Story Reader / Floating Record / ER09: Crescent Sun / Story
Misono High
Evening, May 2nd - Pleasant and Dry
School Infirmary
The curtains along the wall are drawn aside, revealing a hidden door that opens from within.
The private ward is equipped with a single hospital bed and a window.
Yuka rises from the bed, pressing a cotton ball against her right arm with her left hand.
The school nurse disposes of the syringe and her used gloves in a nearby waste bin.
The two make their way to the sofa in the infirmary.
I heard you've been coughing up blood lately. Is this true?
Yes. Ever since I started the medication, I've been coughing up blood occasionally.
Are you experiencing any other symptoms?
Auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, and nightmares at night.
I'll prescribe you some tranquilizers for these symptoms.
But about the blood... we're already on the minimum dosage.
If we lower it any further, your body will severely reject the nanomachine implants.
Your constitution doesn't seem suitable for these experiments. Your heart condition is particularly concerning.
Was that third-party assessment report really accurate...
I'm fine.
I may be physically weak, but I'm determined to see these experiments through.
Please don't worry about me. Just give me the appropriate dosage.
Sigh... Well, then I suppose there's no point in hesitating.
Don't forget to take your supplements and nutrients. You're looking quite pale.
I'm always nauseous.
No, you have to take them, no matter what.
Yes.
Yuka packs her various medicines into her schoolbag and leaves the infirmary.
Watching Yuka leave, the school nurse slumps in her chair like a deflated balloon.
With trembling hands, she takes out a pack of cigarettes from her drawer, pulls one out, then throws it in the trash.
This is ridiculous...
As she turns back, the school nurse catches sight of the brown envelope in her drawer and freezes for a moment.
Earlier that day, a person in black delivered it to her as arranged.
Inside the brown envelope are non-sequential bills wrapped in newspaper.
Also enclosed is a visiting lecturer invitation from the Hydrangea Island Medical Center.
The school nurse quietly closes the drawer, walks to the window, and pulls out another cigarette. This time, she lights it.
At home, she has two daughters and a sick mother to care for and they desperately need the money.
The infirmary window overlooks the athletic field, where the girls' volleyball team practices in the setting sun.
The school gates stand wide open in the distance—today is both the open day and school festival of Misono High.
Near the school building, Yata leans lazily against the wall, waiting for Yuka to finish changing her shoes.
Classes running late today? Sorry, I ditched after lunch.
Sorry for the wait. I went to the infirmary because I sneezed last night.
Hey Yuka, there's the school festival and the island's fireworks show tonight. Let's go together!
Oh... I remember there was a shop last year that specialized in making Noh masks.
Noh masks? What are those? Are you interested in them, Yuka?
Yes, I'm really fond of the white fox masks. Would you mind coming with me to take a look later?
Of course! But you'll have to come with me to get some food first!
Sure, let's do that.
Shops line the streets from the school grounds outward, their colorful lanterns and storefront signs intertwining.
Students in their uniforms weave through the streets in small groups, creating a scene of unprecedented liveliness.
The aroma of cumin mingles with the sweet scent of flowers as couples lay out picnic blankets beneath the cherry blossom trees for flower viewing.
Amidst the bustling crowd, the night sky glows with a fierce crimson, illuminated by the festivities below.
I'm gonna try every single fried and grilled snack on this street, hahaha!
Never thought we'd run into people from outside Misono here.
The school clubs are all hoping to make a killing today—I mean, they're all hoping to show off their talents.
I just saw the Percussion Club setting up their drums. Looks like even those guys want a piece of the action.
Hey, Yata, please wait!
Noh Masks Limited? Is this the mask shop you were talking about?
Oh my, what a pleasant surprise! What can I interest you ladies in?
I'd like a fox deity mask. Could you help me pick out a nice design?
With your beauty, miss, any of them would suit you perfectly. Would you like to give our latest design a try?
The shop owner hands the fox mask to Yuka, who immediately puts it on.
It's actually quite breathable. What do you think, Yata?
Woah... That is definitely a work of art... You feel completely different now with the mask on.
Where did this classical elegance come from? I guess a beautiful face makes any mask work!
Simply breathtaking, miss. Your beauty is like the bright moon veiled in mist.
At first glance, you look like the fox deity herself! Even Princess Kaguya would pale in comparison.
With those praises, now I'm starting to worry if this will draw too much attention to me...
As far as the design goes, I really like it.
Let's go, Yata.
Do you want some dango and grilled chicken? I got too many to finish by myself.
It smells wonderful, but I can't handle food that's too greasy.
You can treat me next time.
Then, I'm gonna finish all of it!
Hey Yata, want to try our shop's popcorn chicken? We've got a special secret sauce!
Thanks, I'll take half a portion to go.
Yata, bet you've never tried our fried ice cream before!
I'll take two!
Oh, and don't forget our signature meat patties, fried in olive oil and milk!
Could you pack that in a bag for me, please?
Hey Yata, want your fortune told? From crystal balls to tarot cards, take your pick!
