Monday Morning – Street Near Kōsei University
The morning buzzed with the usual hum of scooters, chatter, and sizzling from roadside stalls. Kentarō Minami, 19, walked the cracked sidewalk on his way to Kōsei University, balancing a plastic bag of bread in one hand and a used textbook in the other.
He wasn't rich. He wasn't popular. He wasn't special.
Just a part-time worker, a scholarship student, and a guy trying not to fall asleep in class.
"Oi, Kentarō!"
A voice called out behind him. Yūto Nakamura, his best friend, jogged up in a hoodie, yawning mid-step. "Tell me you didn't forget there's a quiz today."
"I didn't forget. I just... didn't prepare," Kentarō mumbled.
They both chuckled, walking past the fruit stall they crossed daily.
But today... something was different.
A girl stood there arguing with the shopkeeper. She looked like she didn't belong—long silver hair flowing like silk, wearing a white dress that shimmered slightly even in daylight.
"I told you," she huffed, "two rupees for two apples is more than fair!"
The stall owner looked like he might burst. "They're five rupees each, lady! This ain't fairyland!"
Kentarō paused.
"Hey… is she okay?" Yūto asked.
Kentarō walked over instinctively. "Hey, what's going on?"
The shopkeeper folded his arms. "This girl's either playing dumb or crazy. She gave me ₹2 for ₹10 worth of apples. Said that's the price in 'Heaven.'"
The girl turned to Kentarō and pointed dramatically. "See? Someone reasonable has arrived."
Kentarō raised a brow. "Wait… did you really say heaven?"
She nodded proudly. "Yup! Two apples cost two rupees in the Heaven timeline. It's basic economics there."
Yūto whispered, "She's either a genius or completely out of her mind."
Kentarō sighed, pulled out ₹8 from his wallet, and handed it over. "Keep the change."
The shopkeeper blinked, muttered thanks, and waved them off.
"Come on," Kentarō told the girl. "You'll get kicked off the street at this rate."
She followed with a curious skip in her step. "You're nice. What's your name?"
"Kentarō. And you?"
"Sarah-chan," she smiled. "You can call me that. I'm... new here."
🏫 University Courtyard – Moments Later
The trio sat on a bench under the cherry trees. Yūto had to leave for class, leaving Kentarō alone with Sarah, who stared at every passing student like they were aliens.
"So where are you from, really?" Kentarō asked.
She glanced up. "Somewhere between Time Point 136 and 137."
He laughed. "...What?"
Sarah leaned in, placing her forehead gently on his.
Kentarō froze.
A warm pulse traveled between them, followed by a flash of images—
A burning building.
His own face, screaming in grief.
Sarah fading into light.
A shattered pocket watch.
A girl crying over his body.
He gasped and pulled away. "Wh-What the hell was that?"
Sarah sat back calmly. "Just a little sharing. You seemed curious."
"You can't just dump that into someone's brain!"
She tilted her head. "Would you have believed me otherwise?"
Kentarō stared at her. His heart pounded, not just from the weirdness—but from something... familiar.
"Where are your parents?" he asked softly.
Sarah's smile faltered. "I don't have any. Never did. Not in this timeline."
Silence.
Just then, Reika Minazuki, a girl from Kentarō's high school, walked by. She paused, surprised. "Kentarō? Is that... your girlfriend?"
Sarah smiled mischievously. "Not yet."
Reika hesitated. "Oh… uh, I'll see you in class then."
Sarah looked after her. "She likes you."
Kentarō rubbed his face. "How do you even know that?"
"I know everything about you," she said quietly. "You live alone. You hate bell peppers. You once punched Daichi Kuroda in high school for bullying a girl. You work part-time at SakuraMart, and you've never had a girlfriend."
Kentarō stared. "Who are you?"
Sarah stood, brushed her dress, and winked. "Someone who's loved you across 107 timelines."
Before Kentarō could reply, Professor Hoshikawa passed by, carrying a stack of dusty books.
He glanced briefly at Sarah, then at Kentarō, his eyes narrowing.
"Be careful who you let into your mind, Minami," the professor said coldly. "Time has many faces."
And just like that, he walked on.
🌆 That Evening – City Rooftop
As the sun began to set, Sarah sat beside Kentarō on the edge of a rooftop. The view was beautiful—peaceful.
"Why me?" he asked quietly.
She leaned against him.
"Because you're the only constant," she whispered. "In every timeline, every disaster, every reset—you always try to save me. Even if it kills you."
A long pause.
Then she looked into his eyes.
"Will you go out with me?"
Kentarō laughed softly. "You're insane."
"I know."
He smiled. "Okay. I've never had a girlfriend anyway."
She took his hand. "Now you do."