CHAPTER 29

“Is it just me? Or does the air smells way fresher here?” I asked.

“It’s just you, my lord.”

I look at my bodyguard Frederick with disdain. I wonder why he never plays along like he used to when we were kids.

“Please stop saying that.” I cringe. “The last thing we want is people to start noticing, and we already stick out like a sore thumb.”

My name is Alexander, but most people call me Al. For the next semester, I’m going to be living here in this country. So far, it’s exactly what I remember it to be. The people here are way friendlier than the ones at home, since all they do is nag at me. My dad was totally against me coming back here, but I managed to convince him otherwise.

“We’re here, my lord.”

Ever since I got off the plane, the first place I wanted to go was a maid café! I’ve read all about them over the internet, so I was curious to see if it actually lived up to the experience. Guess I’m the luckiest man alive to have a real maid café in my city. I look up to the sign, and try my best to read it.

The Purrfect Café! What a name!

We enter the café to the sound of bells. Immediately I spot the cutest cat I’ve ever seen in my life! He’s so tubbsy-wubsy-cutesy! I look closer on its collar to see its name – Felix. More importantly, I scan across the room to find any of the fabled cat-girl maids!

“My lord, please calm down…You’re attracting too much attention.”

It’s true that the few people in here immediately set their gaze upon us as we entered, but I got used to it the moment we set off from our apartment. I think I was the only person with naturally blonde hair I’ve seen since we left our flat – except Frederick of course. Finally, it seems someone comes to greet us.

“Hello, welcome to the Purrfect Café. Please follow me.” as we follow the pudgy man.

We sit at a table near the back of the café. My eyes light up, as the walls had multiple posters of beautiful girls dressed up in frilly cat-maid outfits. I take out my phone and begin to take numerous selfies! Like any connoisseur, I take it with the back lenses, since that had a better camera than the front.

“Say cheese!” as I lean in next to an unwilling Frederick.

“Cheese!” I hear a mysterious high-pitched voice.

“What the?!?”

I turn my phone around to see the photo I just took. My eyes immediately spot something next to Frederick – it was a cat-maid!

“Tee-hee! I couldn’t help myself.” she laughs.

“I-It’s l-like I’ve died and gone to heaven!” I shout at the top of my lungs.

The cat-maid’s frilly skirt was short enough that it left some bare skin between her thigh-high socks, which my eyes couldn’t stop looking at. This was the first time the internet didn’t lie to me!

She's so pretty!

“My name is Neko-nee! Nice to meet master-nyans!” she introduces herself.

Neko-nee hands us two menus. Frederick immediately uses one to cover up his red face, probably embarrassed at the sight of this statuesque beauty right next to us!

“Are my master-nyans visiting? We don’t exactly get many master-nyans looking like you two!” she teases.

Ah! My heart was almost stolen!

“W-We’re here on business.” Frederick responds fluently.

“Okay!” Neko-nee nods. “What will my master-nyans order?”

Well, that was partially true. Sure, on record it was a cultural exchange between my home country and this, but secretly it was a personal one. I’ve always been interested in the culture and wanted to study here, but there was a bigger reason for choosing Kasumigaseki High over all the other prestigious schools. Maybe it was a long-shot, but I wanted to meet the girl who captured my heart so many years ago when I was a child visiting here. Odds are, she probably moved back to her own country or something, but maybe there was a slight chance she was still here. And I still remember her name – Mary Kaneko.

“I-I’ll have the omelet rice please!” I smile.

This is gonna be the best semester ever!

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“Kazukiiiiii? Are you home?”

Akane was right outside the front door, and Mary was still in here dressed in my clothes!

“Coming!” I said to her.

I motion to Mary towards the laundry room. She nods and runs over there quickly.

Sweat was forming on my brow. I can feel my heartbeat racing a kilometer a minute. I slowly walk towards the door, and try to figure out ways to buy more time.

What’s taking Mary so long?!? All her clothes should be in the dryer.

“M-Man! Is it just me or the locks really tight today…?” I jokingly say to her.

“What? I can barely hear you through the door Kazuki!” I hear Akane’s muffled voice.

C’mon Mary…

I take a long gulp and one final look behind me. Mary still hasn’t come out of the laundry room yet! I slowly turn the doorknob, only to find Akane pushing the door open immediately. She enters the house, holding a wet umbrella, which she then puts in the corner to dry. I take the bag of groceries from her and place it on the table.

“Whew! It started raining all of a sudden.” Akane says as she pulls back her wet hair.

