Suzumiya Haruhi:Volume7 Chapter 2

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The next day, I, who had wanted to come to school right away, discovered a letter in my shoe locker.

"I knew it."

So as not to let anybody else see it, I hastily stuffed it into the pocket of my jacket, hurriedly put on my shoes, and ran to the washroom. It was an unwritten rule that all private messages were to be read in the washroom.

I ripped open the envelope and took out the papers inside. There were two of them.

The first one was obviously written by her. It said,


""In OO town, in the corner of the cross-junction from no. ×× to no. △△, walk south from there. There is a road without any roadmarks nearby. Place the specified object on the place where that road meets the market between 6:12PM and 6:15PM.

P.S. Asahina Mikuru must go with you."


That's all I can read from that letter. At the end of that letter, there was a string of symbols I have never seen before. It resembled a signature, slightly. But I don't know what those marks mean. Actually, it probably isn't a signature. I don't even understand what the letter is calling for, but I must think of a solution.

"What kind of instructions are these?"

The very-difficult-to-understand letter came with a picture. I held the roughly-sketched map that just wasn't good, and found the place marked with an X. But, if the X point hadn't corresponded with the letter, I would've thought it was a joke.

"I don't get it, Asahina-san."

So this evening, between 6:12 and 6:15, I'm supposed to put that thing there?

What for?

I re-read it several times, until I memorized what it said. Then I put the letter into the deepest part of my bookbag. I cannot let it be found by Haruhi. If it is discovered, I don't have anything I could use as an excuse.

I came out of the bathroom and walked up the stairs, thinking.

But, I finally have a clue. This must be the reason Asahina-san came from eight days in the future. This means there has to be something that must be done in this time. And it has to be something that Asahina-san from school cannot do. But why can't she?

Still struggling with this question, I entered the classroom. The person who greeted me is none other than Haruhi, who was quiet to the point of it being suspicious.

Haruhi raised her head and looked at me,

"How's Shamisen?"

"Ah——"

That's a way to do it.

"Not bad."

"Ah, I see."

I sat down on the ice-cold chair, and calmly looked over at Haruhi.

It seems like she hasn't noticed anything. Looking very bored, she sat there with her hand on her cheek, her mouth tightly shut. She looked very distracted. She's always been like this recently. I don't know what she's thinking either, and I don't have the time to find out.

"Hey, Haruhi."

"What?"

"It's about Shamisen, I have to take him to the vet today. In fact, I have to take him to the hospital quite a lot these couple of days. So, I probably won't make it to the clubroom today. Sorry..."

I was certain she was going to glare at me,

"Go ahead."

I didn't think she was going to reply so placidly. Was she that worried about Shamisen?

"What's with that expression?"

Haruhi looked at the extremely startled me, her gaze softening.

"Haphazardly loafing around is a definite no-no. But if you have a good reason, I am an understanding brigade leader, I won't pester you the whole time."

Thinking back about whether or not I've ever seen an understanding, non-pestering Haruhi, I racked my brain, was it possible this was the first time? As I thought this,

"I'll go see him in a couple of days. Tell him I told him to get better soon. And your sister too, she's so cute, even a cat wouldn't hate her."

She moved her chin around on her hand, looking like she didn't really care. A non-energetic Haruhi is really not like her, but I have to thank her. I still have the Asahina homework problem to do.

Well, what's this mood? The person behind me just continuously stares out the window, I suddenly have both an odd feeling of deja vu and a feeling that this was new. What is it with this mood? If only Haruhi would be like this even half of the time, that would be good.

"Morning!"

The bell hadn't stopped ringing yet, but Okabe-sensei had already arrived full of energy.

I get it now.

Haruhi's melancholy wouldn't be here for long. If I think about it, this is the first accurate prediction I've seen from the people in the future. According to Asahina-san, she will soon bring us along on a treasure hunt, along with a big group of other people. If Haruhi was like now the other half of the time, it would be quite good.

The good and the bad, now I can be relieved.


Lunchtime, I quickly shoved my lunch down my throat and ran to the clubroom.

If she's not in her classroom, she's got to be here. Just like I thought, Nagato was sitting at the designated spot, reading.

"Nagato, where's Asahina-san?"

Since I brought her there, I should at least show some care.

"..."

Nagato's low gaze shifted onto my body and stopped. She was silent for a little while, as if considering how to tell me.

"Why do you ask?"

"She wasn't any trouble?"

"No."

Too lucky. When I thought of Nagato and Asahina-san having a pajama party, my heart jumped.

"But."

Nagato calmly said.

"When she's with me, she's always disturbed and restless."

Her smooth gaze dropped onto the hardcover book again.

I silently stared at Nagato, wanting to see if any emotion would show itself on her face. Such as a feeling of regret, or a look of loneliness —— But, I didn't see any such expression on the forever emotionless Nagato.

I understand why Asahina-san is restless. Being in an enclosed space with Nagato only is something that can cause the majority of people to become disturbed. Besides me, Haruhi and Koizumi, everyone feels that way. Mmm, Tsuruya-san's probably fine too. But that's not the problem.

Nagato understands Asahina-san's uneasiness, yet still has an attitude like that, that's quite weird.

"Asahina-san and I always need your help, I'm allowed to be worried."

"Same."

Nagato didn't raise her head.

"You've helped me too."

But, the person who has helped me the most is you, Nagato. You have saved my life several times. Pretty much every time something happens, you are the most reliable. I'm not saying Asahina-san and Koizumi aren't helpful, but if you weren't here, there would be even more problems.

"It started with me."

