Published at 26th of March 2019 12:07 am

Volume 5, Part 4

◆◆◆ Daiya Oomine - 09/11 FRI 18:00 ◆◆◆

"The screening of 'Close-Up Goodbye' has ended."

The movie ends without any credits. I immediately find myself in front of the digital information panel. Yet another teleport has occurred.

Standing at the empty entrance, I smile awkwardly.

"I'll crush you."

I see.

He's as merciless as his words suggested.

Kazu is sticking his fingers into the scars of my past. He’s rubbing salt into those reopened wounds and tearing them open in order to extinguish my 'wish'.

Fuck, he's getting cruel.

"———"

Wait. Kazu is deliberately attacking me. Why am I accepting everything he shows me at face value?

Are these movies even faithful to reality?

Sure, the way that incident played out in the movie is consistent with my memories. But because it was shown from Rino's perspective, there are details that I can't confirm.

Those parts could be made up. I’ll never know if Rino's emotional turmoil was depicted accurately either. Only Rino herself would know.

"It would seem that you’ve been hit rather hard, would it not?"

I'm taken by surprise by someone’s voice and raise my head.

"...Who are you?"

An unfamiliar girl with long hair is standing before me. She’s wearing a clean uniform like a department store receptionist's. She has a scarf wrapped around her neck and seems to be roughly my age.

"It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is 'A' and I am the guide to this cinema."

'A' has a dignified aura that doesn't match her age at all. Truth be told, “dignified” gives the wrong impression, because I actually find her highly disagreeable. If she were to kill someone, she would just smile indifferently and not give a damn because she's so far above it all—that's what her haughty dignity conveys to me.

Furthermore, she's terrifyingly beautiful - even more beautiful than Maria Otonashi, who already overawes everyone with her beauty.

"...'A'? That's so stupid. Who are you? Why are you here?"

"I am an artificial personality that belongs to this 'box', the 'Wish-Crushing Cinema'. I do not exist in reality."

In short, she is what Noitan was to the 'Game of Idleness'?

Between this girl and Noitan, I wonder if there's some rule that requires all guides to have sh*t personalities?

"An artificial personality, huh? So, does that mean that you'll be kind enough to give me an explanation of this 'box'?"

"Certainly."

"Let's just get this over with: what function does this 'box' serve?"

"It has but one purpose: crushing your 'box'. The list of movies - 'Close-Up Goodbye,' '60 Feet and 6 Inches Apart,' 'Repeat, Reset, Reset,' and 'Piercing at Fifteen' – are all intended to make you abandon your 'box', Mr. Oomine."

Even though I expected such an answer, I can't help getting a bit upset when addressed so bluntly. There's no way I would be pleased when I'm told that the torture will continue.

"Furthermore, you may be wondering whether 'Close-Up Goodbye' is an accurate depiction of the past. To answer your question: no, it is not."

"What?"

Why would she tell me that? Even if she's telling the truth, by letting me know that, my emotional stress immediately ratchets down. That's totally inconsistent with the purpose of this 'box'.

"You seem to be doubtful, Mr. Oomine, but let me assure you that this fact will be of no comfort to you. 'Close-Up Goodbye' is a movie made in accordance with Miyuki Karino's memory. My answer is technically correct because the human memory can be distorted and inaccurate at times."

I see. If the movie is faithful to her memories, it means that Rino definitely still holds a grudge against me. Ha, it's so damn unfunny that it's funny.

"...First off, can I even believe what you tell me?"

"I am compelled to only speak the truth."

"Can you prove that that's the truth?"

"It will be very difficult to prove it. I am afraid that I can only ask you to believe me. I beg your pardon."

...Figures. Admittedly, it was a silly question.

But no matter how politely she speaks, no matter how much she apologizes, I don't sense the slightest bit of humility from 'A'. Instead, her polite attitude seems almost mocking. Why did Kazu make the guide such a detestable girl? Does he have the hots for this type of girl? Come to think of it, Otonashi's a similar type... that being said, he's clearly taken it too far.

...Mm, ah, so that's it.

"...I noticed something."

"What might that be?"

"You're 'O', aren't you?"

'A' doesn't answer.

"Noitan, the mascot of Kingdom Royale, was a reflection of Kamiuchi's warped character. But look at Kazu's personality. It's unlikely that he would create a character as disagreeable as you. So why are you in here then? There are two possibilities. One, this isn't Kazuki Hoshino's 'box'. Two, you slipped into this 'box'."

After hearing my explanation, the air around 'A' changes completely. Her smile is all too familiar.

"Truly, I'm impressed."

That smile is unmistakable.

The person standing before me is 'O'.

