Chapter 1: A Place Closer and Farther Than the Moon

Neil Armstrong, the commander of Apollo 11 and the first human to set foot on the lunar surface, must have felt exactly like this.

My legs, on the verge of stepping into an unknown world, were trembling with a mix of nerves and excitement.

This might be one small step for man, but for me, it was a giant leap that felt far too big.

"Geez, what are you doing? Just get in here already."

Standing at my destination, Asada Miharu—dressed in her usual school uniform—gave me a look of pure confusion. Eventually, she let out a huff and grabbed my arm. "Here," she urged.

"Whoa, hey!"

She gave me a sharp tug.

The hesitation I’d been agonizing over for the last few minutes vanished with ridiculous ease. I found myself pulled across the threshold of the luxury apartment building where Miharu lived.

"Come on, head up, head up! I’ll brew us some coffee in a sec. It won’t be anything like what you’d get at a cafe, so sorry in advance."

Miharu kicked off her loafers in the entryway and went scurrying off into the back. Her short, flaxen ponytail bounced up and down like a puppy’s tail.

Normally, Miharu and I were supposed to be spending our afternoon at the new cafe that just opened, enjoying some sweets together.

However, when we arrived after school, we found ourselves standing frozen in front of a "Closed Today" sign hanging on the door.

Personally, I would have been fine with just calling it a day there, but Miharu had insisted, saying, "My place is right nearby, so come over and hang out for a bit." And that’s how I ended up here.

Miharu’s home was in a seriously high-end apartment complex. The first floor had a lounge, and there was even a receptionist with the fancy title of "concierge" waiting at the desk. I was floored.

"Over here!"

Following Miharu’s beckoning hand, I was led to a large sofa in the living room.

"Wait here. I’ll get the coffee ready and some cookies to snack on."

"Oh, please, don't go to any trouble."

When I answered, Miharu shot me a suspicious look.

"Why have you been acting like a cat in a strange house since we got here?"

"I’m just intimidated because your family is way richer than I expected. I mean, I always had a hunch you were well-off, but still."

"Ehh? Was I really giving off 'rich girl' vibes?"

"Since we started dating, I’ve sort of picked up on it. I mean, your clothes and bags are normal enough, but the small things you use every day—like your wallet or your handkerchiefs—look really expensive. It gave me the impression of someone with actual class. You know, real money that doesn't feel the need to show off."

"Ohh, I’d expect nothing less from the president of the Astronomy Club. Your powers of observation are second to none."

After praising me, Miharu let her shoulders slump.

"But man... I was trying to hide it because I didn't want to come across as stuck-up. I guess you caught on anyway."

"Isn't it more 'stuck-up' to go through all that effort to hide it?"

"Hmm, I wonder. Well, from now on, should I start laughing like, 'Ohoho!' and try to act like a real refined lady?"

"Go for it. Knock yourself out."

"But do real refined ladies actually laugh like that?"

"Beats me. You're the only 'lady' I know."

"Hmm, the path to becoming a Shin-Lady is a treacherous one. Anyway, I’ll go brew that coffee."

With that bizarre conclusion reached, Miharu headed for the kitchen.

Left alone in the cavernous living room, I sat on the sofa and waited.

Being in someone else's house—especially your girlfriend's—was incredibly unsettling.

As I fidgeted and looked around, two hands suddenly reached out from behind me, wrapping around my shoulders in a firm embrace.

"...Welcome home."

The voice whispered into my ear was as cold as sleet, yet the breath that brushed against my neck held a warmth close to that of human skin.

M-Miharu? Isn't this a bit too bold, even for your own house?

I felt something soft pressed against the back of my head. It was fluffier than the sofa cushion beneath me—a sensation that felt like it was about to melt my brain. Could this be... My heart pounded with expectation and excitement. I even caught a faint, sweet scent, and my consciousness began to grow hazy.

Just then, I heard Miharu’s voice coming from a distance.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Ryuuichi-kun... Wait, what are you doing, Onee-chan?!"

Huh? Onee-chan?

In that instant, the arms snapped away, and the warmth that had enveloped my body vanished.

I turned around and finally took in the full view of the person standing behind me.

It wasn't Miharu. It was a girl I didn't recognize, though she was wearing the uniform of our high school.

Her long, dark brown hair was tied loosely with a red scrunchie and draped over her shoulder. It looked soft and airy. She had a mature expression that radiated a sense of composure. The gaze from her gentle, drooping eyes held a comforting warmth, like the winter sun.

And more than anything... my eyes were helplessly drawn to her rich, ample chest—a volume that wasn't even worth comparing to Miharu’s.

Wait, was the back of my head just sandwiched between those... those violent curves? By the time I realized I should have committed the sensation to memory, it was already too late.