That wasn't your fault. If we were saying whose fault it was, you can blame me or the Integrated Data Sentient Entity all you want. That wasn't one person's fault. It was because that thing happened that I realized what reality is like. And got to see Haruhi with a pony-tail. If we were saying how much I've changed, that experience really changed me.

"I see."

Nagato, seeming like she was talking to herself, flipped the page. A chill wind blew by, shaking the windows. I turned on the electric stove.

"What's your leader doing? They've fixed things with the extremists, right?"

"The Integrated Data Sentient Entity never completely agrees. But right now, the main school's giving the orders."

As I thought, even the aliens struggle internally.

"Are you part of the main school?"

"Yes."

And Asakura's a pawn of the extremists. Wait, there's only two? Are there any other "parties"?

"The ones I know of are the Moderates, the Innovative, the Compromise, and the Thinking party."

Not one is the same. Asakura went and tried to kill me to get Haruhi to do something, and created trouble for people around her. Nagato made that Asakura disappear. She's still up in space, arguing, I guess.

My perception of the gods in the sky has changed,

"I am unable to transmit the ideas of the other schools."

Nagato slowly raised her head, her gaze leaving the page.

"But, I am here."

Said the unshaking voice, there was nobody more reliable than her.

"That won't flatter anymore."


On my way back from the clubroom, I met two very familiar faces.

"Hey, Kyon-kun!"

Tsuruya-san was waving wildly. The person beside her asked worriedly,

"Um, is the cat okay?"

"I heard he went to the hospital."

It's Asahina-san, the normal Asahina-san from this time. She doesn't seem to know she'll be visiting the past again soon.

"Has it had medicine?"

Ah, I see. When Haruhi phoned, Asahina-san must have been beside her, so she knew what we would say.

"It's not serious, but it will take some time to get better."

I gently shook my messed-up head. Of course the two Asahina-san's don't look any different. If I'm not careful, I will paint myself an illusion that the Asahina-san who is supposed to be lazing at Nagato's came to school. Even if I fell into an illusion, I wouldn't even notice, unless Asahina-san spoke.

"Shami is suffering from hair loss because of stress, that's so unbelievable."

Tsuruya said while laughing,

"But compared with the other problems, this is quite normal, I guess. It must be because he's not getting enough exercise. Obviously Kyon-kun's house doesn't have mice! In my yard, wild mice occasionally appear! How about you bring your cat over? It's a good way to kill some time."

"It depends on the situation. If he's not healed, I will do just that."

In this cold weather, I have a feeling he won't want to go outside. When spring comes, Shamisen might become happy. When the cherry blossoms bloom, Haruhi will want us to go appreciate the flowers at some garden.

"Kyon-kun, are you coming for club activities today?"

Asahina-san asked feebly. I think I should just go ask the other Asahina-san what her plans for today was.

"Coincidentally, I have to take Shamisen to the vet today too. I already told Haruhi."

"Really?"

Like she cared about Shamisen from the bottom of her heart,

"I hope he gets better soon."

Although my heart becomes a bit uncomfortable, I have to give off a serious mood and nodded.

"I'll spend the next couple days comforting him. He'll be fine after that. He is male, after all."

After saying goodbye to the two people who went to buy juice, I returned to classroom 1-5. Since it doesn't have a heater, it seems like it's colder than the clubroom I just visited. I can only depend on the heat from other people's bodies. The highest heat source, Haruhi, wasn't in, as usual.

In order to join a chatting group, I walked towards Taniguchi and Kunikida.


Then, school ended.

I quickly left. There was still a bit of time until the time mentioned in the letter, but I was a little worried about leaving Asahina-san all alone. And, to follow Asahina-san's (Big) instructions, I still need to prepare something.

I went home first, to find the hammer and nails and put them into my bookbag. Then I rode my old bike and rushed to Nagato's apartment. On this cold winter day, my ears froze until they hurt. But when I thought of Asahina-san waiting for me at the apartment, I couldn't care less about the pain. Something good was waiting for me there, this was my encouragement. Ever since summer vacation, I've wanted to see this and it was finally coming.

My talk with Nagato in the clubroom also contributed to my change of mood.

No matter what happens, Nagato will protect Asahina-san and me, so I want to protect Nagato and Asahina-san too. Haruhi treats the brigade members as private property, so if a nosy person comes along, she will brandish her weapons. At least Koizumi can look after himself. I cannot imagine a dead-tired Koizumi. If he does get too tired and has to rest, I can't ignore him. Haruhi will make me, anyway. She doesn't care if I live or die. Doesn't matter. I've been part of the SOS Brigade for almost a year, I haven't been worn down to a state of no-confidence yet.

″Yo..to" I let the back wheel rise in the air and stopped the bike, running towards the doorbell of the apartment. I pressed Nagato's buzzer.

"...Yes?"

I was relieved to hear Asahina-san's voice.

"It's me. Nothing happened, right? Good."

"Eh...Yes, nothing... Ah, I'll be there right now. Wait a minute."

I actually wanted to go into Nagato's room and wait, but Asahina-san hung up the phone immediately.

So I waited there for several minutes, after about five minutes, Asahina-san showed up, carrying slippers in one hand.

Asahina-san looked comforted after seeing me, but suddenly became very serious. Frozen and shivering, she ran my way.

"I borrowed the shoes from Nagato-san. And this is the extra key."

Asahina-san pointed to the key in her hand.

"This, could you please return it to Nagato-san for me?"

Hm? What's the matter? Since you're temporarily living here anyway, can't you just borrow both the slippers and the key?

