setouchi Kaoru who says.

“Yui-chan, could it be that you are feeling guilty? Don’t worry about it. If she did something, you did something that you should against that.”

Listening beside her was also Taichi. He was saved a little from Setouchi’s speech.

They didn’t want to make it into a big deal but becoming this level of a rumor, nothing can be done. Fortunately, the man accused in the incident being Aoki’s father and the details of the incident to not leak out. Taichi was relieved to know that. If that becomes obvious, Inaba and the others will discover the thin we did---No.

The girl who told us that her hobby was information collection and information a.n.a.lysis is my girlfriend.

Inaba, is not a girl that naïve?

“…..Yo, Taichi and Yui.”

Thinking that his heart has stopped, Inaba, appeared in the cla.s.s 2-B’s cla.s.sroom.

It was quiet. It was only quiet and a feeling of keeping to one self can not be read.

“A lunch break, …..let me borrow you for a little.”

Inaba made a dreadful laugh.

"You guys used “Dream Perception”…… and solved Aoki’s father’s s.e.xual hara.s.sment case you were told about huh?”

Straight to the point without a preface.

Inaba was angry. But even so, without making her anger explode, she was slowly boiling her anger. Scary. Honestly thought that.

“….Ah, yeah that’s right.”

At this stage, he couldn’t hide and Taichi admitted it.

“Tell me the details.”

The five second years member gathered around the long tables in the club room.

While sensing the uneasy gaze from Kiriyama, Taichi flowingly explained roughly.

“---and, the girl went to the police station…..it happened like that.”

Taichi’s talk was finished. And, at that moment, laughed scornfully.

“You guy’s is finished there, huh?”

“What do you mean?”

A little irritated and sensing the unpleasantness, Taichi asked back.

“After that, what happened? You guys don’t know what happened I’m talking about. Even if your involvement ends there. the reality isn’t like that. ….Say it, Aoki.”

Inaba handed the baton to Aoki. Aoki made a serious face. So far, his serious expression is more so than when he was expressing his own problem.

“Well….. nothing happened to my dad and the suspicion were cleared up and they did not blame him. What kind of punishment for that girl, I still know that though but I don’t plan on bring it to his attention. …And, it seems it became without him being fired from the company.”

Listening to that, the stiff Kiriyama’s expression changed to a broad smile slightly.

Taichi was also relieved. However, well, why is Aoki making a face of someone at his limits? He is not showing happiness. What has driven Aoki to a corner?

Nagase, was watching over carefully the fate of this.

“…..In the place of that, someone also in the company was fired it seems. It’s because from the start, my father’s company was looking for an employee for the restructuring.”

Like a vein popping, Kiriyama's face became stiff.

Taichi was also the same. The muscles for expressions were made hung in a weird way.

"…..Get it? You guys?"

Looking like she was deliberately telling us, like as if it was slowly soaking in, Inaba said those words.

Like scratching, the blame was pushed on to us.

"But, that is!"

Raising his voice, he surprised himself. Unexpectedly, the first to raise his voice was himself.

"Aoki's father was innocent and accused of a crime so he was fired. Because Aoki….."

"I am not talking about thaaaatttt!!"

Inaba hit the table and roared.

It was like a feeling of paralysis and couldn't make the body move.

"For the sake of helping a guy who you know among friends, what ever happens to the other go doesn't matter!? There's no way for that! My advice of ignoring and you f.u.c.king took action!"

Kiriyama explains with a tearful voice.

"Wait, wait Inaba. …..I'll apologize for being quiet and taking aciton, sorry. But I want you to understand, that what we did was not bad….. it's because It was a crime. Something like crime has nothing to do with…….our circ.u.mstance….. It's not like where laying someone's blame on someone else."

"There's nothing to do with where there was evil or good you stinking kids! Just generally, what is good and what is bad!?"

Kiriyama's good fight was utterly defeated with one roar.

But Taichi was unable to remain silent.

"But, but it was a crime!? A crime is bad, it's been decided by the law!"

"Those are rules which are decided by humans so they are in a range where they can follow themselves.!"

"Then"

"But we are a departure from the rules of normal people! Don't make me say that you forgot!"

We're humans with power who have departed from the rules.

That's the path to take for not normal humans.

Sob, sob, and the sniffle echoed.

"……I am, right."

Kiriyama a.s.serted.

"That's because a person in trouble, Aoki's father…… and then also Aoki…… I can help them."

Kiriyama looked at Aoki. Even though from the side, it is understood that she is relying on her receiving affirmation.

Being looked at with those eyes from the person he loves, Aoki made an agonizing face. "….. That sort thing was not needed"

Cut off and from away.

Kiriyama seeing like she wants to say " I can't believe it", she became pale.

"If you end up doing that, you become having to have to poke into someone else's unfortunate problem. If it's just me, it becomes unfair!"

"Un…..unfair, I don't get what you mean!"

A complete change, a tinge of red is visible on Kiriyama's cheek.

