Painful Memories

---

(Ren and Kaito walking on the way home)

Ren: So, what happened?

Kaito: When I got there, no one was around. But once I showed up in front of Shiguro, he had someone with him... He hit me from behind, and then they both ganged up on me.

Ren: All of this... for a photo?

Kaito: No... I heard Shiguro say someone wants those photos—and they’re willing to pay any amount for them.

Ren: Who is it?

Kaito: I don’t know. But we have to get those photos back before he sells them.

Ren: We will... But we’ll need help. And I know someone who can help.

Kaito: Then I’m counting on you.

---

(The next day – Kaito walking to school)

Kaito (thinking): We have to find those photos... He said we only have one day...

Park: Kaito, are you spacing out?

Kaito: No, just... thinking about something. I might need your help with it.

Park: I’m in—just tell me what you need.

Kaito: Meet me after school, alright?

Park: Sure. But... what happened to your face?

Kaito: Just a fight...

Park (joking): With your sister? Ha! You deserved it!

(Kaito’s sister in his imagination)

Sister (angrily): I didn’t do anything to him! Is it my fault he used me as an excuse, that idiot?!

Kaito (to himself): Sorry for using you as an excuse, sis...

---

(In class)

Kaito: So, Ren, what did you do?

Ren: I invited our friends.

Kaito: Who?

Ren: From the camp.

Kaito: All of them?

Ren (with a smirk): Eri’s the first. Don’t worry.

Kaito: Great... Just great.

Teacher: Everyone, to your seats—now!

---

(After class)

Park: Kaito, let’s eat together.

Kaito: Sure.

Ren: Let’s all eat together then.

Kaito: No, I don’t want to eat with you.

Ren: Is this about Eri?

Kaito: Do you even have to ask?

Ren: Then the four of us will eat together.

Park: Four?

(At the cafeteria – the four sitting together)

Kaito: So, Misaki’s joining too?

Misaki: Is that a problem?

Kaito: No, of course not.

Misaki: What happened to your face?

Ren: He just tripped.

Park: He fought with his sister!

Ren and Park together: Huh?

Ren: He tripped, Park!

Park: He told me it was his sister!

Kaito (looking at Misaki): You two are exposing me...

Misaki: Kaito, I need to talk to you after school.

Kaito: I can’t. I’ve got something after school. Sorry.

Misaki: It won’t take long.

Kaito: Then let’s talk now.

Misaki (puts down her food): Fine. Come with me to the rooftop.

---

(On the school rooftop)

Kaito: So, what do you want?

Misaki: That injury... what caused it?

Kaito: I fought with my sister.

Misaki: But Park said something else.

Kaito: You know how Park is, right? Haha...

Misaki: Did you go to Shiguro?

Kaito: What are you talking about? I don’t even know where he is!

Misaki: So you didn’t see that message on my phone, right?

Kaito: No, I didn’t see anything.

Misaki: Don’t lie... I know when someone’s lying. It’s too much of a coincidence—I go there, Ren suddenly pulls me back to sit with her, and the next day you’re injured!

Kaito: That’s your fault.

Misaki: What did I do?

Kaito: You always want to deal with things alone. Even though Ren and I are here for you. I helped you once... You should’ve told me.

Misaki: Yes, you helped once. But that wasn’t your problem—it was mine. I always end up dragging others into my mess. (grabs her right sleeve) Always...

Kaito: If everyone could solve their problems alone, the word "help" wouldn’t exist. And if people could carry all their burdens by themselves, no one would say, “Share your pain—it lessens the load.”

Misaki: Words are easy. Living them is hard... So don’t get involved in my life again.

Kaito: Then tell me... how did Iroha die?

Misaki (pauses): Why do you want to know?

Kaito: So I can stop "getting involved" in your life.

Misaki: If I tell you, there are two conditions.

Kaito: I agree.

Misaki: First: don’t interfere in what doesn’t concern you.

Second: Take responsibility.

Kaito: I accept.

(Misaki breathes deeply)

Misaki: Inhale... exhale... Alright, listen.

[Misaki begins to tell the story of Iroha’s death]

Iroha’s Memories

(Iroha looks at the calendar on the wall)

Iroha: Not much time left… huh.

