"So you mean this is your maturation? Your hair changes from black to silver, Song-chan?"
"Yep, exactly like this!"
Daiichi Ruby could hardly believe her eyes.
When she'd seen Gotham Song before bed last night, she'd still had her familiar long, black hair. So how was it that the moment Ruby woke up, that familiar figure had changed so dramatically?
Gotham Song's hair was exceptionally long, falling gracefully down past her waist. That alone would've been beautiful enough if it had remained a single color—but now, mixed with strands of shimmering silver?
Ruby had been patiently waiting at the staircase early that morning, ready to greet Gotham the instant she woke up. But when she'd put down her book and looked up, she'd been rendered speechless by the unexpected sight of her friend's dazzling, silver-and-black hair.
After Gotham's brief explanation, Ruby quickly accepted the change.
If Gotham said that's how it worked, then it must be so.
Ruby had no reason to doubt her. Rather, even if Gotham eventually became an exact replica of that legendary figure upon completing her maturation…well, wouldn't that actually be wonderful news for Ruby?
Besides, Ruby didn't even know Twilight Song personally. As a daughter of a distinguished family, she'd witnessed more surprising things than a simple change in hair color. After all, Gotham herself hadn't really changed in any other way, had she?
Ruby's calm reaction left Gotham slightly at a loss—she'd expected a bigger fuss—but behind them, Mejiro Ardan only quietly smiled, having long anticipated this turn of events.
That morning, upon seeing Gotham's messy, partially silvered hair, Ardan finally understood what she'd meant by "obedient hair."
Ah, so this was the obedience Gotham promised—obediently returning to its original color?
But looking at it now, her hair wasn't completely obedient yet. After all, it hadn't turned completely silver. Gotham Song's maturation seemed like a long, gradual journey indeed.
Come to think of it, will Gotham grow taller once her maturation is complete? Ardan pondered silently. Nah, probably not. I can't even picture her like that. Gotham is perfect just as she is…
Ultimately, Gotham's new look caused little stir. Even Dancing Brave merely offered an enigmatic smile, her gaze occasionally flickering meaningfully towards Ardan.
Did Brave-san's private conversation with Ardan yesterday have anything to do with this?
Gotham couldn't help but wonder. She refused to admit—absolutely refused to admit—that she owed anything at all to Dancing Brave!
Meanwhile, unlike usual, Neo Universe hadn't shown her face all morning, leaving Gotham increasingly worried. Eventually, unable to suppress her concern any longer, Gotham quietly slipped away from the others and knocked gently on the door next to hers.
Unexpectedly, Neo Universe didn't answer.
That was beyond unusual.
Gotham was perplexed. Neo Universe rarely spent the night apart from her, and though Ardan-neesan's sudden arrival might've prompted the change last night, why would Neo Universe still be hiding in her room this morning?
Surely it couldn't just be because Ardan had sent her away yesterday?
Unable to wait any longer, Gotham quickly fetched the spare room key from Dancing Brave and quietly slipped inside.
What she saw was shocking.
Though the sun shone brightly outside, the curtains in Neo Universe's room had been tightly drawn, plunging the interior into almost total darkness. The only sources of illumination were the faint glimmers of daylight sneaking around the curtain edges and the door Gotham had just opened.
Within that dimness sat Neo Universe—a Neo Universe so unfamiliar and vulnerable that Gotham barely recognized her.
The brave girl who'd encouraged Gotham so confidently just yesterday was now curled up tightly against a corner, knees drawn up protectively, as if desperately seeking some sense of security.
Those usually clear, intelligent eyes were now clouded with pain, guilt, and a deep self-loathing.
Gotham couldn't fathom why Neo Universe would be in such distress. Had something triggered painful memories? Or had she suffered a terrible nightmare?
But nothing unusual had happened yesterday, right? Why then was Neo Universe now falling apart like this?
Their last interaction had been perfectly normal, hadn't it—after they'd returned home from the outing?
Carefully stepping closer, Gotham deliberately made her footsteps audible, finally breaking through Neo Universe's frozen stupor. Neo Universe slowly raised her head, revealing eyes filled simultaneously with desperate hope and profound fear.
Was she hoping Gotham would approach? Yet why the fear? Could Neo Universe really be afraid of Gotham herself?
No… that couldn't possibly be true.
Gotham settled down gently on the bed, firmly taking Neo Universe's trembling hand into her own, pulling her closer despite the latter's instinctive resistance.