"I didn't expect you to discover my identity so quickly. I was planning on pretending to be the guide for a little longer."

"...Why are you doing this?"

"This 'box' is way too powerful for you to overcome. I feared that you would have no chance to prevail, so I decided to provide you with some extra information."

"Why do you care if I lose? Aren't you on Kazu's side?"

"I don't care if you lose, but I don't want you to lose instantly. You forget that my goal is to observe Kazuki-kun. Now that I’ve finally started to understand his true nature, I'm eager to get as much data as possible! Thus, I don't want Kazuki-kun to have an effortless victory, you see?"

"But what if I beat him because you helped me too much?"

"While I would rather avoid that outcome, I don't mind either way."

He seems to be honest. Come to think of it, during the 'Game of Idleness' 'O' said that "Kazuki-kun doesn't rely on my whims." If 'O' really doesn't care if I win, Kazu was right to do so.

That being said, 'O' is definitely biased toward Kazu. 'O' can only say such things because he's sure that I can't win.

"If you want to enjoy yourself, give me some information that's actually helpful! All you told me is that I’ll lose if I fail to escape before all the movies are over at midnight."

"Indeed. But I don't think someone who saw through me in an instant would need any more information."

He sure thinks highly of me, huh.

But that statement in itself is a hint. He's essentially saying that I already have enough information to defeat the 'Wish-Crushing Cinema'.

"All right, since you've found me out, I guess I'll take my leave for a while."

"Feel free, I guess? ...Ah, right, there's one thing I want to ask before you go: who is that disagreeable girl that you're imitating? An actress in an upcoming movie or something?"

"No, she's completely unrelated to you. I doubt she will appear in any of the movies. But I have a reason for choosing this appearance, of course."

With these puzzling words, 'O' turns and walks off.

The sound of his footsteps disappears into the distance.

I'm alone again.

I take a look at the clock. It's 18:15. Fifteen minutes to go until the next movie, “60 Feet and 6 Inches Apart,” begins. The total remaining time is 5 hours and 45 minutes.

'O' coming to visit hasn't changed my situation. My hands are tied, and I'm still getting pummeled by Kazu. I have a weapon, the ‘Shadow of Sin and Punishment’, but it’s useless while I’m imprisoned here. I have no way to fight back.

...No, wait. Am I really unable to fight back?

I look at my shadow.

The ‘Shadow of Sin and Punishment’ is still available.

It's possible to use one 'box' inside another. The fact that Maria Otonashi once slipped into another person’s 'box' and remained an 'owner' proves this. I'm still an 'owner' and a [master].

But who should I use it on? I'm alone here. There's no one I could use the ‘Shadow of Sin and Punishment’ on.

"...no one here?"

Where can I find someone, then?

That goes without saying.

Outside of this 'box' I have 998 [servants] who can become my arms and legs.

"———"

It's time for a strategy session.

How can I win against Kazuki Hoshino?

I can get out of here if I destroy this 'box'. The simplest method is to [control] my [servants] and make them kill Kazu.

But that's not a true victory. While I want to defeat him, I don't want to kill him. I want to make people more ethical, so I can't commit murder, let alone force others to commit murder. This problem has nothing to do with my resolve.

I would probably be emotionally devastated if I killed him. I would be devoured by the 998 "Shadows of Sin" inside me and suffer a mental breakdown. If it turns out to be impossible to prevent the 'Wish-Crushing Cinema' from destroying my 'box' through any other means, I will have to consider killing him, but that's the absolute last resort.

I have to convince Kazu to abandon his 'box' of his own free will.

He is attacking my weak point, my past. I have to retaliate against his weak point as well.

Kazu's weak point—

"...Ah."

"It's obviously Maria Otonashi."

✵

As if to avoid giving me any time for thought, the ‘Wish-Crushing Cinema’ has once again teleported me into one of the theaters.

The next movie, "60 Feet and 6 Inches Apart," will be pure torture.

Well, it won't be quite as bad this time. After all, I have invited a guest, and sorrows shared are sorrows spared.

"Don't you agree, Yuuri Yanagi?"

Yuuri Yanagi is sitting behind me to my right. Her face is pale, and she's too busy looking around in confusion to reply to my sudden, unanswerable question.

I tried to summon her here to test my assumption: as Maria Otonashi did in the 'Rejecting Classroom', it is possible for an 'owner' to interfere with other 'boxes' and intrude upon them. Of course, it's impossible to get out, so it's a one-way trip.

"Eh? Eh? Is this a cinema seat? How did I suddenly get here from the entrance?! Why am I sitting down?!"

No wonder she's startled. I'm used to the teleportation by now, but it was her first time.