Well, why don't you tell me if I'll break any records in the next competition?
Looks like... everyone from the clubs knows you. You've become quite the VIP around here, Yata.
Don't worry. I'll burn all these calories off with a half-marathon tomorrow.
It's a bit bittersweet... all of last year's prize money from the competition went up in smoke on this street.
As they talk, a pale yellow firework blooms in the night sky in the distance.
Has the fireworks started?
Hey Yuka, let's walk along the riverside!
Before she even finishes her sentence, Yata grabs Yuka's hand and weaves through the crowd, diving into a small grove.
Yata, why are we taking this path? There are so many mosquitoes...
Let me tell you why! This is actually a shortcut to the riverside that I discovered last year.
If we go through the main road, we'd run into a wall of loving couples there.
Standing behind all those lovey-dovey couples would just put me in a bad mood.
A wall, huh...
Hey, come on, keep up!
Against the backdrop of distant, sporadic fireworks, the two of them weave their way through the dense forest.
Amidst rustling leaves and low vegetation, two figures descend the steps of the forest pavilion side-by-side.
A beautiful woman holds onto a man's arm, covering her mouth as she laughs and whispers to him. They look every bit like a couple in love.
Please hold yourself together. You don't want people to see you like this, now do you? There are students of yours around here.
Please hold yourself together. You don't want people to see you like this, now do you? There are students of yours around here.
Haha, are you always this timid, Yoshihiro?
That's all in the past now...
That's all in the past now...
Sigh... What an embarrassing memory... You had quite a few admirers back then, and I didn't want to be the last guy in the world to go after you.
Sigh... What an embarrassing memory... You had quite a few admirers back then, and I didn't want to be the last guy in the world to go after you.
So, what's wrong with meeting with an old friend? Or perhaps... you were expecting something more?
Give me a break... You were the one who lured me here saying this was going to be some "academic discussion"...
She passed away from cancer when Masao was still young.
She passed away from cancer when Masao was still young.
I'm very sorry to hear that...
It's alright. I've come to terms with it after all these years.
It's been so long...
Reika pulls his arm closer to her body.
Don't you ever feel lonely?
Taken aback, Yoshihiro furrows his brows and pulls his hand away from Reika.
Right now, all I care about is raising Masao. I have no capacity for anything else.
Really?
Reika tidies her disheveled hair, her smile unwavering.
At that moment, fireworks burst in the sky, illuminating their faces in clarity.
Reika's lips move, but her words are drowned out by the thundering fireworks.
What did you say just now?
All right.
Please.
It's nice and quiet here, and the view of the fireworks is absolutely perfect from this spot.
It's nice and quiet here, and the view of the fireworks is absolutely perfect from this spot.
The breeze here during summer is so refreshing that you might just drift off into a comfortable nap.
Be careful, though. It's slippery here around these tetrapods. It's all muddy and gross down there.
Never mind that—look! Isn't it beautiful? The fireworks are getting closer to us.
Brilliant bursts of color bloom one after another across the night sky.
Yuka narrows her eyes, the various patterns of light dancing in her pupils.
Round and flat, fireworks of every shape burst into brilliance before dissolving into wisps of white smoke that hover above the water.
The fireworks... they're beautiful. Fleeting yet enchanting.
Hey, Yuka, wanna take a picture together?
Sec.
Yuka instinctively reaches for her waist, but the shoulder strap of her bag isn't there.
Oh no, my bag...
You can't find it?
Maybe it got caught on a branch when we were rushing through the woods?
No... my med...
No... my med...
No, I have to go back right now! Someone might take it if we don't hurry.
Yata, I'm sorry, but I really have to go now...
Dr. Saotome is going to be really upset if I lose my bag... There's something really important in there.
Yuka backs away while apologizing to Yata, her pale face etched with fear.
Wait, Yuka, what's wrong?
I'm so useless... Please forgive me... Please forgive me... Doctor...
I'm so useless... Please forgive me... Please forgive me... Doctor...
I'll just wait here for you!
I'll just wait here for you!
Before Yata even finishes talking, Yuka has already staggered into the forest, nearly tripping over her own feet.
Hey, be careful! Don't run!
A man and woman walk side by side through the tranquil forest.
What was once an abandoned field of weeds just a year ago is now beyond recognition.
Neatly arranged bamboo leaves line both sides of the path, which has been newly paved with white gravel.
This is my secret hideaway. Thought I'd take you here today for a private hangout. Just the two of us, Yoshihiro.
This is my secret hideaway. Thought I'd take you here today for a private hangout. Just the two of us, Yoshihiro.
Oh... Don't say stuff so misleading.
There was absolutely nothing here when I last visited. When did it become so beautiful?
It's part of the island's new development project. Look over there—they were planning to build a pavilion.
I see you're incredibly well-informed about this place. Would have been great if there were a lake here, though.
The Gardening Association invited me for a site visit, and I fell in love with this place right away.
I heard you have a degree in landscape architecture. Looks like those rumors are true.
I heard you have a degree in landscape architecture. Looks like those rumors are true.
