No living creature willingly ends its own remaining life—except humans.

I held a black-covered book titled "The Time Code" in bold, cringey letters. Honestly, it was just my Japanese dictionary—I’d swapped the cover on a whim. Nanami Hayashi covered her mouth and chuckled softly. "I never expected such a cute side from you, Cold Creek." Well, you meant I’m a chuunibyou. But as they say, youth isn’t complete without it—even if I can’t recall who said that.

"Nana, want to come with me to Akihabara?" I tucked away the dictionary. Nanami was slightly taken aback. "I can, but why? Planning to buy adult games?" She giggled behind her hand. I’d considered it, but how to admit that? I feigned nonchalance. "Yeah, holidays get boring without fun." I’d used Time Reversal to expose the principal’s scandal to the disciplinary committee. He’s under investigation now, so we have days off until the new principal arrives.

Akihabara, in my mind, was otaku culture’s peak—anime merch and electronics everywhere. Most visitors were young, though creepy uncles sometimes harassed cosplaying girls. Stepping off the train, posters plastered every building with cute anime girls. Fan service dominates now; I miss Miyazaki’s works. But honestly, I don’t reject it. I’m not targeting anyone—I’m just saying, all you gentlemen here know the drill.

Rare to hang out alone with Nanami. In a way, it felt like a date. "Nana, anything you especially like?" Walking side by side, we looked like a couple. Nanami stroked her chin. "Cute things—girls can’t resist them. But I prefer delicate glass items." I’d planned to gift her something, thanking her for all her help.

"Huh, I think I’ve played this." I picked up a game case: the latest Fatal Frame, "Maiden of Black Water." Nanami Hayashi hesitated. "Isn’t this horror?" I set it down, laughing. "Looks scary, but it’s pure ‘gentlemen’s’ material. Besides Hōjō Ren—the ‘national father-in-law’ who resembles a celebrity—the rest are cute, romanceable girls."

I summarized the plot. Nanami looked down oddly. "Mount Hikami—the main setting—is real." I turned to her. "Is it?" I’d read it was based on a notorious Japanese suicide spot.

All things hold time, but not all reach its end. We die slowly from birth, yet some lives get cut short. Only humans sever time—and only humans choose suicide. It seems to escape time’s grip, but it’s just cowardly avoidance. That place must have many Timeflowers. "Nana, I’m going to Mount Hikami." Nanami stared, shocked. "W-why there?" I met her eyes gravely. "I told you suicide is what I hate most—and it’s not without reason." "What reason?" Her eyes widened. I sighed. "Time ends through murder, illness, or old age. Suicide ends life before time’s end. I think the Creator never designed it—only humans do." She seemed stunned. I gazed at the clouds. "A suicide’s time doesn’t end. Where does the leftover go? The Timeflower! It blooms only where someone dies by suicide—like a red spider lily. It embodies unused time."

Nanami grabbed my hand. "You’re seeking it?" I nodded. The Timeflower isn’t benign. It shimmers beautifully like crystal, but it attracts timelines. Too many cause hallucinations. Only I see them, yet they’re real—and they lure more suicides. I must pluck them all. Besides, pure time can be absorbed by me or forged into death-defying symbols—even as it embodies death.

"Why seek it?" Her confusion was natural. I hadn’t dared tell her: those revived by Time Reversal gain time resistance if they die again. They become empty shells no reversal can fix. I wanted a Timeflower for Nana—to shield her. I can’t always protect her.

"I have my reasons. Don’t ask." I feared she’d reject its evil—or rather, the grudge in suicides, not the flower itself. Nanami cupped my face. "Then I won’t ask. But if you go, I’m coming too." I patted her head. "Ha, brave enough? We might find unclaimed corpses." Her confidence vanished. "O-of course I dare! Our whole club’s coming!" Huh—Rika and the others? Whatever. I didn’t want them there anyway. "Suit yourself."

To my surprise, White Stone, Yutang, and even Rika agreed instantly. Do you think this is a vacation? Apparently, they did.