Girl like Miyu

Satou climbed the weathered stone steps leading to a quiet shrine hidden deep among the ancient trees. The gentle, rhythmic ringing of wind chimes echoed through the crisp air. The entire place felt peaceful—almost magical, as if time itself had slowed down.

But as he approached the main courtyard, an odd sensation suddenly washed over him. He stopped.

Something felt strange, like a heavy shift in the atmosphere.

Slowly, he turned around. His eyes widened in absolute shock.

“Miyu...?” he whispered.

A girl stood just a few steps behind him.

She looked exactly like the Miyu he remembered from his childhood.

She had the same face, the same expressive eyes, and the same distinct hair.

The girl’s jaw dropped as she locked eyes with him.

For a few agonizing seconds, neither of them moved.

Then, panic flashed across her features.

“S-Sorry!” she stammered.

Without another word, she spun on her heel and ran away.

Fast. Very fast.

Satou stared blankly at the empty path.

“…Was that really Miyu?”

He rubbed his eyes, completely bewildered.

“No way. It can’t be.”

After a few moments, he shook his head to clear his thoughts.

“Maybe it’s better not to think about it.”

With a deep breath, he turned back around and continued climbing the remaining steps.

He stood directly before the shrine, folded his hands, and closed his eyes to make a wish.

“Please let my life be normal,” he muttered under his breath.

A sudden rustling sound interrupted his prayer.

Satou slowly opened one eye, and his breath hitched.

A girl was standing right in front of him, practically nose-to-nose.

Satou froze.

She looked exactly like Miyu.

The only difference was her clothing—she wore the traditional red and white outfit of a shrine maiden.

“Miyu?” Satou gasped.

Without thinking, driven by pure instinct, he reached out and grabbed her arm.

The girl's face immediately turned pale.

NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW
Satou thought managing two identical faces was tough, but the situation is about to spin completely out of control.

--- The Ambush: A third mysterious girl suddenly appears, completely cutting off his escape.

--- The Strike: Before Satou can even say a word, everything flashes white and goes dead silent.

--- The Wake-up: When he finally opens his eyes, he finds himself trapped in a completely unfamiliar room.

[Click Next Chapter to read Chapter 3!]