The intercom rang.

It's rare for the intercom to ring at this house, except for when it's Sakuta.

But Sakuta is no longer here.

Still, for a moment, my heart raced, and I was ashamed of myself for it.

Maybe it was Nodoka.

Perhaps she forgot something.

However, when I checked the intercom's screen, it wasn't Nodoka.

"...Why..."

It was someone I knew.

Someone I had seen recently.

But someone who shouldn't be here anymore.

On the other side of the screen was a woman smiling and waving.

Her long, dark blue hair, her white coat, and that gentle smile—she looked as kind as ever.

I thought it must be some mistake.

It couldn't be.

But there was no mistake—the screen clearly showed Shoko-san.

Shoko-san shouldn't be here anymore.

Sakuta sacrificed himself to save Shoko-chan.

So, Shoko-chan's Adolescence Syndrome should have been cured.

I ran to the front door and opened it, and there she was, standing right in front of me.

"..."

"Good evening, Mai-san."

"Shoko...san..."

"Yes, it's me, Shoko-san."

Her confident, fearless tone was exactly how I remembered Shoko-san.

"Why is Shoko-san here?"

"Even if you ask why... I'm here because I'm here."

"Don't avoid the question."

"Oh, that's a harsh way to put it."

"I thought Shoko-chan's Adolescence Syndrome had ended."

"But I'm here now. What's done is done, isn't it?"

"Well, when you put it that way... but does that mean you came here for me?"

"Yes, that's right.

But let's talk while we have dinner.

I'm hungry."

"Are you planning to come inside?"

"What? You're not going to let me in after I came all this way?

Does that mean you hate me, Mai-san?"

"I don't like you."

"Gah! That's pretty close to saying you hate me, right?

That's a shock...

I thought you were always kind to me."

She spoke with a bit of a pout, but I couldn't tell if she was serious or joking.

It seemed like she was acting, but at times, it felt like there was some truth mixed in.

Or, perhaps she was serious and it was all just a joke.

That's the kind of person Makinohara Shoko-san was.

"I like Shoko-chan."

"They're both me, though."

"Shoko-chan is straightforward and cute, but Shoko-san is quite twisted."

"Ouch. I can't deny that.

So, who do you think is to blame for that?"

"Don't blame others. Fine, you can come in."

"I didn't even give my answer yet.

But it's helpful that you're letting me in.

Excuse me."

With that, Shoko-san put on the guest slippers and sat on the living room sofa.

She didn't show any hesitation in her words or actions.

"You saved me! I didn't have a place to stay tonight."

"I didn't hear anything about you staying."

"True, I hadn't mentioned it.

But I just did now.

Please take care of me!"

"No."

"I've dreamed of being taken care of since I was little."

"Don't you mean getting married?

Even if that's true, I won't fulfill that dream."

"You wouldn't really kick me out, would you?

You're too kind for that."

"You're underestimating me."

"Mai-san, you're sweet.

Maybe not as sweet as me, but still sweet.

Didn't you just send Nodoka back to your parents' place?

There's an empty room, right?"

"You know about Nodoka?"

"I haven't met her, but I know."

"...I see."

"Don't worry.

I won't stay for free.

I'll do the housework and cook for you.

Just think of me as a live-in maid."

"I had a feeling it would turn out like this when I let you in.

Fine."

"You're quick to give in.

But you don't seem too happy about it.

Do you dislike me that much?"

"Anyone would be troubled if you suddenly asked to stay."

"Should we call it cohabitation?"

"No need.

We're both women."

"You can still call it cohabitation, even if we're the same gender."

"Let's not.

So, how long do you plan to stay?"

"I'll leave once I disappear."

"So, as long as the Adolescence Syndrome continues?"

"Who knows."

"Is your goal to cure the Adolescence Syndrome?"

"Don't be in such a rush.

We've got plenty of time."

"I don't have that kind of emotional capacity."

"You're honest and cute, Mai-san."

"I don't need that kind of praise."

"Even if you don't have the capacity, you still let me in.

That's why I like you."

"...The heart."

"Hm?"

"Sakuta's heart is in there, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is."

