Prologue

"If that's what you wish."
"You say "I want to change my destiny.""
""I want to change my fate.""
"If it's what your heart desires."
"I shall give you my everything."
"And I shall grant you all your wishes."
"Even if it means--"
"that I lose this head."

I like the seats by the window because, although it's hot and sunny, I prefer to be able to see outside.
Beyond the glass is the blue sky and large white cotton candy clouds.
The lights collide and explode, rolling away in the wind like marbles.
When I follow the light with my eyes, and raise my head, I'm met with the sun with its petals spreading wide.
My eyes narrow at the brightness and I return my attention to the classroom.

The last class of the day is always a sluggish time.
Everyone in the classroom looks sleepy. Most people resting their chins on their hands, and occasionally checking the clock - or some variation of.
The teacher's words are now like distant music, with no one really listening to them.
Pretending to be reading, I turn the page of my textbook and doodled a cat in the corner.
There are just about twenty minutes left until class ends.
And, in this moment, I'm not confident that I get through the rest of it without sleeping.

[MC] "......Yawhh-......"

When I stifled a yawn, the boy sitting next to me handed me a small piece of paper.
But it was the cute polka dot memo pad that my friend always uses, so I knew it was really from her.
It says "Don't forget about tomorrow, okay?"
I looked over at my friend at the back of the room, and made a small thumbs-up in front of my chest.
My friend responded to the sign with a smile.

[MC] "haha"

I laughed softly, but didn't want our teacher to notice, so I covered my mouth with the back of my hand to block the sound off.
There's no way I'd forget about tomorrow's promise.
Because tomorrow my friends are throwing my birthday party at the cafe.
The reservation was made at a shop famous for its mille crepes, my favorite, and they were going to make my birthday cake for me.
Next to the cat in the corner of the textbook, I add a cake with candles.
I wish tomorrow would come already. If it could just come sooner.
Tomorrow is my birthday.
Tomorrow I'll be...

I.........
I-..
.........How old am I going to be?

[MC] "..!"

The sudden sound of the bell startled me and made me look up.
Oh no, I must have fallen asleep without realizing it.
When I noticed, there were almost no people left in the classroom.
If I don't hurry, I'll make Shizuku wait.
I hurriedly got ready to go home and got up from my seat.

??? "Hey hey, it's your birthday tomorrow! I'm going to celebrate it, too!"

[MC] "Hey!"

"He grabbed me with so much force that I had to support my body with only one leg as I nearly fell over."

Ren "We have to celebrate~ so so much~"

Kisaragi pressed his cheek against mine.

[MC] "Hey, wait a second, what are you doing?!"

Ren "What? I'm just hugging my beloved princess/prince."

[MC] "Ahh-! Wait!"

Ren "Ahhh, smells good. Maybe it's perfume/cologne or maybe it's the smell of sweets."

[MC] "Hey- hey! Let go!"

Ren "Soft. It feels good~"

[MC] "I have places to be, you know!"

Ren "Squeeze...!"

I put the bag I was holding towards Kisaragi's face and pushed him away forcefully.
I pushed him back with so hard that the bag left a mark on his cheek, yet Kisaragi-kun still smiles happily.

Ren "You're still as shy as ever. That's part of what makes you so cute though!"

The reason I pushed him back wasn't because I was embarrassed.

[MC] "I'm in a hurry. Shizuku is waiting outside."

Hearing that, Kisaragi's shoulders twitched for a moment. But then he burst out laughing with a face like melted butter.

Ren "Ohh, Minase-Senpai? It's okay, it's okay, I'm Senpai's favorite! It's already been agreed on that I will have you in the future!"

To be clear, this is not true at all.
On the contrary, my best friend, Shizuku, hates even the mention of Kisaragi's name, but I decide to keep that to myself for the time being.

Ren "Hey, are you going home already? But I'm so lonely! Can't we hang out a bit, first?"

Ren "Ugh..."

He tries to hug me again, but I already have my bag out to protect myself.

[MC] "Seriously..? That habit of suddenly hugging me-.. I told you to stop doing that, didn't I?"