It's a pain to explain it to her, though, so I'll just leave her in the dark.

"Even though you're here, the cinema still shows nothing but my past, huh. So it really is a 'box' solely intended to crush me?"

Something feels off... but I can't put my finger on it.

"I-Ignoring me...? ...Wowoa! Who are these people?! It's like their souls have been sucked out! Scary!"

Be quiet, I'm thinking.

"Shut up, bitch."

"B-Bitch?! That's downright rude! Besides, I’m innocence incarnate!"

"You must be okay if you can still crack jokes."

"...Eh? That wasn't supposed... to be a joke... W-What? C-Could it be that I'm the only who thinks that I look like a pure and innocent girl...? But I have long black hair... Wait, that doesn't matter now! Give me an explanation, please! Um, the boy sitting next to you is a friend of Kazuki-san's, right?"

"...Yeah."

A shell of Haruaki Usui, who seems to be the next lead character, is sitting beside me.

"I don't feel like explaining anything to you, so just remember one thing: do not make any comments about this movie - during, before, after - ever!"

Yanagi cocks her head. Of course I don't elaborate.

I have called Yanagi, one of my [servants], into the ‘Wish-Crushing Cinema’.

By doing so, I confirmed several things at once. First, I can still use the ‘Shadow of Sin and Punishment’ without any restrictions. Second, even people like Yanagi who are not conventional 'owners' and just share the ‘Shadow of Sin and Punishment’ can slip into someone else's 'box'. Third, time passes at the same rate inside and outside the 'box'.

But my crucial reason for summoning her lies elsewhere.

"Yanagi. What are Kazu and Otonashi doing?"

I want to get an idea of Kazu and Otonashi's current state.

The people who share the ‘Shadow of Sin and Punishment’ can't use their invisible link to communicate directly with each other, though they can use it to convey vague feelings. I can still use my 'box', but I'm unable to issue effective orders while I don't know what's going on outside.

Therefore, I gave the following order to my [servants]:

"Find out what Kazu and Otonashi are doing."

Since it's impossible to get detailed info mind-to-mind, I'm forced to ask someone directly.

That's why Yanagi is here now—she's a messenger.

"......Do I have to tell you?"

"You don't seem to understand your position yet."

Using my 'box', I stimulate her feelings of guilt.

"U, ah! Nnnn! ....nh—"

I only meant to give her a light push, but she groans bitterly and looks up at me with teary eyes, begging me to stop.

Like Shindou, she has committed the sin of murder during the 'Game of Idleness'. It's only natural that she can't escape her feelings of guilt from the grave sin of betraying Kazu. That's why she's suffering so much.

"A-Above all, Kazuki-san seems to want to keep Otonashi-san from getting involved. Thus, he's hiding his actions from her."

"I knew it... But why is Otonashi playing along? I don't think she would listen obediently to Kazu when there's a 'box' right under her nose."

"I don't know anything about that..."

"Sluts like you are good at jerking others around, right? So just for reference: what would you do to keep Otonashi from acting?"

"A-Aren't you being a bit too cruel?! ......W-Well, anyways. Mm, I don't think he could convince Otonashi-san with honesty, so he must be lying to her. For example, he could make her believe that he had come up with a good strategy and tell her that they'd pull it off some other time.”

"Would Otonashi really buy such a fishy story?"

"I think she would believe anything he says because she trusts Kazuki-san blindly."

"...I see."

Certainly, Otonashi would try to believe in Kazu, no matter how cheap his lies. Which means it's surprisingly simple for Kazu to deceive her.

"Not bad, Yanagi. I have to admit that I used to think I was an expert manipulator, but you're the Queen of Lies."

"...Um, that's not praise, right? You're actually insulting me, right?"

"Of course."

"...Oomine-san, you sure seem to like insulting me. Could it be that you're actually quite fond of me?"

"Huh? Don't screw with me, bitch. You look like a goddamn bog body."

"B-Bog body...? Now that's an original insult... I have no idea how to react..."

Yanagi deliberately pulls back and musses up her long, straight black hair – which, combined with her pale, pale skin, normally causes her to vaguely resemble some kind of specter. She says, "And now?"

Of course I ignore her.

"But I learned something thanks to you."

"Eh? Did you find a clue on my forehead?"

"It says 'die.'"

"Ew... how heartless..."

"I learned that Kazu is definitely taking advantage of their mutual trust."

The trust between Maria Otonashi and Kazuki Hoshino is already hollow, and Kazu is hiding that fact from her.

Even worse, he is exploiting her trust.

"Now I know how to bring Otonashi here."

Finding such an easy solution makes me smile.