"About that..."

Asahina-san lowered her head and looked up at me.

"I think it would be better if I didn't live at Nagato's house."

Why?

"How should I explain this..."

She used her hand to push down her light, brown hair that was dancing with the winter wind.

"Nagato-san, when I'm with her alone in a room, she's generally very anxious."

I can't help but stare at Asahina-san.

I have also heard the exact same thing from Nagato. No, I can't imagine for a second how Asahina-san would know what an anxious Nagato would look like.

"Umm."

Like an adult explaining something to a child, Asahina-san said,

"I've always felt that way. At night, when I'm sleeping... Ah, the rooms are separate, I sleep in the extra room, but Nagato's always standing by my pillow. Lifelessly staring at me..."

It can't be, that's like a spirit appeared.

"...This is just what I think, but, it's like Nagato hasn't figured me out yet."

Asahina-san took a long breath, looking somewhere near my chest.

"In the clubroom, when everyone's around, you can't sense it. But when you're alone with Nagato-san, you can see it vibrating in the air. It was like that last month too. When we came back from the past, and I woke up and found Kyon-kun gone, I felt she was silently staring at me then too."

What do you mean? No matter how I think of it, Nagato would never hurt Asahina-san.

"Mhm, I know. Nagato-san doesn't think like that. This is just my own observations... But, I know this for sure, Nagato-san looks as if she is concerned about me."

What a broken explanation. I don't get it.

Asahina-san's facial expression made it seem as though I just scolded her. In a lonely voice, she said,

"Nagato-san, she appears as though she wants to be like me."

"?" Goes me.

"Like, going on random missions aimlessly with Kyon-kun and the like. I'm always doing that, right? Nagato-san's always been watching us. It was like that on that Tanabata, and during the endless summer too..."

In the past year, many marks have been left by the SOS Brigade. Of us, the most capable is Nagato.

"I think the reason Nagato-san changed the past was this mentality too. Nagato-san always helps others, unlike me, who always needs others to help me."

Asahina-san blew a breath into the palm of her hand, then, with a "hmn!”, nodded her head.

"After thinking about it, I guess it makes more sense now. The (vibes) I felt from Nagato-san. Maybe Nagato-san just wants to become like me."

Again, my mind started to fantasize. One in which I went toward the clubroom as usual, but there was a (maid-clothing-clad) Nagato waiting for me, happily steeping tea. One even therapy couldn't fix. Then she would, smiling, carefully place the teacup in front of me, and then, holding the serving plate, ask me how it tastes......

If Nagato was like that, I wouldn't complain. But then where would the Nagato that sits at the side of the table reading go?

"I suspect even Nagato-san doesn't know about it. So, it'd be better if I just left. Otherwise, she'll become unstable.

Asahina-san has a sincere look. She's not wanting to stay away from Nagato's house, but is actually thinking of Nagato. We already know what the abnormal Nagato is like, and we both know what causes it. In the end, she set a limit on herself. Reject synchronization. She wanted to be able to depend on herself to resolve the problems. Is Nagato's ideal Asahina-san? Someone different from her, one who, when glitches occur, goes about doing her thing without actually knowing about what has happened. A time traveler.

That's extremely paradoxical. Asahina-san is going crazy over knowing nothing, while Nagato is depressed due to knowing too much.

I lifted my head and looked at Nagato's room.

"Yeah..."

Perhaps Asahina-san's thesis is in fact true. No matter how I think of it, the people with sharper wits are generally female. Haruhi and Tsuruya-san might just have a little too much.

Nagato has Nagato's advantages. That's more than enough, but I didn't realize that this was a difficult situation. Even if I went and asked her, she would just pretend to know nothing.

It's also possible Asahina-san's just thinking too much of this. Maybe Nagato doesn't really care. Maybe she just doesn't have a book to read occasionally, and just stares at Asahina-san without any definite purpose. But since Asahina-san is this worried, I can't just say that she's wrong.

"Got it. I'll go explain to Nagato. We'll figure out where you're going to sleep on the way back."

The most that could happen would be her sleeping at my house. It's not like we can't find another place for her to stay.

"Oh, yeah, I have something to show you. I found another letter in my shoe-locker."

As I took out the letter, Asahina-san had a look that resembled one I would see on a person looking at the exam booklet before the exam.

"Ah, this..."

She pointed to the last part on the instruction letter.

"That's the Mission Code. The most important thing."

I don't know if that line's a mark or a signature. Is it possible that's some future language?

"No, it's not a language... That's a code. It's something we specifically use to indicate someone is important. That means, no matter what happens, we must complete the task set."

"That's what it means?"

After remembering the content of the letter, I said,

"There's got to be some hidden meaning to this."

"That's..."

Asahina-san slightly tilted her head, and with a face of puzzlement, replied,

"I don't get this, totally..."

"If we disregarded this and didn't do anything, what would happen?"

"We can't ignore it."

Studying the letter, Asahina-san said,

"After seeing this code, I must do what it says."

Then, she turned her edgy gaze onto me.

"Also, Kyon-kun, you will help me, right?"

We have arrived at the place the letter indicates. The method of transportation is the bike, I don't need to say I pedaled, carrying Asahina-san, who was sitting on the back. Anyway, even though the location is in the city, we can get there by biking.

We also took a little walk to kill some time. According to my watch, it's just after 6:10. If we follow the instructions, we need to have this thing put in place sometime between 6:12 and 6:15.

