Story Reader / Floating Record / ER09: Crescent Sun / Story
Misono High
Evening, April 2nd - Pleasant and Dry
Music Room - Second-Year Choir
—With deepest respect and gratitude for all you've done for me.
—How many years have flown by since those days of school life...
—When we look back, we're surprised by how fast time went by...
Plain curtains sway in the breeze as the evening sun casts its lingering rays across the polished wooden floor.
A piano sits near the podium, with chairs neatly arranged in a circle around it.
The second-year students are singing "Ode to Our Teachers" in unison, accompanied by the piano.
In seven months, they will be performing the second verse at their graduation ceremony.
With plenty of time ahead, they only practice during their regular music classes.
As the final chorus comes to an end, the solemn atmosphere quickly gives way to relaxation.
Kishii, the class representative, calls out each student's name for attendance.
Are you Sato, student number 14? Ah yes, please sign here.
She diligently takes notes, flipping back and forth through the attendance book.
Hold on, Emi. You can't head to volleyball practice until you've signed it.
Couldn't you just sign for me, Kishii?
Gee, you guys just can't be bothered, huh?
The classroom at dusk resonates with the laughter of students.
After bidding farewell to the students on day duty, Kishii notices a girl packing her bag in the corner.
Yuka! Welcome back, it's been a while!
Oh... yes, I'm sorry for any inconvenience I've caused, Kishii.
No, no, not at all! Everyone in the class has really missed you.
How have you been lately? Are you feeling any better?
Well... I wouldn't say I'm better... but at least I can attend classes now.
I've kept your test papers for you. Come see me during class tomorrow to pick them up.
Thank you, Kishii.
By the way, have you seen Yata around?
I know you two are close friends, so I thought I'd ask.
Yata... she's at track team training. She probably forgot to ask for leave.
I see. I'll make a note of that.
Any new competitions coming up? Well, I'm sure the Track Queen of Misono will breeze through them anyway.
I hope so. Yata always gives it her all during training.
Oh, speaking of which...
With a mischievous grin, Kishii pulls out a small poster from behind her back.
What's this?
Take a look at this masterpiece I made!
Yuka furrows her brows as she stares at the crudely drawn watercolor poster.
Misono... Horror Stories Club?
There's no student council stamp on this. This isn't an officially recognized club, is it?
Don't tell me you started this Horror Stories Club on your own, Kishii?
Yup, you bet I did!
But aren't you a student council member? Why would you...
It's only unofficial for the time being. Once we get four members, we'll submit a formal application.
We're still in the preparation phase, but we've already started doing some night explorations...
Night... explorations?
Yuka, have you heard of the Seven Mysteries of Misono?
No, not at all.
I've never even heard any of them.
Like the mysterious night fires in the science classroom...
The crying girl in the bathroom...
The running statue...
...
Pretty exciting, right?
The Horror Stories Club currently has three members—me and two senior girls.
At night, we sneak back to school to investigate supernatural occurrences. Sounds fun, doesn't it?
...
Thanks for the invitation, Kishii, but I don't really think it's something I can handle.
Aw, that's too bad!
I haven't gotten any new members today... I've asked half the school already... Argh, my head is killing me!
Kishii slumps over the desk across from Yuka, occasionally casting pleading glances her way.
You can look at me all you want, but there is nothing I can do about that...
Well, I should be on my way now. Thanks again for your help, and sorry I can't help!
Yuka quickly picks up her schoolbag and walks straight towards the back door of the classroom.
Ah, wait... Yuka! You don't have to go exploring with us, but please, please join our club!
By the time Kishii rushes out of the classroom, Yuka is already long gone.
Sigh, this really isn't my day...
Meanwhile, on the running track at the other end of Misono High, the track and field club is training.
The boys swing their arms with all their might, pushing forward on sheer willpower despite their exhaustion.
Behind them, a nimble figure swiftly closes the gap.
You useless bunch! Getting outrun by a girl? You're a disgrace to this school!
While the coach continues his tirade, that figure has already sprinted to the front of the pack, leaving everyone watching in awe.
And you, Yata! Don't let a few compliments go to your head!
Yeah, yeah, keep nagging old man.
Stop talking and focus on your breathing!
Having finished his rant, the coach grumbles as he checks the stopwatch—and his eyes go wide.
You've got to be kidding me...
The coach, who had assumed the boys were just being lazy, is shocked to discover...
That every single one of them had run faster than they did yesterday based on their pace today in the second-to-last lap.
The reason becomes clear—Yata's sudden burst of speed has thrown off everyone else's rhythm.
