She said it.
Togawa Sakiko had never imagined that one day she would speak such blunt words so directly.
But the moment she heard Haru's voice, she lost all ability to remain calm. Thrown into such a bizarre situation, even she couldn't keep her composure. Yet if Haru was by her side, the unease and uncertainty in her heart would fade.
Suddenly, she felt confident that she could find the key to breaking this "time loop."
"Alright, I'll come over right now."
When the call ended, Sakiko, still sitting alone in the café, took a deep breath.
But once her heart settled, her scattered thoughts began to return to order. She might have been trapped without warning in this unnervingly real "dream," but… could she really tell Haru about what was happening to her?
Could she just come out and say this was her dream, and that she was caught in some strange time loop?
"Even Haru… he probably wouldn't believe me, would he?"
If it were her in his place, she wouldn't believe it without experiencing it herself.
"…Whatever. At the very least, I have to try talking to him."
"If it's just me, I'll never be able to calm down enough to think straight."
Sakiko gave a light shake of her head, her sleek, pale-blue hair swaying gently beside her ears.
She had to find the cause of the "time reversal." If she could pinpoint that, she was certain she could also find a way to wake up from the dream.
Earlier, she had been too on guard after realizing she was inside a real dream to do anything unusual, so she could more or less conclude that the reset point wasn't caused by her own actions.
Then where exactly was the problem?
Sakiko couldn't begin to guess.
By the time she finished her second steaming cup of Americano, the clock outside hinted that it was already nearing five in the afternoon.
That was when the door of Rabbit House finally opened.
A black-haired boy with a neat low ponytail stepped inside, his deep, clear eyes carrying a faint smile.
Even just his profile held a kind of charm most people couldn't imagine. Narrowing his eyes slightly, he let out a small laugh and said,
"Boss, calling me in to cover a shift again?"
"Haru, you're the one who's the boss here, aren't you?"
Her words were like a drop of sweet rain falling on a desert, tinged with a lightness and cheer she couldn't hide.
Even in the "dream" world, he was just as irreverent as ever. And yet, it was that very tendency to keep joking and staying upbeat that allowed Sakiko's anxious heart to relax enough to curl into a small smile.
She stood up at once and brewed him a cappuccino with two spoonfuls of sugar, just the way he liked it. After so much time together, she knew his tastes and habits inside out.
Haru took a slow sip, then suddenly frowned, as if he'd noticed something strange.
"Haru, w–what's wrong?"
His unexpected reaction made Sakiko's heart tighten. She replayed her brewing process in her mind, there shouldn't have been a single mistake. Yet his strange expression filled her with an inexplicable unease, to the point where she even began doubting the technique she'd perfected over hundreds, even thousands, of cups.
He stayed silent for two seconds, then spoke unhurriedly.
"Since when did you pick up so much from me? Guess I should've charged more for those lessons back when I taught you."
"…Honestly, don't scare me like that!"
Relief washed over her, mingled with a flicker of embarrassment and irritation, when she realized the smug little smile on his face.
No matter how close they were, he never got tired of teasing her.
Taking another deep breath now that she was truly at ease, Sakiko found herself hesitating. Telling him about the "time reversal" and "dream world" was so absurd that Haru probably wouldn't believe her.
Most people wouldn't believe their entire reality was just someone else's dream.
While she was tangled up over how to begin, the glass door, which had been turned to display the "Closed" sign, was pushed open again.
A graceful figure in light pink stepped in, her crystal-gray eyes sharp like a hawk's. Her delicate, refined features carried a coldness like freshly fallen snow, and her neat, immaculate outfit exuded an air of precision.
Sakiko recognized her instantly. Her amber eyes narrowed.
"…Chihaya?"
"So you were here after all?"
Chihaya Anon's expression was cool as she gave Haru only a brief glance before walking toward them with light, brisk steps.
The sheer force of her presence left Sakiko completely at a loss, her amber eyes wide as she stared blankly at the girl.
This… this was Chihaya Anon?
In Sakiko's memory, Chihaya Anon was supposed to be the type who was instantly friendly with everyone. A bright, sunny personality who met both her and others with a goofy smile. But the girl standing before her now, with a cool elegance like Yahata Umiri's, was an ice queen through and through.
This was really that Chihaya Anon?