"Is correcting something mistaken bad!? Because I, have greatly received Aoki's help! I was thinking I could return the favour! I was clear-headed about this….. I was also able to reply and can reach a conclusion!? Are you saying that's wrong!?"

"Yui…… from what I did for you, you want to do something for me!? Returning a favour you said!? Those kinds of thing…….that kind of responsibility. …… that sympathy…..stop that for me!"

Trembling all over, Aoki bit his lips.

I don't understand. Why is Aoki so stubborn about only that? No, is it his side where even if whatever happens, he will absolutely not yield? Even if Taichi and Kiriyama are rebelling against Inaba, he wouldn't yield on that.

"Why are you……! You are happy…..! You must be happy…….it's odd."

Kiriyama looked downwards and rubbed her eyes.

In a tone calmer than before, Inaba says.

"……There are things you must do. Even if you think it's absurd, even if you feel it's ruthless, even if you regret at the level of swallowing your tears, you can only accept this truth."

"We overlook a crime even? We leave people who are misfortunate alone even?"

Taichi asked. Is this self-sacrificing? No, it's different. As person, I am saying that this is something correct.

" I think that using the "power" for the purpose of our own benefits and desires, this is absolutely wrong. But, blindly accepting, "We are not allowed to move" rule, doing this for someone, saving others won't be ----"

"Are you a d.a.m.n protagonist?"

Filled with scorn, Inaba said only one line.

"Because of someone like you, a "story" that shouldn't have began, have begun."

"What do….you want to say?"

"I'm saying you have become completely like a protagonist of an adventure story. Get it? The meaning? It is like even though misgovernment is imposed widely and if n.o.body moves then it will be stable, because someone must do something or other and comes out and take action, they are asking for war. You’re that kind of guy, I’m saying.”

The thing I was doing myself was only asking for a unnecessary chaos? Even though, I’m helping someone.

“Nevertheless up until now, it was good, your protagonist spirit. But now, in this situation, that is a fatal flow and an absolute mistake. ‘’It is because you are not able to sit back and do nothing.’’”

Completely scolded, blood rushed up to Taichi’s head.

From within, emotions surged out.

“Ahh, I can’t! That’s because of what! I am that kind of a person! From the beginning I was “that” and can’t change it! Long time ago, Inaba seemed to have said that huh!?”

Inaba said “Selfless Freak”.

She said, from the beginning she was like “that” and couldn’t change it.

If that’s the case, I should stick to it myself.

“I, will do it. I think that I’m correct…… in using “Dream Perception” and help someone else”

Yeah, I can only do it.

I will fight, Taichi was determined to do that ----- Kiriyama contines.

“I also…..will do it. And I am correct, I’ll prove it.”

Aoki looked like he wants to say something but without saying anything he scratched his head.

Nagase looked like she’s seeing through everything and kept silent and not moving.

Sitting side by side are, Kiriyama and Taichi, and lined up across from them are Aoki and Inaba. Two against two. The two sides glared at each other.

What, why.

Why are we quarreling with each other? Much less, confronting each other?

There wasn’t when someone’s worries were revealed, there wasn’t when someone’s emotions were forced to be expressed, there wasn’t when someone was shackled to the past and mistaken someone, there wasn’t when the hearts of each other was seen through, there wasn’t when an imitation of someone appeared.

This phenomenon, within ourselves, anybody and everybody’s problems are not being actualized.

But.

That’s why.

The place isn’t becoming shaking, it is we are being ruptured based on our decisions.

It is because the things we believe in are different.

It is because the path we believe in splits.

After Inaba squinted her eyes, she returned to glaring at the opposite side.

Kiriyama and Taichi.

“…..Ok, I’ll say it one more time. Whatever it may be, a normally impossible “power” we influence the world. Because of that, you are with . Changing something completely and cannot return it back. Obviously that is a mistake. The worse course of action.”

She blamed.

“That is why “Dream Perception” happens and I do nothing at all. If you guys are going to use this “power” and take action, then I will use all my power to prevent it.”

Always, always, Inaba was Taichi’s ally.

“That…..is the path I think is correct, it is justice.”

For the first time, they are enemies, standing in each other’s way.

“~~~~~~ How did it come to this!”

On her way home by herself, Inaba Himeko raised her voice without thought.

Bam, she kicked the telephone pole with the inside of her shoe.

It is easy to understand that it looks stupid. I am venting my rage.

Opposing Yui and Taichi. Opposing. Taichi. Taichi. Taichi…….

“……I get, that. He is a kind guy……A good guy…… I also understand that his feelings are to wanting to do that.”

But, I’m right. Those guys have misunderstood. I must stop them.

If this belief is twisted then the brakes will lose its effect.

It losing effect will cause us to be unable to slip out of this abnormality. An then I, I won’t slip out of from----. It is the final defense line that I must protect, how many sacrifices should be paid.

This is already, war.

Translation Notes Jump up↑ In j.a.pan, you are not suppose to talk on your phone inside trains.