“O-Oh really…? I’ve been here all day haha…”

I soon notice there was still evidence all over the kitchen! Mary’s empty bowl of soup was still on the table!

“Are you okay Kazuki…? You’re kinda acting weird, at least, more than usual…” she says with concern.

Eep!

“N-Nothing! Just t-thinking about what to do with Y-Yuki-san.” I couldn’t come up with a more believable excuse. I swipe the bowl of soup on the table and hide them behind my back, as I walk towards the kitchen.

“Is that so…?”

I scan around to see if Mary was anywhere, but judging from Akane’s reaction, we haven’t been made yet.

“Is that…?” as she sniffs in the air, followed by a bright smile.

“Soup! Aww…” Akane blushes. “How did you know I was in the mood…?”

She walks over to me at the kitchen and lifts the lid of the pot.

“I just had a feeling, that’s all.” as I laugh.

In the corner of my eye I finally spot Mary tip-toeing out towards the exit. We both make eye contact, sending nonverbal signals towards each other. She lifts her oversized shirt, and mouths:

“What about your clothes?”

I shake my head, and point towards the door.

“What’s wrong?” Akane turns to me with a confused expression.

I quickly move my hand behind me, looking like I was scratching the back of my head. Akane still had her field of vision towards the living room, raising an eyebrow at my eccentric behavior. She’s still oblivious to what was going on, but any slip up could turn on her “detective mode.” I notice Mary’s tiny foot sticking out as she was hiding behind my living room couch. Mary was near the door, and if I could distract Akane for a second, she could escape.

“You must be tired Akane! Why don’t I prepare a bath for you? I’ll warm you up with some soup too.” I try to persuade her.

“W-What?!? A b-bath?” Akane turns around to face me, face blushing bright red. “A-Are you m-making a move? N-Not that I don’t mind…” as she tilts her head low and breaks eye contact.

Akane steps away from me, and I immediately wrap my arms around her, pulling her closer. I couldn’t risk her turning around at the last moment to catch Mary escaping.

“K-Kazuki! What’s gotten into you…?” as I could almost see steam rising from her face.

Look past Akane, I could see Mary in the corner of my eye. She takes her shoes near the ground along with her clothes, and starts to turn the doorknob. She gives me a thumbs-up, before she exits and closes the door quietly.

We did it Mary…

I breathe a sigh of relief, and relax.

“Kazuki?” says a doe-eyed Akane.

I’m in the clear now, and the only thing left is to go back to normal. Although what I did was pretty bold, the ends justified the means.

“A-Anyways! C’mon Akane, soup is just right.”

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Keep it together Mary…

I wipe the sweat from my brow. I’m feeling exhausted, sneaking around Akane-chan the whole day.

It’ll all be worth it though…

I jump onto my bed and stare at my ceiling. Daisuke’s birthday was coming up, and compared to my cooking skills in the beginning, I finally felt like I was making some progress. All of my training with Kazuki was going to pay off for sure.

This is so annoying…he was acting really weird today.

I clutch my chest once more. I kept feeling this weird tingling sensation whenever I thought about Kazuki. It isn’t like when I’m around Daisuke. Even though Daisuke can be an idiot, stupid, and dumb sometimes, I wouldn’t want it any other way. Maybe it’s weird for the two of us to be together. Still, I just wondered what would have happened if Akane never got with Kazuki.

NGHRNGHRNGHR! What’s wrong with me? I like Daisuke! Don’t I?

I slam a pillow on my face.

“AHHHHH!” My scream is muffled by the pillow.

I sit up and start to rub my old Masked Avenger pin. Whenever I felt nervous or anxious like before a big race, rubbing the pin usually made me feel better. But for some reason, it hasn’t been working as well. I just felt empty, like I was missing something so important.

I’m a terrible girlfriend! Daisuke doesn’t deserve an idiot like me.

There was no stopping this onslaught of doubts and voices in my head. Walking around with Kazuki today at the supermarket was fun. It almost looked like we were a couple together or something. Maybe in some other universe it was possible for us to be in a relationship. I wanted to ask Kazuki “what would have happened if he never got with Akane?” If he never did, then does that mean Daisuke and I never would have gotten together? Was it out of convenience? Is our whole relationship a lie? Did I only get with my crush’s best friend because I just felt lonely?

S-Stop it Mary!

That’s why I need to bake this cake for Daisuke-kun. My feelings for him are genuine. They have to be! If I just see Daisuke one more time, I’ll know my feelings are true. Everything will be okay right?

C’mon Mary! You’re better than this!