(Iroha’s mother enters the room)

Mother: Iroha, may I come in?

Iroha: Of course, Mom.

(Her mother sits beside her and gently pats her shoulder)

Mother: What’s wrong, my little princess?

Iroha: Mom… how did Dad die?

Mother (surprised): Why are you asking that?

Iroha: I just… want to know.

Mother: Your father passed away like any other person, my dear.

Iroha: Was it painful? Or scary?

Mother (holding back tears): Please don’t think about that… What would I do without you?

Iroha (holding her mother’s hand): Don’t worry, Mom… I’ll never leave you. I’ll always be here to annoy you.

Mother (laughs gently): Try as much as you want, I’ll never get annoyed by you.

Iroha: Then I’ll keep trying.

Mother: Yes, never give up… ever.

Iroha (hugging her tightly): Mom… I’m so scared.

Mother: Don’t be scared. I’m right here with you…

---

The Next Day

Misaki: Good morning, Iroha. How are you?

Iroha: I’m okay.

Misaki: That’s good to hear. Hey, my dad’s company is having a celebration in two weeks for signing a new contract, and I wanted to invite you!

Iroha: Sounds nice, but… how about you come over today for a meal instead?

Misaki: Why not? Your mom’s cooking is delicious!

Iroha (laughing): No, we are the ones cooking today!

Misaki: Haha, then I’ll wait for the master chef’s meal!

Iroha: Nope! We’ll be making our favorite meal together.

---

In the Kitchen

Iroha: Let’s start with the eggs. We just need to crack them gently… and then pour them into the pan.

(She tries to crack an egg)

Iroha: Ugh… it won’t break… (tries again, the egg breaks in her hand, her eyes fill with tears)

Iroha: I crushed the egg in my hand…

Misaki: Wow, great job, Chef! Step aside, I’ll fry the eggs myself.

Iroha: Fine, then I’ll prepare the bacon.

Misaki: Stop! I’ll help with both!

---

(After cooking)

Iroha: Come on, let’s eat!

Misaki: Do you like it?

Iroha: The eggs are burnt on the bottom.

Misaki: And your bacon’s half raw… maybe we shouldn’t have cooked!

(Iroha’s mom enters)

Mother: Iroha, do you have someone over? Oh, is that Misaki?

Misaki: Yes, it’s me!

Mother: You came to visit?

Misaki: Yes, and I also invited her to the new contract signing event.

Mother: We’ll definitely be there. But… what’s that smell? That’s not eggs! Iroha, did you turn off the oven?

Iroha: Umm… I forgot.

Mother (screaming): Whaaat! (runs to turn it off, lightly smacks her on the head)

Iroha: Why’d you hit me? I was just making food!

Mother: You almost caused a disaster!

Iroha: Everyone makes mistakes, right?

Mother (lightly hits her again): Mistakes are okay, but a responsible adult should be present!

Iroha: But nothing bad happened, right?

Mother (sighs): This girl…

Misaki (laughs): How about tasting the food?

Mother: Why not? I’m hungry. (takes a bite) Who made this?

Misaki: Iroha. I tried to stop her, but she insisted.

Misaki: Well, I should go now. Goodbye, Mrs. Mizumi.

Iroha (sniffling): Traitor…

Misaki (smiling): Goodbye…

---

After Misaki Leaves

Mother: So, my dear… you messed up the house and nearly set it on fire! What am I going to do with you?

Iroha: If I said Misaki helped, would you believe me?

Mother (serious tone): Go to your room. I’ll think of a fitting punishment.

(Iroha waits, then her mother re-enters)

Mother: I’ve decided… your punishment is to eat eggs with bacon… your mother’s style!

Iroha (happy): Really?! Thank you! Itadakimasu!

(Mother thinks to herself): Even though she almost burned the house… it doesn’t matter. What matters is that my daughter is okay…

---

[Flashback Scene]

Iroha would tear a page from the calendar every day, checking the days left, as the symptoms grew worse: bleeding, infections, pain that came and went.

One day, when she flipped the calendar page, a sharp pain struck her, and she collapsed in tears.