Ren "I hope it wasn't too sudden!"

[MC] "...No, whether it's sudden or not, that isn't the issue... I don't want you to keep doing that at all."

Ren "Again? Oh you're too shy, you secretly love me!"

This boy, who's way too cheerful all the time (and borderline delusional), is Kisaragi Ren. He's my classmate.
He doesn't hide the fact that he likes me, and he hugs me like this almost every day. His crush is very apparent.
I've told him not to hug me without asking first several times, and Shizuku has even warned him before, but there's no sign of him stopping.
...Or rather, it seems he just doesn't want to stop.

[MC] "You're always so full of energy. You never seem to get exhausted or sad at all."

Ren "Well, there's no reason to be sad! And besides, I don't get tired even when I only sleep for a couple hours a day, so of course I'm upbeat!"

[MC] "..."

Ren "..."

[MC] "......Th-... That's good, then, I'm glad for you."

Ren "Yeah!"

Sometimes people exaggerate like this, so let's not dwell on it too much.

Ren "More importantly! Tomorrow is your birthday party, right? Let me join in the celebration! What gift do you want? Tell me what it is!!"

If Kisaragi-kun had a tail, I'm sure it would be shaking back and forth so hard that it could break.
It's cute, I guess, but it makes me want to pick on him a little.

[MC] "Hmm, I guess sugar would be good then."

Ren "...Sugar? Is it... some kind of special sugar?"

[MC] "Nuh-uh. I was just about to run out of it at home. Oh, and I also need some butter and flour."

Ren "Eh, ah, th-.. that's..."

[MC] "Hmm, and... My pen is almost out of ink, so I'd like some of that too."

Ren "Stop messing around!! I'm not an errand boy!!"

[MC] "Hm? But you asked what I wanted?"

Ren "Sure... But I..."

If Kisaragi had a tail, it would probably be hanging down so limply right now that it would dig into the tile.
I almost feel a little sorry for him, maybe, but I snicker.

[MC] "Haha, I'm sorry, I'm just kidding! Plus, I've already promised my friends that tomorrow, just the few of us will be celebrating. So just the thought is enough."

Ren "Ugh... how cold..."

Kisaragi tried to hug me for the third time, so I blocked him with my bag and left the classroom.
There really is no room for carelessness when it comes to dealing with him.

[MC] "Augh....."

??? "!!"

As soon as I left the classroom, the boy who bumped into me immediately lowered his head as soon as our eyes met.

??? "ugh..."

[MC] "Ah.."

Before I could say anything, a thump came from the other side of the hallway. soft footsteps were approaching.

Asagi "Ah, so that's where you were."

The sight of him walking over instantly brightens up the surroundings.
My face became less tense, as well.

Tooya "Hello, [MC]. Has Asagi been rude again?"

Kamijou Tooya and Kamijou Asagi.
As you can tell from their identical faces, they're twins. And they're one year younger than me.
I don't remember exactly how we became acquainted with each other, but I'm sure Tooya was the first one to talk to me in a friendly manner.
When they make facial expressions, they look like completely different people. But as soon as they both have a straight face, they become so similar that it's impossible to tell them apart.
However, their personalities and attitudes towards me are polar opposites...
For some reason, Asagi seems to dislike me. He won't even look me in the eye.
On the other hand, Touya is kind, and for some reason, he seems to adore me.

Asagi "..."

Asagi walked away without saying a word, as if avoiding me.

[MC] "Ah... Asagi-kun..."

I had hoped that today would be the day I'd have a proper conversation with him, but I couldn't even say hello properly.

Tooya "Ah... well, there's nothing we can do about Asagi. I'll give him a good scolding, so I'm sorry. You don't need to be upset."

[MC] "Um... I mean, nothing was done to me anyway...

In fact, I would be much prefer if he picked a fight with me rather than ignore me like that.

Tooya "As his brother, I want him to be nicer to you, [MC]. So I'll tell him to treat you better, okay?"