The change was so drastic that Sakiko was not only shocked, but also unsure how to handle it.
"Ch–Chihaya? What's going on here?"
Anon lightly brushed a strand of cherry-pink hair behind her ear and replied in a casual, detached tone,
"I came because I had something I needed to discuss with Haru. Privately."
"It seems the two of you might have something else to talk about first, so I'll step back for now."
The instant she heard those words, Sakiko felt every hair on her body stand on end.
As a woman, she had an instinctive sense for rivals in love. Even if this expressionless girl hadn't said anything outright, Sakiko could still feel there was a reason Anon wanted to meet with Haru alone.
Her face stiffening, Sakiko abruptly stood. She bit her lip lightly and said, "Chihaya, could I have a quick word with you first?"
"…Alright."
Anon slowly narrowed her eyes before giving a small nod of agreement.
Sakiko cast Haru an apologetic glance, then led this unusually "strange" Chihaya toward the staff area at the back of the café. Even without turning around, she could feel that icy, needle-like gaze following her.
What was going on here?
This Anon… something was off.
They'd never been close enough to call friends, but Sakiko knew her well enough to be certain: the Chihaya Anon she knew would never act like this.
The only explanation for such a change had to be the "dream."
Could it be… Anon was the "anomaly" of this dream?
"This should be far enough, right?"
Anon's indifferent voice cut through Sakiko's tangled thoughts like the edge of a steel blade.
"…Yes."
Her sudden, forceful attitude was something Sakiko was completely unaccustomed to.
Maybe it was just her imagination, but she couldn't shake the feeling that Anon's gaze toward her was… less than friendly.
"If you've got something to say, just say it."
Anon furrowed her brows ever so slightly, her detached tone carrying no hint of emotion, yet somehow pressing down with a subtle intimidation. It made Sakiko, whose emotions were already in turmoil, bite down lightly on her soft lips.
After a long inner struggle, she finally spoke in a gentle voice...
"Chihaya… I know it's a little rude to ask out of the blue."
"But I want to know... what exactly do you plan on talking to Haru about?"
Chihaya Anon's face didn't change in the slightest as she stared at her. Then, in a slow, deliberate tone, she replied, "You should already know what I came to see Haru for, shouldn't you? Obviously, to confess to him. What else would I need to speak with him about in private?"
"Confess?!"
The unbelievable word rang in Sakiko's ears, leaving her momentarily stunned.
"Chihaya… you… so you really do like Haru?"
"Of course. I love him deeply."
Anon dropped the words without so much as a flicker of emotion, so much so that it was hard to imagine anyone could say something like that with such a calm, unreadable face.
The weight of it all struck Sakiko like a mallet hitting a temple bell, the shock reverberating through her chest.
Seeing her so dazed, Anon narrowed her eyes slightly and asked, with a faintly odd tone, "Is that all you wanted to say to me? If so, I'll be going."
"No… wait, Chihaya… why are you suddenly like this?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
Anon glanced at the sleeve Sakiko was holding and frowned faintly, her voice even colder. "If you want to be my rival, I don't mind. Even if you're dating Haru… I'll take him from you. My feelings for him aren't the same as yours."
"Then tell me... what do you mean, 'not the same'?"
Suddenly having her feelings called into question stripped away much of Sakiko's shock.
Her feelings for Haru were like the fate of the Princess Kaguya and the Bamboo Cutter, no matter how much hardship they faced, they were destined to meet again. And yet, to have such genuine emotions dismissed so easily…
Even though she was wary of the current situation, she couldn't help but feel anger stir inside her.
But Anon's cold demeanor didn't waver in the slightest. She simply pulled her sleeve free.
"Sakiko, you've never really taken other people's feelings seriously, have you?"
The detached words landed like a sharp thorn straight into her heart.
"You went and formed CRYCHIC without asking anyone, and then left that same band, one that only came together because of you, without warning. You told yourself they could keep going without you. But in truth… you never thought about how much Tomori and Soyo would be hurt by that. You hurt people who cared about you, just because of your own reasons."
"I don't think someone like you can truly treasure Haru's feelings."
Sakiko's delicate, pretty face drained of all color. Her slender frame swayed as if she might collapse at any moment. Harsh as Anon's words sounded, they were truths Sakiko couldn't refute. Tears threatened at the edges of her vision.
