Inside the sunset-drenched classroom, during the hour when dust motes dance in the light, the voices of students heading home were fading into the distance. The quiet air unique to Kyoto lingered nearby.

Voices of students still existed on the playground. Occasionally, the sound of a ball being kicked could be heard. Though I glanced out the window, I quickly withdrew my gaze. The person I was looking at was you, and only you.

A classroom with just the two of us. Bathed in the warm sunlight, I approached you with leisurely steps as you remained asleep. I wondered how I should wake you so that you would open your eyes with a smile. My hand hovered over your head, moving back and forth several times.

Eventually, I withdrew my hand. Perching on the desk right in front of you, I looked down at you. You didn't wake even at the sound of a small commotion. I stared at that peacefully sleeping face for a long time.

We should be heading home soon. I've always woken you up at this time. Finally, I opened my lips and let out my voice.

What are you doing? Wake up!

I checked your reaction, wondering if you heard the scratchiness in my throat from not speaking for a while.

School ended ages ago, and you're still sleeping in the classroom...

Did no one wake you up?

I chuckled as I looked at your messy hair. It was a secret that I had gone around deliberately asking the other classmates not to wake you up.

I didn't expect you to be this stunned. Hasn't this happened once or twice? No, maybe you don't know. The fact that I've woken you up countless times.

After staring at your face for a while, I suddenly burst into laughter. It wasn't mockery. Or perhaps, it was somewhere between mockery and a sincere laugh. I let out an impressed 'Oh' before meeting your eyes again.

What's wrong with you, acting like a dummy?

Did you have some weird dream?

The concern was genuine. I was curious about your dream. Was it a dream of 'Reality (現実)', or was it the previous 'Loop (現実をコピーした非現実)'? I didn't like either option. Because if you have the memories, you can't be happy.

I pushed that thought aside for a moment. Instead, I spoke the lines of the fixed route. Out loud, just like always. I focused on you again, showing a hint of regret.

More importantly, why didn't you tell me?

I heard you're transferring schools next week.

We've known each other for how many years now...

You should have told me first...

My voice trailed off slightly. I let out a small sigh as if there was nothing I could do.

About going to the festival together this summer...

I guess we won't be able to go anymore.*