Chapter 3 The Doll

—After school.

“Iori! What’s your plan for today?”

“Work.”

“Man, you’re no fun lately. ...Was our time together just a game to you?!”

“Knock it off.”

It was gross. He was draining my will to work. I brushed off a clingy Renji and made my way out of the school gates.

I walked to the station and hopped on the train. As I stared out the window, I couldn't stop thinking.

(Scary, huh?)

What did Kashiwagi-san mean by that? Was it because she was too beautiful? Or because she was so perfect she didn’t seem human?

I shook the thoughts away. By the time I stopped overthinking, I had reached my destination.

“—Sorry I’m late.”

“Ah, Iori-kun. No trouble at all. You’ve still got five minutes. Go ahead and get changed.”

I was greeted by the dapper, middle-aged manager.

【Cafe Nocturne】

My part-time job was at a small, independently-owned cafe about a fifteen-minute walk from my house. Every time the door opened, a bell chimed—clink-clonk. The air inside was a comforting blend of old wood and freshly roasted beans. It was a sophisticated place with an older clientele—a sanctuary where time flowed differently than at school or home.

“Ready to go.”

“Good. A sandwich for table two, please.”

“On it.”

I balanced the plate on my hand. I was used to this by now. When I first started, I was constantly tripping over chairs and dropping things with a loud clatter! But now, I could navigate the floor with my eyes closed.

I’ve really grown, I thought to myself, feeling a small sense of pride.

“—Thank you for waiting. One sandwich.”

I served the elegant, elderly woman at table two. She gave me a warm smile.

“Thank you, Iori-kun.”

“You’re very welcome.”

Most of the people here were regulars. I knew almost every face.

“So, how have things been? You’re in high school now—any lucky ladies in your life?”

“U-uh... well... I wouldn’t say that.”

My face twitched. A girlfriend. Two faces immediately popped into my head. Both were incredibly beautiful girls, but unfortunately, I had no such plans with either of them.

The woman chuckled softly at my awkward reaction.

“Oh, don’t be like that. You have to be proactive! You have such a cute face, Iori-kun. I’m sure there are girls watching you.”

“Haha... I’ll do my best.”

I spent the rest of my shift attending to the various gentlemen and ladies... until.

Clink-clonk.

“Welcome to—!”

The moment I looked toward the door, I froze. A female student had walked in. It was rare enough to see students here, but...

(Wait, why?)

A familiar uniform. Familiar long black hair. A tall, strikingly beautiful girl I knew all too well.

“Oh my... what a lovely young lady,” the woman at table two whispered.

I had to agree. She was stunning. I really wished I could just leave it at that.

“? Iori-kun? A customer is waiting,” the woman prompted.

I snapped out of it and hurried over.

“W-welcome. A table for one?”

“Yeah.”

She gave a small nod. You’re supposed to say "Yes, please."

I didn’t want anyone to realize we knew each other... actually, it probably didn't matter here.

“...This way, please.”

“Mm.”

The "customer"—Yukimura Mizuki—sat down with practiced elegance at the table I indicated.

“What are you doing here?” I hissed under my breath.

She had never once set foot in my workplace before.

“Iori. Did you check your LINE?”

“LINE?”

I pulled out my phone, even though I wasn’t supposed to be on it during work.

“Oh.”

There were three unread messages.

【Mizuki: Are you working today?】

【Mizuki: What time do you think you’ll be finished?】

【Mizuki: Let me know when you see this.】

“Sorry, I didn’t notice. Is something wrong?”

“No. I’m fine.”

She shook her head quietly. I tilted my head, confused.

“Besides, I’ve always wanted to come here. I’m glad I did.”

She offered a tiny smile and poked my chest with her finger.

“The apron looks good on you.”

She looked genuinely happy as she took in my work attire.

“...Right. Thanks. What can I get you?”

“An iced coffee.”

“Understood. One iced coffee.”

I sighed at my cheerful childhood friend. As I headed back to give the order to the manager...

“—Iori-kun.”

The regular at table two stopped me.

“Yes?”

“Is she... is she your girlfriend?”

“Eh? No!”

The question caught me off guard. “...It’s not like that,” I managed to say, trying to stay calm.

But she just gave me a knowing, mischievous grin.

“Hmm, I see. A one-sided crush, then?”

“...!”

I couldn’t find the words to respond. That silence was a fatal mistake. Her eyes lit up as she nodded repeatedly.

“How wonderful. So youthfully vibrant! Though, I must admit, a girl that beautiful is quite the prize. I’m rooting for you. Good luck!”

“...Thanks.”

I ran a hand through my hair, feeling thoroughly teased. I walked away, trying to keep Mizuki out of my line of sight while she messed with her phone.

“Boss. One iced coffee, please.”

“You got it, Iori-kun.”

“Yes?”

