Day One

If there were one word to describe Tanaka Asuka, "perfect" would be the first to spring to mind.

She was beautiful, the top of our class, a natural at sports, and known by everyone at school. In such a young age, she was already modeling for local fashion magazines. She had even landed a role in a TV drama. Only as an extra though—for one scene. But, that’s still an incredible feat for a high schooler, no?

With a resume like that, Tanaka naturally became the apple of everyone’s eye. To a bookworm like me, she was an existent far from my comprehension. We were like an MC and an NPC; we just lived on different levels.

Yet, for some reason, fate had seen fit to put me in the same class as her for two years running. We always ended up sitting next to each other, too. And now, as if to extend my torture, I had accidentally stumbled upon the horrific plan she’d mapped out.

Tanaka Asuka was going to kill herself in seven days... and before that happened, she wanted me to grant her every wish for the next week.

*** 

Day One. That evening marked the start of our journey toward the end.

After that coincidental encounter by the flower bed, Tanaka dragged me to a ramen shop on the far edge of town. One more step and we would have crossed into the next prefecture.

Tanaka ordered a massive bowl of ramen—extra meat, double eggs, and plenty of chili. She ate like there was no tomorrow. I hadn't brought enough cash that evening, so I just sat there sipping cold water while watching her swallow my money whole.

"Are you... sure you can finish all that?"

"Honestly, I’ve still got room for another bowl."

Monster.

I never would have guessed the "perfect girl" had the appetite of a hippo. The image I had of her was starting to crumble, one bite at a time.

Was that even the act of someone who wanted to die? I started to feel conflicted, thinking that I was only being used.

But somehow I couldn't do anything, only looking at her happily eating her meal.

***