Chapter 4: No Going Back

Chapter 4: No Going Back

Date: x/xx

Weather: Sunny

Almost like he... met someone.

+++

The Uwa family is pretty ordinary, if I do say so myself. There’s four of us: my mother, my father, my little brother, and me.

We live in a condo my parents purchased with a 25-year loan. My father has a stable, full-time job, and he earns a reasonably decent salary. We’re not exactly rich, but we have enough to cover living expenses and mortgage payments... assuming he doesn’t get fired, of course. In other words, we’re no different from the average middle-class family.

In the morning, the men of the household sit around the table, eating our breakfast of toast and salad, while my mother prepares boxed lunches for my brother and me to take with us to school.

I butter my toast and take a bite. For the most part, we eat in silence. My father sips his coffee while he reads the newspaper. As for my brother, he chews absently with a groggy look on his face that tells me he stayed up too late playing video games or texting his friends.

In the background, the TV drones on in vain.

It’s a familiar routine I’ve experienced dozens... no, hundreds of times.

My father gets up to go get dressed for work—at the same company that hired him fresh out of college. And when I graduate college, the same thing will probably happen to me. I’m on track to follow in my father’s footsteps... the same path a majority of people on this Earth tread. I never particularly took issue with this, of course. It’s perfectly normal, and looking at wealth distribution in Japan, one can safely say it’s a life of privilege. So what’s there to complain about?

The grass always looks greener on the other side. I know that. Even if I wanted to cross the fence, I can’t. So I don’t bother hoping for it, and I don’t feel jealous towards anyone already there. Some people are born destined for greatness, and others simply aren’t; that much is predetermined from birth. Whether it’s talent or connections or money that gets them there, these are all things they’ve possessed right from the outset.

There is a critical difference between the haves and the have-nots, and that’s a fact, plain and simple.

Take Kiriyama Yui, for example. At the karate dojo, she was on an entirely different level from everyone else. But once practice was over, she’d be all smiles and energy—openly loving life. Our training was never easy, but she didn’t need to put in effort like all the other worthless worms struggling to keep up. With her talent doing the heavy lifting, she was able to achieve greatness and still enjoy everything else life had to offer. Plus, she was good-looking and popular with men. She was perfect in every way.

I knew I could never beat her, so why try? She was in a different realm compared to me. So instead I simply watched her from a distance. Maybe we seemed like good friends on the outside, but in reality, there was a massive gulf between us.

Then one day, out of the blue, she suddenly stopped attending karate practice... and because we went to different schools, I lost contact with her entirely. Years went by, and once again out of the blue, she suddenly came back, and I ended up enrolling at the same high school as her.

Fate works in mysterious ways, I guess.

That said, she’d been out of the game for a few years, and I heard rumors that she’d lost her spark, so I figured she must’ve burnt out... but no. There she was, shining brighter than ever, like she’d never even left. It wasn’t fair.

In this world, the outcome of your life is determined almost entirely by the things you’re born with. Now, I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, or that I want to change it. It’s just an observation, and it’s the reason I don’t try to overextend myself. I’m not like the idiots who make a mockery of themselves chasing after ridiculous grandiose delusions. I choose to walk the proper path.

Or so I’d thought, anyway.

“Alright, I’m taking off,” my father says in the direction of the kitchen as he heads for the door.

“Okay! Have a nice day!” my mother replies.

My brother silently leaves the table and heads for the bathroom, probably to style his hair. His plate is clean, save for the tomatoes from the salad. This, too, is a common occurrence. You’d think my mother would wisen up and stop serving them to him, considering she knows he won’t eat them.

Another morning, same as always... except for one major detail.

Thanks to «Heartseed», I see the world in a whole new light. I’ve changed. And now, looking back, I can finally admit it: while I talked a big game about accepting my station in life, the truth is, I always secretly held out hope that something special would happen to me, too.

I’m different from the sheeple. I have more value than they do. I’m worthy.

This is everything I’ve ever wanted.