---

[At the Amusement Park]

Iroha: What do you think, Misaki? Isn’t this amusement park amazing?

Misaki: Yeah, it’s incredible. Where do you want to go first?

Iroha: Well, this park is famous for its roller coasters and zoo. We’ll enjoy the rides first, then end with a relaxing time at the zoo.

Misaki: Alright, which ride first?

Iroha (excited): The scariest one, of course! I love adventure, so we’re going on the roller coaster!

Misaki: You’re kidding, right?

Iroha: Nope, let’s go!

(They get on the roller coaster)

Misaki: I don’t think I can handle this…

Iroha (pulls her): Come on, it’ll be fun!

(The ride begins ascending)

Iroha: One… two… three… Wheeeee!!

Misaki (eyes shut, crying): I don’t think I’ll ever like this!

(Later, Misaki stands steady while Iroha wobbles)

Misaki: I’m the one who should be wobbling, not you!

Iroha (laughs): Let’s go win some stuffed toys now!

---

[At the Game Booth]

Vendor: You have to hit the stuffed toy to win it.

Iroha: Okay, I’ll aim for the one in the middle.

Vendor: Here you go, three shots.

Iroha (confidently): I only need one shot. Watch this!

(She fires but hits everything except the target)

Vendor: You hit everything but the one you wanted!

Misaki: Step aside, I’ll get it.

(Misaki also fails)

Vendor (smiling): What’s with you two? Do you want any toy, or just that one?

Iroha: That one… but I guess luck isn’t on our side.

Vendor: Alright, one shot from me...

(He hits the doll and it falls.)

Vendor: There it goes. You can take it.

Misaki: But you knocked it down yourself!

Vendor: It's fine. I own this place, and nothing makes me happier than seeing smiles on my customers' faces. Take it—it's a gift.

Iroha: Thank you, kind sir!

Vendor: Goodbye. I hope you both visit again.

Misaki: We definitely will.

---

[Butterfly Garden]

Iroha: After all this fun, let’s go to the Butterfly Garden.

Misaki: Why the Butterfly Garden?

Iroha: Because I love it. Their colors are magical, and their movement is so gentle.

Misaki: Alright, let’s go see them together.

(Inside)

Iroha: Misaki, look at this one… and that one… They're amazing!

Misaki: Yeah, they're beautiful.

Iroha: Look at that green butterfly—how it adds to the beauty… and that one too!

Misaki: Why did you stop here?

Iroha: I wanted to see this butterfly in particular.

Misaki: That one is called the "Emperor Butterfly."

Iroha: Yes… Even though its life is short, it fills nature with beauty through its royal colors… Isn’t it incredible?

(Misaki feels something strange.)

At that moment, Misaki felt a tightness in her chest...

She didn't know her friend’s life was like an hourglass, slowly flipping over with each passing day, silently approaching its end.

---

[On the Day of the Contract Signing]

Misaki: Iroha, come look at this!

Iroha: What is it?

Misaki: It's the new device. The contract to develop it will be signed today.

Iroha: And what does it do?

Misaki: I’m not sure exactly—we’ll find out soon.

[Misaki’s father gives a speech in front of the audience]

“First, I’d like to thank everyone for attending this important event. Today, we announce a major step in the future of energy: a new battery that works at double the efficiency of traditional ones. Before you is the first functional model.

And because we believe in actions over words, we’ll start the demonstration now.”

(The lights go out and come back on.)

“As you can see, this medium-sized battery is generating enough power to run this entire system. Yes, it’s real. However, we are facing some challenges—mainly the sourcing of raw materials. That’s where our partnership with Mr. Han’s company comes in to help with production. (Contract is signed.)

We promise that within one year, this innovation will be available on the market. Thank you.”

(Applause fills the room.)

Misaki: What do you think?

Iroha: It's amazing, but I couldn’t really see the device.

Misaki: Really? Then you’ll see it now.

Iroha: Really?

Misaki: Yes, I’ll ask my dad.

(Misaki goes to her father and asks to see the battery. He refuses at first, then…)

Misaki: He agreed! But we have to go quickly before they lock the place.

Iroha: Really? Okay then.

---

[At the Device Room]

(Workers are moving equipment.)