Oh, I dabble here and there. It's just a hobby to help me unwind.
That's amazing! So you're not just a scientist but a gardening expert as well.
Please, come this way.
There's the lake you wanted to see.
They duck under the overhanging branches as they walk along the cobblestone path.
Without warning, several fireworks explode in the sky with a deafening blast.
Reika loses her footing and stumbles, but Yoshihiro catches her before she falls.
And you called me timid? Look who just jumped at the fireworks!
Well, they kept getting closer! I might seem tough and all, but I'm still a woman at the end of the day.
They seem to launch a set every few minutes... Must be computer-controlled timing...
Yes, exactly 5 minutes and 23 seconds between each launch.
My memory has been photographic since I was a child. I memorized the timing on our way here.
My memory has been photographic since I was a child. I memorized the timing on our way here.
A prodigy from the start, huh? No wonder you're so successful.
The two of them exchange casual words as they stroll along the quiet path.
Time slips by unnoticed until Yoshihiro's legs start to ache. He looks around for a place to rest.
Reika, are there any pavilions around here where we could take a break?
Reika?
Yoshihiro looks around, only to see that Reika isn't following him anymore.
Several ribbon-like trails of fireworks ascend to the highest point in the sky.
Half a second later, a deafening boom fills the air.
Yoshihiro turns to look at Reika and finds her gazing back at him with a gentle smile.
Yoshihiro turns to look at Reika and finds her gazing back at him with a gentle smile.
But this time, her smile carries a trace of melancholy and sorrow, unlike anything before...
Gone is her usual pretentious flattery, replaced by the innocent smile of a young girl.
Even in the darkness of the night, he knows it's blood seeping from his chest.
Even in the darkness of the night, he knows it's blood seeping from his chest.
I see...
Reika lowers her gun and slowly walks to Yoshihiro's side.
I have to proceed with the consciousness projection experiment, and I'm sorry I had to break it to you like this.
What gun did you use, Reika?
A Glock 43.
Reika embraces Yoshihiro, presses the gun against his abdomen, and fires two more shots.
Do you remember the question I asked you earlier?
What is the sharpest of blades?
Indeed, there are many remarkable blades in this world, each type with its own distinctive strengths.
Yoshihiro, those blades of yours that adorn the entire wall are magnificent.
Yoshihiro, those blades of yours that adorn the entire wall are magnificent.
As decorative pieces, they're quite splendid.
Reika wipes down the pistol with a cloth, then she places it between Yoshihiro's thumb and index finger.
Yoshihiro collapses to the ground, motionless, as blood pools around him.
Yukihira.
Behind the bamboo leaves nearby, a tall, slender figure materializes like a specter.
Yes, ma'am.
Clean this up. Make it look convincing.
Yes, ma'am.
Reika wipes her hands clean as she walks toward Kouhei.
Just at that second, hurried footsteps rustle through nearby bushes...
Reika whips around at the sound, while Kouhei immediately draws his gun from his waist.
The branches rustle, and within moments, a high school girl in a Misono High uniform emerges.
Huh?
D-Dr. Saotome?
Yuka's widened eyes fall upon Yoshihiro Osako, who lies motionless in a pool of blood.
Dr. Saotome... Wh-what is...
When Yuka turns back to Reika, she finds herself staring down the barrel of Kouhei's gun.
Reika reaches out and gently lowers Kouhei's tension-stiffened arm.
Kouhei, don't point your gun at a child.
Looking at Yuka, Reika forces her face into a twisted, unnatural smile.
Yuka, why are you... here tonight?
I... I... was just...
Watching fireworks? Who did you go with? Was it with your friend Yata?
Reika steps toward Yuka, who backs away in fear.
It's alright, Yuka. Come here.
What you saw was just an accident. Don't worry about it.
Reika approaches Yuka with measured steps, then gently embraces her.
There, there. You'll forget all about this soon.
Dr. Saotome, did you... I'm sorry, but did you... kill him...
Does that bother you, Yuka?
No, I... I... What you did was right... wasn't it?
About Yata... it's better if you don't mention this to her, all right?
About Yata... it's better if you don't mention this to her, all right?
That's my good girl. You'll do as your mother says, won't you?
That's my good girl. You'll do as your mother says, won't you?
The word "mother" seems to snap Yuka out of her daze.
As if falling into a comforting illusion, she breaks into a smile.
Yes, I will listen to everything you say.
You're my everything, Dr. Saotome...
Tears stream down Yuka's face even as she smiles.
Reika releases her embrace and gently pats Yuka's head with feigned motherly affection.
Yuka, the experiment you'll be part of is of paramount importance. It could change the future of humanity.
Are you willing to take this risk for humanity? I'll be frank—I'm worried about you.
If you want to back out, tell me now. Kouhei here can bear witness to what you say, too.
Don't worry, Yuka. I'll listen to what your heart has to say.
If this is your vision, Dr. Saotome, I'll do anything... absolutely anything...
I...
Reika bends down and plants a kiss on Yuka's forehead.
For now, stay here.
Y-Yes...