It was getting late. I look out through my window to see rain begin to pour. I should head to bed soon. But before I hit the hay, I finally change out of my clothes. Well, they were actually Kazuki’s clothes, but I felt this weirdly comfortable wearing them, even if the shirt drooped towards my knees. My clothes were separated from Kazuki’s, so I could give it back to him whenever I saw him again.

Let’s see…shirt…shorts…spats…bra…wait a minute! W-Where are my panties?!?

I sift through my pile of clothes over and over. I look all around my room, and I couldn’t find my blue-striped panties! I gave my clothes to that pervert to dry!

B-But, there’s no way Kazuki would keep my pair of p-panties for his s-secret collection or something right?!?

There was no way Kazuki would do something like that. I frantically go through my room top to bottom, but no luck.

Think Mary! Could they be at Kazuki’s…?

I remember now! I’m positive the panties must be in Kazuki’s dryer! When I snuck to Kazuki’s laundry room, I was sure I grabbed everything in the dryer! Kazuki was trying his best to distract Akane, but I was running out of time, so I just compressed everything into a ball and left.

Oh no…

I immediately reach for my phone and text him about it.

W-Wait! I shouldn’t make him worried about this.

This is all my fault! Kazuki should still be awake right now. I-I’ll thank him first, then tell him the news. I’ll ease him into this! The last thing I wanted was to make a misunderstanding with Akane.

Please panties…don’t be at Kazuki!

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“How’s the soup?” I asked her.

“Delicious!” Akane replies.

It was just the two of us now. I’m glad that Mary managed to escape in time, without alerting Akane’s suspicions. However, she’s been weirdly quiet now, almost as if something was bothering her.

“Hey…” Akane breaks the silence.

I raise my head towards her level.

“I want you to tell me the truth…” she says. “And I’ll know if you’re lying.”

Oh man here we go…

Goosebumps start to form all over my arms. I’m dreading with anticipation, as Akane probably did spot me at the supermarket earlier today.

“Have you been keeping something a secret from me?” she asks.

“W-What do you mean?” I anxiously reply.

“Ever since our school trip you’ve been acting really weird, like something’s been bothering you.” she says with concern.

“It’s nothing! Just the weather and all.” I try to make an excuse.

I didn’t want to ruin the surprise, and the last thing I wanted to do was to burden Akane with my stupid problems.

“You’re lying.” she pouts.

“W-What are you talking about?” she catches me by surprise.

Akane points her finger at me. But, I don’t think she was pointing directly at me. I look down on my table and realize that I’m not having any soup. Akane was the only one eating.

“Why aren’t you eating…? Are you trying to make me fat?!?” she gasps sarcastically.

I suppose I can’t lie to her. But I can’t ruin the surprise.

“The truth is…”

I explain to her everything that’s been happening in my world. Mary Kaneko had asked me out on a “trial run,” and that I didn’t have any options to say no to her. It also didn’t help that Akane x Daisuke was basically confirmed, and I had zero idea what to do now.

“I see…” Akane lowers her head. “So you said yes to Mary?”

I reluctantly nod. “I’m sorry.”

“And my other self is in a relationship with Daisuke now?”

I nod as well.

“I see…” Akane is in deep thought. “Do…you love Mary?” she asks me bluntly.

“N-No!” I quickly deny. “Not like that. She’s like a sister to me…I want to tell her no, but I don’t know how.” I anxiously confirm.

Finally, she stands up, empty soup bowl in hand.

“To tell you the truth, I don’t know what I would do.” she says calmly as she helps herself to another bowl. “Who would’ve ever saw that coming?” she jokes.

“I’m willing to guess that my other self is in a relationship with Daisuke only out of convenience. I know that I’m stubborn enough to do that, since I would believe I didn’t deserve you or something like that.” Akane looks at me unconvinced. “F-For the most part.” as she composes herself.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“So what you’re saying is…I still have a chance?” I ask.

Akane shrugs. “Maybe. And about Mary, I think it’s my fault to begin with.”

“W-What do you mean?!?”

“I only get to see you once every other day Kazuki. As much as it pains me to say, I can’t keep you all to myself. Even if you get with my other self, she and I are not the same person. It was my fault to encourage you with Operation Maiden’s Heart and all that.” she explains.

“No. It was my fault too.” I try to console her. “If only there was a way I could stay here forever.”

That was the price of my power. I’d only see the girl of my dreams every other day. There was no way for me to stay in this blissful world permanently, and Akane knew the cold truth as well.

“So even though I really want to punch you in the face for going behind my back, I don’t blame you Kazuki. As long as you remember your promise to me in this world, that’s all that matters. Don't leave me...”