What a monster... And she doesn't feel tired at all?
She's actually running faster now in the boys' group.
It's only a matter of time before she becomes a world-class athlete.
Soon after, Yata crosses the finish line where several female members of the track team are waiting for her.
Yata, that final sprint was so cool!
Let me catch my breath first, will ya? I know I probably don't look like I get tired but I actually do.
Here's some water!
Surrounded by her female admirers, Yata scratches her head sheepishly, clearly unsure how to handle the attention.
Yata, you've got to tell us how to run as fast as you do!
I know, right? Do share some tips!
Well... I don't really have any special technique, but there are two main points I follow.
I knew you had some tricks! Come on, don't hold out on us.
First, you absolutely need to warm up properly before a race.
...
Everyone knows that already, Yata. Tell us something we don't know!
Also, make sure you eat before exercising. Running on an empty stomach is a big no-no.
I'm a big offender of that myself by the way... Just don't do that, yeah?
C'mon, Yata, you're just telling us the basic stuff!
Right? C'mon, what's your secret?!
Hey, hey, cut me some slack, will ya?
Seriously, though. These are the only two things I do.
Besides that, it's just training. But then again, everyone here trains.
If you really want a tip from me...
Oh! Are we finally getting to the good part?
Your mentality is crucial when you're running.
Huh? Mentality? What's that supposed to mean...
Once I get in the zone, I gradually tune out everyone around me and focus only on my own pace.
Truth is, I've always run to surpass myself, not to defeat others.
When I think this way, my mind becomes as calm as still water.
As they say, the secret lies in training the mind.
At these words, the girls fall silent.
Not because they're pondering Yata's athletic philosophy...
They're just bored of Yata's inaccessible experience.
Oh, I see... Well, good job, Yata.
Right? I mean, I didn't get it at all, but it sounds impressive, doesn't it?
...
Their halfhearted responses are punctuated by yawns as they walk away, clearly unimpressed.
With the girls gone, Yata trudges toward the podium with her usual listless demeanor.
Little does Yata know that the girls aren't the only ones watching her...
Under the shade of an awning, two pairs of eyes closely track Yata's every movement.
Her physical capabilities are remarkable. She's exceptionally strong.
A beautiful woman in plain clothes, her age impossible to determine, turns to her attendant with a smile.
Behind her stands a tall, slender man in an impeccable suit.
Indeed. Her physical abilities far surpass those of her peers. The "Track Queen of Misono" is what she goes by here, apparently.
The Track Queen of Misono?
A fine title, but perhaps her ambitions are too modest?
If possible, I'd like this child to become Prometheus—one who brings change to humanity.
Do you consider her an ideal test subject?
I merely meant that I have high hopes for her and have taken a liking to her.
As far as I'm concerned, you shouldn't rush to conclusions just yet. Her physical capabilities are indeed exceptional...
But that's not everything that's going to be tested for in the experiments.
We've also got to take into consideration her drug sensitivity, neural wave compatibility, recovery capabilities, and so on.
These are all crucial factors to consider. It's far too early to draw any conclusions now.
We collected genetic samples from the students under the pretext of medical examinations. The reports will arrive by mail next week.
Is the testing facility reliable?
No need to worry. The laboratory is completely trustworthy.
They've conducted numerous genetic tests and screenings for Kurono before.
They're highly professional, well-reputed, and strictly protect their clients' confidentiality.
However, for security reasons, they don't provide electronic copies of their reports.
Results are sent through physical mail to circumvent the Science Council's keyword monitoring system.
Well, guess that's something to look forward to, then.
We have more pressing matters to deal with right now.
Like what?
As you may recall, the Science Council was extremely wary of us when we first arrived on the island.
Shortly after that, they stationed an ethics committee on the island.
We have to submit regular reports about our research, especially anything involving human subjects.
I'm afraid our application for human trials in the consciousness projection experiment won't be approved so easily.
There's no need to worry, Kouhei.
As far as I know, the committee chairperson is an old classmate of mine.
Let's pay them a visit in a bit. I'm sure we can work something out.
It's wonderful that you know them personally. I hope they're as open-minded as you are.
Well... people rarely change, even if the world around them does.
The conversation ends as Kouhei turns around and opens a parasol.
As Kouhei sees her off with deference, Reika pulls on her black gloves and walks into the shadows.
Meanwhile, behind the awning...
Uhh...
Hidden and eavesdropping, Yuka furrows her brows while nervously fidgeting with the bow on her chest.
She came to look for Yata, only to accidentally overhear the conversation between the two.
Though she only caught bits and pieces of the conversation, none of which seemed particularly important...