"Sakuta sacrificed himself to save Shoko-chan's life.

Isn't that enough?"

"Yes, thanks to him, I'm alive.

But it wasn't enough."

"Sigh..."

I felt dizzy.

Sakuta's plan had worked, and Shoko-chan's life had been saved.

But apparently, saving her and curing her Adolescence Syndrome were two different things.

"If you keep sighing, even the happiness that's coming your way will slip away."

"Who do you think is to blame for that?

Besides, Sakuta is gone.

There's no more happiness for me."

"Don't say that.

What's done is done.

Let's live for today and for the future.

First, let's eat.

I'll cook if you want."

"No need.

I'll cook.

Just sit down."

"Okay.

Thank you."

"Wow! What a feast! You didn't have to go all out just because you were so happy to see me!"

She clasped her hands together, smiling cheerfully.

But to me, it didn't feel pleasant at all.

"I didn't go all out. It's just leftovers from Christmas dinner. And I'm not happy at all."

"You don't have to deny everything. That's harsh, don't you think?"

"I wanted to be alone."

I kept eating quietly, not looking at Shoko-san.

"Well, you're alone when I'm not around, so what's the harm in having company when you're at home?"

"I want to relax when I'm at home."

"Let me help you relax, then. I'll take care of you."

"I don't need that. My boyfriend just died. Can you give me a break?"

"...I'm sorry. But I don't read the room very well, so bear with me."

"...What kind of nerve do you have? Is your heart made of steel?"

"Well, it's Sakuta's heart, after all."

"..."

It wasn't a joke I could laugh at.

In fact, it wasn't a joke at all.

Shoko-san's very existence was a reminder of Sakuta's death.

It was as if she had come to rub it in my face.

Even though I already knew.

Having her stay here wasn't good for my mental health.

"Are you angry?"

"What are you really here for?"

"I came to help you."

"Huh?"

"I came to make you smile."

"That's enough. Does this have anything to do with your Adolescence Syndrome?"

"Yes, it does."

"You said you'd explain why you're here."

"I did. What do you want to know?"

"Just tell me what you can. And cut the jokes. I don't find them funny."

"I want to see you smile, Mai-san."

"I told you to cut it out. I'll get angry."

"You're already angry. But that's fine. It's better to take it out on me than to keep it bottled up."

Even when I glared at her seriously, she brushed it off casually.

That's who Shoko-san was.

She would say whatever she wanted, and nothing anyone said would affect her.

She was completely free.

It made me feel foolish for trying to take her seriously.

"I don't feel like being saved."

"Well, now that I'm here, you'll be fine."

"Sigh... Fine, continue."

"Alright. No more jokes. Let's talk about me.

Where should I start?

Well, let's review what you already know.

I'm Makinohara Shoko, a university student from the future.

To be exact, I have memories of the future.

The real Shoko in this timeline is still in middle school.

Little Shoko doesn't know about me.

She has a heart condition and can't live without the aid of an artificial heart, but she was able to survive thanks to a heart transplant.

So, the current me is Makinohara Shoko, who received a heart transplant and grew up to be a university student.

Now, as you know, Sakuta Azusagawa is dead.

It was an accident.

On December 24th, at 6:00 PM, he was hit by a car that skidded on ice near the dragon lantern at the entrance of Benten Bridge.

He was pronounced brain dead.

I originally planned to prevent the accident by sacrificing my own future.

That's why I didn't tell you and Sakuta the exact details of where it would happen.

If you knew, you might have intentionally gone to the scene.

But, unfortunately, I failed.

I underestimated Sakuta's stubbornness.

I knew about his date with you, so I assumed he would change the meeting place to avoid the accident.

But Sakuta saw through my plan.

He figured out that I was trying to keep him away from the accident site.

And in doing so, he ended up walking right into it."

"Sigh..."

"A deep sigh, huh."

"Of course Sakuta would figure it out."

"Do you think so?"

"To Sakuta, everything about Shoko-san—from your existence to your words—has always been to save him.

And youarethat kind of presence for him.

If he realized that, then it's obvious that he would see through your plan.

Everything you've ever done has been for his sake, so he would know immediately."

"I thought I had it all figured out..."