Akane shows me the warmest smile. It makes me feel at ease.

I don't deserve you.

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“What do you want?”

I am here with Shion Masaki after school, at the Purrfect Café. This was quite the unexpected encounter. Somehow, she found out that I worked here.

“Y-You’re so mean to me Akane-chan!” she pouts.

It was obvious she was not here for a cordial visit. I have kept my job here a secret, but somehow she found out. Clearly she wanted some trouble. After meeting her a few times, Masaki-san’s cheerful exterior was all a lie. She was affiliated with the Domino Dogs, the dangerous gang of criminals my brother was investigating. Also, it did not help that she was Daisuke’s half-sister.

“Get to the point.” I bluntly tell her.

Manager-san and Neko-nee were looking at our table with curious eyes. I glance at them once, and they go back to their regular duties. The last thing I wanted was a repeat of what happened last time when some thugs showed up.

“W-What? I just wanted to see how cute you looked in this uniform.” she teases maliciously.

I had to admit, it was a bit embarrassing to wear at times, but it looked adorable. I still remember the time Daisuke-kun came with Kazuki here. I wanted to kill both of them at first sight, but they ended up being my closest friends since. At least, until recently.

“Where do you get them? Oh how I think it’ll look fabulous on me.” Masaki-san comments.

I slam my fist on the table. She was testing my patience.

“Get. To. The. Point.”

“Fine.” Masaki-san sighs. “I just wanted to let you in on a secret…” she comes closer to me, moving her slender body across the table.

“I know you and your brother are investigating the Domino Dogs.” she whispers. "I mean, that's pretty obvious."

“W-What?!?”

Her revelation catches me off-guard. There was no way! I know my brother has been keeping his investigation off the radar for the longest time.

“I know that Neko-nee over there is actually class president Tsubasa Takemi, and a private detective in training.” she grins. “Man I never expected that!” she laughs.

I turn my head towards Takemi-san, who was still in her klutzy Neko-nee persona. If she knew what was going on, I was not sure what measures she would take to silence Masaki-san right here in public. I bite my nail out of instinct. Just how did Masaki-san figure out everything?

“How do you know this?” I asked her.

“What’s the fun in telling you that?”

Masaki-san leans back on her chair.

“Your brother’s a detective right? Surely some of his investigative skills must run in the family.” she teases.

Suddenly I feel adrenaline rushing through my body. I quickly scan the café. Outside of a few couples, it seemed like no one was suspicious to warrant danger. Masaki-san must have come alone.

Who do I know would have this much information?

I start to narrow down a list of people who know: that my brother is a detective, class president is a detective in training, and that the Domino Dogs are being investigated. My first thought was someone inside my brother’s investigation must have leaked information, but that was impossible. Junpei had been keeping almost everything a secret, on a need to know basis. It was also unlikely someone close to me like Daisuke or class president would do such a thing. Given Daisuke’s recent revelation that he was to be the next leader for the Domino Dogs, he could not have been the leaker either, since he does not have knowledge of class president’s alter ego, at least, as far as I’m aware.

Hmm…I see.

“So you figured it out.” Masaki-san notices.

“Yes. Now what do you want.”

Masaki-san’s face changes towards concern.

“What do I want…? It’s not about me sweetie.” she shrugs.

“Cut the airhead act. What does Kazuki Kaneshiro have to do with this?”

The only person who knew all this information was none other than Kazuki Kaneshiro. A “hero of justice” like him would never admit anything to the likes of criminals. The logical explanation was that he was being watched, or has been ever since the incident at the abandoned factory.

“Well…finally we’re on the same page. Tee-hee! He’s an interesting one isn’t he? I watch him every day…looking away from a distance. I think I get why you’re into him!” she sticks out her tongue, trying to be cute.

“Is that why you suddenly transferred?” I asked.

“Maybe…I have to thank you actually. You taking out those three guys at the abandoned factory actually did me a favor. I just wanted to get closer to you all personally. Especially to my brother Daisuke.” she grins.

“Let’s just say that the Dominos are looking for a change in leadership. I’m looking towards aggressive expansion, but old man Maki is sticking to the ways of old.” she explains. “Given your relationship with Daisuke, you understand how he’s going to be a problem right?”

“Daisuke wants nothing to do with you people.” I reply.

Masaki-san laughs, slapping the table repeatedly.

“You can’t be serious?” her expression changes to a threatening tone. “I recall he’s been coming to us again and again. You’d be surprised at what he’s done for us.” as she motions her hand into a pistol, and fires an invisible bullet at me.