□■□■□

“Did you know some classes are already practicing for the Sports Festival?” Shimono mentioned on their way back to Classroom 1-B.

“Seriously? Nobody in our grade, though, right?” Chihiro replied. Why is everyone at this school such a tryhard?

“No, there’s some first-years doing it, too. Apparently they saw the older students doing it and wanted to join in.”

“You’ve gotta be—”

“You’ve gotta be yankin’ my chain!” Tada cut in loudly, slinging an arm around Chihiro’s shoulder. “Like, bro, I get that people are excited, but practicing? Yikes! It’s obvious we’re just gonna lose, but lately it’s like they’re breathing down our necks—”

“As are you. Now get off,” Chihiro growled as he forced Tada’s arm away.

Then Shimono pointed through the window to the athletic field. “Yo, look at that!” Outside, seven or eight students were running a practice relay race in their uniforms, complete with baton passing. “Man, we still have three whole weeks to go! Ain’t it a little early to put that much effort in?”

“Yeahhh... If it were two or three days away, then maybe it would make sense, but...” Chihiro muttered, nodding.

“Dude, you know our class wouldn’t even practice the day before,” Tada pointed out.

“Sure we would... maybe...! There’s at least a tiny chance... Okay, no, you’re right,” Shimono relented.

“That’s what I thought!”

Shimono and Tada burst out laughing... and for the briefest of moments, it felt like they were forcing it.

But aside from that, Chihiro noticed Enjouji Shino staring absently out at the athletic field, clutching her textbook and notebook in her arms, her poofy brown hair windblown and messy.

Entirely on a whim, Chihiro lagged behind Tada and Shimono, then came to a stop next to her. But the guys didn’t seem to notice, and so they kept on walking down the hallway.

“What are you looking at, Enjouji?”

“O-Oh! It’s Chi... hi... I mean, no! Uwa-kun!”

“Don’t drag my name out like that, alright? Unless you’re trying to call me Chee-hee.”

Please tell me she doesn’t secretly call me that behind my back...

“S-Sorry... um... It’s just... a habit...”

She hung her head, fidgeting, and Chihiro let out a sigh. “Forget it. If you can’t keep it straight, then just call me Chihiro-kun all the time.”

“I know... I’m sorry. I promise, from now on I’ll be really, really careful not to mess it up again. I’ll take a deep breath to prepare myself, and then when I’m ready, I’ll say—Wait, you’re okay with Chihiro-kun?!”

“...Are you screwing with me on purpose?”

This little routine felt familiar. Is this a running gag with us now?

“S-Sorry... It’s not on purpose... So anyway, uh... umm... Oh, right! You wanted to know what I was looking at...”

“At least you remember my question, I guess.” She wasn’t stupid—just slow.

“The answer is... that.” Enjouji turned back to the athletic field. “See? There’s Iori-senpai and Taichi-senp—Whoa!” As she tried to point, she accidentally dropped her notebook and pencil case.

I take it back. She’s a dumbass.

Chihiro looked out at the field. Sure enough, Nagase Iori and Yaegashi Taichi were part of the four-guy, four-girl relay race team. Currently they were standing in a group and talking. Nagase was holding the baton.

At that point someone must’ve made a joke, because the whole group burst out laughing—some of them doubled over, while others leaned back. The conversation itself was inaudible, but their laughter was loud and clear.

Chihiro’s chest tightened.

“I guess they’re all from Class 2-B, then,” he muttered. Not like it mattered.

“Incredible, isn’t it?” Enjouji whispered.

“...Incredible how?”

“Good question.” She tilted her head and smiled vaguely. Her expression felt fake—like she was low-key telling him to use his own brain to figure it out—and that angered him a fair bit.

“Doesn’t it seem kinda nice?”

“What part of it?”

“G-Gosh... Good question!”

Okay, this time I know for sure you don’t have an answer. You’re so blatantly awkward.