The fact that the sun set a long time ago makes me feel a little lonely. The road is really far from any residential houses, so pedestrians are sparse and almost no one around. There's even a little shortcut off to the side that no one's bothered to fix up. The path doesn't look like a shortcut though, since if it is actually a shortcut to somewhere, normal people won't just randomly walk that way. On the hand printed map, the 'X' was marked showing a place a couple of meters away from the intersection of this road and the asphalt city road.

It's a good thing no pedestrians were around. What we were about to do is something only delinquents would do. When all is said and done, this was a practical joke.

We've only prepared three things. A hammer, some nails, and an empty juice box. You can probably guess what we're up to now, right?

"Let's start," I said.

"No problem." Asahina-san nodded her head.

I, who had been hiding behind a pole, dashed toward the destination, and started to nail nails into the ground. The ground was hard, and you need a lot of energy just to put half of a nail into the ground. Especially since I can't make a loud sound, in case people nearby hear it.

I worked fast, and finished before the thirty seconds were up.

I put the nails into the empty box, and then returned to the pole where Asahina-san was waiting for me. And then we went to hide in a dark place a bit farther off.

What will happen next? What will the box do? Let us observe some more.

We didn't wait long. The time is now 6:14 in the afternoon.

It looks like a male slowly coming down the street from the opposite direction of where we were hiding. He was wearing a Windbreaker and carrying a shoulder bag. From what I can see, he hasn't noticed us yet. He was walking with his face downward, and he looked very drained. He suddenly stopped. He was looking in the exact direction the empty juice box was pointing.

"Ha..."

I heard a sigh. As I was thinking he was a good person who felt disturbed by some litterbugs, he walked towards the empty juice box without hesitation, decisively lifted up his foot and swung it down in a kick.

Needless to say, the juice box didn't miraculously fly into a goal, not only that, but it didn't even move——

"Gah—!? Wahhh."

"What the hell, that hurts~!"

It hurt so much he was rolling on the ground. He was crying so much it was like he was dying.

" What the..?! Who did this! Putting this... it, it hurts~!"

Asahina-san and I stared at each other in dismay.

This was the point of putting it there?

"Who knows...?"

We had a conversation using our gazes. We nodded at exactly the same time, and came out of our hiding spot. We walked down the path, pretending we were passing this place as though we occasionally do.

"Are you okay?"

Asahina-san said to the person laying on the ground grasping his toenail. I calmly stood by Asahina-san, and looked down at the complaining man.

"Ah?"

I do not recognize the distorted face that belongs to a skinny man in his mid-20s. Under his windproof jacket, he was wearing western clothing, even sporting a tie. He looks exactly like every other average, middle-class working man.

"Want some help?"

Trying to look nice, I said:

"Uh... Please. Thanks."

He grabbed my hand and managed to stand. Wrinkling his brow, he lifted his foot.

"Damn. Who did that? This kind of childish prank."

"It was over the top."

I knelt down and picked up the juice box. There was an indent on one side. The nail that was secured down was also crooked due to the kick. From the looks of it, he's an accomplished kicker.

"How dangerous."

I said seriously, pulling out the nail. Thanks to his powerful kick, it came out without any trouble at all. To destroy the evidence, I slipped the nail into my pocket.

He lifted his leg and lowered it several times. Each time, it was accompanied by a wrinkling of the brow and a phrase.

"This is quite troublesome. I don't think anything's broken... Maybe I twisted my ankle?"

"Um," said Asahina-san, "It'd be better if we went to a hospital..."

"I think so too."

He hopped on one foot towards the busy street, almost staggering.

"Lend me your shoulder, please."

So as not to let him fall, I hurried to his side, and asked,

"Should we call an ambulance?"

"Ah, that's not required. I've called one before. To make such a big fuss over such a little thing isn't too good. Sorry, but can you take me like this to the main road over there?"

"Eh, of course I can."

No matter what you say, it's my fault. I honestly want to apologize to him.

I took advantage of the streetlights to examine the man who was grabbing my shoulder and walking slowly more carefully. He was actually a uniquely handsome man.

"There was a problem at work."

On the way to the road, he started to explain about himself.

"I shouldn't have kicked that box just because I was lamenting. I guess I deserved it."

"I disagree. I believe the bad people are the ones who put that mischievous thing there in the first place."

"I guess you're right, what kind of a prank is that? They have to do it now, of all times."

He looked at me and then at the taciturn Asahina-san following a few step behind, and he started to laugh.

"That girl, is she your girlfriend?"

I didn't have anything to say, so I probably just stared for a second or two.

"Eh, well... Something like that..."

At times like this, I have to say that, even if it is lying.

"Is that so."

He believed what I told him without any doubts, and then reverted to his former state of looking like it hurt a lot.

We reached the main road, and managed to call a lucky taxi by waving. This wasn't over until we got the anxiously sweating man into the back seat of the taxi on this cold day.

"Thank you very much. Sorry for taking up some of your time."

No, no, it was technically all my fault. Just so you know, this Asahina-san is innocent. If you ever somehow find out who did it and want revenge, please take it up with the older her...as I thought this deep in my heart, the taxi drove away, leaving us two. I asked Asahina-san,

"Is that all we need to do?"

"Yeah..."

Unconfidently, Asahina-san let out a big sigh and hugged her body.

It was already half past six.


There is a serious restriction on us now.

That is, we cannot let the other Asahina-san and Haruhi see me together with this Asahina-san. If we are seen by Haruhi, we could argue our way out. But if Asahina-san (the true one) saw her doppleganger, I am sure her brain isn't so dumb as to be able to believe there is someone that looks exactly like her walking around. Worst case scenario, I bump into all of the just-dismissed SOS Brigade on their way home. That would be ungodly.