Worker 1: Is it safe to put it next to that machine? What if it generates heat?

Worker 2: It’s fine. The machine won’t operate now. Don’t worry.

(The worker closes the door.)

Misaki: They’re gone. Let’s go see the device.

Iroha: They locked the door!

Misaki: I have the key—don’t worry.

Iroha (laughing): You’ve become quite the troublemaker—and I like it!

Misaki: Stop it. Let’s go. That’s it… What do you think?

Iroha: It doesn’t look that big, but it’s amazing! It can power an entire company!

Misaki: We’ve seen it, let’s go back.

Iroha: Wait, what’s that device next to it?

Misaki: It generates thermal energy… I don’t know much. Let’s just go.

---

[Voice from Outside]

Misaki’s Father: Misaki, are you inside?

[10 Minutes Earlier]

Misaki’s Father: Where are Misaki and Iroha?

Iroha’s Mother: The presentation was wonderful. You did great.

Misaki’s Father: Thank you, but where are they?

Iroha’s Mother: I don’t know. They disappeared after the show.

Misaki’s Father: Maybe they went to eat. I’ll look for them.

Iroha’s Mother: Should I come?

Misaki’s Father: No, I’ll find them quickly.

---

[Back Inside]

Misaki’s Father (from behind the door): Misaki, are you in there?

Misaki (nervous): I panicked and pressed something…

Iroha: What did you press?! The welding machine is turning on!

Misaki’s Father: What are you doing?! I’ll come in—the key isn’t with me!

Misaki: It’s working! What do I do?!

Iroha: We need to stop it! (Presses a button)

Misaki: Don’t! That’s not how it’s turned off!

(The battery is affected by the high heat.)

Iroha: What do we do?!

Misaki: Calm down first. What’s wrong?

Iroha (frightened): I don’t know—I’m really scared!

(The battery explodes, filling the room with fire.)

Misaki’s Father (from outside): What’s going on in there?! Hold on, I’m getting the key!

Misaki: Are you okay?

Iroha: Misaki, you’re injured!

Misaki: It’s fine—we need to get out of here!

(The fire rushes toward them.)

Misaki: The key… Where is it?

Iroha: Let’s look before the flames spread!

Misaki: I can’t find it!

(Iroha moves closer to the fire.)

Misaki: Iroha! What are you doing?! Stay back!

Iroha: Misaki… I’ve always been afraid of death. Every second of my life was a nightmare. Even when I laughed, I feared the moment would be stolen. I used to see my mom cry because she couldn’t help me. But now… for the first time, I feel at peace.

(Misaki grabs her and screams.)

Misaki: Don’t say that! We’ll survive! This is my fault—I’ll fix it!

(The battery sparks and injures Misaki.)

Iroha: Misaki!

Misaki: It’s okay… We need to get out—now!

Misaki’s Father (from outside): Hold on! I’m coming!

Iroha: We need to reach the door! (Carries Misaki)

Misaki: We’re almost there!

(The welding machine launches a massive metal piece toward Misaki.)

Iroha (pushing her): Watch out!

(The metal hits Iroha.)

Misaki (horrified): IROHAAA!!

Iroha (breathing heavily): It’s okay… Death has always chased me… but thanks to you, I’m not afraid. For the first time… I feel peace. Thank you… for everything…

(Her tears fall, and she loses consciousness.)

Misaki (holding her, screaming): IROHAAAA! NO! Don’t leave me like this!

---

[Misaki’s Father Enters]

Misaki’s Father (shocked): Misaki… Iroha…!

Misaki: Iroha, wake up! Please! (Holds her hand)

---

[Final Scene]

Misaki and Iroha were taken to the hospital.

Misaki was saved,

but the doctors… couldn’t save Iroha.

---

[Back to Misaki and Kaito]

Misaki: …Now you know.

Kaito: Why did you insist on bearing that pain alone?

Misaki: You must remember our first agreement—

First, you won’t interfere in my affairs.

Second… you must take responsibility. (A tear falls to the ground)

Take responsibility for these tears, because you made me remember.

But I didn’t remember the past… I remembered its pain.

And since you’ll never understand, I accept that. (She walks away.)