"Oh, you aren't Miharu? My apologies. I mistook you for my little sister."

Exuding a soft atmosphere, the mysterious girl pressed her hands together in apology.

"N-no, it's fine."

"You're Shibukawa Ryuuichi-kun, right? I'm Sayuki, Miharu's older sister. Nice to meet you."

Miharu had an older sister?

She’d never brought it up, so I had absolutely no idea.

"...Nice to meet you, too."

Sayuki-san reached out a hand, and I reflexively took it. Perhaps she suffered from poor circulation, because her hand was moist and cold, slowly sapping the warmth from mine.

I wonder if it feels like this when I hold Miharu’s hand.

Or would it be a completely different sensation?

Through her sister's hand, I couldn't help but imagine the feeling of Miharu’s hand, which I had yet to hold.

"I thought you said you had Student Council work today. You're home early."

Miharu, carrying a tray with coffee and cookies, stepped in between Sayuki-san and me.

"Yeah, I was supposed to. But things got wrapped up a lot faster than I expected."

"Huh. So Sayuki-san is on the Student Council at our school."

"Ahaha, actually, I am. We've actually run into each other a few times when you came by the Student Council room, Ryuuichi-kun. Do you not... remember me?"

...I didn't.

"It's no use, Onee-chan. When it comes to things he isn't interested in, Ryuuichi-kun’s field of vision is basically zero."

"Ugh, sorry. I don't really get many chances to interact with the upperclassmen, so I’m terrible with faces and names..."

"......"

The moment those words of excuse left my mouth, I felt the air in the room suddenly turn frigid.

Did I say something weird?

Sayuki-san scratched her cheek, looking troubled.

"Well, you see... I’m a first-year, just like you two."

"Wait, but you just said you were her older sister..."

Miharu answered my question for me.

"We're twins."

Hearing that, I looked between the two of them again. Now that they were standing side by side, the differences were even more pronounced. Their height, the position of their waists, the length of their legs, the curves of their bodies... It was honestly harder to find things they had in common.

"Yeah, yeah. There it is. That look."

As I stood there speechless, Miharu pouted.

"You're thinking we don't look alike at all, aren't you? That’s right! We’re the kind of twins who can’t pull off those classic mystery-novel twin-swapping tricks. So there!"

"Ah, but I’ve heard that with fraternal twins, the genes are different, so they can turn out as different as normal siblings—"

"We're identical."

"What?!"

I hadn't seen that coming. I hurriedly bowed my head.

"I am so sorry. Please accept my deepest apologies and allow me to retract my previous statement."

Apparently, I’d been tap-dancing on a minefield of rudeness this entire time.

Perhaps seeing how much I was struggling, Sayuki-san chuckled and tossed me a lifeline.

"Now, now. We're used to people being surprised, so don't worry about it. We look like this now, but when we were little, even our parents used to mistake us for each other. Once again, I’m Asada Sayuki."

"Oh, I'm—"

I opened my mouth to introduce myself properly, but Sayuki-san continued before I could.

"It's okay. I know all about you, Ryuuichi-kun. You're in Class 1-1 with Miharu, and despite being a first-year, you're the president of the Astronomy Club. After the third-years retired to focus on their exams, you became the only member, didn't you?"

"Well, yeah."

"And to keep the club from being disbanded due to a lack of members, you held a recruitment drive and managed to scout Miharu. Now the two of you are keeping the club going together."

"Wait, did I really go into that much detail?"

As Miharu tilted her head in confusion, Sayuki-san gave her a slightly triumphant smile.

"When you’re on the Student Council, you tend to pick up all sorts of information. It's the one and only perk of doing all that plain, tedious grunt work."

It didn't sound like she had joined the Student Council by choice. In the first year, members aren't usually elected; they’re nominated by other students or teachers. She likely accepted the role because she couldn't say no.

"And of course, I know the most vital piece of info: that you're Miharu's boyfriend."

"Ugh."

Miharu turned bright red as well.

"Two months ago, after the Astronomy Club’s regular observation session ended, Miharu was the one who confessed, wasn't she? She said, 『Ryuuichi-kun, you might only be interested in the stars right now, but I want you to get to know me, too. So please, go out with me!』"

It was word-for-word.

"Wait, wait, wait! How do you know that?! I didn't tell you that much!"

"Hehe, I wonder why?"

Sayuki-san, who had been enjoying her little sister's flustered reaction, suddenly turned toward me.

"Say, Ryuuichi-kun. There’s a photo I’d like to show you. Would you like to see it?"

"A photo?"

"Yes. Hasn't Miharu told you about it?"

What is she talking about? I asked Miharu with my eyes, but she just turned her face away.

"...I-it's fine. You don't have to show him."

"But I’m sure Ryuuichi-kun would be absolutely fascinated by it."

