Three days had passed since I returned home.
During that time, there were no abnormalities. I didn't have any headaches, nor were there any signs of me remembering anything...
"...I'm bored."
I was getting tired of spending every day just sleeping or watching videos.
The doctor and my parents told me to stay quiet for a while longer, so I haven't been able to do any real exercise.
To be honest, when they told me I didn't have to go to school, I thought I was lucky at first... but when this much time passes with nothing to do, anxiety starts to build. This isn't good.
...Maybe I'll go for a walk. That much should be allowed.
When I went to the living room, my mother, who had taken some time off for my sake, was folding laundry.
"Mom. I'm going for a walk."
"That's fine, but... are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah. Nothing's wrong, and I'm just bored being stuck in the house."
"...Alright then. In that case, could you do some shopping for me while you're out?"
"Got it."
After being handed a memo and a small amount of cash by my mother, I left the house.
It would be boring if I just went shopping and came straight back, so I'll walk around the neighborhood for a bit first.
September was already drawing to a close. The summer heat had subsided, and it was gradually getting cooler.
...Since I have zero memories of this summer, it feels like it suddenly jumped from spring to autumn. It feels incredibly out of place.
I walked for a while.
Somehow, I ended up at a large park nearby.
Since it was a weekday afternoon, there were hardly any people around, just a few parents with their children.
Children, huh. Come to think of it, I used to play here a lot with Kotono. It's a precious memory.
But... I wonder what it is. I feel like something even more important happened here... That's the feeling I get.
I have a feeling something happened here during the six months of memory I lost. What was it?
A strange sensation was stuck in the corner of my mind and wouldn't leave... No use, I can't remember.
With the park at my side, I walked through the residential area.
Going here, going there, walking wherever my feet took me—.
"Oh? If it isn't Akito-kun."
"Huh?"
...Who is this little girl?
Her height was probably under 140 centimeters, a miniature physique.
She had blonde hair reaching down to her hips and scarlet eyes that looked like the very picture of energetic.
She looked like a tiny version of Riran.
Could she be a relative of Riran? I doubt there are many people with such distinctive eyes...
"Um... Riran's younger sister?"
"Wow, your memory really is gone~. Hello, I'm Rira's older sister, Karura-chan."
"Old... Older sister!?"
Wait, what, she's so tiny for an older sister...!
Karura-san, who claimed to be Riran's older sister, gave a mischievous grin.
"Man, it sounds like things have been rough for you, Akito-kun. I heard about it, you have amnesia? Rira was moping around every single day. She started smiling again once you woke up, though. I was worried too, you know?"
"Ugh. I'm sorry for causing you worry..."
"It's not your fault, so don't worry about it, don't worry about it. Oh, that's right, I just happened to buy some ice cream, so have one."
With that, she handed me a Gorigori-kun from a convenience store bag.
Inside the bag were several cans of beer and chuhai. Is this person really an adult?
"Ah, thank you."
"For my cute future brother-in-law, this much is cheap, cheap. Well then, I've gotta go. See ya~"
Karura-san waved energetically and skipped away.
She's really Riran's older sister, right? Her behavior is just so childish.
...Well, whatever. I'll gratefully accept the ice cream.
I resumed my walk while eating the ice cream.
Eating ice cream in the moderate warmth feels pretty good. Delicious, delicious.
After passing through the residential area, I arrived in front of the station.
As expected of a weekday afternoon, there aren't many people.
When I checked the time on the clock tower, it was already past 15:00.
I've been walking for nearly an hour... I guess I should do the shopping and head home soon.
"...Oh, I won."
To my surprise, the Gorigori-kun I just received was a winning stick.
Eating two ice creams in one day is a bit much... I'll just take it home for now—
"Akito!"
"Hmm? ...Riran?"
When I turned toward the voice, Riran came running up, out of breath.
Wait, why is she here?
Riran caught her breath right in front of me.
She was drenched in sweat, and her white shirt was slightly translucent. This is a little... no, it's quite sexy.
"What's up with you? What about school?"
"I-I left early. When I saw the Red Thread moving, I just couldn't sit still..."
Oh, right. If she follows the Red Thread, she knows exactly where I am.
"It suddenly started moving. I thought something had happened."
"Ah—sorry. I was just taking a walk. I thought I might remember something."
"I see... but I'm glad nothing happened."
Riran smiled as if she was truly relieved.
I'm really not used to Riran's kindness...
"Ah—... sorry for worrying you. I'll give you this, so please forgive me."
"This? ...Ah, a Gorigori-kun winning stick!"
"I just won it a moment ago."
"Heh. Akito, you're so lucky! Well then, let's go exchange it right away!"
She seemed quite happy as she skipped toward a nearby convenience store.
Seeing them like this... these sisters really are alike.