Chihiro looked back at the field. Nagase was standing with her arm outstretched, apparently modeling proper form for the others. Taichi must’ve said something stupid, because a tall girl turned and gave him a light shove.

“Um... Chi—hiro-kun?” She was so nervous, she seemed to choke on her own spit partway through.

“What?”

“Oh, um... I was just thinking... maybe you’d know the answer... See, umm...”

He glared down at her. If she thought they were buddies or something, she had another thing coming.

“Oh... um... N-Never mind...” She wilted, pursing her lips together. Her eyebrows drooped sadly and her eyes were tinged with defeat. And for whatever reason, it really pissed him off.

Why in god’s name did he stop to talk to her in the first place? What did he stand to gain from it? What was the point? And for that matter, what was the point in watching Taichi and the others?

They were out there. Enjouji, Tada, and Shimono were all in here. But Chihiro—he didn’t fit in with either side. After all, he was beyond them.

He walked off, cutting through the courtyard to get back to Classroom 1-B as quickly as possible.

“Wh... W-Wait, Chihiro-kun!”

He didn’t respond. He wasn’t planning on stopping, either. But then he caught sight of Kiriyama Yui and Aoki Yoshifumi standing alone together a short distance away.

By the looks of it, they hadn’t noticed him yet. Slowing his pace, he pricked up his ears. Neither of them were facing in his direction, so as long as they didn’t glance away from each other, they’d never see him.

“You broke your promise yesterday,” Yui growled angrily.

“Huh? What promise?”

The area was relatively deserted, so Chihiro could hear their conversation without much trouble.

“Don’t play dumb with me, you jerk! God... Forget it.” And with that, Yui turned to walk away.

“Hang on a minute! I don’t follow you at all!” Aoki shouted after her... but she ignored him, so he continued. “What about you? You’re the one who made that one weird demand... I mean, I’m glad it’s over now, but still...”

“What weird demand? What are you even talking ab...”

That was when she noticed Chihiro watching them. Their eyes met. He inclined his head politely. Then Aoki noticed him, too.

Yui gave Chihiro a stiff, awkward wave, and hurried away. With a sheepish grin on his face, Aoki waved at him too, then walked off in a different direction.

Unbeknownst to him, his actions had created a ripple effect. The knowledge filled him with a strange mix of fear and excitement. He was experiencing his new world firsthand.

“Hey, Chihiro-kun?”

All at once, the voice seized his heart, freezing it solid. He knew it was just Enjouji, and yet somehow her tone was so clear and confident, it felt like she secretly knew everything and was about to read him a list of all of his misdeeds.

He steeled himself, then turned to face her.

“Don’t you think our senpai are acting kind of... strange lately?” She peered into his eyes like she was searching for something.

“How so?”

“They’re just sort of... awkward with each other...”

“I dunno... Yeah, I guess they might be. Maybe the stress of the Sports Festival is getting to them or something.”

“I don’t know... It doesn’t seem that way to me... So, umm, I was wondering...”

She hung her head so low, Chihiro could see her scalp. Her indecision was really starting to make him lose his patience. But just as he was about to walk off, she suddenly looked up, and their eyes met.

Her gaze shone like a beacon, burning with determination.

“This is just a hypothesis, but—”

Suddenly, alarm bells went off in his head. Something told him he couldn’t let her finish that sentence.

“What are you trying to achieve, exactly?” he asked, turning the point of the conversation back on her in the nick of time.

“Huh? Trying to... achieve...?” For some reason, she froze like a deer in headlights.

Now’s my chance to throw her off the scent.

“You heard me. What are you trying to do here?”

“I... umm... I...”

The flames in her eyes flickered out until only empty darkness remained—almost like her spirit was physically fading from existence—and it was clear he had nothing left to worry about.

“I’m going back to class.”

“...Okay...”

This time she didn’t try to follow him.

□■□■□

In bed, I contemplate my next steps.