When it comes to events at a girl's house, usually that meant showing off old photo albums.

"Come, let’s go. I’m sure you’ll like it."

With that, Sayuki-san grabbed my hand and led me out of the living room.

"W-wait up!"

Miharu hurriedly followed after us.

"It's a bit messy, but..."

Sayuki-san opened the door with an embarrassed air, but contrary to her words, the room was perfectly tidy. The furniture was unified in a monochrome palette—a simple, modern space that fit Sayuki-san's image perfectly. The moment I stepped inside, the pleasant scent of aroma oil tickled my nose.

"No, it's actually really nice."

As I entered Sayuki-san's room, my eyes were immediately drawn to a poster on the wall.

It was a photograph of the Tokyo Skytree. But that wasn't all. Hovering directly above the tower was a shimmering, ring-like object. Of course, it wasn't an actual ring. I recognized it instantly: an annular solar eclipse.

A phenomenon where the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, partially obscuring the sun's light and making it look like a ring. Since it was captured alongside the Tokyo Skytree, the timing of the photo was naturally limited.

"This is a photo of the annular eclipse, isn't it?"

"Correct. I’d expect nothing less from you, Ryuuichi-kun."

"Did you... take this, Sayuki-san?"

"My dad was the one who took the picture. But I’ve loved space and astronomy since I was little, so I used to go out with him all the time to do celestial photography."

As Sayuki-san smiled, her face suddenly overlapped with the memory of that girl.

At the same time, the scenery from back then came rushing back.

The summer heat clinging to my skin, the night breeze brushing my cheeks, the faint starlight illuminating the dim campsite, the moon slowly being eclipsed... and in the midst of that fantastical scene, that girl smiling at me. In my memories, that girl was always blurred, like a telescope that was out of focus.

...Could it be Sayuki-san?

Her vibe, her knowledge of astronomy—there were too many points of commonality.

With hands trembling from anticipation, I pulled out my phone and showed her my wallpaper.

"Sayuki-san. Have you ever seen this before?"

"Hmm? Is that... a keychain?"

It wasn't even a celestial photograph; it was a picture of a star-shaped keychain. Just an image I’d taken of it sitting on the desk in my room.

"Do you... happen to have one?"

My faint hope was crushed in an instant by the bewildered expression on Sayuki-san's face.

"I'm sorry, I don't think I recognize it. ...Is it something important to you, Ryuuichi-kun?"

"Yeah, well. I have the actual thing in my room. I just thought if anyone else had one... But if you don't know it, that’s fine. Sorry, just forget I asked."

I see. It wasn't her. And here I thought I’d finally found her.

I tucked the disappointment back into my pocket along with my phone and turned my attention back to the annular eclipse poster.

"This photo really is well-captured. I only got into astronomy when I was in elementary school, so this event had already passed by then. I remember being devastated when I learned that the next one visible from the Kanto region wouldn't be for hundreds of years."

Sayuki-san, who had drifted close enough that our shoulders were almost touching, gave a small nod.

"That is frustrating. Celestial events often have cycles of decades or centuries, so you don't get many chances to see them in a single lifetime. It's a huge shock to realize later that you missed a golden opportunity."

"Y-yes. Exactly... Ahaha, I never thought I’d find someone who actually understood that feeling."

"Hehe. I've missed more celestial shows than I can count. I understand how you feel all too well, Ryuuichi-kun."

This might be the first time I’d met someone who was this easy to talk to.

"If you’d like, I could give you the image data for this? I have other photos from back then, too. Do you want them?"

"Really? Absolutely!"

"Then I'll send them over. Can you give me your LINE account?"

As my conversation with Sayuki-san grew more animated, I caught a glimpse of Miharu standing off to the side out of the corner of my eye. She was pouting grumpily, and I heard her mumble under her breath.

"Oh, boy. This is exactly why I didn't want to show him."

"Sorry about that. I got totally carried away talking to Sayuki-san."

"It's fine. I figured the two of you would hit it off."

I’d ended up talking to Sayuki-san the whole time and leaving Miharu out in the cold, which had clearly soured her mood.

"I'm really sorry. I’ll make it up to you, I promise. I’ll treat you to a premium parfait at that cafe we couldn't go to today."

"Well, in that case, you're forgiven."

My girlfriend really is easy to—I mean, she’s a straightforward, good girl.

"You showed that keychain photo to my Onee-chan too. You're still looking for that friend you met at the campsite? I guess you haven't found them yet."

I had shown that photo to Miharu before. Those keychains were distributed to participants of a certain event, so there shouldn't be many people who own one.

Previously, I’d held out a selfish hope that Miharu might be that girl, showed her the keychain, and then gotten depressed on my own when it turned out she wasn't. It was exactly the same as today.