Neo Universe was trying to retreat, to run away, her eyes wide with panic. But surely… surely she wasn't frightened of Gotham, but rather of something involving Gotham—something from their shared past, perhaps?
"No running away, no resisting, Neo Universe. Stop fighting me."
For the first time, Gotham gave Neo Universe a direct command. With unwavering resolve, she wrapped her arms around Neo Universe's shoulders, gently yet firmly pulling her into a tight embrace.
Though Gotham's embrace was petite and perhaps not entirely reassuring physically, she was confident in one thing above all else:
Her embrace would always be warm enough.
"That girl still doesn't have the courage to face her own heart yet, even now. Though I don't know exactly what it is…"
Ardan-neesan's words echoed in Gotham's mind, giving her a sudden clarity. She had an instinctive feeling.
Neo Universe wasn't afraid of her, but rather of something that had happened between them—possibly something in a past life, another timeline?
Thinking carefully, it made sense. Neo Universe had repeatedly poured her heart into countless timelines, giving endlessly, tirelessly seeking something. Yet what drove her? Courage? Determination? Or something deeper—a painful obsession born from tragedy?
Something must have happened between Neo Universe and Gotham—or rather, "Gotham Song"—in the very first timeline. Clearly, it wasn't something pleasant, or Neo Universe wouldn't be in such distress now.
Gotham obviously couldn't recall those nonexistent memories, but still…
Gently rubbing Neo Universe's back, Gotham whispered softly in her trembling friend's ear:
"Maybe it's finally time you told me—the truth about the beginning, about the things you never dared say to me."
Neo Universe shuddered violently, breathing sharply as her arms reflexively tightened around Gotham's waist. She pressed her face tightly against Gotham's chest, avoiding eye contact as though desperately trying to escape.
Yet that very reaction confirmed Gotham's suspicions.
Still not ready to speak? Then Gotham would simply wait, as long as necessary.
This was something Gotham needed to know, needed to understand. Neo Universe had already done so much for her—so, as with Mejiro Manor, Gotham refused to run away.
The minutes passed slowly. Neo Universe's embrace tightened further until at last she raised her head to meet Gotham's gaze, biting her lip uncertainly.
"Being this gentle…is unfair."
"Then let me be unfair, just this once. For your sake."
Neo Universe paused, finally taking a deep, shuddering breath. Despite the fear that gripped her, she knew she could no longer remain silent. For the very first time, she opened up, confessing the truth she'd kept hidden for so long:
"The very first time we met…the first timeline…it was my fault. It was because of me that everything fell apart."
Neo Universe's voice trembled as she continued, forcing herself onward.
"It was because…I imprisoned you. That's why you lost all hope and gave up."
Gotham's eyes widened in shock. Then Neo Universe explained further:
Their very first meeting had occurred shortly after Neo Universe's first jump between parallel worlds. She'd quickly grown close to Twilight Song, who'd shown her kindness unlike anyone else. They'd spent a beautiful, fleeting year together.
After that world's Arc de Triomphe tragedy, Gotham Song had returned, finding Neo Universe and bringing her warmth again. But eventually, Neo Universe's affection had turned possessive, her love obsessive—until one day, all she'd found was a room filled with blood, and a final message written in Twilight Song's own blood:
"I'm sorry, Neo…but I don't love this world."
Neo Universe had never recovered from that trauma. She'd struggled endlessly across countless timelines, terrified her desperate love would turn possessive again, fearful of hurting Gotham once more.
Yet now, with Gotham tenderly holding her, Neo Universe found herself terrified of repeating history.
Gotham quietly listened, processing it carefully, then offered her own gentle response:
"It's a heavy burden…but I don't think I have the right to forgive you on behalf of that 'me.'"
Neo Universe tightened her hold.
"But precisely because I can't forgive you for her sake, doesn't that mean you've never hurt me personally, and you never will? Should we make an unbreakable promise?"
Neo Universe felt tears rising again.
So unfair…such kindness.
She'd craved Gotham's warmth endlessly, tirelessly—but now, receiving it so easily, she felt overwhelmed and uncertain.
Neo Universe squeezed tighter, whispering through tears:
"You're my one and only…my guiding star. I don't want to lose you again. I can't bear it anymore…"
Gotham smiled gently, holding her close.
"You're important to me too, Neo. Didn't we promise? We'll see everything together—even if it's the farthest ends of the galaxy."
"Please…don't let go. Hold me tighter…"
In the end, though she'd only just woken, Gotham Song quietly provided Neo Universe the warmth she'd missed the previous night.
The warmth of falling asleep together, embraced and finally at peace.