Then again, if I trust what Asahina-san (the one from eight days in the future) said, she didn't see herself these past couple days, so there shouldn't be a problem there.

But there is a problem. If my hard work here results in the future being easier on me, I should work extremely hard here. I can't be too optimistic... Is that the problem?

I have no idea. Why are things always so inconvenient for me? Anyway, if the traveler this time wasn't Asahina-san (Eight Days Later) but Asahina-san (Big), everything would be solved in no time.

I stared at the slight senpai by my side.

Wearing a North High uniform, she scrunched her body together, looking very cold. In this chilly February wind, it must be hard to stand not having a jacket. If I was wearing that uniform, I would probably freeze to death too.

"Should we get going?"

I waved a hand toward the old bike and asked. Asahina-san nodded her head.

"... But, where are we going? Kyon-kun's house?"

Even though I wish we could do that, the fewer people who we have to tell not to tell anybody else, the better. As her brother, I can honestly say that my sister has the loosest lips ever. In fact, they're probably looser than a grandmother's pursestring in front of her grandson.

"To someone besides Nagato who can take you in temporarily. Maybe that person'll let you stay without asking any questions."

I got on the bicycle and urged the startled Asahina-san on. I carried the light, second-year student sitting sideways on the back and started in the direction of our destination.


Where I stopped the bike was a place every person in the SOS Brigade would recognize.

Of course, that means Asahina-san knows it too.

"Here... Um, this can't be it."

Asahina-san, having jumped down off the bike, was staring at the front gate to that person's property.

I set up the bike stand and locked it.

"This person will help Asahina-san no matter what happens. There will never be a time when this person won't help out."

"B-but, we shouldn't reveal the secret——"

"Leave it to me."

The huge golden gate had a modern intercom plastered on the side. Before I press the button, we need to smooth a few things out.

"Asahina-san, ear."

"Okay."

Obediently, she tilted her head and brushed off some of her hair, exposing her pretty ear. Without meaning to, I thought of Haruhi and her ear-biting scene. I want to do that as well, but I can tell it's a bad time.

"Ye-yeah. I want to do that too......"

Asahina-san blinked and said in a whispery voice,

"Eh. But, I'm not a good actress."

She protests, looking like she's about to cry.

"That's so hard......"

Yes. She wants to play the part exactly.

To tell you the truth, I feel that there is no need for acting. Asahina-san just has to act like the normal Asahina-san. I'm sure no one will notice.

"Anyway, that's the plan. It'll be fine."

I smiled at her optimistically and pushed down the button.

"............"

"............"

Asahina-san and I silently waited for a response. The chance of the actual person replying is actually very small, so in my mind, I practiced the exchange. After I repeated it three times, a minute later, still no one had answered. They should be at home. This started turning into an unlucky day, when,

"Oy, wait a minute!"

A large, energetic yell came out of the wall, followed by a big bang. This was succeeded by many creaking sounds as the wooden gate was opening.

"Ya! What's happened this late at night? Mikuru and Kyon-kun. Hm? It is really you two. Oh, boy, that's not easy. Lucky you."

Tsuruya-san said with a huge smile on her face.


Tsuruya-san's outfit is a bit different from the normal one I see at school.

She was wearing a casual civilian kimono with a short shirt on top, her long, flowing hair combed back. She fits right into a traditional Japanese garden.

Tsuruya-san let us into the Tsuruya property, then put the squared timber bar back on the inside of the closed gate.

"Hm, but this is surprising. Kyon-kun and Mikuru out for a walk? Haruhi didn't come?"

"There are many hidden stories in this...... Wait, Tsuruya-san, how did you know it was us?"

Since no one had answered the intercom.

"En, there's a security camera installed out there. I can tell right away who the visitors are! After seeing you two, I thought it would be best to come out myself. Is something wrong?"

Tsuruya-san's geta made a clip-clop sound as we walked to the main door that opened up to reveal a path resembling a shrine courtyard. She walked while smiling and said,

"Hm? Mikuru? What's wrong, you seem so lethargic today."

"Actually, about this."

I cleared my throat and prepared to speak the lines of the script I had come up with.

"I have a request to ask of you. Can you let this Asahina-san stay at Tsuruya-san's house for a while?"

"Huh? I guess I could."

Fufu-n, Tsuruya-san let a laugh out through her nose, then proceeded to stare at Asahina-san's face.

"Hmm, it is...... Mikuru, right?"

Asahina-san jumped. Tsuruya-san's bright eyes narrowed. Have we been found out?

"Meh, whatever. There's a reason, right? A reason why Mikuru can't go back to her own house."

The conversation was progressing really fast. It was a great help.

"How long does she need to stay for?"

"Eight days max," I said.

Not counting today, eight days later Asahina-san will revert to her old self.

"Can she?"

"En, it's not a problem. Ah, yes. You can live in the separate quarters. Everything that was in the quarters at that villa is there as well. No one is currently residing there, but sometimes I go there to ponder a question alone. It's a good, quiet place."

I gazed around at the Tsuruya residence surrounded by trees. It was wide enough to feel like there was nothing it didn't have. I even heard that there was an antique warehouse around here too.

I am surprised by, admire, and envy them. Tsuruya-san's mouth became a beautiful semi-circle while she stared at Asahina-san.

"But, Mikuru, what's wrong? So weird—— You don't need to be so alarmed."

Tsuruya-san poked Asahina-san's lowered chin.

"She doesn't seem like Mikuru at all."

