It wasn't snow falling, but bright sunlight filling the floor.
Yuu stood at the back of the elevator, watching Haruno near the door as the numbers on the panel slowly decreased.
The unexpected shock only lasted a moment, then gave way to a surprised expression.
"Haruno-san? Did you come to see Yukinoshita?"
After asking flawlessly, Yuu mentally calculated the time needed for the elevator to reach the first floor.
—About twenty seconds, which would pass quickly.
Like a prisoner alone in a cage with a wild beast wanting to kick the door and escape—though logic said There's nothing to worry about, she doesn't remember the past, his feelings made Yuu unconsciously tense. He struggled hard against the awkward, suffocating atmosphere.
This reaction wasn't normal.
One had no memories, the other had no emotions. They should be like strangers. Yet, for some reason, he couldn't help caring about that person.
Last time, there were others around, so it hadn't felt too intense. Now, they were alone together in the elevator—the feeling grew increasingly clear.
Yuu sneered inwardly.
(If we never met, I wouldn't care about her life or death... Damn, are the habits left behind by this body really that hard to change?)
"Yeah. Lately, I've gotten used to visiting Yukinon. Teasing her is just as fun as teasing a cat!"
Seemingly unaware of his wariness, Haruno folded her arms and spoke casually. "What about you? You should've come to see your girlfriend, right? If I recall, her name is... Fujikawa Masuzu?"
The elevator reached the seventh floor.
"Her name is Natsukawa. You asked her so many things—you should at least remember her name," Yuu replied.
—Sixth floor.
"Oh, she told you about that?" Haruno raised an eyebrow. Her gaze didn't leave his face. Her tone was cheerful. "I didn't mean to bother her. I was just a little too curious... You don't mind, do you?"
Yuu answered calmly, "If she doesn't mind, why should I?"
—Fifth floor.
"Is that so? Good. After all, you're dating. I was afraid my questions last time—including those about you—might cause misunderstandings between you."
Haruno nodded contentedly. Suddenly, she stepped away from the wall and moved closer to him.
"Oh, by the way, Tenkuji-kun..."
—Third floor.
"What is it?"
Seeing her face approaching with a smile, Yuu remained slightly distant and cautious. He clearly didn't want to chat too long with her.
Yet Haruno persisted, asking directly, "Can I call you Yuu-chan? I feel that sounds more familiar."
—Second floor.
"I'm sorry, but we aren't quite that close. Though you have every right to call me whatever you like, to avoid misunderstandings with my jealous girlfriend, I hope you won't call me that, Haruno-san."
"..."
That cold, formal reply made Haruno fall silent. But a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. Her breath suddenly quickened, and her body trembled slightly.
Noticing the change, Yuu shivered.
(What's wrong with her? Why is she suddenly so excited?)
(She's never been this close to a sadomasochist before!)
"...Alright, if you don't want me to, I'll keep calling you as I am now."
Taking a deep breath, Haruno shrugged casually.
At that moment, the elevator reached the first floor. The doors slowly slid open sideways.
"You're giving up just like that?"
Before hastily stepping out, Yuu couldn't help but ask.
The Haruno he knew was more arrogant and free-spirited than the woman in front of him. She'd never been this obedient or understanding.
"Why not? I don't want you to hate me."
That casual answer stunned Yuu.
Seeing his expression, Haruno smiled brightly and gently, like a neighbor's older sister.
"No need to be so shocked, right? After all, at school, I begged you to take care of my foolish little sister."
After that, she waved her hand, standing in front of the elevator without moving, giving him the way out. "Oh, I forgot something I left upstairs. You go first... Or, do you want to ride up again with me to find Yukinon?"
Yuu answered firmly, "I think not. She probably wouldn't want to see me on a day off."
He walked quickly past her. A familiar fragrance passed through his nose, stirring his heart—but it quickly vanished into the apartment lobby's air.
When he glanced back, her eyes still held that joyful smile that never faded.
"Well then, see you later. Let's chat again next time~"
"...Okay, if I have time."
After those farewell words, the elevator doors fully closed and began ascending back to the tenth floor.
Watching the elevator pause briefly, Yuu slowly looked up, sighing with mixed emotions.
(Was it just my imagination? This woman... it feels like she's almost remembering something...)
Though they had no connection, she sought him out.
Though she had no memories, she kept trying.
When speaking with her, Yuu felt like an NPC in a game continuously giving clues to the main character.
Seeing Haruno inch closer to the truth with his help, until one day she'd realize the final boss and ultimate reward was actually her, the NPC...
For some reason, Yuu felt a bit afraid.
Why?
Why did he feel afraid?
Even now, Yuu was still searching for the reason.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Inside the slowly rising elevator.
"..."
Haruno leaned against the wall, placed her palm over her chest, and closed her eyes attentively.
Her senses and mind sharpened to their peak. She had to remember every feeling from earlier and sense every change happening within her body.
Her heart pounded rapidly, and her entire face flushed red.
Perhaps because she was alone and had spoken with him, or perhaps because his scent lingered in the elevator, the reactions of a girl falling in love truly couldn't stop. She desperately wanted to cheer joyfully inside the elevator.
Still, Haruno remained calm and analytical.
Besides, when treated coldly by him, something locked deep in her brain seemed to finally breathe. That was why she had such a strange reaction.
It wasn't that she enjoyed being treated coldly—it was because she realized she was getting closer to the truth. She had to suppress the sudden wave of joy.
And a vague shadow emerged from her heart, making this mirage-like illusion feel slightly more real.
(Tenkuji-kun... No, I'll just call you Yuu-kun.)
(Whatever you prefer.)
(Then how about Yuu-chan?)
(Better not. Just Yuu-kun will do.)
Scenes that never happened, conversations she'd never heard.
Yet now, it was as if she suddenly remembered something, and it abruptly slipped into her otherwise dull past memories.
The hand resting on her chest unconsciously clenched into a fist.
Haruno bit her lip hard and frowned. She murmured in dilemma inside the empty elevator.
"There must be something strange... That autumn festival couldn't have been our first meeting. I must've met him earlier—much, much earlier..."
(Earlier than that—was it during summer break? My changes started during summer break too. Something must've happened then, something big enough to alter all my habits!)
Pulling out the wooden comb from her pocket, she pressed it against her forehead. Haruno closed her eyes and meditated for several seconds, but still found no answer.
"Just wait... This time, it was too easy for him to escape. I just need to wait for a time when he can't run away..."
Thinking this, her deeply furrowed face finally showed a slight smile.
At that moment, this was no longer just about uncovering the root.
Yes, she'd have to squeeze him from every side!
*DING!*
In the middle of her reverie, the elevator reached the eleventh floor.
Of course, Haruno didn't get off. She pressed the button for the first floor again, preparing to descend and go home to eat.
And she unconsciously hoped—
That she could meet that boy on the way home, and go with him to many fun and interesting places.
"Really, these are funny thoughts—almost like love at first sight."
She mocked herself, yet still hummed joyfully.