"Yeah. We only met once when we were kids, but it was thanks to them that I got into stargazing and astronomy. That’s why I want to meet them one more time and say thank you..."

"That person really is your benefactor, huh? I hope you can meet them again someday."

Her gaze, full of pure support for me, was almost blinding.

I used to think optimistically that as long as I stayed involved in astronomy, we’d eventually cross paths again. But I didn't even know that girl’s name, and her face was already starting to grow hazy in my mind.

To be honest, I’d almost given up.

"Well, see you at school! Bye-bye!"

Waving back to Miharu, I stepped into the elevator, passed through the lounge, gave a brief nod to the concierge, and finally made it outside.

I let out a sigh of relief, having finally escaped the "uncharted territory" that was her home. I felt like an Apollo crew member who had just returned to Earth.

As I was soaking in that feeling, the phone in my pocket began to vibrate. I had an incoming voice call from Sayuki-san, whose account I had just exchanged.

"Hello?"

『It’s been a while—well, since a few minutes ago.』

"Did something happen? Did I leave something behind?"

『I just wanted to talk. ...Right now, I’m out on the balcony. Can you see me from there? Over here!』

I turned around and looked up at the luxury apartment building I had just left.

It was on the top floor... Ah, there. There was a figure leaning over the balcony, waving this way. It was Sayuki-san. No mistaking it.

I waved back and replied, "I see you."

"So, did you need something?"

『Well, you see, there was something I wanted to tell you—something I didn't want Miharu to hear. ...But, hmm, how should I put this?』

She seemed uncharacteristically hesitant.

『To put it bluntly: the truth is, I’m Asada Miharu from the future, on my second loop through life.』

"......"

『The soul of the future Asada Miharu returned to the past and was reborn as Miharu’s twin sister. That’s the "me" you see now. That’s why I’ve known all about you for a long time, Ryuuichi-kun.』

"Huh. Is that so? That’s pretty amazing."

『Geez. I can tell by your voice that you don't believe me at all.』

"Well, I mean, what was I supposed to say? Should I have given you some over-the-top reaction like a comedian? Or maybe a witty comeback about a certain robotic cat from the future?"

Communication really isn't my strong suit. I thought I’d be able to talk a bit better with Sayuki-san since we share an interest in astronomy, but doing things I’m not used to is always a struggle.

『Well, I suppose it’s only natural that you wouldn't buy a story like that right off the bat. In that case, I’ll make a prediction as proof that I’m from the future.』

"A prediction?"

『Next Friday, the Astronomy Club has its regular rooftop observation session, right? During that, it’s going to rain out of nowhere and the session will be cancelled. I experienced it myself in the future, so there’s no mistake.』

"The forecast for Friday night is nothing but clear skies. The chance of precipitation is zero."

『Well, just you wait and see.』

I had a feeling Sayuki-san just blew me a wink.

With that, the call from Sayuki-san ended. It seemed she had gone back inside, as I could no longer see her on the balcony.

What was that joke even supposed to be?

Sayuki-san, Miharu’s older sister. She was beautiful, but I really couldn't wrap my head around her.

High above the luxury apartment, the moon reigned like a queen, looking down on me.

Commander Armstrong, for me, her house really was just as much of an unknown world as the lunar surface.

The Astronomy Club’s observation sessions are held twice a month, on the night before a holiday.

Prior application is mandatory, but it grants us access to the roof—which is normally closed off—and even allows us to stay overnight at the school until the following morning. There’s a certain sense of superiority that comes with experiencing an event that isn't part of the norm.

The sun had almost completely sunk into the western sky, and beautiful stars were twinkling overhead.

The rooftop sessions usually last all night, from dusk until just before dawn the next day. That’s not to say we’re staring at the sky the entire time, though. The main observation periods are evening and dawn; from 10:00 PM to around 2:00 AM, we usually take a nap.

If we were just doing general stargazing, there’d be no need to fixate on the evening and dawn windows. However, due to certain circumstances, I had been targeting these specific times for quite a while.

"Lately, it’s been perfect weather for stargazing, hasn't it?"

Relaxing in a folding outdoor chair set up on the roof was Inou-sensei, the Astronomy Club’s advisor.

Her subject is physics. Her hair is always a mess because she lets it grow out simply because cutting it is a hassle. She wears a lab coat, giving her the appearance of a mad scientist, but I’m fairly certain she isn't a suspicious person.

"Summer was hell. It was hot, there were bugs everywhere, and it took forever for the sun to set."

As we were talking, a cold plastic bottle was pressed against my cheek.

"Here, Ryuuichi-kun. It's gotten a bit cooler, but don't forget to stay hydrated. Also, sorry, but Yuria says she’s skipping today. Apparently, she used up all her energy at the track club."

"Oh, she already messaged me about it. It’s fine."