In exchange for the power of Phantom Projection, I agreed to “make things more interesting” between my five senpai—a condition so vague, I had no idea what «Heartseed» was expecting. When I asked it for clarification, it implied it took great enjoyment in seeing the rollercoaster of emotions between the five of them... It didn’t state this outright, however, so I can’t be certain. (All it told me explicitly was to “make my own interpretations,” whatever that means.)

To me, the simplest and most effective way to induce a drastic change of emotion would be to destroy the seemingly unshakable bonds between them. When «Heartseed» turned up to “check on my progress,” it seemed reasonably happy with this proposal, so clearly I must be on the right track.

Destroying the perfect pentagon of the Cultural Research Club. Shattering their friendships. Collapse. Breakdown. Every now and then I start having second thoughts, and deep down I ask myself if I’m really doing the right thing... but ultimately, I already know the answer:

I don’t have a choice.

«Heartseed» promised me that if I can entertain it to a satisfactory degree, it’ll let me use my Phantom Projection on people outside of the CRC quintet, too. Just think of all the things I could accomplish then...

My body shivers with impure desires.

I’m not addicted. I’m in full control. I’m not a sheep like the rest of them—I’m going to leave them in the dust. I’m destined for greater heights. I have to get there, and to do so, I need a stepping stone.

Besides, it was all going to come to an end in a couple years anyway. Surely it can’t hurt to expedite the process! Really, I’m just opening their eyes.

I’m doing the right thing.

At school the next day, I wait until Inaba’s alone.

“[Inaba Himeko’s vision of... whoever she’s most willing to take orders from].”

“Oh, hey, Taichi.”

Apparently Yaegashi Taichi meets this condition. How very boring and predictable.

She walks over with a smile... but there’s a lingering shadow of hesitation in her eyes, probably as a result of all the shit I’ve done to her.

“Say, Inaba-san, how about we go somewhere the two of us can be alone?” [Taichi] says.

“A-Alone...? Wait... Right now?” She blushes and looks away.

In public Inaba acts so lovey-dovey you’d think she was doing it on purpose; alone, she transforms into a shy, innocent girl no different from any other. Looking at her from a rational perspective, it’s completely cringeworthy, but maybe if I was into her it’d be another story.

“Yes, right now.”

After a moment of hesitation, she nods.

As [Taichi], I bring her to the Rec Hall and step into an empty room—well, mostly empty. It’s about half the size of the CRC clubroom, furnished with weathered old desks, chairs, and a couple of bookcases. Fortunately for me, I know for a fact no one comes here... and that the door can be locked from the inside.

“I didn’t even know this place was here,” Inaba muses aloud, and I observe her from behind. Clad in black knee-high socks, a skirt, and a long-sleeved white blouse, her slender body looks strangely seductive.

I follow her into the room and quietly lock the door behind us.

“So, why’d you bring me all the way—”

“Inaba-san, can I ask you to strip for me?” [Taichi] interrupts her.

She stares blankly as she struggles to process what I just said. Then her face flushes beet red.

“Wh... You... D-D-Don’t tell me you want to have our first time here...!” Glancing around nervously, she puts up both hands in a slow down gesture. “Just... hold on a sec. Is this that ‘blue balls’ thing? I’ve seen it from time to time in hentai manga...”

Apparently their relationship is every bit as “pure” as they claim... and apparently Inaba reads hentai manga. Wasn’t expecting that one.

“I want to see all of you.” As I attempt to put feeling into this line, my voice inadvertently imitates Taichi’s, even though I know I don’t need to bother.

“But this is all so sudden... I... W-Well... Y-You just want to look, right?! Okay... but we’re not going any further, got it?! I’d rather we have our first time somewhere else!”

Good god, she’s so easy.

“That said... I can certainly understand the appeal of a more kinky setup...”

Chill out, would you? No one said anything about having sex.

“I won’t ask you to do anything more than strip.”

“O-Okay, well... I’m not exactly sure how far you want me to go...”

“Just to your underwear for starters,” [Taichi] replies. I figure she won’t want to get totally naked right out of the gate.

