Classes ended like any other day. Bells rang. Students yawned. Bags zipped. But for David, the air felt heavier than usual.
He glanced at the system interface floating near his eye like a ghost he couldn't exorcise.
Side Mission Active: Walk Home with Reika
Trigger Zone: Front Gate
Chance of Encounter: 67%
Warning: Unexpected Variables Possible
He adjusted his bag and walked down the hallway. The smell of floor cleaner and sun-warmed uniforms clung to the air. He passed by Class 2-A, where Yuuto usually sat.
Empty.
Yuuto hadn't shown up at all in this timeline. That alone made David nervous. It was like having a story with no main character—besides himself.
Outside, the wind had picked up. Leaves scattered across the school courtyard as students filtered out in chatty clusters.
And there she was.
Reika stood near the gate, tying her hair into a bun. She wore the standard school uniform, but somehow made it look like designer fashion. She was texting with one hand, her bag slung casually over her shoulder.
David slowed down.
This was it.
He didn't have a plan beyond "Don't screw it up."
He approached.
Reika looked up. No flicker of recognition yet, but she didn't scowl either. That counted as progress.
"Hey," David said, tone casual.
She raised a brow. "You again."
"You waiting for a ride?"
"Nope. I walk."
He paused, gestured vaguely down the road. "Same direction?"
She smirked. "Are you asking to walk me home or just stalking better?"
"Bit of column A, bit of 'definitely not' column B."
She chuckled. "Fine. Let's see if you're entertaining."
Side Mission Progress: Success
Affection Level: 3
Status: Light Curiosity
They walked side by side through the suburban streets. The city buzz had dimmed. Houses were scattered between shrines, shops, and vending machines humming quietly like steel cicadas.
David glanced at her. "So, why the serious vibe at school? You always this intense?"
Reika tilted her head. "You think I'm intense?"
"You have the vibe of someone who knows where the emergency exits are in every room."
She grinned. "I just like control. It keeps people in check."
David raised an eyebrow. "Control freak. Got it."
"And you're just a transfer student who speaks like he knows things he shouldn't."
His smirk faltered. That was dangerously close to the truth.
"Maybe I'm just observant," he said.
"Maybe you're suspicious," she replied, but her voice was teasing.
They stopped at a vending machine.
Reika tapped her coin against the edge of the machine. "You buying or should I?"
David scanned the list. Picked two drinks. One melon soda. One black coffee.
He handed her the coffee.
Reika blinked. "You remembered. I mentioned that during lunch."
David shrugged. "Like I said. Observant."
She looked at the can, then at him.
Something small shifted in her expression. The kind of shift that said maybe this guy isn't so bad.
Mini-Flag Triggered: Memory Noted
Affection Level: 4
Bonus Gained: Slight Warmth
They continued walking.
"So," she said after a while. "What's your deal, David?"
"What do you mean?"
"You act like you're playing a game no one else can see. You're friendly, but there's a wall."
David stayed quiet for a second.
She waited.
He finally said, "I'm just trying to make better choices this time."
Reika gave him a side glance. "You talk like you've already lived through high school once."
He forced a laugh. "Wouldn't that be something?"
They reached a quiet side street. Reika stopped in front of a small two-story house. Flowers bloomed neatly in front. A red mailbox hung crookedly by the gate.
"My place," she said. "You're not bad company."
David smiled. "Thanks. I think."
She studied him a moment longer. Then, to his surprise, she said, "You wanna meet me here tomorrow morning? Walk to school together?"
Major Flag Triggered: Daily Walks
Affection Level: 5
Title Unlocked: Reliable Presence
"Sure," he said.
Reika nodded. "Don't be late."
She stepped inside and closed the gate with a soft clang.
David stood there for a moment. Then the system chimed.
Progress: Reika Route 12%
Danger Level: Low
Emotional Risk: Climbing
Memory Conflict: Suppressed
He turned and walked back toward the station.
As he passed a convenience store, he saw a reflection in the glass. Himself.
He looked… fine. Normal. But he didn't feel normal.
Not without Airi.
Not without the weight of the night they shared. The promises. Her tears.
He missed her.
But this was Reika's world now.
A new path.
David whispered to himself.
"Let's try again."