Well, of course they'd be talking about Yata. It's not like they have any business talking about me anyway...
What were they talking about? And why did they mention Yata?
Just as she bites her lip, a clear, familiar voice rings out from nearby.
Yuka? Is that you over there?
Huh? Yeah, it's me.
It really is you, Yuka! Why didn't you tell me you were back?
Yata rushes over excitedly, but Yuka's eyes dart away, avoiding direct contact.
I heard you were at the field, so I took it upon myself to come to find you... I didn't really think you'd actually be here.
I'm really sorry for not letting you know beforehand.
I was worried the whole way here that I might interrupt your training.
Forget about training! I'm just so glad to see you here healthy and well!
How are you feeling? Are you doing better now?
Yeah, I'm doing all right. The doctor says I'm better than before.
Would you mind coming with me to the locker room? We could head home together afterward.
Sure, whatever you say.
As the two of them are about to leave, a student council officer stops them.
Congratulations, Yuka!
Congratulations... for what?
Congratulations on becoming this semester's "Miss Misono"!
Miss Misono...?
Yes, it means you're the most popular female student at Misono.
This was decided by a school-wide student vote.
...
I never entered this contest. Pretty sure there's some misunderstanding.
That's because a lot of students wrote your name in the "Other" box.
So the organizing committee specially added you to the list of contestants.
And you got the highest number of votes! Pretty impressive, right?
But... I'm not even popular.
You're being too modest, Yuka. You got the highest number of votes.
Please give the award to whoever came in second place.
Huh? But...
Yuka turns and leaves without hesitation, leaving Yata and the officer to exchange bewildered looks.
Hey, if someone doesn't want the award, you shouldn't force it on them.
You must be... Yata, the prodigy from the track and field club, right?
Please, you must help me convince Yuka. I'm begging you!
That's asking way too much. If she doesn't want it, there's nothing we can do about it.
How about giving it to me instead? I don't mind.
Well, I'm afraid that's gonna be a little difficult...
Before the Student Council Officer can finish speaking, Yata turns and hurries after Yuka.
When she catches up to Yuka, she finds her with furrowed brows and a dejected look on her face.
Yuka, wait up! Why did you leave without saying anything?
You could have just said no if it really isn't your cup of tea. There's no need to get upset about it.
No, that's not it... I just don't understand why everyone likes me.
I'm supposed to be a good student and study hard here at Misono...
And I'm sure I'd disappoint the Doctor if I get distracted and do things that aren't academic.
By "Doctor", I'm guessing you mean Dr. Saotome?
Yes, my guardian.
Why are you still calling her your "guardian", though...
I just don't think I'm good enough to be her daughter yet... I don't think I'm ready.
As her adopted child, I feel guilty for not becoming the person she hoped I would be.
Dr. Saotome spent so much money trying to get me treated, but here I am, still as useless as ever.
If her rivals ever find out she's caring for a burden like me...
I'm sure people would make a laughing stock out of her, and I'd hate to see that.
That's ridiculous! Don't you think you worry a little too much when she's just your guardian?
Just be yourself. That's all that matters!
What's wrong? Is she strict with you?
No, she isn't... Dr. Saotome... was clumsy but very gentle when we first met.
But then... she started working on some challenging research, and she barely came home anymore.
She's busy with her work... but I guess that's not something she can do anything about.
...Doesn't this kind of relationship make you sad?
I... No, not at all. I don't think there's anything wrong with it.
I guess I'm sticking my nose where it doesn't belong.
The conversation trails off into silence as they walk quietly into the school building.
As Yata removes her sneakers, Yuka opens her shoe locker—untouched for the past month and a half.
A cloud of dust rises as a cascade of white envelopes tumbles out of her locker.
Love letters rain down one after another, pattering against Yuka's face.
As Yuka crouches down to gather the letters, Yata watches with flushed cheeks.
What are those... Love letters? I'm so jealous, I've never gotten a single one before.
Guys are such idiots!
Why... would they stuff them in a place like this?
Yuka mutters under her breath so Yata can't hear what she says.
By the way, we should start getting gifts for the graduates soon.
Are we supposed to give them the gifts in person at the graduation ceremony?
Yes, and it's Misono tradition that the gifts are handmade.
You're the star of the handicrafts club, right, Yuka? Let's do this together.
Sure, let's do it.
What should we make, though?
Hmm, good question...
Oh, what about a music box?
A music box? Sounds like a plan!
Is it complicated, though, mechanically speaking?
It shouldn't be too difficult as long as we have all the materials ready.
All right, a music box it is, then.