Yuria—that is, Kunitomo Yuria—was the other member of the Astronomy Club. She was Miharu’s childhood friend, and the two of them were close enough that they were both currently members of the track and field club.

"I’m really sorry. Lately, Yuria’s been so focused on the upcoming track meet that she’s been a bit distracted."

"No, she’s doing us a favor by dual-clubbing in the first place, so it’s fine if she wants to take a break. Besides, if there’s a meet coming up, you could have skipped today, too, Miharu."

"In my case, it’s not like flailing around now is going to change my times. ...Besides, before I’m a member of the Astronomy Club, I’m Ryuuichi-kun’s g-girlfriend!"

...When she says that with her face turning beet-red, it makes me feel embarrassed, too.

A brief, awkward silence followed. Miharu raised her voice to blow away the atmosphere.

"S-since Yuria isn't here, you can eat as many snacks as you want! They’re just homemade, so they might not be as good as store-bought..."

On the roof, we had the essential telescopes and DSLR cameras, of course, but we also had a table and chairs for everyone. The table was piled high with various bags of snacks, including some homemade ones Miharu had prepared. The cookies in the cutely wrapped packages looked just as good as anything you’d buy at a store.

"That's not true. I’m always grateful that you make them for us."

Miharu’s specialty, ginger cookies, had become a staple of our stargazing sessions. She never failed to bring them on our dates, either.

"Ehehe, I’m glad you like them. This is about the only way I can contribute... I still don't understand the camera settings at all."

Miharu glared at a DSLR camera mounted on a tripod—which was aimed at the western sky—as if it were a difficult exam paper.

"Taking photos of stars is completely different from normal photography. You have to use long exposures, remote shutters, and set the lens to infinity."

"Ah, you taught me about the infinity setting the other day, didn't you? You fiddle with the lens dial when you’re shooting something really far away, right?"

"Yeah, that’s a good enough way to put it."

Infinity. In physics, it refers to a place so far away that gravity can be defined as no longer reaching it. But in camera terminology, it simply means the setting used to focus on subjects at a great distance.

"So, how’s the sky looking tonight? Do you think you might find it this time?"

"It wouldn't be this much work if it were that easy to find."

I let out a wry smile and turned my gaze toward the western sky. The sun was already gone.

The reason I keep observing during the evening and dawn hours...

...is to find a new comet that hasn't been discovered by anyone else yet.

Comets grow brighter as they approach the sun. That’s why the best time to observe them is either just after sunset—when there’s still a tiny bit of sunlight left—or just before dawn—when the sun is about to rise. In fact, in most past cases, they’ve been discovered just before dawn.

When a new comet is found, it’s named after the discoverer. It’s a dream shared by every amateur astronomer.

To make that dream a reality, I’d set the Astronomy Club’s activity hours to the times when undiscovered comets are most likely to be spotted.

"It'll be okay. I'm sure you’ll find one, Ryuuichi-kun."

"I mean, these days, research institutions search massive areas of space all at once, so the chances for an amateur to find something have dropped significantly. It’s the kind of thing where you might not find one in an entire lifetime..."

"But the chance isn't zero, right? Then you can’t give up! I’ll keep supporting you until you find one!"

It was a classic "sports manga" sentiment, but Miharu’s cheerfulness was always encouraging.

For a moment, her expression overlapped with that girl. The person I was searching for even more desperately than an unknown comet—that girl who was completely elusive.

I shook my head hurriedly to dispel the phantom.

I’d done it again.

I’d decided to stop projecting that girl onto Miharu. How long was I going to remain a prisoner of my memories? I wasn't a satellite that couldn't escape Earth's gravity; it was time to break free.

I gave myself a stern mental scolding and turned back to Miharu.

"Alright. Let's give it our all and start the observation."

"Well, it might be a bit difficult tonight."

Just as I’d pumped myself up, Inou-sensei’s drawling voice threw cold water on my resolve.

"Look, the clouds have already moved in."

Inou-sensei, her mouth covered in snack crumbs, was looking up at the sky. Following her gaze, I looked up as well.

At some point, a thick curtain of clouds had covered the starry sky.

"What? No way. Was the forecast for cloudy weather today?"

"No, it was supposed to be clear. It’s probably just a small patch of clouds in this area. I’m sure it’ll pass in no time—"

That optimistic outlook was abruptly crushed by a single drop of water that landed on the tip of Miharu’s well-shaped nose.

"Ah."

Miharu instinctively pressed her finger to her nose. Immediately after, a downpour of rain—following the "first penguin"—began to pelt us in a massive swarm.

"Crap! The gear! Get the gear!"

Panicking in the sudden deluge, we scrambled to carry the astronomical equipment back into the school building.

By the time we had finished the evacuation, we were all as soaking wet as if we’d been doing a swimming exercise in our clothes.