“M-My underwear?! You want to see me in my bra and panties?!”

“Hhh... Yeah.” I hastily bite back a laugh. The way she said “bra and panties?!” is too funny.

“W-Well... I guess that’s not so bad... Pretty much the same thing as wearing a bikini, when you think about it... O-Okay, I’ll do it. C-Could you turn the other way?”

“S-Sure thing.”

At this point, I start to get nervous. If someone tries to open the door right now, we’re in deep shit. Behind me, I can hear the rustle of clothes. Is she done yet?

“Oh, um... Did you want me to leave my socks on?”

“Pffff?!” Caught off-guard, I choke on my own spit. “Uhh... Yeah, sure.” Oh god, I agreed to it? I swear, this is not what I’m into.

“Good grief... First you order me to take off my clothes, then you tell me to leave my socks on... and we’re at school, too! You kinky little horndog... Any other girl would run for the hills.”

The stupidity of this statement brings me back to my senses. “Uhh... Yeah, I know. We’re the perfect pair,” [Taichi] says offhandedly, though I’m sure the power of the Projection will convert it into something suitably sappy.

Then the rustle of clothing stops.

“O-Okay... I’m ready,” she whispers, her voice trembling nervously.

I swallow hard. My whole body feels hot. Why am I getting so tense? It’s just a prank. I’m not like those other peasants. I’m not going to lose my head to lust like some kind of animal.

I turn... and inhale sharply.

Standing here in this dusty, stuffy, old unused clubroom is a slim, dark-haired high school girl... wearing nothing but a black bra, black panties, and black knee-high socks... for my eyes only. At my request, 80% of her skin is now on display... an ordinary sight made surreal by taking place on campus, in a closed space.

All that enters the room is the stream of sunshine filtering in through the windows. Other than that, it’s just me and her—no one else. A secret space... a secret moment... equal parts sinful and beautiful and sweet.

Folding her arms behind her back, Inaba blushes and hangs her head, and I almost lose control... almost.

“Wh... What do you think?”

“You’re beautiful,” says [Taichi], and I actually sort of mean it.

A weird moment passes. Just a guy and a girl in her undies, staring at each other. It speaks to the abnormal relationship between her and Taichi—or maybe all couples are like this, who knows.

“C-Can I put my clothes back on...?” She wraps her arms protectively around her chest.

“Not yet.”

“Wh...?! Are you gonna make me take off something else?! What’s next, my socks?!”

Pipe down for a second, would you?

It’s time for stage two of my plan.

“I want to take some pictures.” I take out my cell phone and hold it up in her direction.

“P-Pictures...?”

After all the shit [Taichi] has done to her thus far, this is the first time I can actually see genuine fear in her eyes. At last, I’ve pushed her down into the ultimate despair... bestowed unto her by her favorite person in the whole world.

“Th-That might be taking things a step too far...”

She grabs her blouse off the desk and backs away. She must really not want to... and that’s precisely why I’m going to make her do it.

A scumbag sentiment spills out of [Taichi]’s mouth.

“You really won’t let me? You’re going to tell me no? I thought you loved me... Was I wrong about us?”

The despair deepens in her eyes as her whole body begins to tremble in fear, goosebumps prickling up her arms.

Meanwhile, I just stand there and watch.

After a long moment, Inaba reluctantly drops her blouse. “Fine...” She lowers her arms to her sides and hangs her head.

“Thank you.”

Right now, I am in full control of her.

I press the shutter button. Click. The flash of light makes her squint. No longer does her bare form strike me as seductive. Now it’s forbidden fruit, goading my lust.

Click. Can my cell phone camera truly capture the misery she exudes in this moment? I can’t tell from the preview thumbnail.

Click—

Click—

Click—

Click—

Click—

“S-Stop! Please! No more!”

She snatches up all her discarded clothes and clutches them to her chest as she shrinks down into a ball.

“Listen... I promise, we’ll do something special next time... Please, just... delete those pictures you took... I’m begging you...”