Has Daisuke really been going back to the Dominos for Yui’s hospital bills?

“Look, you just keep your pretty face pretty, and we can forget everything I just told you.” she smiles.

“Why did you even tell me?” I asked bluntly.

“Because maybe you can understand me on a personal level. We both have siblings right? Can you imagine if one day you found out you had a brother the whole time, and he wants nothing to do with you? I realized no matter how hard you work, you’ll never impress daddy since you’re a girl and he’s a boy? I think we could’ve been great friends Akane-chan!” she grins.

“And if I refuse to keep quiet?”

“Then Kazuki dies.” she threatens in a casual tone.

Suddenly I feel fear course through my veins. I am petrified, unable to mutter a word in response. Shion Masaki was serious. I do not know what she was capable of doing, but I had no doubt that she was going to bring harm to Kazuki-kun if necessary.

“There it is!” she points at me, trying not to burst into laughter. “I want to see that pretty face of yours squirm!”

“I’m gonna make you choose – your current loveless relationship with Daisuke, or the boy of your dreams. Should be an easy choice right?!?” Masaki-san raises her hands in the air, looking indifferent. “Oh. And obviously don’t go tell your big bro Junpei about this either. Just know I’m always watching.” she motions towards her eyes.

You…you monster!

I curl my fists in anger. There was nothing I can do. Any move I make would be seen by the Dominos, and at one snap of her fingers, Shion Masaki would hurt Kazuki. Class president as Neko-nee arrives at our table.

“Hello master-nyan! I know you probably like Akane-nyan, but you’ve been here a long time without ordering anything-nyan!”

Class president quickly looks at me and reads the situation.

“Oh I’m sorry! Akane-chan and I just needed to settle some business. Y’know, girl talk and all!” as she gets up from the booth.

Shion Masaki heads towards the exit, but playfully teases Felix before leaving.

“Oh you’re so cute! Yes you are!” she grins.

Masaki-san turns her head towards me.

“Oh yeah! One last thing! Daisuke’s birthday is coming up. You should do something nice for him before it’s too late.” she mentions.

Masaki-san waves from behind, and skips out into the street.

What do I do?

Suddenly I could feel tears forming in my eyes. What could I do in this situation to save them? I could not choose between the two. There was no way! Daisuke and I have become closer than either of us ever imagined. Still, I love Kazuki. I swore that I would forsake my happiness for his.

“What was that all about?” says Takemi-san, breaking her Neko-nee persona.

I quickly wipe my tears. I compose myself quickly and return back to work.

“Nothing. I apologize.” I say to her.

Takemi-san accepts my response, and continues back to her character. She probably did not believe it, but understood what was at stake.

Kazuki…Daisuke…there must be something I can do!

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I’m back in my bed now, trying my very best to fall asleep. However, it was just the general anxiety that was keeping me from drifting off. It was a close call today, and I wouldn’t know what would’ve happened if Akane caught me with Mary like that. Of course, I feel terrible for keeping a secret from her, but this was with good intentions. Tomorrow, I will wake up in my World B. I did not look forward to the continuing drama.

If only there was a way for me to stay in this world.

*BEEP* *BEEP*

It was a notification from my phone.

It’s Mary.

“That was a close one today!” she texts.

Too close to call.

“Thanks for your help. I know you don’t have to do this.” she texts again.

“Don’t worry about it. We’re friends.” I reply.

I breathe in deeply. I think I should be more careful about this. Maybe I should just forget about the surprise and tell Akane now before something happens…?

“By the way…”

Mary was taking her time with this message. I could see that she was till typing it out.

“Did I happen to leave a pair of panties somewhere?”

“What?” I said bluntly.

W-What?!?

I reread the message almost a dozen times. I started to sweat bullets. My phone almost slipped through my hands from the message. I immediately get out of bed and call Mary this instant. My house possibly had a ticking time-bomb that needed to be diffused as soon as possible.

“H-Hello?” I hear Mary’s voice over the line.

“Are you serious?!?” I whispered to her.

“I-I’ve checked everywhere! I have everything except t-that…t-that thing! K-Kazuki! Y-You…pervert!”

She was shouting so loud that I push my phone away from my ear.

“K-Keep it down!” I tell her.

“Sorry…”

Okay. If they were in my house, then surely someone would’ve noticed it right? When I went to the bathroom to prepare Akane’s bath, I thoroughly checked it from top to bottom.

I sigh. “What did they look like?” I ask her reluctantly.

I could imagine Mary’s bright red face right now.

