Yui stirred awake to sunlight spilling through her curtains. Before she could fully get out of bed, there was a sharp knock at the front door.
Her stomach twisted.
She quickly got dressed and rushed downstairs, opening the door to find Haru standing there, eyes tense, brows furrowed. The worry on his face made her heart sink.
"Haru… what's wrong?" she asked, stepping outside just a little.
He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. "Last night… something happened while I was sleeping. A girl—red hair, in buns, red eyes—showed up in my room. She… she tried to take the Jester's clock from me. We… got into a fight. She's ridiculously strong."
His eyes darkened slightly. "My room's a mess now, and I got in trouble with my parents. They think I broke something… it was her."
Yui's chest tightened. She swallowed hard, trying to steady her voice. "I… I still have the clock. It's safe in my room."
Haru gave a small, tense nod. "Good… but we can't stay here. We need to get out of this universe quickly. Things are… too dangerous."
Yui didn't hesitate. She nodded firmly, then rushed back upstairs, heart pounding. Haru followed her inside, and they both stood in her room, eyes locked on the clock. Its metallic face glinted in the morning sun, but neither of them knew how to make it work.
"How… do we even use it again?" Yui murmured, reaching toward the clock.
Haru shook his head slowly. "I don't know… but we have to figure it out. We have to."
The two of them stood there in tense silence, both aware that every second counted.
Yui looked at the clock again, her fingers brushing its cold metal. "Once we get back to our universe, we'll turn back time and defeat The Watcher, like Kaito said. But… I also want to see if maybe we can bring our friends back to life. If we can reverse time on The Watcher, making him weak again… could that also reverse his actions as well?"
Haru's eyes widened slightly. He'd never thought about it that way. Yui's mind worked fast, calculating possibilities he hadn't considered. A mix of admiration and worry crossed his face. "Is that even possible?" he asked cautiously. "And if it is… that means we'd lose our powers and abilities."
Yui nodded, biting her lip. "If that is possible… if reversing his time will reverse his actions as well, then yes. We'd never make our wish to him, and we'd lose our powers. But I don't care. As long as we get our friends back… your sister back…" Her voice cracked, faltering as she whispered, "and Ayumi back…"
Haru's expression softened, determination mingled with a glimmer of hope. He reached for her hand and gave it a firm, reassuring squeeze. "Then we'll do it together. If we get this clock to work… I don't want us to get separated."
Yui squeezed back
Her eyes scanned the clock's surface. It was almost unassuming—just a smooth face with tiny engravings, a few gears visible, and a small, almost hidden button on the side. Her fingers trembled as she brushed over it, feeling the subtle vibration under her touch.
"This… this has to be it," she whispered.
Haru squeezed her hand tighter, a small, reassuring pressure that grounded her. "I'm right here. Just… don't let go."
Yui took a deep breath and pressed the button. At first, nothing happened. Then, a faint hum began, vibrating through her bones. The gears inside the clock spun faster, glowing faintly.
The world seemed to stretch and pulse, a dizzying sensation like being pulled from the inside out. Yui felt a sudden pressure in her chest and stomach as though the gravity around them had shifted. Then she glanced at Haru. He, too, looked subtly different. Slightly taller, just a few inches, his jaw a bit sharper than she remembered, and older in appearance—not a huge change, but enough to make him seem different in the sunlight.
She blinked rapidly, still trying to wrap her head around it. "Haru… are you… okay?" Her voice sounded almost the same, but a little deeper than she remembered.
Yui blinked, slowly sitting up on the grass, her body feeling different—heavier in some places, more developed, more… grown-up. She moved her arms experimentally, wiggled her fingers, and even shifted slightly in her legs, getting used to her 16-year-old body. Her chest felt heavier, her hands slightly larger than she remembered. She pressed a palm to her stomach, taking a deep breath, letting the sensations register.
Haru stirred beside her, yawning and stretching. His movements were subtly different too—broader shoulders, slightly taller, and his hands a little bigger. Yui looked at him, noting the small changes. "You're… taller," she murmured, a mixture of awe and worry in her voice.
Haru rubbed the back of his neck, a bit awkward. "Yeah… you too. Guess… this is how we are here."
They both laughed nervously, still processing the sudden physical changes. Yui took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "It feels weird… but I think I can get used to it."
Before they could talk further, a voice called out.
"Haru! Why did you suddenly go from talking to… sleeping on the floor?"
Both of them turned to see Haruka, slightly older-looking herself—her height and build subtly closer to what a 14-year-old would be. She crossed her arms, her expression curious and a little suspicious.
Haru quickly stood, offering a small, awkward smile. "Uh… we were just… talking… and then, um, we got tired, I guess. We didn't mean to worry you."
Haruka tilted her head, giving him a look that clearly didn't fully buy it. "Hmm… okay. I guess. But I'm heading home now."
Haru's gaze shifted to Yui, and he realized that in this universe, they were older. He didn't need to walk with her like he did when they were kids—they were capable now, able to manage on their own. He gave her a reassuring nod.