"..."

"What's wrong?"

"You failed, didn't you? Sakuta is dead. That's an irreversible failure.

And yet, you seem so cheerful. Why?"

"Because the little me who will undergo surgery soon will mourn him.

She loved him.

He was her first love.

To hear that the person she loved died without her knowing, and that his heart is now beating inside her... who could process that kind of news?

I've already mourned enough.

Now, I've accepted it, and I'm living in the present."

"I understand that. But thrusting that reality in my face right now is a lot to handle."

"I don't think it's too soon. I can't leave you as you are, Mai-san."

"...Sigh..."

"You've been sighing a lot. Are you angry because I failed?"

"I'm not angry about that. At all.

I'm genuinely glad Shoko-chan was saved.

What I'm angry about is that Sakuta died without telling me and left me behind.

I'll never forgive him for that."

"I have a feeling you'll really never forgive him..."

"Sorry for interrupting. Please continue."

"Alright.

Next, let's talk about me.

Little me's Adolescence Syndrome occurred because I didn't want to face the future.

So I got stuck, and as a result, a future version of me with memories of the future was born.

The future me obviously knows what happens.

I know when Sakuta will face hardships that he can't overcome alone.

So, as you said, every time I appeared was to save him.

When Kaede-chan's Adolescence Syndrome was at its worst and Sakuta was down...

When Kaede-chan's memories returned, and he was devastated...

And, of course, when Sakuta was going to die in the accident.

I failed the last one, though.

But basically, that's what I am."

"I see.

But the Shoko-san standing here now can't save Sakuta anymore.

The one who was meant to save him... Sakuta is no longer here.

Your very existence now feels contradictory.

Why?"

"Why, indeed?"

"I'm asking you."

"I'm here because I have something to do."

"You mean, to save me?"

"Yes, that's right.

It's not just Sakuta I can help.

I came here because I want to help you, Mai-san."

"You've said that several times now... but why do I need saving?"

"The heart inside me—the one that belongs to Sakuta—keeps saying, 'Help her, help her,' over and over."

"... So the future is already determined, right?

Am I supposed to survive this?

Am I meant to get over Sakuta's death and keep living?

Does the future you know include me being okay, with your help?"

"I wish you wouldn't ignore my comments like that.

But the answer is: that's up to you, Mai-san.

It doesn't mean much if I tell you the answer.

It's something you have to realize on your own and change.

But I can tell you this much: I'm not here just to push you toward some preordained future.

The future isn't fixed.

It can change."

"...I see."

"Is that good enough?"

"If that's all there is, then yes."

"What does it mean to save me? Why are you trying to save me? Why did you come now?"

The questions I had at the beginning were still unanswered.

She couldn't—or wouldn't—say.

Apparently, it's something I'm supposed to realize myself.

Shoko-san said the future can change.

Considering that, perhaps she didn't come just to lead me down the preordained path.

Maybe she's here because there's a future she wants to change or something she wants to prevent.

But even thinking about it didn't give me any answers.

If she couldn't say, there was nothing I could do about it.

Maybe she had some plan or strategy in mind, so I decided to leave it to her.

For me, though, I had lost interest in the matter.

I had no hope left. I didn't care anymore.

Whether things went well or not didn't matter to me.

"Thank you for the meal."

"Oh, you're done already?"

"That's all I can manage."

"You need to eat more."

"I don't have much of an appetite. Please understand."

"If you're going to give up on life, at least give up while eating."

"I'll try little by little. Is that good enough?"

"Yes, you said it well."


"Wake up, Mai-san. You'll be late."

It was a soft, gentle voice that penetrated my sleepy head.

In truth, I was already awake.

I had become so attuned that I naturally woke up a few minutes before I'd be woken up.

I guess I've always been good at picking up on things like this.

After all, I used to love staying one step ahead of everyone.

But I had no intention of getting up.

I ignored her. It was too much trouble.

"If you don't wake up, I'll kiss you. Are you okay with that?"

She was saying something, but I didn't care.

"If you're pretending to sleep, does that mean youwanta kiss? You're so needy. You act reserved, but deep down, you're quite bold, aren't you?"