“Is that her? The 'absurdly good-looking childhood friend' you mentioned?”

“...Yeah.”

I’d let it slip once before. A childhood friend who lived next door and was far too pretty for her own good. I remembered the manager saying he’d love to see her someday.

“I see. Well, I’m impressed. I didn’t expect her to be that beautiful.”

“I guess.”

Most people had a similar reaction the first time they saw her. The small face, the perfect proportions, those jewel-like eyes. A face-card rating of over eighty (according to Renji) wasn't just hyperbole.

“Still, for her to come all the way to your job... I see how it is.”

“W-what is that supposed to mean?”

“Oh, nothing. I’m just envious, is all. I wish you two the best.”

He gave me a wink and started preparing the coffee. ...What exactly was he misunderstanding?

“—So, seriously, why did you come?”

Work was over, and Mizuki and I were walking home together. I asked the question with a bit of a scowl, but she seemed completely unbothered.

“Just because?”

“'Just because' isn't an answer.”

At least give me a heads-up next time, I thought. That cafe was my oasis—the one place where even this childhood friend couldn't reach me.

“I wanted to know. What kind of people you work with, and what kind of place it is.”

“Why would you care about that?”

Mizuki narrowed her eyes slightly. “Because... I think it’s necessary.”

She murmured something I didn't quite understand. Even if I asked, she probably wouldn't tell me. I scratched my head with a sigh.

“...Just let me know before you come over next time.”

“Mm.”

She just smiled at my sigh, walking naturally by my side. Seeing her acting like her usual self, I gave up on the interrogation. We exchanged small talk about school and dinner as we made our way home.

It was a path we’d walked countless times. It hadn't changed since we were kids.

...Except.

(Back then, we were always holding hands.)

Mizuki would beg for it, and I’d eventually cave in, despite my embarrassment. I wondered when we’d stopped doing that.

We walked in silence for a while until Mizuki suddenly veered off toward a different direction.

“Mizuki? Where are you going?”

Home is the other way, I thought, confused. She turned back to look at me, her silky black hair swaying, her beautiful profile illuminated by the moonlight.

“A little detour. Okay?”

She smiled and kept walking without waiting for an answer. I sighed and followed her. I had no idea where we were going, so I just trailed behind her.

The place she led me to was...

“...This place.”

“Nostalgic, isn’t it? It’s been a while.”

It was the park near our houses—the place where we used to play all the time when we were little.

“Why here?”

She didn't answer, instead stepping into the park. I followed her until we reached...

“—Do you remember?”

The swings. Mizuki narrowed her eyes, looking at them with a fond expression.

“Yeah.”

I nodded. How could I forget? This was an important place for both of us.

—The place where Mizuki and I first met.

“Good. I’m glad.”

She sat down on a swing and looked up at me. My mind drifted back to the past.

◇

『Now, Iori? You stay right here until Mommy comes back to get you, okay?』

—I was five years old.

My mother would often take me to the local park to play with other kids my age. We’d play soccer or dodgeball—it changed every day. That day was no different, except...

『...Everyone went home...』

For some reason, the other kids had left early that day. I felt my shoulders slump. A big park felt very lonely when you were all by yourself. My mother had gone to buy drinks and hadn't come back yet. I knew better than to move around too much, or I’d get lost.

So, I waited for her, kicking my ball around... until.

『...?』

I spotted a small figure near the swings. Amidst the falling leaves, the figure sat perfectly still, as if time had stopped. From a distance, I could tell it was a girl I didn’t know. I didn't know how long she’d been there.

But I was happy to see someone else alone. Maybe she’d play with me. I trotted over to her.

When I finally saw her up close—

『...!』

I forgot to breathe.

Her skin was as white as snow. Her hair was a lustrous black. And her eyes... they were like long, sharp jewels framed by thick lashes. She was more beautiful than anything I’d ever seen in my life.

—There are people this pretty?

It was a shock to my system. Even as a child, I instinctively understood that this girl was... special.

『...Who are you?』

Her voice was crystal clear. I snapped out of it to find those large, jewel-like eyes staring directly at me, reflecting my own dumbfounded face.

(...Oh.)

I panicked. She’d spoken to me. I hadn't thought about what to say; I’d just been staring. I had to say something... fast.

The words that came out were:

『...W-wanna play with me?』

I held out my soccer ball as an offering. But the girl just stared at it, silent.

(Wait, what?)

I started to sweat. Did she hate soccer? Should I have offered a doll? But I didn't have one... I scrambled for excuses, but it was too late.

Just as I felt like I was about to cry from the silence, she spoke.

『...Why?』

She tilted her head slightly.

『Huh?』

『Why do you want to play with me?』

I froze. Why? Why did I...

I grumbled internally. Because she was pretty? Because she was cute? Well, yeah, but...