“Y-You pervert!”

“I’m going to try to find them if they’re here. The last thing I would want is a misunderstanding with Akane.” I pleaded to her.

Besides, even if Akane stumbled upon a pair of unknown panties, surely she would believe me, right?

“Okay…” I hear Mary’s reluctance. “They’re a pair of…blue-striped panties.”

I hear Mary’s muffled screams of embarrassment through the phone.

Wait a minute…I think I remember that!

I look at my hand, trying to remember the shape and size of the panties. I definitely recall touching it when I was placing Mary’s wet clothes in the dryer. There was no way a boy could ever forget something like the Roadrunner’s panties.

“I think I know where it is!” I say to Mary over the phone.

“R-Really?!? Where?”

But isn’t Akane-

My bedroom door slams open! It was Akane! She’s standing outside my room, her eyes red and on the verge of tears. In her hands was something I dreaded seeing.

“A-Akane!”

“W-What is this?” Akane cries out.

Oh crap!

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Kazuki was acting kinda weird today. Like way weirder than usual.

Just put the rest of this stuff in the dryer and you’ll be good Akane.

He had been tired all day. When I came home and saw him, he was sweating furiously, like he had just run a marathon or something. After eating his soup, I suddenly felt tired too. It was an odd coincidence that he happened to know I was in the mood for soup as well.

Make sense though…he talked to Yuki-san right? Maybe she mentioned something like that.

I feel fatigue after running all the errands today. I was at the supermarket earlier, and I couldn’t shake this strange feeling I had. It felt like I was being watched by someone or something. I could’ve sworn I saw Kazuki and Mary there too, but it was probably just my paranoia. If it was them, then surely they would have greeted me right?

Ahhh! It’s just the weather playing tricks on you Akane!

Lately I’ve been having these intrinsic thoughts. Because of my boyfriend’s world hopping power, I’m learning things I kinda regretted knowing. But I have to stay strong! I keep thinking about Mary and Kazuki’s relationship. There’s this weird vibe between them that’s different from Kazuki and I. Knowing World B Mary confessed to Kazuki, was it possible the Mary I knew had the same feelings? Even if she knew I was with Kazuki? I’m glad he told me she asked him out, but I said I was okay with it right? Why do I feel this way, even though I couldn’t do anything about it?

I’m getting jealous over nothing! Mary’s a close friend of mine. The two have been friends before I came along, it’s normal right?

I couldn’t shake this anxious feeling I have in my chest. I know I shouldn’t be prying into my boyfriend’s business, but Kazuki has been acting really weird lately. It feels like he’s been hiding something from me, like earlier today.

I’m his girlfriend, doesn’t he trust me?

When I came home from the supermarket, Kazuki was acting erratic. It was like he was surprised to see me come home. Plus, it didn’t make sense why he was soaking wet, possibly from the rain, when he said he was home all day.

He acted really b-bold today too…

My logical side had unintentionally come out. Things did not add up to Kazuki’s strange behavior. But, given my boyfriend’s world hopping power, his strange behavior was normal at this point.

I can’t even imagine how complicated life is for him.

It’s nothing! Kazuki promised me that he would be there for me no matter what. What would he have to hide from me anyways! He already told me about the trial run, and he’s promised to never leave my side.

I shouldn’t be thinking like this…

I compose myself and open the dryer door. As I crouch down, I notice something peculiar stuck inside. Something was lodged between the cylinder, and I reach my hand inside to pull it out.

C’mon…!

I pull out something soft and delicate.

“W-What?!?”

It was a pair of panties! This was definitely not mine! All of mine were black, while this one was blue-striped.

“Kazuki…?”

Thoughts rushed through my head to the point I started to get a massive headache. I could feel my chest tightening, and it was getting difficult to breathe. This weight of anxiety dropped upon my shoulders. My legs were shaking so hard that I drop to my knees, unable to process what’s going on. Were my doubts true? What is Kazuki doing?

No…it can’t be!

There must be a logical explanation for this. There’s no way Kazuki would be that kind of guy right? I need to get to the bottom of this no matter what. I drop everything I was doing and head towards his bedroom, with the mysterious pair of panties in my hand.

Oh Kazuki…

I press my forehead on the bedroom door, and take a deep breath. I can feel my eyes were starting to tear up, but I need to be strong. I slam the door open.

“A-Akane!” says a surprised Kazuki.

He was already standing up in the middle of the room. I could see he was on the phone with someone, probably the owner of this pair of panties.

“W-What is this?!?” I cry out to him.