Her voice grows watery as she buries her face into her blouse.

“It’s not that I don’t trust you... I’m just... scared of them getting leaked... and taking pictures is kind of fucked up anyway!”

She gazes up at me, pleading, her eyes pink and puffy.

The choice is mine. I call the shots.

A tear streaks down her face.

“...Okay, I’ll delete them,” says [Taichi]. I was always planning to, for the record.

“C-Cool... Yeah, I had a feeling you’d understand.”

“Of course.”

Relieved, Inaba puts her clothes back on.

“Aaand deleted. See? They’re all gone now.” I show her my phone screen.

“Great... Thanks.”

Not sure why you’d thank me, to be honest.

□■□■□

After school, I target Nagase on her way home, walking down the narrow sidewalk. No one else is around. Perfect.

Recently I’ve discovered that it’s safe for the target to see me prior to a Projection because those memories will just get wiped. Thus, I leap out in front of her. Then, hoping eagerly for this to Project the person I’m thinking of (because it would be hilarious), and trusting that I’ve laid the groundwork for this to proceed as planned, I announce:

“[Nagase Iori’s vision of... the guy whose romantic affection she would most enjoy].”

“Wh...” Iori’s jaw drops as she comes to a stop. Then, slowly, her lips move to form speech. “Taichi... What are you doing?”

So Yaegashi Taichi is the guy Nagase would want to hit on her. What a riot. Are you not entertained, «Heartseed»? As of this moment, their once-resolved love triangle is back in action.

Granted, it won’t be easy to reverse the status quo, but one thing is clear: once romantic attraction is born, it doesn’t just evaporate once it becomes inconvenient. It sticks around, and your only choice is to constantly keep it in check—because the whole thing hangs in a delicate balance, and if one part gives way, the rest is going to come toppling down in a domino effect.

This love triangle will continue to be a thorn in their sides... right up until one of them can’t take the pain anymore. Just one more push, and it’ll all crash upon them like an avalanche.

The finish line is within sight. These people don’t even have the sense to realize someone’s messing with them... and that’s the crucial difference between the haves and the have-nots.

“Why so quiet? I know you’re here for a reason,” Nagase insists, looking guarded.

Now that we’ve come this far, it’s time to bring out the big guns. I’ll say something really crazy; that ought to make things interesting.

“I’m in love with you. Trying to date Inaba-san has made me realize you’re the one I really want,” [Taichi] confesses.

Hesitation flickers in her eyes. This is it. She’s wavering... hard enough to break.

But just as a smile crosses my face—the situation takes an unexpected turn. Her brows furrow, her eyes narrow, and her lips curl in a vicious scowl. In a blink, she lunges at me and grabs me by the collar.

“You want me to fucking kick your ass?”

I can feel her fury, and for a second I’m terrified she’s going to kill me.

“You think you can betray my best friend, you son of a bitch?” Her tone is menacing.

The hell is her problem? She’s like a whole different person... It’s freaking me out! Is she going to punch me? Or worse?

I’m stronger than she is. I should be able to shake her off. And yet it feels like I’m paralyzed. She’s terrifying.

But... the fact of the matter is, Taichi is the person from whom she would most appreciate romantic overtures. Plus, she caves easily to peer pressure. We know this. Don’t freak out. Don’t back down. Fight through it!

“I’m sorry, but I can’t control who I love! The heart—wants what it wants!”

Partway through, I feel her grip tighten, choking me, but I force the words out regardless.

Her glare doesn’t soften even a fraction. Desperate, I clutch at straws, seeking an escape.

“I love you, Nagase-san! I mean it! Really!”

This last-ditch effort appears to pay off, because her grip on my collar loosens... and tears well in her eyes.

But before those tears can fall, she hangs her head... and gives [Taichi] a hard shove with both hands.

“Don’t do this to me... Not now...!”

With that final shout, she runs past me and down the street.

Got her. I win.

