Episode 43 - Past Arc EP2: Summer Memories

When Shota came to, the clear blue sky of midsummer spread out before him.

The sea breeze brushed his cheek, and the sound of waves echoed faintly in the distance. He found himself standing on a seaside walkway. Under the blazing sun, a girl in a sailor uniform slowly approached.

She looked to be about high school age—probably around sixteen.

Her navy skirt and white summer sailor blouse fluttered in the breeze. The moment Shota saw her face, he caught his breath.

More mature than in her middle school days, Ryoko had grown from a girl into a young woman—refined, graceful, and stunningly beautiful. She smiled softly, took Shota’s hand, and started walking. Without hesitation, Shota followed her lead.

Before long, they passed through the school gates and stepped into a high school campus. The white school building gleamed under the sunlight. Ryoko walked confidently through the halls and stopped in front of a second-floor classroom.

She looked up at the sign that read “Class 1-2”, the equivalent of 10th grade, homeroom #2, then gently let go of Shota’s hand and stepped into the classroom.

Shota remained by the door, quietly observing the scene inside.

There were already a few students in the room. Ryoko approached them naturally and greeted them with a friendly voice.

“Hey, did you see the drama yesterday?”

“Yeah! That ending was crazy!”

“I liked that one scene better—when the main character…”

Within moments, several girls gathered around her, chatting and laughing together.

Her voice was cheerful, her smile relaxed.

Unlike her middle school days, she now seemed like a well-liked member of the class, fully at ease.

(She’s grown…)

Watching her, Shota could faintly feel her emotions.

Warm, soft, and gentle.

She was no longer alone. She had found friends and was living a happy, normal school life.

But that peace—would soon be shattered.

During lunch break, Ryoko was called out by a senior male student.

Shota naturally followed her.

They met behind the school building. The wind was strong, rustling through the trees.

“I’ve been interested in you for a while now.”

The boy confessed nervously.

“Would you go out with me?”

Ryoko widened her eyes in surprise. But in her gaze, there was a flicker of hesitation.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to give that impression.”

“Didn’t mean to…?”

His voice wavered.

“You’re so pretty—how could I just give up on you?”

The very next moment, he reached out to grab her arm—

“—!”

Something inside Ryoko snapped.

The air shimmered.

The world tilted.

And then—the boy was hurled through the air as if blown by a powerful gust.

He tumbled across the ground and finally came to a stop several meters away—maybe ten feet or so.

“…Wh-What…?”

Sitting on the ground, he stared at her with wide, terrified eyes.

Pure fear was etched into his expression.

“Y-You… what are you…?”

Ryoko gasped and stumbled back.

“No—it’s not what you think! I didn’t—!”

But her words didn’t reach him.

The boy scrambled to his feet, trembling, and ran away without looking back.

“…”

Ryoko lowered her eyes.

Then she turned—and bolted.

Shota stood frozen, watching her flee.

And with her retreating figure, he felt her emotions surge into him.

(I’m scary… But I didn’t mean to… It wasn’t supposed to be like this…)

The loneliness, the hopelessness—Ryoko’s pain flowed directly into Shota.

(What should I…?)

He could do nothing.

All he could do was watch her run away, the ache in his chest growing stronger with every step she took.