Why is she so talkative this early in the morning? It's annoying.

Besides, it's still 5 a.m., so there's no risk of being late.

"Alright, fine. Here comes the kiss."

"Shut up."

"Oh, you're awake!"

"What do you want?"

"I came to wake you up."

"I told you not to wake me."

"You'll be late."

"Late for what?"

"For making my breakfast."

"Make it yourself."

"I want to eat your cooking, Mai-san."

"Don't wake me up for such a silly reason."

"Eating is essential to survival."

"What time do you think it is?"

"It's 5 a.m."

"Sigh..."

"Are you mad, Mai-san?"

"Of course I'm mad."

"Are you dropping the formalities?"

"...I decided that I want to be comfortable while I'm at home. I don't want to deal with formality."

Only when she pointed it out did I realize it.

Maybe I was so angry that I unconsciously started speaking informally.

But somehow, it felt like a weight had been lifted from my chest.

"That's more like it, Mai-san. If that's how you want to be, I'm perfectly fine with it. In fact, it makes me happy."

"Talking formally to you feels stupid now."

"Oh, that hurts. What do you mean by that?"

"Goodnight."

"You're going back to sleep? Then I'll join you."

Without waiting for my reply, Shoko-san slipped into the bed beside me.

She was careful not to lift the blanket too much, trying to keep the warmth inside.

"Why are you doing this?"

"It's warmer this way, isn't it?"

"It's cramped."

"Your body is so warm, Mai-san."

Suddenly, she wrapped her arm around my back, and I tensed up in surprise.

"Hey, don't hug me."

"Even though you're complaining, you're not really resisting. That's another cute thing about you."

"Since yesterday, you've been calling me cute non-stop. What's that all about?"

"You can hug me too if you want. Come on, go ahead."

"Why should I hug you?"

"Because you don't have anyone to rely on anymore. You can lean on me as much as you want."

"I don't need that."

"No one can live alone. Come on, just give it a try."

"..."

She was being so noisy that I gave up and decided to hug her.

Shoko-san is the kind of person who doesn't back down once she's made up her mind, so it felt like resisting would take more energy.

Surprisingly, though she was pushy, it didn't feel all that unpleasant.

I hadn't hugged many women before, so this was a strange experience.

Shoko-san's body was warm, soft, and smelled nice.

"See? Doesn't it make you feel better?"

"Frustratingly, yes."

"Can you hear my heartbeat?"

"Yeah."

"It's beating fast. It's doing its best.

And so is yours."

"Yeah."

"We're both alive and trying our hardest.

Sakuta's heart is still beating inside me, doing its best to live."

"..."

"Would you like to feel it?"

"Can I?"

"Of course. Go ahead."

I placed my hand gently on her chest, over her heart.

Through the warmth and softness, I could feel Sakuta's heart beating inside her.

"Ah... Mm...!"

"Wait, what? Don't make weird noises!"

"I didn't expect you to touch me so gently, Mai-san."

"How else am I supposed to touch you?"

"Mai-san, you're being naughty!"

"Shut up! You told me to touch you!"

"Anyway, that's enough teasing."

"Seriously, what's with you..."

"So, how did it feel?"

"It's alive. Sakuta's heart..."

"Want to listen to it?"

"As long as you don't make weird sounds."

"Got it. Go ahead."

"Wait, why are you trying to take your shirt off?"

"I thought you'd hear it better if you listened directly."

"No thanks. Keep your clothes on."

"Alright, if that's what you want. Go ahead."

I pressed my ear against her chest.

I couldn't really wrap my head around it, but I could hear Sakuta's heart beating strong and steady.

Had I ever hugged Sakuta like this before?

Had I ever listened to his heartbeat like this?

I couldn't remember.

The fact that the first time I'd hear Sakuta's heartbeat would be after he was already gone...

Why?

Why did it have to be like this?

"If you want to cry, it's okay."

As I focused on the sound, her soft voice reached me.

When I looked up, Shoko-san was gently stroking the back of my head, looking into my eyes.

"Why would I cry?"

"Sometimes, it's better to cry with someone rather than alone.

If you need to, I'll hold you and support you."