Before the motionless Asahina-san could say something and incriminate herself, I interrupted.

"That person is Asahina-san's twin, Asahina Michiru."
"That person is Asahina-san's twin, Asahina Michiru."

"That person is Asahina-san's twin, Asahina Michiru."

"Twin? Sister? Michiru-chan?"

"Uh......yeah. They became separated after birth......"

"Eh——?"

"Um, every family has a problem. Asahina-san...... I mean Mikuru doesn't know she has a sister."

"Ha——. But why is Michiru-chan wearing a North High uniform?"

"Ah."

Shit. I didn't think of that.

"How should I explain this...... Ah, that's right. This Michiru-chan, she wanted to see her sister, so she got a North High uniform from somewhere. But, she didn't succeed and started to leave. Then I bumped into her and listened to her story. U——m, then......"

She patted my shoulder.

"That's good."

Seeming extremely happy, Tsuruya-san said,

"If you were to start explaining, both the explainer and the listener would become tired. If she is Mikuru-chan's sister, they would definitely look alike. Do you only need to let her live here?"

"And you can't tell Asahina-san about her."

"Obviously. I got it."

"Um......"

As if not wanting to be ignored, Asahina-san piped up.

"Can I really stay? Tsu, Tsuruya-san."

"En. Of course you can. Come, Michiru, this way, this way, I'll take you to the place."

Tsuruya-san pulled on Asahina-san's hand, yanking her towards the Japanese garden. Before that, she shot me a gaze, and I couldn't help but feel like I was shot.


The separate quarters look almost exactly the same as those at the villa up in that mountain. According to Tsuruya-san, those were built using this for reference. Which means this is the original, kind of like a relative with the same last name. It's an extremely comfortable place.

Sitting on the Tatami Mats in this simple hut, Asahina-san resembled a marionette.

It's a good thing Tsuruya-san turned on the heater and the room was heating up, because I wouldn't have wanted to move otherwise.

Tsuruya-san explained the closets and drawers in the room and where the bedding was, and then with a "I'll bring some hot tea," she started to walk towards the main house.

"It's finally calm now," I said.

"Yes, she's a very big help. We have to thank Tsuruya-san someday."

Here the Asahina-san changed into Asahina Michiru approved,

"Michiru. That's not a bad name."

She finally smiled.

On the Tatami mats, I stretched out my legs and looked at the antique lights. And then thought about Asahina-san's name.

Until Tsuruya-san returned laden down with teacups, a kettle, and a basket of clothes.


Tsuruya-san invited me to stay for dinner, but eating out two days in a row was sure to make my mother angry, so I expressed my disappointment and said I would have to leave. Perhaps it was because I had found a place for Asahina-san to stay, but I seemed to have lost my energy. If it kept going like this, I would end up sleeping out too.

I left Asahina-san in the solitary quarters and walked out. Tsuruya-san followed, pretending to be seeing me off. This was what she said.

"Michiru, she resembles Mikuru but she isn't Mikuru. In other words, there's a feeling that she is Mikuru, but also a feeling she isn't, you know? Oh, yeah. She's different from the one I met at school, right?"

I already said they were twins, Senpai.

"Ahaha~. Yes. That's how it is."

Walking about a step and a half ahead of me, Tsuruya-san led me towards the main gate.

Looking at that swaying bun of hair, I knew I had to ask.

"Tsuruya-san."

"What's the matter?"

"What do you actually know? Asahina-san and Nagato————The people of the SOS Brigade aren't normal, you said before."

"Mhm."

The long hair jumped. She turned her head. Her smiling face was bright even for a star.

"Kyon-kun, I actually don't understand very much, but I'm sure they're different. At least, different from me and you. They're not the 'normal' friends."

Knowing that is good enough. Tsuruya-san will not ask for unnecessary details, and she definitely won't go looking for what Asahina-san truly is.

"Why?"

Tsuruya-san retracted her hands into the sleeves of her shirt and started to laugh.

"Me, I will become very happy just watching someone being very happy. I like people who eat meals they cooked themselves with very big mouthfuls. I don't care if it's someone I've never seen before. Un, so when I see Haru-nyan I feel very lucky. Even though I don't know why she's like that, but she's always especially happy!"

Do you want to join them or something? Aren't you lonely just watching from the side?

"U——n, me, I feel that many movies I see have a deep meaning, but I don't ever want to film my own movie. Seeing's enough for me. Whether it's the World Baseball Championship or the Pro Bowlers Association World Championship, I always warmly cheer them on. But I never think 'Uwah~ I want to play that too!' and join them. Just watching those people do their best makes me have a good mood already. Anyway, that doesn't interest me! So, I should just do what I can do!"

No matter what I say, this is the exact opposite of Haruhi. If there's something interesting happening, she'll join in every time, since she has to try it herself no matter what.

Tsuruya-san continuously rotated her eyes.

"Like that, when I see Mikuru and Haru-nyan and Yuki-ni and Koizumi-kun and Kyon-kun, I think it's lots of fun. I like the appearance that everybody's busy! Apart from that, I also like the me standing off to the side watching you!"

An impossible to replicate smile and sound. She was speaking her heart. Just standing by her side, I felt cheered up.

"So I like where I am right now. I think Haru-nyan knows as well, so she hasn't tried to drag me in. There's five people, it must be crowded already.

Tsuruya-san jumped again. She turned back to face the front door, towing her long hair behind.

"It's impossible to find out every secret for every thing on this planet. I'm busy enough with my own devices as it is."

She turned her head around and said something I'll never forget.