She wanted so badly to speak, to tell Anon how much she loved him.
But she couldn't get the words out.
"…."
Seeing her in such a pitiful state, some flicker of emotion passed through Anon's cool gaze.
She didn't press her advantage, didn't drive the blade deeper. She simply said, "Whatever you plan on doing, I have no intention of giving Haru to you."
Leaving those words behind, she turned and walked away, leaving Sakiko standing frozen in place.
"I…"
The blue-haired girl quickly wiped at the corners of her eyes, forcing herself to gather her composure before following after her.
Barely a few minutes had passed since they'd left, and Haru was sitting by the window as he had already finished the cappuccino Sakiko had made for him. Seeing the two of them return, his calm face broke into a faint smile, and he teased lightly:
"That was fast."
"S-sorry… for leaving you here alone."
Sakiko forced a faint smile, though ripples still stirred deep in her heart. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Anon already leaving the café, the cool-faced girl with cherry-colored hair leaning casually against the shop sign outside, quietly waiting for their talk to finish.
Remembering those sharp words from earlier sent another stab of pain through Sakiko's chest.
"Sakiko?"
"I'm fine!"
She took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice steady.
Something flickered in Haru's eyes, and his tone softened. "So, Sakiko, what did you want to see me about today? No need to rush. Have a sip of water first, then take your time and tell me everything."
"…You're right."
Sakiko could feel the thread of concern in his words, but the heaviness and bitterness inside her kept her from mustering the energy.
She opened her mouth again and again, trying to bring up the matter of "time regression," but the emotions in her heart were like steel chains wrapped around it, barbed links scraping wounds into her chest.
All the countless things she wanted to say collapsed into one short sentence.
"I'm fine. Actually, I prepared a training plan for Ave Mujica and wanted you to look it over to see if there's anything I could improve."
Her fingertips trembled as she pulled the notebook from her bag and held it out to him, forcing back the tears that threatened to spill. When he took it, it was as if all the strength had drained from her, leaving her slumped in her seat.
What was she even doing?
"Alright. I'll go over it carefully when I get home."
Haru accepted the bound notebook with a certain gravity, then raised his eyes to meet hers again.
"Sakiko, is there anything else?"
"…No, that's all. Sorry for adding to your workload."
He simply nodded. His deep, gentle gaze lingered on her face, and after a moment of silence, he said quietly, "Then I'll make sure to have the training plan ready for you soon."
"If there's ever anything else, Sakiko. No matter when, just tell me directly."
"Of course, if you start making too many requests, I will charge overtime fees."
With that lightly teasing remark, Haru took the plan and left the café with a smile.
Sakiko sat by the window, staring blankly at the sight of him walking away side by side with Anon, and clutched at her trembling heart.
She really was… a complete fool.
...
[Simulation start]
[Remaining simulations: 113]
[After submitting your latest work to the London International Art Exhibition, your reputation takes an astonishing leap thanks to the show. Yet, these legendary achievements, which others regard with awe, leave you neither proud nor concerned. You simply continue your daily work as always]
[Your near-perfect physical fitness and recovery allow you to handle the affairs of three bands while managing your own work. As your interactions with "them" deepen, you clearly sense that the emotions they hold for you are becoming increasingly obvious]
[You have the faint feeling that everyone around you is beginning to stir]
"The simulation is different?"
A flicker of "as expected" passed through Haru's eyes, his earlier suspicions gradually solidifying.
Still, he wasn't ready to confirm them entirely. Thinking there probably still wouldn't be any choices, he continued to watch.
[By chance, you receive a phone call from Sakiko]
A seemingly ordinary line made Haru raise his eyebrows. In the previous simulation, there hadn't been a single appearance of Sakiko-sensei. He had almost begun to doubt whether this was even her simulation at all. But upon restarting, he immediately encountered an event involving her.
It felt almost as if the worldline itself had been reshaped.
This change made Haru pause in surprise, then focus intently on the unfolding scenario.
[For Sakiko, the leader of Ave Mujica, contacting you is normal. If she had work matters, she would usually reach out through Line. This sudden phone call, however, strikes you as unusual. Knowing her personality, she would never call to meet without a reason. You suspect she may have something important to say]
[Already concerned about her, you waste no time and decide to head to the café to meet her]
[Upon meeting her, you sense a nervousness she's trying to hide. Most people would miss such a detail, but you notice it instantly. You decide to use humor to put her at ease, waiting until she's completely calm before asking what she wants to talk about]
[Your approach works, and she soon smiles]
[But just as you're about to ask what she came for, Chihaya Anon suddenly opens the door and enters the café]
"Anon?"