"Ugh, I'm drenched. Even my underwear is soaked."

Miharu pulled at the collar of her uniform—which was now clinging tightly to her body—and looked down inside with a frown.

At that moment, I saw a droplet of water slide down her neck, using her collarbone as a slide, and disappear into the crevice of the slight swelling beneath.

When our eyes met, I realized I’d been staring with zero delicacy.

"Ah, u-um."

Crap. I’d been doing it completely unconsciously.

"...R-Ryuuichi-kun. It’s embarrassing, so don't stare so much."

Her cheeks flushed, Miharu crossed her arms in front of her chest, hiding the underwear that was faintly visible through her damp shirt.

"S-sorry!"

Just as I hurriedly turned away, a soft, white cloth was draped over my face.

"Here. Dry yourself off. It’ll be bad if you catch a cold."

Inou-sensei’s laid-back vibe was a godsend for defusing the awkward atmosphere. After quickly wiping my head and clothes with the towel, I rushed over to the still-wet telescope.

"Miharu, sorry. Can you wipe down this camera, too?"

I wiped the droplets off the telescope while handing the wet camera to Miharu.

"Ah, y-yeah! L-like this?"

Miharu began to carefully wipe down the DSLR.

"Yeah, exactly. Thanks. These are precision instruments, so we have to be careful with moisture."

Once we’d finished quickly wiping all the equipment, I finally felt like I could breathe again.

"Now then, we’ll freeze if we stay like this. Why don't you two use the shower room to warm up?"

"Wait, is that okay?!"

At Inou-sensei’s suggestion, Miharu’s eyes lit up.

"It’s not like anyone else is around. I use it all the time when I’m working overtime. It helps save on utility bills at home, too."

I wonder if that’s actually allowed?

After returning the equipment to the clubroom and locking it up tight, we headed for the shower room.

Man, talk about bad luck.

Naturally, I’m always careful about rain during observation sessions. Even today, I’d checked the rain radar beforehand. A localized "guerrilla rainstorm" like this was just terrible luck. It was almost as if the raincloud had shown up specifically to cancel today’s session.

...Rain, huh.

Something about it was nagging at me.

But that tiny sense of dissonance was drowned out by Miharu’s voice calling out to me.

The annex of the school building, where the sports clubs' locker rooms are clustered, houses a modest shower room. Apparently, after practice, athletes line up here to wash away the "sweat of youth." For a minor, non-athletic group like the Astronomy Club—with its grand total of three members—it’s normally a sacred territory we’d never dare enter.

Truth be told, I’d always felt a tiny bit of yearning for that shower room. Now that I was actually here, I felt a knot of nerves in my stomach.

But then Inou-sensei turned a regretful look my way, and I got a very bad feeling.

"Ah, sorry, Shibukawa-kun. My faculty ID gets me into the girls' showers, but it won't work for the boys'. I’m really sorry, but would you mind waiting out here?"

Right. Of course. I wasn't getting in.

I guess it makes sense that even teachers can't enter the showers of the opposite sex. To prevent "unfortunate incidents," those kinds of safeguards are only natural. It’s a good sign that our school has a high sense of compliance.

"Sorry, Ryuuichi-kun. I’ll make it quick!" Miharu called out.

And so, I was left to wait until their shower time was over.

Looking out the window, the rain clouds were still loitering over the area, continuing to drop a light but steady drizzle. Since the weather was so miserable, we’d probably just disband for the night once they were done.

I stared blankly at the droplets on the window as they slowly traced paths down the glass.

At that moment, the memory of Sayuki-san’s words finally surged back into my mind, and the hair on my arms stood on end.

It happened exactly as she said. Despite a zero-percent chance of precipitation.

In that instant, the phone in my pocket vibrated, making my entire body jump.

When I looked at the screen, I was hit by a second wave of shock.

With trembling fingers, I tapped to answer.

『See? It rained, didn't it?』 Sayuki-san’s voice came through, sounding smug right from the start. 『Is Miharu in the shower right now? And Ryuuichi-kun has been left all alone. Poor thing. Hehe.』

"You... you knew?"

『I told you, didn't I? I’m the Miharu from the second loop.』

This time, I couldn't just laugh it off.

『Well, talking over the phone is a bit bland. Let's speak face-to-face. I don't want Miharu overhearing, so come to the lounge area on the first floor of the main building. I’ll be waiting.』

Following her instructions, I left the annex and headed back to the main building.

The lounge area, usually bustling with students during breaks, was predictably deserted at ten o'clock at night. Except for one person sitting on a bench: Sayuki-san.

Noticing my arrival, Sayuki-san gestured for me to sit beside her.

"Do you believe me now? That I’m the Miharu from the second loop?"