"Kyon-kun, you have to work hard. The future of mankind rests on you!"

Said Tsuruya-san. The corners of her mouth slightly moved, and she stared at me for a while. Then, as if she couldn't hold it in any longer, she started to laugh. From that benevolent, child-like laughter, I got the feeling this cheerful Senpai's words were just a joke.

Tsuruya-san continued to laugh until her belly hurt. Then, she wiped the side of her eyes and said,

"Well, Mikuru will always follow you! But, don't be mischievous. That's the one thing that's not allowed. If you wish to be mischievous, do it to Haru-nyan. Just my intuition. Mhm, I'm sure she'll always forgive you!"

This should be the only serious part of her speech. Don't know why, but I just had a thought like that. I didn't actually plan on doing anything.


After saying good night to Tsuruya-san, I rode away on my bike. But after a while, I had to stop.

”Good evening."

Because a person walked out of the shadows. And blocked my path.

"You worked hard. I don't quite approve of involving Tsuruya-san. But for safety, there's not a place safer than that."

It's been two days since I saw this impeccable, smiling face. It was Koizumi Itsuki's honest, handsome, smiling face.

"Yo, what a random encounter."

"You could say that. I guess. Random encounters have happened since you and I first met. No, you met Suzumiya-san first."

As if greeting me, Koizumi raised his hand. Were you hiding there waiting for me in the dead of the night? If anyone mistook you for a mental pervert, they would report you to the police. It's not like you can deny it.

Fu~, Koizumi softly laughed.

"You look like you're doing something important. Not involving me again?"

I sighed. The air I exhaled turned white.

"This is my and Asahina-san's problem. It has nothing to do with you. Can't you just go play with your <Shinjins> and be happy with that?"

"Those haven't appeared in a long time. I like to take walks like this from time to time too."

You're not very creative, taking a walk in the middle of a cold night without a dog. Even though I said this, you appearing here isn't a random thing, is it.

"If it was by chance, that's too much of a coincidence, isn't it?"

"What do you want?"

After I asked this, the topic changed completely.

"Iya, if i said it now, you would probably understand everything. What do you know as of right now?"

"Does it have anything to do with the two Asahina-sans?"

After Koizumi pointed out the important points,

"And then, how did you explain it to Tsuruya-san? Said they were twins? Is it possible she believed it?"

"I think both worked."

"I suppose. It's because the other person's Tsuruya-san."

He said it very naturally. Who the devil is Tsuruya-san? That cheery Sempai, it seems she knows everything, yet keeps a subtle distance between us and her.

"My superiors told me not to harm Tsuruya-san."

Koizumi then seriously said,

"She actually has nothing to do with this. Originally she wasn't supposed to come into contact with us, but something went wrong somewhere, and we met each other. You could say 'good job, Suzumiya-san.'"

Where did it start to go wrong? When Tsuruya-san ended up in Asahina-san's class? Or when we got her to play baseball with us?

"We do not inhibit her, and vice versa, she does not interfere with what we do. That's the deal the Tsuruya family and the 'Organization' have going right now."

Don't just calmly say something so surprising.

Kuku, Koizumi went,

"Just so you know, the Tsuruya family is one of the 'Organization's many supporters. But they don't care at all what we do, and they don't mind us whatever we do. It's easy to be relaxed like this. But Tsuruya-san is probably the successor to the Tsuruya house."

Tsuruya-san, you......I think we even kindly said she wasn't of importance sometime back then too. I want to know from the bottom of my heart. Who is she?

"An ordinary senior high student. She goes to the same public school as us, and she is a second-year living in a big house. Perhaps she's battling evil in a place we don't know about, and maybe she solved something extremely important, but this has nothing to do with us."

I still remember what Tsuruya-san said to me clear as day. She said she was very happy not being closely connected to us. We should be like that too, and treat her as if nothing's different. Who she is, what she's here to do, that's not important at all. Just like how Haruhi's just Haruhi, Tsuruya-san's just Tsuruya-san. She's just the energetic, vigorous friend of Asahina-san. An honorary member of the SOS Brigade. This should be the best explanation.

But for her and Asahina-san to be friends, how much of it wasn't chance? Is there even a past the time travellers don't know? Haruhi obviously doesn't understand......

As I thought this, I suddenly remembered.

"Koizumi, last time, you said Asahina-san would be fine no matter what. What's with that?"

"Because the future can be changed too."

He looked like he was expecting me to ask.

"Maybe you think that time travellers can meddle freely in affairs in the past, and firmly believe that the future is superior to the past. In reality, the future is a very fuzzy subject."

So if you understand the foundation of the past and reverse time, you could change everything at will. In fact, that's what I did. I fixed that alternate world with the strange Nagato.

Koizumi slightly smiled.

"Changing and fixing things from the past works. If you know the future first, then you should theoretically change the future from that time."

"How are you going to know the future. That's impossible."

"Do you really think that?"

Koizumi's smile looks a little evil. He probably wants it like that. This guy has the weirdest hobbies.

"I am an esper, even though my abilities change depending on where I am. But, can you be sure there are no others? Why are you so quick to say that no one can possibly have powers that aren't only used to keep the <Shinjins> in check, powers that are more easily seen? For example, what if there was a fortune-teller, and that person wasn't part of our 'Organization'?"

He reverted to his usual smile.

"I don't remember telling you that those kind of people don't exist."

You!...

"Of course, I never said they did, either."

So do they exist or not? And don't tell me that both are possible.

"To tell you the truth, I don't know. Didn't I tell you, I'm one of the lowest ranked people. I can't know everything. Like Asahina-san."