After tilting his head cutely, Tooya chased after Asagi with a flutter of his feet.
......But then, he quickly turned around and came back and held something out in front of me.
A cute paper bag with a cat pattern wrapped in light blue ribbon.

Tooya "happy birthday! I baked some cookies to celebrate. Please feel free to try them."

[MC] "Oh... Thank you..?"

My birthday is tomorrow though...
I felt a little bad about pointing it out, and Tooya's air-headedness is nothing new, so I just smiled and accepted it.

Tooya "Haha..!"

Tooya clasped his hands behind his back and smiled happily, he turned around again and ran off.
Tooya-kun is really cute. He's almost like a girl.
No, maybe his mannerisms are even cuter than the average girl's.
I untie the light blue ribbon and open the bag of cookies.
Inside were cookies in various shapes, such as fish, the moon, rabbits and hearts.
The surface is nicely browned, and looks very delicious.
I picked one up and, and took a bite.

[MC] "Mm...!!"

Too much salt...!
With great effort, I and finally swallowed it.
I don't think there's anyone these days who would make the mistake of confusing salt with sugar...
But that's very much like Tooya.
It's a cute mistake. Typical of Tooya, who's always smiling and... Well, a bit of an airhead.
I chuckled and put the paper bag in my school bag.

I walked quickly to the entrance, my shadow following me down the corridor.
The cookie packet rustled in my bag. Somehow that's a bit fun.
Tooya-kun is so kind, I wonder why Asagi hates me.
I've barely spoken to him, so I can't think of any reason why he would dislike me.
Once I talked to a friend, \"Isn't it just another way of showing love?\" I was told, but I can't imagine treating someone I love like that.
But if I did something that made him dislike me, I don't remember doing it. Granted I don't remember doing anything to make him like me, either.
Suddenly, I look out the window at a shadow that appears in the hallway.
A large fluffy cloud hiding the sun.
The sound of cicadas can be heard in the distance.

Now.
It's a hot season.

[MC] "What...?"

As soon as I left the school building, I stopped in my tracks when I heard the noisy voices of girls.
I looked and saw a group of girls gathered in front of the school gate, surrounding someone.

Girl A "Nao-Senpai! Please eat this! It's a cake I baked for you!"

Girl B "Nao-Senpai, you promised we could have tea together today!"

Nao "Haha, ah, there's no need to fight. My love is infinite, I can give it to everyone of you equally."

True to his words, this boy, who will put his arm around anyone's shoulder at least once—and will sometimes even kiss their hair for no apparent reason—is Senpai Kurotani Nao.
With his soft, light-blond hair, and supple, slender body, which resembles that of a long-haired cat.
What's so fun about that, anyway? Even if whenever I look at him, his mouth is always tilted up in a smile.
Even though I don't really understand what's so appealing about him, he's incredibly popular with almost all of the girls... They affectionately call him "Nao-Senpai".
He's probably popular because he's friendly and kind to everyone, but as I said, I don't really understand the appeal.
That's why I don't call Kurotani-Senpai "Nao-Senpai".

Nao "Hey [MC]! you look really cute today."

Kurotani-Senpai waved politely with one hand, fluttering it in greeting gesture, and he smiled.
I know that to Kurotani-Senpai, "You're cute" is just as casual as "Hello."
I replied with a casual smile, but remained more concerned with the gazes of the girls around him than Kurotani-Senpai's.
If I don't leave this place before the girls around him notice me, I'm going to get into trouble with them.
The other day, when he and I walked together from the school gate to the entrance, they glared at me extremely harshly.
I was about to leave with a polite smile, but Kurotani-Senpai walked up to me and took my hand as if escorting royalty."

Nao "Tomorrow, I'll give my body to you for the whole day."

[MC] "tomorrow...?"

Nao "The day you, a beautiful and pure being, were born into this world. In other words, it's your birthday, right? What on earth would you do on such an important day if not spend it with me?"

[MC] "What are you talking ab-?"

Kurotani-Senpai interrupted me and continued.

