eBook Bonus Short Story: [The Training of Nozomi Saionji and Toudou]

 
In the secondary gymnasium of the special school building—a place that was free to use upon request but rarely frequented—
 
we were running, Saionji and I.
 
Saionji was running ahead of me, though at a pace closer to a brisk walk… Strange. Considering the muscle mass in her thighs and buttocks, she should be able to run much faster. Is it because of her heavy chest?
 
“Huff, huff… Th-this is exhausting… Have we run a kilometer yet…?”
 
“Only 300 meters so far.”
 
“What…?”… Read the rest

Interlude: No More Self-Sacrifice

 
“Hi there! I’m Sumire Hiratsuka, your new classmate starting today! Nice to meet you all! Ow, ow, ow… Toudou, be a little more gentle, will you?”
 
Sumire Hiratsuka and I staggered into the classroom, both of us battered and bruised.
 
Technically, Sumire was supposed to be transferring in today.
 
She leaned heavily on my shoulder, too weakened to walk on her own. Despite her condition, she insisted on coming to this classroom.
 
“Hey, Toudou-kun, and Hiratsuka-san, you new transfer student! Why are you both so beat up? Go to the infirmary right now! Togou-kun, help them!”… Read the rest

The next strike landed on my left cheek with a snapping sound.
 
I see, in my childhood days, I had reset Hanazono’s emotions. To manipulate someone’s feelings like that… I had done something unforgivable.
 
Hanazono’s eyes were burning with a powerful presence. She’s angry, but I couldn’t help but find her beautiful.
 
“You know, I’m your childhood friend who loves you, loves you, loves you so much! So no matter how many times you reset me, I’ll always remember you, you idiot! Come on, try resetting me. Even if I forget for now, just like back then, I’ll remember you … Read the rest

 
The festival in my middle school days was spent alone. I had no room to look around, the loneliness consumed me, and I could only clutch my money without being able to buy anything.
 
“There are so many people.”
 
“Yes, the food stalls are the main attraction of the festival. We’ll try to eat our way through all of them!”
 
“Uh, I don’t know what to do, so I’ll leave it to you, Hanazono.”
 
“By the way, it’s been a while since it’s just the two of us, hasn’t it? You’ve seemed pretty busy lately.”
 
“That’s true, a lot has … Read the rest

 
“Eh!? The A-class students are participating in the sports festival!? …And our class is all going too, so more people than expected want to participate!”
 
When Hanazono and I submitted the documents to the teacher in the staff room, he was surprised. I felt a sense of pride. It made me realize the importance of connections with others.
 
“Alright, I’ll do my best at the teacher’s meeting. Honestly, it’s right before the deadline, so a lot of teachers might not like it, but… Screw that. Leave it to this adult! I’ll report back to you tomorrow!”
 … Read the rest

I, who had suppressed my emotions and even my memories, had grown by deepening the bonds with the important people.
 
Don’t lament.
 
Don’t cry out.
 
Don’t break.
 
Don’t erase–
 
“…Sorry, can I just stay like this for a bit? I’m a little, well, embarrassed, but my body is shaking and I can’t move. Your hand is so warm and comforting.”
 
“Okay…”
 
Hanazono silently kept holding my hand.
 
I cannot physically or mentally resist Eri. That is the truth of my world. Just as the Earth’s rotation is a given, the common sense that has been instilled in me is not … Read the rest

I decided not to worry about it. As long as my friends understand me, that’s enough.
 
This isn’t the first sports festival for me. In past sports festivals, I was treated as if I didn’t exist. That was very lonely and sad. Even though I tried to suppress my feelings, I couldn’t completely. But I was also wrong for not trying to take action.
 
After school, I headed towards the stairwell where Hanazono was waiting. Apparently, she wants to do some pre-event preparations for the festival. I have no idea what to do.
 
…Suddenly, I felt a … Read the rest

Chapter 11: Toudou Tsuyoshi and his childhood friend Hanazono Hana’s Reset

 

 
 
Everything seems to be going well. I must be enjoying this school life.
 
I’ve regained my memories with Tanaka. I was also able to reestablish my relationships with Dojo and Sasami. I’ve made new friends too. My classmates are all very nice people.
 
……Since a very long time ago, Hanazono was the only one by my side.
 
I look at my own face in the bathroom mirror. It feels like the harshness has been removed somehow.
 
Yet, there is something missing. I’m aware of it, but I can’t figure … Read the rest

 
“–Yes, I’ve lost my memory many times. Each time, I’ve forgotten the important people in my life.”
 
“…Ahaha, I’ve only had it happen once, and it was enough to make me tired of it, but you’ve lost it multiple times.”
 
Saionji was watching our exchange with bated breath. This mother is the same as me.
 
The mother gently stroked my hair. So this is what a real mother is like…
 
“You’re impressive. I’ve been so exhausted that I’ve been pushing my daughter away and living a depressing life.”
 
“I had the help of my … Read the rest

I want to resist. I want to run away from this place. I might be kidnapped somewhere. I can’t even imagine where they might take me. I hate the gaze of those scary men.
 
I was about to cry because I didn’t know how to escape from here.
 
And then, a strange boy started talking to me. He was the one who was hugging Dojima san at school, that shameless man… I think his name was Toudou. It’s like a distant past now. The adults brushed off Toudou and he tried to leave.
 
I felt a little … Read the rest