[December 1st]I absolutely have no interest in going to the Bunkasai school group sports today. Honestly, I just want to find that homeless boy and learn more about Arisa. But my stupid luck never lets me live in peace. It's 6 in the morning and Mitsuha is already standing outside the door. Unbelievable. She's doing all this just to keep her reputation in school.
Knock knock! Knock… knock!I open the door and speak quietly, "Mitsuha, it's 6 a.m. Why are you here so early?"She immediately replies, "Yeah, I know. That's exactly why I'm early. Because someone could be watching us. We have to look like a real couple, understand? And real couples don't show up late. I'm wearing a black sweater, so you also wear the same and hurry up."
Tokyo's morning light was slowly spreading across the streets. Asakusa was preparing for the Bunkasai festival—little kids were dancing with excitement, and vendors were setting up their stalls.
"Fresh fish! Fresh fish here!" one vendor shouted.An elderly man laughed, "Ah, the Bunkasai came late this year. Let's get the ramen ready. The weather is nice today. The fireworks will be beautiful tonight."
We were walking toward the school. Mitsuha yelled, "Hey Kazuma! Why are you walking so slowly? Hurry, we're getting late!"I ran toward her, breathless. "Why are you walking so fast? You're so deep into this act that you're forgetting it's fake."
After a while, when we reached school, Mitsuha said, "From here, we need to hold hands."
I blinked. "What? Holding hands? Is it really necessary?"She sighed with irritation. "No need to overact. Just give me your hand."I hesitated a bit and blushed.
When we entered the school holding hands, everyone stared at us. Whispers began—"Look look, they arrived!""Are they really a couple?"
Then Shize walked toward us.
She narrowed her eyes and said, "Didn't think you were telling the truth. You both really look close. Looks like you'll win today."
Mitsuha responded sharply, "Why? Feeling jealous? People only envy those they can't compete with, right Shize?"
Shize rolled her eyes. "Yeah yeah, you talk big. Did you rehearse that line?"
I quickly cut them off, "Alright, enough. You two continue your rivalry. I'll be right back."
I walked away. When I glanced toward the court, I saw familiar faces—Ichiro and Karube, my old friends. They came to me immediately.
"Hey Kazuma! What's up? Ever since you started dating Mitsuha, you've stopped basketball? You used to participate every year. You were the champion!"
I spoke quietly, "Sorry guys, I couldn't participate this time. There are… reasons."
Karube spoke casually, "Since Kento left, you barely showed up. You didn't answer calls, never came when invited. I started worrying maybe you—"
I finished for him, eyes lowered, "Did something to myself? Yeah… I've just been trying to forget everything. Don't bring up the past."
Ichiro immediately scolded him, "Karube, shut up. You speak without thinking. Kazuma, I'm apologizing on his behalf. It's been so long since we met. Let's talk about something good."
He continued, "There's no player like you on our team. Not sure if we'll win this year. And now Karube is replacing you, so yeah—looks like we're doomed."
"Hey! I'm not that bad!" Karube protested.
"Oi Kazuma, can you show me that special shot of yours? The one that made girls go crazy back then?" Karube asked excitedly.
I refused, "No… it's been a long time. I don't think I can do it properly anymore. You guys play. I hope you win."
Ichiro suddenly became serious. "Look Kazuma, I know losing Kento hurt. But isolating yourself isn't the answer. What's gone can't be changed. If life worked exactly how we wanted, there wouldn't be any struggle in the world."
He handed me the basketball. My hands trembled. I slowly took it and nodded faintly.
Ichiro shouted loudly, "That's what I'm talking about! Everyone listen up—take your positions! Whoever steals the ball from Kazuma gets free food from me!"
Everyone cheered. I dribbled the ball, thinking—Can I be happy again?If I stop giving up… will things finally get better?But… how do I escape my memories?
Energy soared around the court.
I dribbled forward. A few people tried to block me, but I dodged all of them easily. My movements were sharp, reflexes quick. Near the basket, I jumped—people held their breath. I was in the air, ball in my hand, and I made a perfect shot.
Silence.
Then—cheers.
But suddenly, something felt wrong—The basketball pole tilted at a strange angle. Metal creaking. The bolts looked loose. It began falling—straight toward me.
I tried to move, but I had already landed. My balance was off. Everything felt like slow motion. The pole fell fast, heavy, unstoppable.
A loud crash.
Darkness.
Voices echoing. People shouting my name.Someone yelling for help.Everything faded.
And then—
[December 1st]
My eyes flew open. I gasped for air. My heart was pounding. I sat up—an empty classroom. The festival sounds came from outside—music, laughter, announcements.
What?How?
I touched my head—normal. My body—fine. No injury. No pain.
I whispered, trembling, "Is this… happening again?"
Just then, a voice—
"Kazuma! Our turn is coming and you're here taking a nap?"
Mitsuha. Standing at the door, annoyed.
I looked out the window—the court, the pole—perfectly fine. No accident. No chaos.
But I remember everything. The fall. The moment everything went dark. The fear.
Reset.
Again.
But this time, it changed.I didn't wake up in the morning.I woke up during the festival.
The loop is shifting.
Something is changing.
And now… more than ever…
I need to find that homeless boy.
Before something worse happens.