"I'm out of tears. I've cried them all out."

"Your heart is still crying."

"Stop saying weird things."

"You know it's true."

Shoko-san continued to gently stroke my back.

Where her hand had passed, a warm tingle spread throughout my body.

"You really are cute, Mai-san."

"Yes, I'm cute."

"You even say it yourself. That's cute too."

"If you keep saying it, it's going to lose its meaning."

"But deep down, you're happy to hear it."

Her words pierced right through me, but somehow it didn't feel bad, so I stayed quiet.

As Shoko-san stroked my back, she looked at me with the same gentle eyes one might have when comforting a child.

"You're staring. It's embarrassing."

"I'm not staring. I just can't sleep."

"Do you want to get up?"

"Not yet. It's cold."

"Then let's stay like this a little longer."

I thought she was like a mother.

She wasn't old enough to be a mother, of course, but Shoko-san had an air of maternal care that went beyond just being an older sister.

I wondered if my mother had ever held me like this.

I couldn't really remember. She had always been so busy with work when I was younger, so there probably hadn't been time.

It felt like it had been a long time since I'd been surrounded by such warmth and comfort.

I realized that being alone was cold.

At the same time, I couldn't help but wonder, what was the point of this?

Shoko-san was being so kind, but what came next?

What would become of me after all this?

"What the—! Where do you think you're touching?!"

"Ow! Ow, that hurts, Mai-san!"

Lost in my thoughts, I hadn't noticed that Shoko-san's hand had wandered down to my butt.

I had let my guard down.

"What are you doing?!"

"Ow, stop pinching my cheek! It hurts!"

"Answer the question!"

"Well, I just thought your butt looked really soft..."

Shoko-san rubbed her cheek where I had pinched her.

Maybe I had been a little rough out of surprise, but it was her own fault, so I didn't feel bad.

"Do you... swing that way?"

"It's not my fault you're so cute, Mai-san."

Shoko-san pouted, her voice playful.

With that, the warm, comfortable feeling from earlier vanished.

Now I was wide awake.

"Sigh, whatever. So, Shoko-san, how exactly do you plan to help me?"

"You'll see. You can be saved whenever you want."

"Eh? What does that mean?"

"I'll explain more later.

But for now, I need you to help me."

"Help you?"

"The little me, I mean."

"Shoko-chan?"

"Yes. She's finally being moved from the ICU to a general ward today.

So, I need you to go tell her."

"I see. That's why you came."

It all made sense now.

Shoko-san had come to see me at just the right time.

She needed someone to tell Shoko-chan the truth, and that person was me.

That's why she had come to see me.

"Tell her about the heart?"

"Tell her about Sakuta."

I couldn't bring myself to say, "Isn't that the same thing?"

I knew there was a difference.

"So, is that why you're here?"

"That's one reason. But of course, it's not the only one.

Besides, if I hadn't come, would you have gone to see her?"

"I had planned to go."

"But you didn't know the timing of the transfer, right?"

"...I get it. If today's the day, I'll go."

"Thank you."

"Will you still be here tonight?"

"Yes, I'll be here.

Why do you ask?"

"I was just wondering."

"Would it be a problem if I disappeared?"

"It wouldn't be a problem."

"Cold as ever."

"It wouldn't be a problem, but you don't have to disappear."

"That's more like it. You know, being with me might actually be fun."

"...That heart inside you, it's Sakuta's, right?"

"Yes."

"So, as long as you're here, I'll be with Sakuta's heart."

For once, Shoko-san's expression froze, her eyes wide.

"Wow... Um, sorry, Mai-san. Maybe I underestimated you.

You were looking at me that way this whole time?

Not at me as a person, but at the organ inside me?"

"You're too soft, Shoko-san."

"Wow, now I understand. You and Sakuta-kun...

You were made for each other.

You're both so intense."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Being with Shoko-san helped distract me from my feelings.

Right now, that was what I needed.

I didn't plan to forget about Sakuta, and I didn't expect to recover, but I just wanted some relief for a while.

I was still painfully aware of the part of me that was crying over Sakuta's death, but if there was any chance of me being saved, I thought maybe this was how it should be.