Sayuki-san’s triumphant smile certainly reminded me of Miharu. Not her physical appearance, but something in her aura. I still couldn't tell if it was because they were truly the same person, or simply because they were twins.

"I’m still... half-and-half, I guess. Or maybe ten percent belief and ninety percent doubt. Something like that."

"Then perhaps I should show you one more piece of evidence. At today's rooftop session, Miharu brought those homemade ginger cookies again, didn't she?"

"Yeah, she did. But that’s not exactly a secret."

"She brings them every time she meets you, but they’ve always been a bit of a nuisance, haven't they? I’m sorry. You don't actually like them, do you? Ginger cookies."

"No way. I like them fine. They have a light sweetness that makes them easy to eat. For me, that’s—"

Sayuki-san gave a sad, knowing smile.

"Liar. On your first date, Miharu brought cookies, and you were so considerate that you gave her a white lie, saying they were so delicious you could eat them every day. Miharu took you seriously and started making them all the time. Since then, you’ve never been able to turn them down, right?"

"......"

"In your heart, you actually preferred something sweeter, like chocolate chip. I’m sorry I kept making ginger cookies because of the preconception that boys prefer less-sweet treats."

When I first went out with Miharu, she’d handed me a pretty tupperware container filled with ginger cookies. When I bit into one, the sharp scent of ginger felt a bit too strong for my taste.

But seeing Miharu’s face—her hands trembling as she held the container, her eyes looking up at me with such anxiety—I couldn't bring myself to tell her the truth.

Since then, I’d never been able to say a word.

I figured it was just a matter of me putting up with it for a bit. A small lie to keep our relationship moving smoothly.

Having those secret thoughts picked apart by Sayuki-san made me feel incredibly uncomfortable.

"I’m sorry I kept making you walk on eggshells. Back then, I was so desperate to be the 'ideal girlfriend' that I wasn't really looking at you at all, Ryuuichi-kun."

"...How did you know I wasn't a fan of the ginger cookies?"

"Because you told me. In the future."

The reason Sayuki-san knew what would happen, and the things I had kept hidden.

It was because this was her second time living this life.

It was ridiculous, and completely unrealistic, yet it provided an answer that actually made sense.

"Fine. Let's say I accept that for a second. What exactly did you come back to the past for?"

As I asked the question, Sayuki-san stared back into my eyes with a transparent gaze. Her eyes felt like a fortune teller's crystal ball, seeing through the future and my own heart at once. I felt my pulse quicken.

Sayuki-san leaned in toward me.

"...Make me your girlfriend, Ryuuichi-kun."

For a moment, I couldn't process what she’d just said.

"W-wait a minute! I’m... I’m dating Miharu right now!"

Sayuki-san gave a soft giggle at my stammering response.

"That doesn't matter, does it? You can just date me while keeping it a secret from Miharu."

"You mean... that would be..."

I swallowed the word before I could say it. If I spoke it aloud, it felt like it would become real.

But Sayuki-san uttered the word I had suppressed with casual ease.

"...An affair?"

Hearing that immoral, seductive word whispered in my ear made a shiver run down my spine, as if a finger had just traced a line down my back.

Sayuki-san laughed again.

"It’s okay. I’m 'Miharu' too, after all. To you, I’m just the girlfriend from the second loop, so it’s not really cheating, is it?"

"E-even if you put it like that, I’m not exactly going to say, 'Oh, sure, that makes sense!'"

I desperately tried to rally my logic to deny her, but Sayuki-san just placed a contemplative finger against her cheek.

"Hmm, you're stubborn. Well, then, if 'official girlfriend' is too much, why don't you think of me as your practice girlfriend?"

What did she just say? Practice girlfriend?

"I can give you advice on what would make 'Miharu' happy, or what would upset her. That’s not a bad deal for you, or for the current 'Miharu,' right? It’s a win-win."

"No, even if you say that, to me, you're Miharu's older sister!"

"I could teach you such wonderful things that you’d forget all about that, you know?"

As she said this, Sayuki-san peered into my face. By leaning forward slightly, her breasts—pulled by gravity—hung down like well-shaped pears. Perhaps it's the destiny of my agricultural ancestors, but my gaze was practically glued to those rich, ripened fruits.

A kaleidoscope of delusions raced through my mind.

"Wonderful things... like... what?"

My mouth was bone-dry from nerves. I didn't even know what kind of answer I was hoping for.

However, the response from Sayuki-san’s glossy lips was completely different from my expectations.

"Regarding your dream, of course."

"Huh?"

The moment I heard that, my flighty delusions vanished.

"Ryuuichi-kun, you want to find a new comet, right? Your head is so full of that dream that you can't truly get serious about your current romance. Isn't that right?"

...She was right.