"Alright," he said to Haruka, keeping his voice casual. "See you tomorrow. Walk safe."
The sun hung low over the quiet streets, casting long shadows as Yui and Haru walked side by side. The air smelled faintly of cherry blossoms and city asphalt—a scent that felt familiar, yet foreign, given how much had changed. Signs were plastered along shop fronts in bold, angular kanji, advertising cell phones with touch screens they'd never seen before, and small posters touted idol concerts and J-pop releases that Yui and Haru had no memory of. Even vending machines looked slightly different, offering drinks they didn't recognize, like energy teas and limited-edition flavored sodas.
Haru slowed, glancing around with his eyebrows raised. "I… I've never seen this before. Even the streets look different. It's subtle, but… everything's off."
They walked in silence for a few minutes, passing kids playing with early model iPhones, adults talking on flip phones, and billboards advertising a pop idol they didn't recognize. Haru's eyes kept darting around, taking everything in, while Yui was in complete silence.
Finally, she let out a long, shaky sigh. "Haru… I don't even know where to start. I don't know how to use the clock to get back… or if we can even get back. What if we're stuck here somewhere deep in the multiverse?"
Haru stopped and turned to her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Hey… we'll figure it out. We just need to calm down and think. One step at a time."
As they walked, Yui couldn't help but steal glances at Haru. He looked… different—older, more confident, the subtle broadening of his shoulders, the way his hair caught the sunlight differently than before. Her heart thumped a little harder in her chest, and she realized, with a blush creeping up her cheeks, that he was even more attractive than she remembered.
Haru, in turn, noticed the way Yui kept looking at him. He caught her gaze just long enough to realize how pretty she had grown—her features sharper, more mature, her eyes reflecting worry and determination in a way that made his chest tighten. He quickly looked away, feeling his own cheeks heat up. Yui, sensing it, looked down at her shoes and felt her face flush further.
The two walked in silence for a moment, both of them acutely aware of each other and the awkward tension that seemed to hum in the air. Eventually, Haru cleared his throat, trying to lighten the mood. "Um… so… do you want to get something to eat? I'm really hungry right now for some reason."
Yui nodded, grateful for the small distraction. "Yeah… I'm hungry."
Haru reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, slightly worn wallet. "Lucky for us, I apparently have… a decent amount of money in this universe. Looks like… 500 yen. Should be enough for something small to eat."
Yui blinked. "Wait… you have money?"
Haru shrugged. "Apparently. I didn't bring it with me. It's… weird, but I guess this version of me does."
They started walking toward a small café they spotted nearby, one of those typical Japanese spots with sliding doors, a display case with realistic-looking plastic food models, and a faint smell of freshly cooked rice and miso soup wafting through the air.
As they approached, Haru glanced at Yui, his brow furrowed slightly. "You know… I think time might be moving differently here. That's why we're older—maybe this universe ages people faster than the one we came from. Or… maybe something about this timeline just… changed how we exist."
Yui thought for a moment, biting her lip. "Yeah… I think you're right. Everything feels… just slightly ahead. Like we skipped a few years somehow."
Haru nodded, holding the door open for her. "Well… at least it gives us a chance to… you know, regroup and think without getting chased by… well, everything else."
Yui smiled softly, a tiny weight lifting off her chest, and stepped inside. For a brief moment, they could pretend the world was normal again—even if just for lunch.
——————————-RESTAURANT—————————-
as they were eating their food. Haru waved a small piece of food in front of Yui's face, his expression serious but his eyes twinkling. "You have to try this. It's amazing. Just one bite. Come on, say 'ahh.'"
Yui laughed, shaking her head. "No way! I don't even know what this is!"
Haru's grin widened. "Exactly! You can't live your life missing out on mysterious deliciousness! Say 'ahh!'"
Rolling her eyes, Yui finally relented. "Fine… but don't say I didn't warn you." She opened her mouth and let him pop the bite in.
The moment it touched her tongue, her face scrunched in utter disgust. "Ugh! What even is this?!"
Haru froze, eyes wide, jaw dropping. "Wait… what? But it's—It's supposed to be good!"
Yui burst out laughing, still grimacing. "You lied! This is awful!"
Haru stared at her, stunned, then slowly cracked a smile. "I… I thought you'd like it… maybe it's an acquired taste?"
Yui giggled, reaching out to lightly nudge his arm. "Acquired taste, huh?"
Yui leaned forward, tilting her head. "Hold on… you've got something on your cheek."
Before Haru could react, she reached up and gently wiped at the corner of his face with her thumb. The touch lingered just a second too long.
Haru froze, heat rushing to his cheeks. The second she pulled her hand away, he quickly grabbed a napkin and rubbed at the spot himself. "You… you don't have to do that," he muttered, his voice quieter than usual.
Yui's cheeks warmed, but she gave him a small smile anyway. "I didn't mind."
For a second, Haru stared at her smile, his heart thumping so loudly he swore she could hear it. Almost without thinking, he leaned across the table and brushed a strand of hair out of her face, tucking it gently behind her ear. His fingers lingered, and before he could stop himself, the words slipped out in a low, honest voice:
"…You're a really cute girl, Yui."
