Prologue

“Say, Shido… do you like me?”

The words, delivered in a voice as clear and melodious as jade beads striking a plate, held the potential to unleash a world-ending catastrophe.

He found himself at a loss for words, caught between the sudden panic of having his feelings exposed and the urge to simply smile it away, as she often did.

He remained silent, merely turning his head to the side as if engrossed in the distant scenery.

The girl before him seemed to sense his discomfort.

With a soft chuckle, she leaned against the railing, her gaze fixed silently upon Tengu City, which glittered with breathtaking brilliance against the dark canvas of the night.

Thump! Thump! Thump…

Within the hushed atmosphere, his heart began to pound with increasing fervor.

A crimson blush rapidly spread across his cheeks, a warmth so intense that even he could feel it.

Finally, after an immeasurable stretch of time, the girl shattered the fragile peace that had settled between them.

“If—and I mean if,” she began, “everyone forgot about me, would you… would you still remember me?”

‘What does she mean?’

For a moment, the boy failed to grasp her intent.

He turned a bewildered gaze toward the girl beside him, only to find that her usually vibrant and joyful eyes—those light brown irises that often seemed at odds with her playful antics—now held an expression he couldn’t comprehend.

It was the distinct gaze of someone consumed by solitude, a look he himself had once worn during a different time in his life.

“Of course I’ll remember you!” he declared.

“Even if the entire world forgets you, I will absolutely, unequivocally remember you!”

This was both his earnest answer and his solemn promise.

It was the first time he had ever witnessed such a grave expression on her face, accompanied by a gaze that bordered on pleading—a sight that compelled him to make this unwavering vow.

‘I will absolutely, unequivocally never forget.’

‘Because, you are… my most important person.’

However…

You…

Who are you?