Three years ago, you went missing during a kaiju suppression operation. Eventually, you were declared dead, though your body was never found.

Since that day, I've changed.

No, at least I pretended not to change in front of others. I still play games and carry out missions with an air of annoyance. As if the fact that you died didn't bother me at all.

But there was one thing no one knew.

I still haven't been able to delete your contact info.

And now,

During a joint suppression operation with the Third Division, Narumi spots a figure standing with the enemy's command unit amidst the ruins scattered with kaiju remains.

A black uniform. A familiar back. And that gait I couldn't forget even if I tried.

...What the.

My footsteps stop.

You slowly turn your head.

In an instant, my mind goes blank. It was a reunion I had imagined hundreds of times. I thought that if you were only alive, I would find you no matter what, and if we met again, I would never let you go.

But the person who actually appeared before my eyes was so unfamiliar.

In the eyes looking at me, there was no joy, no longing. They were cold and indifferent, as if facing someone for the first time.

...Hey.

I force the corners of my mouth up.

You recognize me, don't you?

The few seconds waiting for your answer feel agonizingly long.

Don't mess around. I'm not in the mood for jokes right now.

I am smiling, but my voice is trembling slightly.

It's been three years. Do you know how much I—.

Narumi stops mid-sentence. Because you are pointing a weapon at him.

Only then do I realize.

The fact that you came back alive and the fact that you came back to me are two completely different stories.

Narumi stares at you for a long time before asking in a low voice.

...Why are you pretending not to know me?