Nao "There's no need to hesitate, there's no need to be shy. Tomorrow you can do whatever you'd like with me. I'm usually everyone's, but tomorrow will be special. Just for you."

[MC] "It's not because I'm shy, but I'm celebrating with my friends tomorrow..."

Nao "If it's necessary, I'll undress now, then! Actually, I'm prepared to do so even if it's not absolutely necessary!"

[MC] "No, I'd rather you didn't do that..!"

??? "How long are you going to keep making all that noise for?"

Low and yet still soft, a sharp voice came from the school building.
Just by him appearing, it felt like the atmosphere around me changed in an instant.
It felt like a previously pure white canvas was suddenly splashed with pitch black paint, and the intimidating feeling made everyone shut their mouths and take a step back.
He's not particularly strong, and he's not very scary-looking.
And yet, everyone avoids him, making a path where he walks, staying out of his way.
That's just the kind of person Tsukasa Tokito is. And he's the school nurse.

Tokito "I hate all that noise. Go on, hurry home."

When Tokito-sensei moved his hands gently, as if he were shooing a group of puppies, the girls who had been surrounding Kurotani-Senpai all started to run away.

Nao "Oh no, all my girlfriends ran away because of him."

Kurotani-Senpai didn't seem particularly disappointed, and just shrugged his shoulders with an exaggerated sigh.

Tokito "You're in the way too. You're an eyesore. Get out."

Nao "Hmm, I don't think that's how a teacher is supposed to talk to a student."

Tokito "Shut up. When I tell you to leave you leave."

Nao "Yes, yes, I understand."

This time, Kurotani-Senpai sighed, looking genuinely annoyed, and glanced my way."

Nao "See you tomorrow, [MC]!"

[MC] "But-.."

So even though I was going to spend the next day with my friends, I watched Kurotani-Senpai leave without having the chance to tell him so.
...I'll have to make sure to say no properly tomorrow.
...Tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I'll tell him.
...Tomorrow?

Tokito "Hey, you're in the way too, kid."

[MC] "Ah...?"

Startled by the harsh voice, I looked up.

When I noticed, There was no one in front of the school gate, which had been so lively just a moment ago.
Even Professor Tokito isn't there.
It was completely silent, as if no one had ever been there to begin with.
I look to the right.
Then to the left.
And I look ahead.
As expected, there was no one there. Not my seniors, not my teachers, not anyone.
From the start, it was as if no one had ever been there. From the start, as if nothing had happened.
From the beginning...
From the beginning.

??? "How long have you been standing there?"

For a moment, I felt like I was about to be swallowed up by something, but a gentle voice pulled me back.

[MC] "Oh, Shizuku."

When I called out to him, Shizuku looked away for a moment and his face had a troubled look."

[MC] "Shizuku?"

I hastily walked over to Shizuku's side.

[MC] "Sorry, were you waiting?"

Shizuku "No... It's okay. Let's go home."

[MC] "Yeah"

I nodded and Shizuku took my hand as if it was the most natural thing to do.

Shizuku's black hair bounces slightly above and just in front of his face.
Although his hair may look stiff at first glance, it's actually very soft and pleasant to touch; I doubt anyone besides us knows that, though.
And I don't think even Shizuku himself realizes just how bright his hair looks against the blue sky.
Shizuku's hand and mine were joined together.
Sometimes I feel like asking the people around me what they think of us walking home holding hands like this.
Probably... no, definitely, we look like a couple.
But we're not.
And we don't want to be. We're just such good friends that it has become normal for us to walk together holding hands.
Going to and coming back from school, we always walk holding hands like this.
Shizuku is like an older brother to me.
We've known each other since we were little kids.
And when I mention our past, or call him my best friend... he might not even notice himself, but his face always brightens just a little.
I think that's what's sweet about him.
But Shizuku really is my best friend. And there's no one around, besides me, who calls him by his first name.
To be honest, Shizuku is basically family.
Is it just because I think of him that way? We've lived next door to each other my entire life. I feel completely safe around him, knowing that he's looking out for me.

[MC] "You know, my friends are going to have a birthday party for me tomorrow."