Miharu had confessed to me and we’d started dating, but our relationship hadn't progressed at all. It was because I had a reckless dream that I didn't know if I’d ever achieve in my lifetime. I couldn't help but put the dream first.

"But then again... that’s just an excuse, isn't it?"

"A-an excuse? What do you mean by that?" My voice cracked.

First the ginger cookies, and now she knew about this, too?

"Having a dream of discovering a comet is very beautiful and romantic, but that’s not your true dream, Ryuuichi-kun."

I’d never told anyone. I’d kept it hidden for so long.

What I was really searching for wasn't a comet at all...

I couldn't look Sayuki-san in the eye as she smiled in the dim light. How much did this woman know about me? With those transparently beautiful eyes, was she seeing things about me that I didn't even know myself?

"The person you’ve been looking for all this time is the girl you met at the campsite during summer break in elementary school, isn't it? The one you watched the lunar eclipse with, who taught you all about space. Your first love."

"It... it wasn't 'first love' or anything like—"

The denial reached my throat, but I managed to swallow it. Even if I said it, there was no way she’d believe me.

Sayuki-san continued.

"You think that if you discover an unknown comet, you might be able to meet her again. The reason you chose the campsite used by the Astronomy Club is because that’s where you met her, and you’re hoping for a reunion, right?"

She had pegged everything perfectly. I felt like I was standing there completely naked. A chill of fear ran down my spine.

"How... do you know all this?"

"Because you told me, Ryuuichi-kun. ...Back when we broke up."

In that moment, a flicker of sadness wavered in Sayuki-san’s eyes.

"You apologized to me, saying you were sorry for always chasing her shadow. Well, that wasn't the only reason we broke up. I had my own problems—I was obsessed with my preconceptions of how a 'girlfriend' should be, and I wasn't really looking at you. It was a series of continuous misunderstandings between us."

For just that instant, the way Sayuki-san looked at me seemed distant. Her focus was pulled toward the past—and for me, toward the future.

"But at this rate, you and the current Miharu will end up breaking up as well. That’s not a guess; it’s the history that I actually experienced in my second loop."

A moment later, her gaze returned to the "me" of the present.

"So, it’s fine if you use me as a practice partner for your love life, isn't it? After all, even the current Miharu is just a substitute for that first love of yours."

"N-no! I didn't mean it like that!"

The voice that reflexively shot back was clearly shaken, even to my own ears.

It was because she’d hit the bullseye. I didn't intend to use Miharu as a substitute. But I couldn't deny that I’d been projecting that girl onto her.

Sayuki-san enveloped my bitter anguish with a smile.

"Hehe, sorry for being so mean. But don't blame yourself. You're suffering too, aren't you, Ryuuichi-kun? It’s okay. I’ll save you."

"And how... are you going to do that?"

"The truth is, this year, a new comet will be discovered by an amateur astronomer. I know the exact time and direction that comet will be visible. All of it."

For a comet hunter, that information was far too tantalizing.

"You can discover an unknown comet and give it your name. It’ll be huge news in the amateur astronomy world. This might lead to a reunion with your first love, or you might end up never meeting her. Either way, it’ll be a good chance to finally put your memories to rest, won't it?"

Put that way, she was right.

If that girl was still as much of a space-lover as she was back then, there was no way she’d miss the news of a high schooler discovering a new comet.

If I discovered the comet and still didn't meet her, that would be proof that she was no longer the girl I once knew. If that happened, I could finally put an end to this feeling that I wasn't even sure I could call "first love."

As long as I was dragging around the memory of that girl, I’d never be able to truly face Miharu. In that case, Sayuki-san’s proposal might be exactly what I needed to move forward.

The fact that I found myself agreeing made a cold shiver run down my back. Wasn't I playing right into Sayuki-san’s hands?

But I couldn't think of any other choice but to accept.

As if to seal the deal, Sayuki-san leaned against me, and my upper arm was sandwiched between her ample breasts. I could almost hear a squishy sound effect.

Wrapped in those two ripened fruits, the sensation in my arm slowly began to melt away. It felt like being submerged in lukewarm water.

"S-Sayuki-san... y-you're too close!"

Despite my words, I couldn't suppress the desire for her to press even closer.

Perhaps sensing that my resistance wasn't sincere, Sayuki-san remained silent, wearing a bewitching smile. Then, as if responding to my expectations, she quietly shifted her weight toward me. The pressure of the soft breasts against my arm increased, their shape yielding like freshly pounded mochi.

The empty school building was surprisingly quiet, which meant every little sound reached my ears. The thump-thump of my heart sounded so violent, it was as if it were ringing right in my ear.

I couldn't hear anything else.

Sayuki-san’s lips drifted close to my ear. Her voice was terrifyingly sweet.

"Eventually... I’ll make you forget everything about your first love, and about Miharu, too."