"I just have to show her the truth."

I just have to make her realize that their goals have diverged.

Once she learns of his betrayal, they are over.

Kazu will lose and I will win.

An image appears on the screen, followed by a transition to a scene featuring a middle school-aged Haruaki. He is wearing a familiar uniform…

◇◇◇ Kazuki Hoshino - 09/11 FRI 17:48 ◇◇◇

The smell of peppermint. Whenever that scent appears, I assume that I'm in Maria's room.

While lying on the bed, I raise my head to look at the time. The first movie, “Close-Up Goodbye,” is already about to end.

My victory is all but assured by now. Daiya is confined to the ‘Wish-Crushing Cinema’. By the time it finishes showing its movies, Daiya will have had to abandon his 'box'. All I have to do is bide my time.

Of course, I still won't let my guard down - my opponent is Daiya, after all.

He is able to use his 'box' within the ‘Wish-Crushing Cinema’. I already know that he can control people, so he can use them to attack us.

Maria calls out to me, "Kazuki, help me get dinner ready."

I double check on my expression. I can't let her pick up on what I'm doing behind her back.

Relax, Kazuki.

"Okay, coming."

I get up and head to the kitchen. When she sees me, Maria cracks a lopsided smile.

"Jeez, now look at that dull face."

"...Eh?"

"You should know that we're under pressure because Oomine has returned as an 'owner', right? How can you still be so relaxed?"

"Sorry."

Thank goodness. Maria thinks that I'm no different from normal.

She hasn't seen through my faked expression.

We've made hamburger steak and placed them on two simple plates. Maria used to have no interest in cooking, but she's really gotten into it lately. Aprons no longer look out of place on her body.

"Kazuki," she says as I pick up the plates. "Here's an extra cherry tomato."

She smiles mischievously and holds out the cherry tomato, ignoring my fully occupied hands.

"U-Ummm...?"

"Eat it."

Like that...? While holding the plates, I tilt my head forward and peck at the tomato like a chick.

Her fingers almost pop into my mouth, but she seems to be enjoying it.

She plucks the stem with her fingers and continues chatting while watching me chew:

"Silly."

"...Isn't that a mean thing to say when you made me do it?"

"You're silly because you do anything I tell you to without question."

Still smiling, she turns around to finish up our dinner. I leave the kitchen and put the plates on the table.

"......"

Yeah, I know: this peaceful moment is only possible because I'm deceiving Maria.

Taking advantage of her blind trust in me, I am deceiving and betraying her.

But I have no other choice.

I want to be with her forever.

Maria, however, doesn't share my wish. No... she thinks that it’s selfish of her to make that wish.

Wanting to grant others' 'wishes' and even calling herself a 'box', Maria prioritizes others over herself. No, I'm putting it too mildly. She is trying to make others happy by devoting herself to them so completely that it borders on self-abnegation. By restricting her own desires, she is trying to abandon "Maria Otonashi" and become "Aya Otonashi"—a being that exists solely for the purpose of granting the 'wishes' of others.

I won't let that happen.

I will kill the "Aya Otonashi" hiding within Maria.

But I mustn't let her get wind of my plans yet. If that happened, she would definitely disappear. So, I have to deceive her until the last possible moment.

But—

When will that be?

How long will I have to continue lying to her?

"Kazuki," Maria says, giving me a start - for a second there, I thought that she had caught me in my own web of lies. "The rice bowls are ready. Can you take them back over there?"

"O-Okay."

"...? Is something wrong?"

"Ah, no... never mind."

I don't think I'm good at hiding things. I won't be able to hide the fact that I've changed forever.

Rather, the end is near.

"Then move your butt over here and get the rice bowls."

"Yeah, comin—"

My cell phone rings.

I immediately whip it out.

"......"

It's an e-mail from Haruaki.

"Yuuri Yanagi has moved."

There are no smilies or anything like that in his straightforward e-mail. He probably typed it in a rush.

Yuuri-san—one of the people Daiya controls; a pawn of Daiya's, so to speak.

And that pawn has just moved.

"I-I'm sorry, Maria! I've got some urgent business to take care of!"

"...? What are you talking about? Is it so urgent that you can't even have dinner with me?"

"I'm sorry!"

Without missing a beat, I rush out of the apartment. Behind me, I hear Maria telling me to stop, but I can't do that. I quickly jump into the elevator and immediately shut the door so that Maria can't catch up.

I guess she'll be suspicious. She might link my urgent business with the 'boxes'.

However, I have told her that we will defeat Daiya tomorrow.

And Maria believes me.

"......"

While resisting my pangs of remorse, I give Haruaki a call.

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