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Chapter 32: The Akihabara Eye Test
Standing below the towering skyscraper, Eriri looked up. Through her contact lenses, she could clearly make out the slogan on the digital billboard: "The heartbeat of Akihabara, shining only for you, 7ion."
She mumbled to herself, "He actually saw it clearly... every single word was right."
Ryusei Kiryu was also looking at the ad, noticing the idol group being promoted. Idolmaster, huh? Eriri suddenly turned toward him with a hopeful, almost desperate expression. "Junior, do you really think my eyes can still be saved?"
Ryusei collected his thoughts and met her gaze. "It's hard to say. I need to understand your situation first. How old are you, Senpai?"
"15."
"So we're the same age."
"I skipped a grade in junior high," she explained quickly.
Ryusei nodded. In the original stories, Eriri was usually in the same grade as Aki Tomoya, but in this merged world, she was a grade ahead, alongside Kasumigaoka Utaha. It seemed the merging of multiple worlds had shifted some timelines.
"If you're 15, the exercises should still be effective," he said.
Eriri's eyes lit up.
"What's your prescription?"
"800 degrees."
Ryusei winced. "Why is it so high?"
"And I have astigmatism..." Eriri looked away guiltily. "It's not easy being an honor student. You have to read a lot, and... well, there was nothing I could do."
You mean staying up all night drawing doujinshi, Ryusei thought, though he didn't have the heart to expose her. He feigned contemplation, causing Eriri to grow increasingly nervous, like a patient waiting for a doctor's diagnosis.
"Junior?"
"Your prescription is very high, Senpai. I can't be certain, so we have to try it first. I'll perform the Eye Protection Exercises on you once to see the results."
"Then let's do it now!"
"No need to rush. We'll finish our shopping first. When we stop for lunch, we'll find a quiet corner, and I'll help you then."
With a newfound enthusiasm, Eriri practically dragged Ryusei through the electronics district. With her expert guidance, he quickly checked off every part on his computer build list. The store offered free delivery, so he sent the parts directly to his apartment address.
Next, they moved on to filming equipment.
"Why are you buying all this?" Eriri asked.
"I'm going to start live streaming. I want to perform street magic—the kind of 'vanishing' tricks you've seen me do."
Eriri recalled the snacks he had conjured out of thin air on the school rooftop. "Are you going to perform for random people on the street?"
"Yes. And I'm planning to cosplay as Kaito Kid while I do it."
Eriri knew the character well; the girls in her class were obsessed with the Phantom Thief. "You're actually going to cosplay? I know exactly which store has the best costumes."
They spent the next hour getting his measurements taken. The high-quality costume would be delivered in a few days. As they left the shop, Eriri still seemed energized by the hobby talk.
"Are we done?"
"Yes, Senpai. You've worked hard. Let's go find that Hawaiian pizza."
They found a quiet pizza parlor tucked away from the main bustle. After ordering, Ryusei looked across the table. "Ready to try the exercises?"
Eriri nodded vigorously. "I'll go to the restroom and take out my contact lenses!"
As she hurried off, Ryusei waited a moment before following. He didn't go inside, but stood near the entrance, leaning against a wall.
Inside, Eriri carefully removed her lenses. Her vision immediately dissolved into a blur. Oh no, she realized. I forgot my regular glasses!
The world was now a smear of colors and "black mists" that were actually other customers. She felt her way out of the restroom, but as she emerged, another girl brushed past her. Small and off-balance, Eriri stumbled.
Before she could fall, a pair of hands caught her steadily.
"Senpai, are you alright?"
"Ryusei Kiryu? Why are you here?"
"I needed to wash my hands. I saw you coming out and figured I'd walk back with you."
"I... I can't see very well without my lenses," she admitted, embarrassed.
"I understand. I'll help you back." Ryusei supported her properly, guiding her around tables and chairs until they reached their corner booth.
Eriri sighed in relief as she sat down. Her impression of him was shifting again—he was surprisingly attentive.
"Stay here, Senpai," Ryusei said softly. "I'm going to wash my hands one more time to make sure they're perfectly clean for the massage, and then I'll be right back."
Eriri watched his blurry figure move away. She appreciated the thoroughness. If someone was going to be touching her face, it was better that they were being careful. She sat in the quiet corner, waiting with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.