Present Day

Oh! Raitin! You’re home!

Raito-san…! I’m glad you’re back. You look like you’re doing better.

I…didn’t know you were all waiting for me.

Has Nayuki recovered?

He’s recovering well. I told him that I wanted to stay by his side until he got discharged, but he shooed me out. He said I’d be a nuisance.

Aha! Sounds like Nayuuki’s back to his old self. I’m so glad…

…I’m sorry for the worry.

You don’t have to apologize for anything. It’s the assaulter’s fault.

……

Kinari, Chihiro, Tao… I want to apologize to you. I’m so sorry…!

!

Raitin? W-What’s this for?!

For announcing that I wanted to leave Ev3ns. I truly regret being so foolish.

Ah… I forgot about that. I’ve just been thinking about Nayuki-san this whole time.

*gasp* Raitin, please don’t leave!

…I won’t. I caused so much trouble for the team. I’m a terrible leader.

Will you tell us why you changed your mind?

I’m not sure where to start… I initially wanted to quit because I thought that I wasn’t suited to be an idol.

I couldn’t even tell my fans that I loved them… I’m very hung up on my inability to love people, and I was afraid of it getting exposed.

……

But…I was just running away. I’ve always lived my life without facing people head-on.

I think I was jealous of people who were able to live longer than me.

When Nayuki got attacked, I realized that death didn’t only affect me. I felt that a part of me had been looking down on everyone all this time.

Raito-san…

Haha. Awful, isn’t it? Nayuki really beat some sense into me. I named our group Ev3ns, but I didn’t truly see you as my equals.

To be frank, I’m incredibly flawed. I’m not sure if you’re willing to keep me around, but…I’d be glad to redo everything if you’ll give me a second chance.

This time, I’ll make an effort to understand all of you. Without distancing myself…

Raitin…

It’s normal to not understand people. Like, I can’t even imagine how scared you must be of dying.

You told us about your death prophecy, but…I didn’t have anything to say about it…

…Death touches upon everyone equally. I didn’t realize that until Nayuki was at risk of losing his life.

A lot of people live their lives without being aware of death. I think it’s really normal.

You’re right. So I’d really appreciate it if you…didn’t worry about my death.

But if something happens, I might need your help.

I will assist when the time comes.

Ch-Chii will too!

Yeah, I’ll do what I can.

…Thank you.

……

I’d like to live like everyone else does from now on.

As long as I have tomorrow, the day after, and ever onwards…

I want to live without regretting today. The past isn’t something to cut off, but rather, something to build up… I want to start thinking that way.

I understand how you feel. I haven’t really…felt like I’ve been truly alive for a while now.

So I wanna feel like I’m alive every day…

I really wanna live life in a way that feels right.

Same! I’ve messed up on a lotta things, and I really regret it… I wanna change.

I wanna show you the real me, Raitin… I wanna get all excited when I see the sunset and be like, “This is our time to shine!”

I don’t wanna give in to loneliness or sadness anymore… I’m gonna work towards the way I wanna live every day, even if it’s just a little at a time. I wanna feel alive…

I wanna give myself a gold star…

……

…Through performing, I am able to experience something that my original did not. I am also starting to slowly form my own individual emotions.

I would like to continue working with Ev3ns to discover the life I want to live and the voice I want to sing in.

You guys…

Raito-san, if you ever decide to distance yourself from us, I hope this means that we’re allowed to confront you on it.

…! O-Of course! By all means!

I especially owe you an apology, Tao.

That’s alright, it’s all settled. But I’ll make sure to tell you to not ignore me next time.

Whatcha guys talking about? But, like… Chii will tell you too!

Like, “C’mon, Raitin, pay attention to Chii!” or something.

Yeah. I’d really appreciate the help. I have a bad habit of being selfish…

You should tell us too! Like, let us know when you need help. Chii always asks the other members for help.

Mutual aid is very important. We are all great friends with each other.

We gotta live up to the Ev3ns namesake, after all!

…Thank you for accepting me.

Well, this group isn’t complete without you, Raito-san.

Yeah, totes! Ev3ns exists ‘cuz of you, Raitin… Wow, it’s like we’re becoming a real idol group now.

Yeah. It’s nice to confide in each other like this.

But we’re still missing a member. Is Kuguri…not in the house?

Kugurinu hasn’t come home since Nayuuki got attacked. I’m kinda worried.

I see… I’ll try to look for him.

…I advise you to take caution with Kuguri.

Huh? Why?

Do you recall how Raito’s announcement of withdrawal was mysteriously broadcasted? You did indeed properly end your livestream at that time, Chihiro.

*gasp* R-Really?!

Wait… Then why’d it start streaming again?

It was Kuguri’s doing. He likely restarted the livestream, then attempted to drive Raito into a corner. He sought to create a more tense atmosphere.

Mm…

But then I got caught up in it and tried to defend Raitin in a weird way…

It wasn’t your fault, Chihiro. I was just too weak.

I do not have evidence, but it is possible that Kuguri also brought the assaulter to the venue.

…That’s crazy. But I guess it would make sense for Kugurinu…

Um…

There’s something that’s been bothering me about that, actually…

I’m home. I’m sorry for worrying you.

Oh, thank goodness! Did your wound heal up alright? Are you able to eat? And talk as well?

Nayuki-kun, we were so worried about you…

I’m completely fine… And I’ve been talking normally this entire time.

It’s alright, Mom. I made sure to be careful while bringing him here. He’s been eating properly, and speaking as well.

Watch it.

Urghh, it’s been ages since both of you came home together… I’m about to cry…

*sigh…*

Yeah, it’s been a while since I’ve been home. Mom, Dad, I’ll make sure to visit you more from now on.

Raito! Oh, you’ve grown so much…! You two can just have a seat and relax! I’ll make you your favorites: ramen and pickled plums!

Make sure you bring out the special one, honey! Since it’s a special occasion!

(They always love to pamper us…)

Hm? A piano… Did we always have this in the living room?

Oh, did you forget? We invited that pianist boy to our house when you were younger. We bought that just for the occasion.

You played a duet with him. It was just the cutest. And Nayuki was adorable with the way he was so excited about it!

…A piano… Duet…

…I remember. That day, we…