Nagase is as good as mine.

As for Inaba, I’ve given her numerous reasons to lose faith in [Taichi]. Not only that, but I took pictures of her in her underwear. One look at the despair on her face and I know her mistrust is reaching its limits.

Taichi seems hesitant to give in to [Nagase]’s temptation, so maybe he needs another push. Maybe I’ll have [Inaba] tell him she hates him, then have [Nagase] confess her love. Then we’ll be all set.

This love triangle is just one step away from wedging things open. And once it does, that perfect pentagon is as good as gone.

Now, for my finale... I’ll stage a confrontation with all three of them.

□■□■□

Today, Sunday, is the final chapter of my sad little soap opera.

Using Phantom Projection and a series of creative excuses, I convinced Taichi, Nagase, and Inaba to meet “me” at the rest area in the nature park—the same park where, for some inexplicable reason, the CRC took part in the track team’s annual April marathon the day before the deadline for club applications. And as it happens, it’s also the place where I first met «Heartseed» piloting the body of Gotou Ryuuzen.

Now I just need to conceal myself behind this big rock out behind the rest area. It’s the perfect hiding spot; plus, I’ll have a front-row seat to the fireworks. If «Heartseed»’s been paying attention, then surely it realizes the climactic finale is nigh. Maybe it’ll even turn up to congratulate me in person.

The first person to arrive is Inaba, glancing around nervously. There’s a little shelter area with a bench right there, but she doesn’t sit down.

Then Taichi and Nagase show up... holding hands. Oh my god, are you shitting me? I bite back a laugh. Never in my wildest dreams did I think they’d actually go through with it. This proves my plan is a complete success.

To be honest, I was pretty sure I hadn’t pushed them far enough. Fortunately for me, however, those unshakable bonds had worked in my favor to bring about their downfall.

They believe in each other completely—because they have no other option. Thus, every word and deed is made real. As the impostor, I couldn’t have asked for more gullible marks. And now all the points of conflict will converge, right here in front of me.

So what happens next? A confrontation? A clash? A breakdown? A breakup?

Granted, if they were to go over the conversations they’d had with “each other” point by point, they’d catch on to the ruse pretty quickly... but even then, that wouldn’t change what happened or how they felt about it.

So what will they do? Will they decide it was all fake? They might think that’s the smartest move, but it’s actually the worst. Why, you ask? Because the second they condemn it all as “fake,” they’ll be forced to question whether this very moment might be “fake” as well.

That’s the true horror of the Phantom Projection. Even if you know it’s fake, that doesn’t save you. If anything, it only drags you deeper into hell. You’ll be trapped in a nightmare where you can’t tell fact from fiction... and that’s not something the human mind can survive in one piece. No amount of mental fortitude can keep you intact.

You say you’ve “overcome your fair share of adversity”? Then let’s see what you’ve got.

As Taichi and Nagase walk over to Inaba, they pull their hands away and position themselves in a neat little triangle—

“Something sure is fishy about this!” they shout, perfectly in unison, each of them pointing with both hands at the others, almost as though they rehearsed it.

“Something about it seemed too perfect,” says Nagase.

“Really had me going for a minute there,” says Inaba.

“I admit, I totally fell for it,” says Taichi.

“But the real you would never say that!” they all exclaim again. Then they burst out laughing.

“Why were you guys holding hands, anyway?” Inaba asks.

“Nagase told me to...”

“Taichi told me to...”

“What?”

“What?”

At this, Taichi and Nagase crack up laughing once more.

“Starting to feel kind of left out over here... Well, whatever. Let’s figure this out, shall we?” Inaba suggests.

“Sounds good.”

“You betcha!”

The mood between them feels so peaceful... friendly... detached from reality.

Flabbergasted, I can’t begin to process what I’m seeing. Is this for real? Or am I the one who’s hallucinating now? Surely they’d at least suspect each other a little, right? I know for a fact my actions have affected them—I’ve been around them enough to see it. So where did I go wrong? Did they realize I target them when they’re alone, and so they feel secure in a group of three? Or is this just representative of the unity within the Cultural Research Club?

