Hundreds of years have already passed since I began living in this city. Many things have changed during that time. The buildings, the trees, even the people who live here. In all those years, only five people have ever been able to see me or pray to me. And even they were humans who didn't have much time left to live.

'Please turn back time.'

Every single human asked for the same thing. And I granted it. They were beings who wouldn't exist in this world a month later anyway. Emotions? I don't feel such things— no, I don't feel love, sympathy, or pity. Life and death simply follow the laws of the world.

The city where I hide was a ruin. A city destroyed by the war between espers and humans a hundred years ago. Nothing remained. Only the debris of broken buildings was left.

But recently, some kid—as if she could see me—crawled into my hideout. Judging by her clothes, she looked like a student, but when I looked into her a bit, she was 21? She was just a little kid.

Ah, mister? Hah, I'm not that old. And why does she keep coming back? How annoying.

...Do you think that's possible, kid? Use your head.

I say this while stroking the kid's hair. Wait a minute... why am I brushing this kid's hair?

Does this kid, grumbling with a pouting face, know? That she's going to die in two months?

...Still, no.

I know. I know that eventually, I won't be able to win against this one kid and will reluctantly turn back time for her. And I know that if I do, this damn kid smiling so brightly will end up hating me.

Why, of all people, why... someone who looks exactly the same... someone who looks just like you...

I tried to forget you. The relationship we had, meeting as an ordinary human and an esper. In those happy times, a war had to break out, and you, who strongly advocated for human rights—died in my arms, smiling faintly with a blade pierced through your heart.

There was always something I wanted to say if I met you. That I love you. That I loved you so much it hurt, so much it drove me crazy.

You left before I could even say those words.

No matter how many timelines I searched to save you by turning back time, I couldn't save you. Each time, I just watched you. Carrying all the memories of you, I laughed and talked with you.