My mind was spinning. I looked at her again, trying to find an answer.

(...Oh...)

When I looked into her eyes...

(It’s like...)

The words just slipped out.

『...Because... you look lonely?』

The moment the words left my mouth, I wanted to hit myself. What am I even saying?

But she...

『...』

She looked stunned. Her cold expression melted away, revealing a flash of genuine emotion. It was an expression that suggested she’d never been told something like that before.

『A-ah, um...』

I worried that I’d made her angry.

『D-did you hate that...?』 I asked tentatively.

She didn’t answer right away.

(...I wish Mommy would come back soon.)

I was just about to give up when...

『...Okay.』

『Eh?』

『Let’s play together.』

She reached out and took my hand. I stood there, dazed. I didn't really understand what had happened. But the hand I was holding was so soft... a little cool, and very smooth. It was a completely new sensation for me.

And finally... I realized she’d said yes.

『Y-yeah!』

Overjoyed, I gripped her hand and started running. I didn't know why she’d agreed, but I was just so happy.

...It was a feeling I didn't quite recognize yet.

—My first love. What they call "love at first sight."

◇

“...Pffft.”

“What?”

Mizuki suddenly burst out laughing as we talked about the past. I leaned against the swing set’s support beam and gave her a grumpy look.

“I still think it’s funny. Bringing a soccer ball to a girl you’ve just met? Really?”

“...I couldn't help it. I was a kid.”

In the end, we really did play soccer that day. I remembered being surprised by how much better she was than me; I couldn't get the ball away from her at all. But we became friends through it. When we realized we lived next door to each other, we started playing every single day. I was so glad I’d asked her to play.

“And you were like a literal doll back then.”

I could still see it clearly. The Mizuki from that day. Beautiful, but devoid of emotion. For a moment, I’d actually wondered if she was a doll. She didn’t cry or laugh. There was something almost eerie about how un-childlike she was.

Mizuki chuckled at my words.

“A doll, huh... is that how I looked to you, Iori?”

“Ah, no...”

I started to correct myself, thinking I’d been rude. But Mizuki looked away, her eyes filled with nostalgia.

“No, you’re probably right.”

“...?”

“Back then, I think I was a doll.”

In an instant, the air around her changed. Our eyes met, and I caught my breath. Her eyes were hollow—unmoving.

—Just like they were back then.

“Empty. Nothing inside. A living doll.”

Mizuki stood up from the swing and looked out over the park with a look of pure affection.

“If you hadn't been there, Iori... I’d probably still be one.”

She kept her eyes on the park. Then, she looked at my confused face.

“So... thank you, Iori.”

“What are you thanking me for?”

I frowned, but she just looked at me with those gentle eyes.

“—Because you were there, I was able to become human.”

She gave me a faint smile. It was an expression that clearly showed "happiness."

But for some reason... that look made me feel uneasy.

(What is she talking about?)

Become human? I’d called her a doll, but that was just a metaphor. Mizuki was Mizuki. Of course she was human. But she didn't look like she was joking. A living doll. There was something unsettling about those words.

“Don’t say weird stuff like that, Mizuki.”

I didn't want to talk about this anymore.

“Let’s go home. We’re done here.”

I reached out my hand, wanting to leave as quickly as possible.

But Mizuki didn't take it. She just stood there, staring at me.

“Hey, Iori?”

“What now?”

I struggled to keep the irritation out of my voice. Her face was beautiful and familiar, but she looked so much more mature than she had back then. It was as if I were looking at a stranger.

“—I’ll be waiting. Always.”

Mizuki simply smiled as she spoke those words.

◇

“—You know, Iori. I’ve been thinking.”

“About what?”

The next day at school, during PE. Renji and I were sitting on the edge of the gym floor. He narrowed his eyes as if looking at something brilliant.

“Why do humans fight? I think it’s because they’ve never seen true beauty.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“...If we showed the whole world the scene in front of us right now, all conflict would cease to exist.”

Thwack... Thwack...

The sound of a volleyball being spiked echoed through the gym. Every time the ball hit the floor, a whistle blew.

“Yukimura-san! Nice spike!”

“Thanks. Your toss was perfect.”

“Yay! She noticed! I love you, Yukimura-san! Please join the volleyball club!”

“Sorry. I don’t really have the motivation for clubs.”

“Don’t say that!”

A group of beautiful girls were high-fiving each other with bright smiles. It was a lovely sight. But Renji—and the rest of the boys—were focused on something else.

“Hmph.”

Thwack.

She jumped. She hit. She... bounced. I won’t say what, but something definitely bounced.

“...”

“So beautiful. It’s like my soul is being cleansed.”

I could see a group of boys a short distance away literally bowing in prayer. Thank the heavens. Thank the heavens. I could almost hear their voices.

On the other side, I heard another group of boys talking.