This I accept. There's not a more unfortunate agent than Asahina-san.

“There’s a reason for not letting her know, of course. If a time traveler were to know their purpose in the past, they would inevitably analyze that purpose, and carefully plan their next actions, fearing to jeopardize their own future. This is why although Asahina-san is a time traveler, she doesn’t know anything about her true purpose here. She has been intentionally kept in the dark. This the future’s countermeasure to ensure that the past, be it their own past selves or others native to that time plane like you and me, does not analyze their reasons and act unaccordingly, putting the future at risk. So all we know about Asahina-san is that she is required to remain in this time plane; if we were to successfully discover why she is here, it would be a very grave situation for the future. Therefore, the future takes great care to ensure that the only thing we can conclude is that she’s a beautiful representative from the future. I do not feel threatened by her now; but in a crisis, I believe that she will act based on her orders from the future.”

Koizumi smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

"Maybe that's the point of her being here, to make us think that's the point. So the 'Organization' doesn't do anything hastily. If we do act, and it turns out to be what the future wants, we will be extremely annoyed. Letting her be the future's puppet just isn't good."

Wait, so does that mean you and Asahina-san are opponents?

"Can't really say we're hostile. In a nutshell, it's just a steady condition."

My body froze up. Literally.

"I'll make a comparison. Here are two countries, A and B. Both are a thorn in the other's side, but they've never directly fought before. Now, before A appears nemesis C and before B appears nemesis D. For A, they cannot co-exist with C, and are bitter enemies. Same with B versus D. Finally, C and D create an alliance and work together. If there were only one enemy they could take them, but their army would have no influence against two countries. So, the proverb 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' proves to be true. A and B are like rivals that find themselves back-to-back and reluctantly fight together against a common enemy. That's kind of like this, is it not?"

Koizumi looked at me suspiciously.

"Are you listening?"

"Ah, sorry."

I sat on my bike seat.

"I lost track when you got to something about D. I remember a bit about what you said at first, but nothing after D, since there's just way too much."

"You should've heard me. Whether or not you processed it is up to your brain and how you want to think about it."

Don't reply so seriously. I'm all confused now. I recommend trying stand-up or something someday. If you don't have a sense of humour, no girls will like you even if you do look handsome.

Koizumi smiled again. I wonder how many different faces you have.

"I will change my expression because of the time, the circumstance and the other person. But, if the other person is you, all talks turn into this type of talk."

You're a headache-inducing person.

"I think so too, but I'll stay like this for the time being."

For some reason, Koizumi looked off into the distance.

"Someday, I'll be able to be your friend normally, and we will look back on past events as a joke together. I hope such a day comes. A day where missions and duties are irrelevant, but normal things apply."

You would be satisfied with that?

"Well, I'll see you later in the clubroom."

As if saluting, he raised his hand and turned around. Then he disappeared into the curtain of night like he was walking around aimlessly after a stroll.


After I returned home, I hurriedly ate a bit and slipped into my room.

Next I phoned Nagato. I have to tell her that Asahina-san is now staying in Tsuruya-san's house. Even Koizumi noticed it, it's possible Nagato already knows.

After three rings, Nagato picked up the phone. She knew who it was, the proof being that she didn't say anything.

"............"

"Nagato, it's me. I'll cut the chit-chat. This is about Asahina-san."

While telling her the main points about what happened with Asahina-san, Nagato listened to me explain with a '............'.

"Understood."

She lightly said. It sounded like she wasn't reluctant at all. Then she added.

"I feel very well."

"I see. In that case, I'm relieved."

"Why?"

You even asked why. I was even worrying about Nagato feeling regret. It was a one-sided request to begin with, and now Asahina-san just leaves on a whim. That's kind of selfish.

"Unnecessary worrying,"

Nagato tranquilly said,

"I understand what she means."

A pause.

"I've never thought about wanting to be like her. But, her thinking that is logical."

What can I say?

"If I were her, I might think like that too."

Um, that means, Asahina-san worrying about Nagato, Nagato can see that from Asahina-san's point of view?

Silence for a while, then,

"I think so."

The volume was very soft. I instantly regretted not turning on the voice recording function, so as to record this happy sound.

After that, a couple more lines and I hung up the phone. There's nothing to worry about. It seems the alien and the time traveler have come to a mutual understanding. Maybe this kind of mutual understanding even surpassed their imagination.

For some unknown reason, I let my gaze slide sideways. Shamisen is lying on the bed, sleeping. Like a human, his head is on my pillow, and he sleeps very nicely. In case Haruhi actually comes to my house, I think of cutting away some of his fur, but then I remember something.

"How long does lying about Shamisen have to go on?"

I forgot to ask. Asahina-san should know when I was absent and when I was there. I want to know when I return. After I know that, I have a basic knowledge of how the week is going to go. But Asahina-san from a week later didn't bring anything, not even her cell phone. If I'm going to phone, it would have to be to Tsuruya-san. But maybe it's because of what Koizumi said, I don't really want to contact her right now. I don't even know what's true of what he said. That bastard, he can even rationally explain things on the spur of the moment. Maybe he just looked at my face and thought, 'well, that works too.'

I picked up the remote control and adjusted the temperature, then rested my head on my bed.

Tomorrow, I'll go check my shoe locker and then figure out what to do.

I looked at the three-colored cat, whose mouth was opening and closing slightly, and slowly closed my eyes. Without meaning to, I fell asleep. And then I was awakened by a sister who had just finished taking a bath.


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