Volume 1 - CH ss - 5

Volume 1, Side Story 5: True End Route Disappears

"One route, has disappeared."

Jimichi Ikuto said in a monotone voice.

"... Jimichi, right? By route...what do you mean by that?"

Tendou Susumu wrinkled his eyebrows and asked back.

"Well, this route that just vanished was rather special."

"W-what?"

Jimichi said this with an expressionless face, while Tendou looked as if had no idea of what was going on.

Whether or not he noticed Tendou's state, Jimichi continued talking as if it didn't matter.

"But if you keep going like this, you're going to run out of routes."

"Running out of routes...?"

"From here on, there's no going back."

"Hey, I don't know what you've been talking about since a while ago."

Finally, Tendou began to show his irritation. Anyone would be like that if someone they had never spoken to before suddenly said something that didn't make any sense.

"It's still fine now. But from now on, you'll have to think more about your decisions."

"...Do I know anything about? What do you mean? What are you trying to say?"

His remarks didn't stop. While Tendou questioned him, Jimichi finally made an expression and gestured as if he was thinking about it.

"How should I say this...an advice? No, maybe a notice...or an announcement?"

"Why are you asking me?"

"Sorry, I don't know what's going on, either."

Tendou had a resigned look on his face as he was dealing with something troublesome.

In contrast, Jimichi seemed a bit confused, unlike the expression he had earlier.

"Hey, Jimichi, isn't this the first time you've talked to me? As far as I am concerned, you're just someone suspicious."

"...Well, I can't blame you for thinking that.”

"Sorry, but I don't really want to be involved with you."

"Yeah, you think that's the correct route, don't you?"

"You're creeping me out..."

"You and I were supposed to have no contact whatsoever. The reason we did ―― because all this was a mistake."

"I'm telling you! What the hell are you talking about?! Cut it out!"

Tendou glared at him, revealing his anger. Jimichi didn't seem intimidated.

Despite Tendou's penetrating gaze, Jimichi slowly walked away.

"Next time."

"Huh?! What’s this now?!"

"Next time you and I get tangled up like this..."

"..."

Jimichi had already taken away his gaze off of Tendou, but Tendou moved his gave in line with the walking Jimichi.

And, just when they were side by side again.

"At that time —— you had lost by then."

"I... What am I going to lose?!"

Then, they passed by each other. Tendou glared at his back, but JImichi neither turned around nor stopped walking.

"Advice...no, I gave you this notice, okay? See you."

Without ever facing him, Jimichi told him these words.

Tendou repeatedly clicked his tongue while glaring at his back until he was out of sight.

Then, when they were far enough from each that they would never hear each other even they shouted, the two began to mutter.

"Screw you... creepy guy."

Tendou decided to not get involved.

"Oh no, why did I say all that? I'm getting scared of myself... I should take some psych meds."

Jimichi was worried about his mental state.

Would the two ever cross paths again? Depending on the choices made, maybe they would.

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Finally, halfway...or maybe a third?

SIgh...I'm a bit reluctant. I'm not sure where this is going.

No but, I still want to see what would happen.

Please, just don't make me regret it, okay?