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 There it was – the pair of panties that I feared to see. Akane clutched it in her hands, gripping it intensely. Her expression was of a teary-eyed rage and disappointment, heart shattered from this misunderstanding. Mary was still on the line, calling out my name for a response.

“K-Kaz? Kazuki?!? W-What’s happening-!” as I hang up the phone.

Akane is still standing in front of my bedroom, the light behind her illuminating her figure like an angel. It was like she was here to cleanse me of my sins, but I had to confess, I’m completely innocent right?

“What…is…this?” she says, holding her tears back.

“L-Look, i-it’s not what you t-think!” I pleaded.

Akane lowers her hands, and her gaze falls towards the floor. She couldn’t look at me in the eyes.

“Not what I think…?” she says under her breath. “It seems pretty obvious to me!” she yells.

Akane throws the panties into my face. I manage to catch it before it drops to the ground.

Blue stripes…

“Akane!”

If I tell her the truth, surely she would believe me. I already told her one truth beforehand, she has to trust me. This is just a big misunderstanding.

“I know this sounds crazy, but there’s a reasonable explanation for this.” I pleaded to her. “I’ve been teaching Mary how to bake a cake properly as a surprise to Daisuke…”

Akane was still listening, though she still kept her head low.

“It was raining earlier today when we came back from the supermarket, and Mary was soaking wet, on the verge of a fever. I didn’t have any other choice, so I tossed her clothes in the dryer.” I explained.

I take a deep breath and bow my head.

“Please forgive me!”

There was silence. I know Akane had no right to forgive me for keeping everything a secret, but maybe she could understand. Tension filled my chest, as I’m dreading how she would respond.

“I understand…” she says in a monotone voice.

I raise my head upwards to see her standing still like a statue. Akane lets her guard down, though her blank expression concerns me.

“I understand how little you care Kazuki.”

Her words pierced me like daggers.

“You promised me that we can trust each other! That you'd never leave me!” as tears begin to flow out of her eyes. “I saw you and Mary at the supermarket! Why would you lie to me? Do you not trust me or something? I’m your girlfriend aren’t I?”

I continue to listen to Akane as she broke down.

This can’t be happening.

“…You like Mary don’t you? She likes you in the other world right? You just “think” you like me.”

It felt like I was experiencing déjà vu. I know I messed up for not telling her my secret with Mary, but how could she accuse me of being unfaithful? I already told her I didn't like Mary that way. I couldn’t stand hearing these ominous thoughts from the girl of my dreams any more.

“I know I messed up…and for that I’m sorry.” I said softly to her. “But…”

I clench my teeth as I can feel my fists curling.

“But do you have any idea what I’m going through…? To be endlessly teased every day when I wake up?!?” I wish I can stay with you Akane! But I can’t!” I shouted back.

I suddenly felt this empty feeling inside. Was everything I was working towards for nothing? Akane said so much about trust, but all this time did she think I wasn’t serious about her, especially at how it feels like the girl of my dreams magically fell into my lap? Did she have so little faith in me?

“Why am I even bothering trying to get with the “real” you when you think I’m irresponsible-?”

I shouldn’t have said that.

I try to stop from finishing the sentence but it was too late. Akane gasps in shock, covering her mouth with her hands. She quickly wipes her tears away from her swollen eyes.

“I-If that’s how you feel!” as she turns around and runs away.

“W-Wait!” I try to reach her to no avail.

Akane runs out of our door, and I follow her, only to see Mary Kaneko drenched in water and sweat.

“Kaz…Kazuki! Akane ran past me! What happened?!?”

She was the last person I wanted to see. In a sense, I held her in contempt for being the reason why everything happened. It was her fault for the missing panties, it was her fault for ruining my relationship with the girl of my dreams.

“Mary…”

“It’s my fault!” she interrupts. She extends her hand towards a wall, trying to catch her breath. I come closer to her, and I place my hand on her forehead instinctively.

She’s burning up.

“It’s my fault…I-I’m so sorry Kazuki…” she sobs.

In the end there was no way I could stay mad at her. Mary must have run here the moment she figured out what was going on from our phone call. It wasn’t her fault. It was mine. I didn’t tell Akane, and I went behind her back when she needed my trust the most. Akane’s probably disgusted at me, our relationship changed forever.

I’m a terrible boyfriend.

“It’s not your fault Mary.” I say to her.

“B-But…I can explain to Aka-nee…she’ll believe-“

Just then Mary loses her balance, and I manage to catch her before she collapses to the floor.

“M-Mary!”

She was still conscious, but I needed to get her inside my house before her condition worsens.

