After the brief conversation, Yuu realized that the best way to explain what he knew about Kanade was to show her directly. Growing increasingly nervous, he searched on his phone for the anime where she appeared, hoping it wouldn’t be too difficult for her to understand.
Yuu: (nervously) "Kanade… I know this might sound strange, but in this world… you’re a character from a story. I mean… people here know you, but not as someone real, more like… fictional."
Kanade: (in disbelief) "Fictional? Are you saying that here, my life is just… a story for others?"
Yuu: (nodding slowly) "Something like that. But to help you understand better, why don’t I show you? This might be… shocking."
Yuu walked over to his desk and turned on his computer. Kanade watched with curiosity and caution, fascinated by every movement. After a few moments, Yuu opened a streaming site and searched for the anime where she appeared. Kanade narrowed her eyes at the screen, trying to process the images and sounds coming from that “magic box.”
Yuu: (pointing at the screen) "Look, this is… your world. That’s you, Kanade Himejima. Or… well, someone who looks exactly like you."
The image on the screen showed a girl with dark hair and bright eyes, wearing a distinctive uniform that Kanade immediately recognized. Her eyes widened, surprise and confusion mixing on her face.
Kanade: (mouth open) "That… that’s me! How is this possible? How does anyone here know what I look like and what I’ve lived through?"
Yuu looked at Kanade with a mix of fascination and empathy. He knew that what she was seeing must be incredibly confusing for her, and somehow, he still couldn’t believe that his “waifu” was standing in front of him, questioning her own existence.
Yuu: "In this world, you're one of the most beloved characters. Your story has been watched by millions. But… everyone thinks you’re just a creation, something fictional, made up."
Kanade fell silent, trying to absorb the revelation. Seeing her own reflection move and speak in that “magic screen” gave her a strange and surreal feeling.
Kanade: (serious expression) "So… to all of you, I’m just… a fantasy?"
Yuu: (with a small smile) "To me, you’ve always been more than that. And now… well, you’re definitely real. It’s you, just like in the anime—but here, in my room."
Kanade stared at him, more intrigued than surprised now. There was something in Yuu’s words that made her feel curious—and somehow, special. She had never considered the idea that her life and experiences could be viewed like that—unreal and yet fascinating.
Kanade: (with a half-smile) "So… if I’m so famous here, are you going to show me everything about this world? Because if I’m stuck here, I want to know everything I can. Looks like an… adventure awaits."
Yuu: (relieved and excited) "Of course! I’ll show you everything I know. And if there’s any way to get you back to your world, I promise I’ll help you find it."
Kanade nodded, grateful for his kindness. For now, the uncertainty still lingered, but there was something in Yuu’s sincere eyes that gave her confidence.
Kanade: (with a spark of excitement) "Then, Yuu, show me more of this… Japan. And I also want to know more about this world that sees me as just a character."
Yuu was sitting in an uncomfortably quiet office, acutely aware of his surroundings. In front of him sat the school principal, a tall man with broad shoulders and a demeanor that, under normal circumstances, would make anyone tremble. To be honest, just being in front of the principal was already unusual for Yuu, someone who usually flew under the radar.
Beside him, Kanade was seated, apparently uninterested in the situation. She observed the shelves full of books, the framed diplomas on the walls, and the large pendulum clock in the corner. The reality of being in the principal’s office didn’t seem to faze her in the slightest—or perhaps she simply didn’t grasp the seriousness of the place she was in.
The principal, Mr. Kurogane, watched them with his typical piercing gaze, as if evaluating every detail. Then he looked at Kanade and raised an eyebrow, curious, while Yuu tried to summon the courage to explain the bizarre situation.
Yuu: (trying to sound convincing)"Well, Mr. Kurogane... it's a bit of a complicated story. I… I was leaving work and saw a shooting star. I made a wish for a more exciting life, and then... Kanade appeared right in front of me."
The principal crossed his arms, nodding slowly, but kept his eyes on Kanade. His expression was so serious that Yuu couldn’t tell if he was playing along or about to expel him from school.
Principal Kurogane: (with no change in tone)"Uh-huh… so let me get this straight… you want me to believe that this girl is a 2D character who showed up out of nowhere after you made a wish?"
Yuu: (gulping)"Uhm… yeah, basically."
Principal Kurogane: (nods solemnly)"Perfect. Makes sense."
Yuu: (surprised)"Eh? W-wait… are you serious?"
Principal Kurogane: (serious, leaning forward)"Of course, why not? Weird things happen every day, Yuu. Who hasn’t had an anime character suddenly materialize in front of them?"
Yuu stared at the principal, mouth agape, unable to process what he had just heard. Mr. Kurogane’s stern, intimidating expression only made it more baffling how easily he accepted the explanation. Kanade, meanwhile, still seemed more interested in the massive pendulum clock in the corner of the office.
Principal Kurogane: (eyes fixed on Kanade)"So, Kanade-chan, have you decided to study here and… learn as much as you can about this world?"
Kanade: (finally turning her head and smiling casually)"I guess that’s what I have to do. Yuu said he’d teach me about this world… and also about how I exist here."
The principal nodded, giving Yuu a reassuring pat on the shoulder, though Yuu still couldn’t believe what was happening.
Principal Kurogane: (slightly smiling, in a conspiratorial tone)"Sounds like a great idea. Yuu, I’m putting you in charge of Kanade-chan’s education and adjustment. But remember, you have a responsibility as her guide in this world."
Yuu: (trying to hide his nervousness)"Y-yes! I-I’ll do my best, Mr. Kurogane..."
Principal Kurogane: (suddenly, in a calm but oddly stern tone)"Good. But if another anime character ever appears… bring them to me immediately! I still have questions about whether they can help me fix the teacher’s lounge air conditioner."
Yuu: (still confused)"Eh? The… the air conditioner?"
The principal stood up from his seat, and without losing his composure, walked over to open the door for them.
Principal Kurogane: (with a wide, terrifying yet friendly smile)"Yes, yes. Don’t worry. You can take Kanade-chan to class. And if anyone asks, just say she’s an exchange student."
Yuu and Kanade got up to leave, though Yuu kept glancing at the principal, still in shock from what had just happened. As they reached the door, Kanade looked at him out of the corner of her eye with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
Kanade: (murmuring as they walk out)"Your principal is… strange."
Yuu: (sighing)"Yeah… and to think they say he’s the scariest guy in school… Now I don’t even know what to think."
The door closed behind them, and Yuu and Kanade looked at each other for a moment. Despite the confusion and absurdity of it all, both knew that this was just the beginning of an adventure far from ordinary.
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