Shizuku "I see."

[MC] "Remember that crepe place I told you about before? I got a reservation there."

Shizuku "That's nice."

[MC] "I've always wanted to go, so I'm really looking forward to it. If it's good, I'll buy some to bring home."

Shizuku "...Okay."

Most of the time, I just talk to him one-sidedly like this. And Shizuku just nods in agreement.
But I don't mind.
Because, from the subtle nuance of his responses, I can tell that Shizuku is really listening to what I'm saying.
People seem to think Shizuku is scary, because he's so quiet. but I don't want them to think that about him.
Because Shizuku is so kind.
He's always so kind, wherever he is, to whoever he's interacting with...
I feel sad that he's so misunderstood.
Because of it, I'm the only one who can know Shizuku like this, though.
I'm the only one who can be spoiled by Shizuku. And I suppose that is nice.
Our one-sided chatter continued, yet before I knew it, we had arrived home.

[MC] "I'm hungry. I wonder what's for dinner tonight... Do you want to join me? I don't think anyone else is home. Last night, I think... last night..."

... Um... what did I eat last night
What... happened?

Shizuku "...what's up with you?"

[MC] "!!"

When my eyes refocused, Shizuku was looking at me with a worried look on his face.
The cool, yet gentle gaze peeking out from under his glasses was glistening.

[MC] "Sorry, I was a bit distracted. I seem to be feeling a bit spacey today."

Shizuku "..."

[MC] "I think I'll go to bed early tonight. If I catch a cold, I won't be able to enjoy my birthday party."

I tried to get into the house before Shizuku, but I couldn't.
Because Shizuku held my hand tightly and wouldn't let go.

[MC] "Shizuku...?"

Shizuku "..."

A long silence stretches between us.

I suddenly looked up and saw a pure white bird flying across the sky.
I didn't know the name of the bird, though.

Shizuku "...It's nothing. I can join you, let's go in."

In the end, Shizuku led me by the hand and we entered the house.

The person who is always quietly by my side.
That is Shizuku.
I love my bestfriend very much.
To the point where I feel like I can't live without him.

[MC] "...Whew"

Before I knew it, I realized that the hands of the clock were about 15 minutes away from reaching the top.
I had planned to go to bed early tonight, but after doing my homework and reading some, it ended up being... later than intended.
Stretching slightly, I rest my head on the cushion next to me.
It's fluffy and I love the feel of it.
Pink bedspreads, an oval-shaped aroma lamp, and a white circular wall clock...
It's a cozy space filled with lots of my favorite things.
At late hours like this when the sky is a dark inky hue, I love just sitting here. Daydreaming in my room.
Because I feel like I'm being protected by this room...
My mom and dad are so busy with work that they're hardly ever at home.
Even Shizuku is here more often than they are.
A lot of the trickets and decorations in this room were gifts from Shizuku.
Every day is so happy and ordinary that it almost seems a little boring.
I'm sure my life will continue to pass by leisurely like this.
I am just myself every day, and without having to think about it I live a very easy, normal, life.
Although, I would be happy enough if I could just live my life riding on a fluffy cloud and being carried away by the wind.
I hugged Dinah, the stuffed cat that Shizuku had given me, and watched the ticking of the second hand.
It's almost my birthday.
Tomorrow I'll be...
I'll...
I.

How old am I going to be?

[MC] "!"

A knock brought me back from my hazy thoughts.

Today has been a bit of a daze.

[MC] "...Shizuku?"

I knew that there was only one other person who would be visiting the room at this time of night, but I called out to the other side of the door in a questioning tone.

Shizuku "Yes. May I come in?"

[MC] "Yeah, of course."

The door opened quietly and Shizuku entered the room.
He is holding a white box in one hand, and on top of it are a bag containing a candle and some matches.

Shizuku "...Why don't we celebrate your birthday now, just the two of us?"

With that one statement, I understood everything Shizuku was trying to do, so I nodded wholeheartedly and prepared a cushion for him.