“I-I’m fine!” as she brushes me off.

“You’re burning up…”

Mary shakes her head and lightly slaps her face.

“We need to go get her Kazuki!” says Mary.

Mary looks at me with her determined eyes. I see her heavy breathing from the cold, as every breath was met with a small cloud. Even if I insisted, nothing I say would stop the Roadrunner of Kasumigaseki High.

“Fine. Let’s go.”

I run out of my house, into the rainy weather. I was still in my pajamas, but I didn’t care. I needed to find Akane, but where could she have run off? I didn’t deserve another chance, but I wanted to see her one more time, to atone for all the trouble I caused.

Think Kazuki…Think!

“I’ll check the Purrfect Café!” as Mary runs off in the opposite direction.

Taking into account of the time right now, there weren’t that many places that could be open. Besides, even if Akane could take care of herself, it was still dangerous for a schoolgirl to walk around at this time. It’s only been about 15 minutes since she left. Akane must be close by, since all the buses and trains have stopped service right now.

Wait! What about Junpei-san?

I instinctively pat my right pants pocket, only to find my pants didn’t even have pockets; I’d left my phone on my nightstand. I ran out of my house without even thinking!

Oh crap!

It was like finding a needle in a haystack at this point. Thinking about it, I didn’t even have Junpei’s number. I run beneath an empty bus stop to step away from the pouring rain, in order to think clearly. I can feel that my breathing was getting sporadic, and my body couldn’t tell whether it was cold or hot.

“AHHHHHH!” I screamed at the night sky.

“...dloc os m’I”

What was that?

“I’m so cold…” says a mysterious voice in my head.

Immediately I jump from the cold steel of the bus stop chair.

That sounded like Akane!

I looked around, only to find myself alone.

My head must be playing with me.

“I’m alone…all alone up here again.” the voice says.

There was no doubt - it was Akane’s voice. I don’t know if it was my mind playing tricks on me or a sign or something, but I’ll take any clues I could get.

She’s alone…and “up here again?”

Akane was alone somewhere, somewhere were only she could be. That narrowed down that she couldn’t be downtown near the Purrfect Café for sure. It also meant that she wasn’t at a park, since those were all near the entertainment districts. But, it would make sense for her to be alone since I doubt people would be because of the rain. However, it was that single word that bothered me.

Up here again…? Why does that sound familiar?

Just where in this town can you go really high up? The first place that popped in my head was that Tower, but it was at least 30 miles away and in another town.

Just where in this town and area can I go high up?

I looked up to the rainy sky. All the clouds blocked the stars that I would usually see-

“I got it!”

I knew exactly where she was. I hope to God that she will still be there when I get to her. I start running the fastest I’ve ever run, and managed to grab an umbrella from the store on the way. Akane has to be there – at her secret spot.

----------------------------------------

Like teardrops falling from the sky.

I extend my hand to feel all the little drops of rain fall. My long black hair was getting drenched and soaked with the pouring rain. For some reason, it felt so comforting, like all my worries and pain was washing away from the cold water.

“Achoo!” I sneezed.

My body was getting hot, or was it getting colder? It didn’t matter to me at this point. The cruelest part of it was seeing Mary as I exited the door. I wanted to scream at her when I saw her, calling her a home-wrecker, but I couldn’t.

She’s everything I’m not.

Mary-chan was the first friend I ever made in school, and my heart sank when I saw how Kazuki and she acted behind my back. For the first time I felt like someone accepted me for who I am. I should’ve known from the start that it was always too good to be true. Was I wrong to have these warm feelings? To be loved? Is it even possible?

Am I just a foolish girl?

I was just a placeholder for him the whole time. I was the one who encouraged him to get with my World B self. All the memories that I made with Kazuki were all just a pale imitation. I was never the one Kazuki had his eyes on. In the end, it was just “practice” for the real thing with Yuki-san. All I could hope was for Yuki-san to open her heart for Kazuki like I did. It was up to her to succeed where I failed.

It doesn’t matter anymore.

I step closer towards the edge of my rooftop.

That’s a long way down.

I felt nauseous looking downward onto the street, but I was able to stomach my pain. All this pain would be gone in an instant. I step upwards on the edge and stand idly by. It felt like just a push of the wind could knock me off. It was pouring even harder, and the rain started to mix with my tears coming out. I just don’t know what to think anymore. The only thoughts racing through my head were Kazuki…how I hoped that he will be happy with Mary and Yuki-san. The time has come. I close my eyes and lean forward slightly.

Goodbye.