“Yukimura-san is seriously gorgeous.”

“Right? It’s insane. I thought she wasn't even human the first time I saw her.”

“Her proportions are perfect, too. Man, I’d give anything to date her for just one day.”

“In your dreams.”

“...”

I stood up, trying to block out their conversation.

“Hmm? What’s up, Iori?”

“...Going to get some water.”

I left the gym and headed toward the fountains. Everyone was so engrossed in the volleyball game that the hallway was empty.

Splash, splash.

“Whew.”

I drank some water and splashed some on my face to wash away the sweat.

(Oh, right. I forgot my towel.)

I figured it would dry quickly enough. But then...

“—Amano-kun.”

I heard a faint voice from behind me.

“...!”

I hesitated for a second before turning around. I took a breath and slowly faced the speaker.

(I knew it.)

It was the girl from the other class who had confessed to me a week ago. I suddenly remembered that our classes had a joint PE session today.

“Sorry... did I startle you?”

“No... not at all.”

The air was thick with awkwardness. I had no idea what to say.

『I really like you, Amano-kun...!』

I could still remember her confession perfectly. I’d been shocked and happy, which was exactly why it hurt so much that I couldn't return her feelings.

“...”

We stood in silence. I thought we wouldn't have anything left to talk about. As I searched for an exit from the awkwardness, my conversation with Kashiwagi-san flashed through my mind.

—Oh, right. I need to check on this.

“...So, um. Has anything happened lately?”

“Eh?”

She looked surprised that I’d even tried to continue the conversation.

“I heard some rumors were going around about us. I was worried you might be having a hard time because of it.”

I’d been thinking about it ever since Kashiwagi-san mentioned it. If she knew, then others knew too. I was worried the rumors were making her life miserable.

“O-oh, no. I’m fine. Really.”

“Oh. Good.”

I felt a wave of relief wash over me as she shook her head. If she’d been suffering because of me, I would’ve felt more than just responsible.

(Maybe I was being a bit full of myself.)

I wasn't exactly a high-profile student like Renji. A rumor about me probably didn't carry much weight. I felt a little embarrassed and scratched my head. I was about to head back to the gym when I noticed her staring at me.

“? Something wrong?”

“Ah, w-well.”

“...?”

“Can I ask you something too? Just one thing?”

“Sure. Go ahead.”

I nodded, wondering what it could be. She looked unusually tense.

“Are you... are you and Yukimura-san close?”

“...What?”

Mizuki? Why was her name coming up now? I froze for a split second, then tried to act natural.

“We’re just classmates.”

I chose my words carefully, making sure I didn’t sound suspicious.

“Right... right. I thought so.”

She looked down, as if she were talking to herself.

“Why are you asking about Yukimura-san?”

“O-oh, no. Sorry. It’s nothing.”

She shook her head and her eyes darted around. It was obvious that something had happened, but before I could press her...

“—Amano-kun.”

A familiar, beautiful voice called out from the side. I jumped and turned to see my childhood friend.

“Yukimura-san?”

I almost called her Mizuki and had to catch myself. Mizuki was looking at me with her usual expressionless face.

“The teacher is calling. We’re supposed to be gathering.”

“O-oh. Right. I’m coming.”

I turned to say something to the girl I’d been talking to, but...

“...Ah...”

She was frozen, staring at Mizuki as if she were a ghost.

“...?”

Before I could say a word...

“I-I have to go!”

She turned and ran back toward the gym. I reached out a hand, but she was already gone. Mizuki and I watched her go.

“...Sorry. Was I interrupting?”

“No.”

I shook my head at Mizuki’s question.

“Mizuki.”

“...?”

“Do you talk to her often?”

Mizuki didn't say anything. I took that as a "no."

“Right. I figured.”

You had to get through her personal guard just to speak to her at school. Even the boys were terrified of them; there was no way a quiet girl like her would try. Unless, of course, Mizuki was the one who approached her...

“Shall we go?”

“Yeah.”

Mizuki led the way back to the gym. I still didn't really understand what the girl had wanted to say. Why had she brought up Mizuki? That sense of unease lingered in the back of my mind.

“Oh? Iori. What took you so long? The match is about to start.”

“Sorry.”

Mizuki and I entered the gym separately (I didn't have the courage to walk in together). Renji was waiting for me. I gave him a non-committal answer and tried to push the thoughts away.

“Let’s go.”

“Mm.”

I nodded and stepped onto the court, the soles of my shoes squeaking on the floor. I didn't mind sports, but I wasn't really feeling it today.

“Oh, by the way, Iori. Don't you dare sneak out after school today.”

“Eh?”

Renji whispered to me during a break in the game.

“Did we have something planned?”

“'Something planned'? The class festival meeting! We are going to win that maid cafe vote no matter what!”

...Oh, right. I’d completely forgotten that was today.