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The next day after school, in the back of the library's reading area.
A secret meeting place.
"Mr. Shirota and... I broke up with him."
Shirogane's voice was surprisingly calm.
"Really?!"
Sakurai-san almost let out a shout, quickly covering her mouth.
"Yeah. He threatened me, saying he had data saved up."
"Data?"
"Yes... but it seems like the data wasn't there."
A small smile of victory appeared on Shirogane's lips.
"By now, Mr. Shirota... he must be in a panic."
I silently listened to their exchange. I could easily imagine what was happening in Mr. Shirota's study. The data was gone, and there was no backup in sight, so he was probably in a panic.
But that data was a double-edged sword. While it could be used to punish Mr. Shirota, it would also expose the victims' wounds.
The HDD in my hand. This must never be shown to anyone.
Not to the police, not to the media.
Above all... to protect Shirogane.
"But how...?"
Sakurai-san looked at me.
"Sato, why didn't you tell me?"
Her eyes held a hint of sadness.
"Because it was dangerous. You've already done enough, Sakurai-san. I didn't want you to push yourself any further."
"But..."
"Besides, if it hadn't worked out... it might have been even worse than last time... and above all..."
Choosing my words carefully, I continued.
"It scared me that it might cause an irreparable rift in your friendship with Shirogane."
"Sato..."
"There's one more thing I need to report."
Shirogane spoke up, her face slightly tense.
"I, Sato... I mean, Ryuji and I, we're going out now."
"Eh?"
Sakurai-san's voice rose in pitch.
"But, you and..."
"You're dating both Hayashi and me, aren't you?"
Sakurai-san gasped at my words.
"It's the same. If we try to possess someone, everyone will end up unhappy."
"But, Shirogane... are you sure about this?"
Sakurai-san's voice was filled with concern for her friend.
"Yes."
Shirogane nodded quietly.
"I think Ryuji is the only one who can accept me as I am."
Sakurai-san seemed to understand the meaning behind those words.
The relationship with Mr. Shirota.
The existence of the data.
And the emotional scars.
"I see."
"Everyone must keep this a secret."
I added.
"We all want to have a happier school life."
Shirogane and Sakurai-san nodded.
"Um... Shirogane. There's something I want to tell you alone."
"Eh?"
"I want to tell you the truth about this matter and... my abilities."
I began to explain everything.
"I have the ability to see the past when I touch objects."
Shirogane's eyes widened in surprise.
"After the traffic accident half a year ago. Suddenly, this power appeared..."
I explained the mysteries of the flute's memory, Mr. Shirota's notebook, and Misae's notebook, one by one.
"And... I also got Misae's cooperation."
"Mr. Shirota's... wife?"
"Yes. She also has her own secrets..."
I also talked about my negotiations with Misae, but I kept our current relationship a secret. That was my secret alone.
"The data was deleted thanks to Misae."
"Really...?"
Shirogane's expression was complex.
"I wanted to tell you everything, Shirogane. I didn't want to keep any secrets from you as we start our relationship."
"Ryuji..."
"So, about my abilities too. This power will definitely be useful to protect you."
"But, my... that appearance..."
"Memories can't be erased. But you can overwrite them with new ones."
Gently, I touched Shirogane's hand. It was warm.
There was a sense of being alive.
"I want to know more about you, Ryuji."
"Me too, Shirogane."
"Call me Reiko."
"Then, Reiko..."
As the way I called her changed, it signified the start of a new relationship.
Sakurai-san watched this with a slightly complex expression. But she must have understood that this was the best situation.
Thus, our secret relationship deepened and became stronger.
We may not have been able to take revenge on Mr. Shirota.
But at least, we were able to protect the people who are important to us. That was enough.
Who knows what will happen from now on.
But with this strange ability and,
And above all, with companions who can keep secrets together,
That is my new daily life.
It's twisted, but it's a definite happiness.
As the sunset faded in the library,
We took a new step forward.