Her eyes widened, her entire face flushing red. She opened her mouth but no sound came out, her thoughts scattering into static. Haru instantly realized what he said and whipped his head away, his own face burning. "I-I mean—uh, I didn't mean it like—well, I did, but—"
Yui covered her mouth with her hand, trying to hide the big, goofy grin spreading across her face. Her heart felt like it was about to burst.
Right before she could tease him or reply, the waiter appeared beside their table with a polite smile. "Would you like anything else?"
Both of them nearly jumped in surprise, blurting out "No!" at the same time. Then they looked at each other and laughed awkwardly, the moment hanging between them like a spark.
Yui stayed flustered the rest of dinner, cheeks still warm as she poked at the food left on her plate. She couldn't even look Haru in the eye without feeling her stomach flip. After a few quiet minutes, she let out a little yawn, trying to cover her mouth.
Haru noticed immediately. "…Tired?"
She nodded, though her expression softened. After everything they'd gone through—the universes, the Jester's clock, and especially Haru's encounter with that red-haired girl—her exhaustion wasn't just physical. "I just… don't want to be separated," she admitted softly, her voice nearly trembling. "After what happened to you… I'm scared."
Haru's chest tightened. He glanced down at the table, then back at her. "…Do you want to spend the night at my place?"
Yui's eyes widened. For a second she hesitated, then gave a small, relieved nod. "Yeah. I'd like that."
The walk back to Haru's house was quiet. Their hands brushed against each other once or twice, but neither of them said a word. It wasn't awkward—just heavy with everything unsaid.
When they arrived, Haru introduced her to his parents. They were kind, and Yui smiled politely, trying not to look too nervous. It felt strangely warm, like she was stepping into a version of Haru's life she'd never seen before.
"Come on," Haru said, motioning her upstairs.
His room looked different than she remembered—less childish, more like a teenager's space. Posters on the wall, a desk stacked with books and random CDs. Yui looked around curiously, smiling faintly.
Haru scratched the back of his neck. "Guess older-universe me redecorated," he muttered with a half-smile. Then Yui's face dropped a little, and she admitted:
"…I don't have any clothes to change into."
"Oh—right." Haru blinked, then quickly crossed to his dresser. "Uh… I don't mind letting you borrow something." He pulled open a drawer, mumbling to himself. "Let's see what older-me's got lying around…"
He eventually pulled out a soft oversized T-shirt and a pair of sweatpants. "These should work, right?"
Yui nodded gratefully, hugging the clothes to her chest. "Thanks."
"Bathroom's down the hall," Haru said, pointing.
She gave him one last quick glance before slipping out. Once in the bathroom, Yui changed into his clothes, the fabric loose and warm around her. She looked in the mirror, tugging at the hem of the shirt nervously—it smelled faintly like him.
Yui stepped quietly back into Haru's room, wearing his oversized T-shirt and sweatpants. The shirt hung loose on her, brushing against her thighs, the sleeves swallowing part of her hands. Haru looked up from where he was sitting on the edge of the bed, and for a second, his brain blanked.
He quickly looked away, scratching his cheek to hide the blush rising there. "Uh… they fit okay?"
Yui gave a little smile, tugging at the hem. "Yeah. Thanks, Haru."
He stood and grabbed his own change of clothes from the drawer. "I'll, uh, sleep on the couch. You can have the bed."
"No." Yui said it firmly, hugging the sleeves of his shirt. Haru blinked at her.
"You don't have to feel bad, Yui. It's fine, I'll be comfortable on the couch—"
"I said no." She stomped one foot lightly, not in anger but insistence. "I don't mind sharing a bed. I used to with Ayumi all the time during sleepovers. It's not weird."
Haru's mouth opened, then closed. He rubbed the back of his neck, chuckling. "…You're seriously okay with that?"
She nodded without hesitation.
He sighed in surrender, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Alright then. Just… don't blame me if I hog the blankets."
Yui rolled her eyes, smiling. "I won't."
Haru slipped past her and into the bathroom to change. When he came back, wearing a T-shirt and sweats of his own, Yui was already under the blanket, waiting. He slid into the other side carefully, keeping a respectable distance, though his heart was pounding.
"You really didn't have to stop me from sleeping on the couch," he muttered, staring up at the ceiling.
"I know," Yui whispered back. "But I don't mind. And I… feel safer like this."
That admission made Haru freeze for a second, warmth blooming in his chest. He swallowed and let out a quiet chuckle. "I didn't want to make you uncomfortable since, y'know… I'm a boy and all."
Yui rolled onto her side, facing away from him, pulling the blanket up to her chin. "I trust you, Haru."
His chest tightened at those words. He turned onto his side too, facing the opposite direction, a faint smile on his lips. "Goodnight, Yui." He reached over and clicked off the lamp.
"Goodnight, Haru."
Her eyes drifted shut, and for the first time in a long time, she felt a little bit of peace.