The small cake with strawberries in between was just the right size for two people.
He puts a single candle in it, and lights it.
To me, this little cake looks more luxurious than any extravagant three-tiered cake.

Shizuku "Even though I promised that we'd have it tomorrow, I thought you might prefer to have it now... That's why I came back over."

[MC] "Well, I'm glad, because I love it."

Besides, this was something Shizuku had prepared for me.
For me.
Because Shizuku prepared it just for me.
Beyond the flickering orange light, Shizuku's face is barely illuminated.
One of the things I like about Shizuku is how his eyes are always so calm. It's reassuring.
His eyes reflect the candle flame and my face, and he smiles gently.
I couldn't help but smile in response.

[MC] "I'm looking forward to this year's present too."

As I stroked Dinah's head, I looked at Shizuku's face.
The stuffed animal was a present from Shizuku for my birthday last year.
The moment I saw the stuffed toy, Dinah was the first name that came to mind right away.

Shizuku "Well then... how about a bunch of cookies and candy for your birthday this year?"

Shizuku stroked Dinah's head teasingly.

[MC] "I'm not a child anymore! No candy..! Or at least make them fruit bonbons..."

Shizuku "You want alcohol, too?"

[MC] "Of course."

I puffed out my chest in a playful, arrogant manner, and Shizuku chuckled.

Shizuku "Right, I'm sure..."

[MC] "..."

Shizuku smiled softly as he said that.
......He's acting a little strange right now.
I guess I am too.
I smile, too. It's so rare to see him smile like that.

[MC] "I wonder how many times we've spent my birthday like this."

For the last several years, Shizuku has brought me my cake just before midnight the night before my birthday.
It's like a silent promise between the two of us.

Shizuku "...We have done this every year for... a while..."

[MC] "...Yeah?"

I felt a warmth in my heart for a moment at the thought of the memories, but within a blink of an eye, the feeling had disappeared.

Shizuku "And... That's enough."

[MC] "Yeah. Even though it happens every year, I still get excited. I wonder why that is, though, it's so strange."

Shizuku "...Yeah, I wonder why that is, too."

[MC] "Maybe it's because when I get older, I feel like I've become a new person. Even though nothing has really changed."

Shizuku "...That's right, nothing has changed..."

[MC] "But maybe I've grown up a little bit, even though I don't realize it myself. Right?

'Yeah, I guess you have grown up now.'
I was hoping for that kind of response, but Shizuku suddenly lets out a small sigh and mutters.

Shizuku "...No, you'll never be a proper adult."

Shizuku "You'll probably never grow up. You will always stay the same... Just the way you were back then..."

[MC] "..."

I don't know if that's a compliment, an insult, or neither. But not knowing troubled me, so I kept quiet.
I'm feeling a little strange today.
And Shizuku is acting strange too.

Shizuku "..."

Shizuku gently touched my cheek.

Shizuku "Are you happy?"

[MC] "what..?"

My eyes widen at the unexpected question.
Shizuku ran his fingertips lightly over my cheek, then he put his hand down on the table.

Shizuku "Are you?... Are you happy now?"

I have no clue why he's asking me that, but I don't hesitate to answer.

[MC] "Yeah, I'm happy."

Shizuku "Why are you happy?"

[MC] "...Why...?"

Happiness is happiness, but I've never thought about a reason for it. So I can't find the words to describe it right away.
But... If there's a reason why I'm happy, it's probably...

CHOICE ONE:

At that moment, I was drawn to the sound of a tick and looked at the clock.
Before I knew it, the hands of the clock had started moving and were soon about to reach the top.

Shizuku "...It's almost your birthday."

[MC] "Yeah.."

Ten seconds left, nine seconds left... Eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one...

[MC] "!?"

The loudest noise I've ever heard. The sound of the clock made me jump in my seat.

[MC] "Wh-what!?"

Shizuku "..[MC]..."

Suddenly, I looked up when he spoke to me, my eyes meeting Shizuku's.
Shizuku...
...My eyes met with Shizuku's.

??? "It's time, Alice."

[MC] "!?"