Seeing her name appear on the simulation screen, Haru's face showed confusion and surprise.
"The only person I've talked to about working with Sakiko at Rabbit House is Uika… By all rights, Anon shouldn't be able to find her way here. Could it just be a coincidence? But she's not the type to go to a café alone…"
Either way, the sudden change left his expression gradually stiffening.
Just as he was about to continue watching to see what would happen, a rush of memory fragments flooded into his mind. Closing his eyes, he waited for a full minute before regaining his composure, followed by nearly ten seconds of silence.
He slowly opened his eyes and looked at the simulator panel with a meaningful gaze.
"So that's it. It really is like this?"
"Sakiko's simulation is completely different from a 'normal' one. I wonder if the real-life harem has completely disrupted the simulation flow, causing a bug. Now every restart seems to be a brand new worldline… or rather, a parallel timeline."
And if he wasn't mistaken...
"I already thought Uika seemed unusually forward in those memory fragments. I wasn't ready to be sure back then… but after seeing Anon in this simulation, I can confirm what's happening now."
In this run, only he and Sakiko retained their real-world personalities. Everyone else had changed significantly.
"Rather than calling it a personality 'change', it's more like a complete reversal."
Much like how dreams often run opposite to reality, everyone here seemed to have their personality inverted.
For someone like Uika, whose real-world self was shy and insecure, the difference might not stand out much. But for the normally sunny, friendly, slightly scatterbrained Anon, the change was drastic. Without the cold expression from the memory fragments, Haru could never have imagined it.
After all, Anon's image as a lovable airhead was etched deep into his mind.
"If everyone else has their personality reversed, and I can't directly control the simulation…"
Haru rubbed at his temples, trying to ease the fatigue.
If things really were as he imagined, there was no way to advance Sakiko's route.
The sense of helplessness made his mouth twitch. In other simulations, even without meaning to, he would somehow end up on Sakiko's path. He'd thought this one would be straightforward, a matter of following the steps to a perfect ending. But here, he couldn't even make choices.
"The simulator wouldn't really bug out to the point where I can't do anything, right? Guess I'll have to try things step by step. I refuse to believe that out of more than a hundred worldlines, there isn't a single possibility."
Maybe there was even a timeline where the normally reserved girls became proactive.
Despite his frustration, Haru forced himself to focus again, immersing himself fully in the simulation. He kept a close eye on the text, hoping to find a "loophole" like before. He understood that influencing the simulator wasn't just about making choices...
It was also about his own real-world state of mind.
If his thinking changed in reality, his simulated self would be affected too.
As the simulation progressed again and again, his shifting thoughts in reality would subtly influence its outcome.
[When Sakiko returned from her private conversation with Chihaya Anon, you noticed her mood had changed noticeably. While Anon waited outside, you tried to gently probe if something was bothering her]
[To your disappointment, Sakiko gave you no response]
[It was as if she had something she couldn't say, keeping it to herself and only handing you the surface-level band work. No matter how many times you asked, you got no answers. Disappointed, you understood that if she didn't want to talk, there was no way to force her]
[Out of concern, you told her she could contact you anytime]
[Sakiko still gave no response]
"This is bad."
Haru stared at the simulation interface, scalp tingling as he let out a slow sigh.
With Sakiko's stubborn and reserved personality, if she was hiding something, she would never speak of it if she had any reservations. The fact that she had never once mentioned her family to him was proof enough.
If it were someone else, they might think she simply didn't trust him.
If she were the type to open up and rely on him more, this simulation might only take a few tries to break through. But with someone like her, who would never be the first to speak of her troubles, the situation was entirely different.
"Can't control the simulation, and I have to somehow get Sakiko to talk."
A nightmare difficulty.
"So this is why she's 'the last one'. Figures… nothing could be as easy as I hoped."
Haru shook his head at himself, then steadied his focus once more.
No matter how this simulation turned out, he would keep running it.
He still had 113 simulations left. One way or another, he was going to find the correct timeline.