Meanwhile, the three of them go over the events they’ve experienced as of late.

“...and that’s about the gist of what happened,” Taichi finishes.

“I would never say that! You know I’d never try to get between you and Inaban!” Nagase exclaims.

“Wait, so... Taichi, was it really you who told me you were sick of me after school that one time?” Inaba asks.

“What? No way! You know I’m... uh...”

“Finish your sentence, coward!”

“I know, I know! Quit hitting me, Nagase! Anyway... um... you know I’m crazy about you, Inaba.”

“Awww... Taichi...!”

“Whoa, whoa! Get off me! We’re in public!”

“Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!”

“Grow up, Nagase!”

Blood rushes to my head. Furious, I grab a fistful of grass and rip it out of the ground. Give me a fucking break! They’re not even taking this seriously!

“I wonder how this one works. Does it randomly impersonate one member of the club? Or is it physically controlling us?” Nagase murmurs.

“If so, one of us could be an impostor right now,” Inaba replies.

There you go! That’s the spirit! Have you finally realized how much trouble you’re in?

“Nah... I’m pretty sure the three of us are the real deal,” Taichi states casually.

“Yeah.”

“Yep.”

The girls nod in agreement.

Alone they seemed so fragile. It was so easy to wind them up. But they’re not breaking.

No... I still have plenty of opportunities to try again. I can keep going as long as I have to. Even if they figure out I’m an impostor, I’ll just keep weaving a tangled web of lies until it finally trips them up...

“There may be an impostor among us, but the rest of us are still real. We just need to learn to tell them apart, that’s all. And no matter how many times it shows up, we just have to wait for the real one to come back. All we need is patience. Easy.”

I remember seeing tears stream down Inaba’s face—but now she’s talking like she’s in control.

“Deep down, we all know in our hearts who our friends are!” Nagase paused. “Then again, I guess that’s a little ironic, coming from the queen of emotional instability over here.”

“I was just about to say that,” Inaba snarks. They laugh.

Meanwhile, I continue to uproot the grass as my entire body breaks out in a cold sweat.

Rip. Rip. Rip.

You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me. They’re not breaking down. Here I thought I won, but... now it feels like I’m nowhere close...

Even with supernatural powers, am I perpetually consigned to the have-nots?

□■□■□

Long after they leave, I’m still rooted in place behind the rock.

What do I do? Am I on the wrong track? Is there a better way to “make them interesting”? If so, what is it?

There’s no one I can turn to for help.

Just then, out walks «Heartseed», wearing the body of Yamaboshi High School physics teacher Gotou Ryuuzen, and I feel like my heart’s gonna leap all the way up my throat and out through my mouth.

“Wh... Where did you come from...?”

“What do you mean...? I walked here, obviously... Maybe you just didn’t see me coming... After all, you did seem a bit preoccupied... Oh, but... I suppose it doesn’t matter...”

Here stands the source of all my problems: the entity that turned my world upside down. As usual, its manner of speech is rambly and indirect. It’s piloting the same body, too. And while I’m grateful for the power it’s given me, that doesn’t stop me from thinking it’s creepy as hell on an instinctual level.

“So anyway... Oh, yes...” It speaks as though it nearly forgot the entire reason it came here. “Looks like things... aren’t going well for you, are they?” Its voice is slimy and... oppressive.

I swallow hard. “It’s not my fault! I...”

“I thought you said you could make them entertaining...?”

It’s criticizing me. I feel my veins turn to ice.

“Now that you’ve joined me... don’t think for a moment you can go back to your ordinary life... unless you show me something worth my time... Just a thought...”

It’s threatening me. Terror seizes me by the throat, eager to devour me. I can hardly stand upright.

“You seem hesitant... Are you taking this seriously? Are you really trying, Uwa-san?”

I’ve opened the forbidden door... and now there’s no going back.